‘It can also be a really positive place’: co-research on young people’s health information literacy practices in social media

Abstract

Introduction. This study investigates health information literacy practices of young people navigating their social media environments to enhance mental health, and the role of peer support within these practices. While previous studies have focused on the negative effects of social media on youth mental health, this study highlights its potential positives and offer an inclusive perspective into information literacy research.

Method and data. The study employs a co-research strategy where young people actively engage as equal partners in data production. Produced in collaboration with a students’ mental health organisation, the data includes two focus group interviews, two co-research workshops, two peer interviews and one group interview with participants aged 18 to 29.

Findings. The findings reveal young people actively navigating and shaping their social media environments to support their mental health. The construction of a positive social media bubble, involving, often algorithm-mediated information practices like seeking positive content and avoiding the negative, and creating supportive content emphasise the adaptability of youth health information literacies.

Conclusion. Understanding of the embodied, interconnected, social, and transformative nature of youth health information literacies may inform initiatives promoting positive mental health among youth in the digital age.