‘It Keeps the Connection Alive’: A Qualitative Analysis of Social Networking Site Use and Mental Health in Emerging Adults Through the Lens of a Novel Trans-diagnostic Cognitive Behavioural Conceptualisation

Despite growing interest in social media and mental health, the field lacks theoretical integration. Here, we drew upon a trans-diagnostic cognitive-behavioural conceptualisation of social media and mental health to explore emerging adults’ experiences of social network sites. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 23 emerging adults, exploring positive and negative online experiences, and analyzed using framework analysis. Six themes reinforced key aspects of the conceptualisation, including the role of mindful/mindless engagement, and social connection/disconnection in determining benefits and risks. Several adjustments to the conceptualisation were indicated, including greater emphases on the nature of content engaged with, quality of social interactions experienced, and identity of the user. Findings also highlighted experiences of autonomy and competence (alongside connection) as central to determining online satisfaction/dissatisfaction. The implications of the findings are discussed, including the importance of considering the online lives of emerging adults when developing educational, clinical, and policy materials.