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The more pressure people faced because of a lockdown, the more likely they were to use social media to relieve stress. Such findings are consistent with past research which suggest higher use of social media among those who were under lockdowns than those who were not (Yue et al., 2021). As previously discussed, social media use for problem-coping may be demonstrated through individuals searching for pertinent information on social media. Even though individuals may mistrust the accuracy of COVID-19-related information shared on social media (Neely et al., 2021), our findings show that social media remains an outlet that were utilized to manage stress. The psychological well-being of individuals has become an essential issue during the global pandemic.
Evidence-based treatments, such as CBT, exposure therapy, and mindfulness interventions, can help individuals build healthier habits around technology use. Digital media has transformed how we communicate, access information, and build community. When used intentionally, it can foster meaningful connections, offers real-time updates, and provides resources for support. However, it can also contribute to anxiety, disrupt sleep, impact focus, and influence a sense of inner-security. For some, it can be particularly tough to break the cycle of internet-induced health anxiety and distress.
Many students who are academically strong struggle with executive functioning, which can deeply impact their well-being in the social, academic, and job worlds. Join our founder, Michelle Garcia Winner, for this free webinar to break down executive functions and learn how to teach them. By registering for this recorded webinar, you agree to share your contact information with both Social Thinking and The Zones of Regulation teams.
For example, LGBT kids growing up in certain areas lack access to queer networks. Yet, there are plenty of online third spaces that, when used with digital privacy and safety in mind, can help young people feel the inclusion and kinship they do not have access to in person. Peer-led online support communities may serve as tools for anxiety management through the psychology of social support (3) Online interventions, however, require high engagement for efficacy (4).
Entries that included details about processes peer leaders used to support their groups in moving collaboratively through the problems without providing answers were coded for the Facilitation theme (F). Portions of essays containing no discernible advice regarding concrete strategies to address the specific inquiries described in our research questions were not coded. This prompt gives no guidance from the SAM instructors on the actual essay content, and the grading is not dependent upon specific solutions or advice being present in the essays. Hence, the peer leaders are in control of what they believe is important to pass on to future peer-leader cohorts. The books are focused on practiced advice, not course content, and therefore can be used by other STEM peer-leading programs that train peer leaders, especially for large introductory STEM courses. For example, at our institution, for their first year of PLTL implementation, the Physics Department used the chemistry SAM book, as did the supplemental-support programs in our Learning Center.
Within the app, you can join specific themed communities to discuss anything from coronavirus anxiety and loneliness to racism and LGBTQ+ issues. Hell, there are even communities for relationship advice and building self-esteem. The app itself is interactive beyond simply chatting with others—you can set goals (such as “finding ways to relieve stress”) and flag yourself as a potential “helper” or “mentor” to other users who are going through experiences you’ve dealt with in the past. For that reason, remember that support groups can be very helpful, but they’re not a replacement for professional mental health treatment. Similarly, just as you’d shop around for a therapist who feels like a good fit, you should keep an eye on whether a support group you join is actually, well, providing you support.
I understand that such consent is not a condition of any service and that I may opt out at any time. At National University, we know life doesn’t pause when you go back to Meetheage.org school — and we’ve designed our programs to help you keep moving forward. If something unexpected happens, reach out to your advisor right away. They may be able to adjust your course load, pause a class, or explore a short break without losing your progress.