Problematic social media use and mental health among disabled emerging adults

Very little research has been conducted with disabled emerging adults regarding whether they experience problematic social media use and negative consequences of such use. An online survey of U.S. disabled emerging adults (n = 201) aged 18–26 years measured their social media use frequency and problematic social media use, with the aim of describing the patterns of use exhibited by emerging adults with disabilities and exploring the associations between those patterns of use and mental health outcomes. Demographics were precursors to social media variables, which were associated with depression, anxiety, and isolation. In this sample 14.43% of disabled emerging adults exhibited problematic social media use. Short form social media use (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter/X, and Snapchat) was the only precursor variable associated with problematic use. Problematic use was associated with greater depression, anxiety, and isolation. Considerations for studying problematic use among disabled emerging adults are discussed.