Exploring Public Perceptions of Social Media: A Preregistered Mixed-Methods Study

Background: Cyberpsychology research has focused extensively on the potential impacts of social media on mental health and wellbeing. However, less is known about which platforms the public identify as “social media” and the extent to which they endorse associated positive and negative impacts. In this preregistered mixed methods study, we explored perceptions towards social media in a large sample representative of the U.K. public. Methods: Participants (n = 968, 484 adolescents) completed an online survey that asked them to identify which platforms they identified as being a “social media”, rate their level of endorsement with 68 positive and negative research-informed characteristics, and their understanding of, and agreement with, common definitions. Ninety-five participants also provided open-ended responses to questions that asked how social media had impacted themselves or others. Findings: Perceptions of which online platforms constitute “social media” varied, despite these aligning with scholarly definitions. Across age groups, participants strongly endorsed that social media is addictive, spreads misinformation, and is time-consuming, as well as being accessible and easy to use, entertaining, and updates people on local issues and news. Overall, they endorsed more negative than positive characteristics. Reflexive thematic analysis highlighted three themes of “Beyond the screen”, “Negative online behaviour” and “Removal of blame/accountability” for adults, and “Mental health concerns”, “Finding connection and support” and “Productivity concerns” for adolescents. Discussion: Understanding how the public perceives social media can inform research best practice (e.g., tailored definitions) and public policy (e.g., debates around age-restricted social media/bans).