A Double-Edged Sword Perspective on Young Australians' Use of Social Media: A Structured Narrative Review.

issue addressedSocial media's potential use has been underestimated in preventive interventions targeting young people despite its importance in psychosocial development. This structured narrative review examined both the positive and negative use of social media by young Australians and its health impacts with a focus on social media-based interventions.

methodFollowing a narrative review approach, 34 papers were analysed from four databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Embase) from 2010 to 2025 to provide indications for leveraging the positive aspects. Thematic analysis was used for analysing data.

resultsThree key themes emerged as outcomes of young Australians' social media use: (1) the engagement paradox; (2) motivations for social media use (information seeking, identity exploration and social connections); and (3) social media interventions. The positive use of social media by young Australians included using social media for information seeking, social connection and support, as well as finding identity and positive relationships. The negative use of social media included engagement and exposure to harmful content (e.g., substance use), addictive and distractive use of social media, and engaging with body image content. Although a few social media interventions were found, they were identified to be effective through facilitating peer support groups and online discussions on difficult topics.

conclusionUnderstanding the dual impact and use of social media by young Australians will help policymakers and researchers develop interventions that empower young people to effectively navigate social media and maximise its benefits for health and wellbeing. These findings highlight the importance of balancing the benefits and risks of social media. Interventions should focus on fostering safe online spaces and developing resources to address the social and informational needs of young individuals.