Scoping Review
Published in Social Science and Medicine:
Engel, E., Gell, S., Heiss, R., & Karsay, K. (2024). Social media influencers and adolescents’ health: A scoping review of the research field. Social Science & Medicine, 340, 116387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116387
Background:
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Social Media Influencers (SMIs) as Adolescent Health Information Source:
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SMIs crucial for adolescent health info, but challenges arise from limited expertise and commercial interests.
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Scoping Review Objectives:
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Synthesize existing research on SMIs and adolescent health.
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Address challenges in understanding the role of SMIs.
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Methodology:
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PRISMA-ScR approach used for a comprehensive review
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Eight databases searched and articles screened based on predefined criteria
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Study Sample:
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51 articles from 2012 to 2022
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​Key Findings:
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Inconsistent definitions and classifications of SMIs. Thus, we developed an overview including the approaches to categorize and define SMIs (see publication, Figure 2).
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Various health topics with three major categories including appearance, nutrition, and substance use.
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Mental health, fitness, and sexual health were underrepresented.
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Negative focus:
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Promotion of unrealistic body images, unhealthy diets, substance use, and inaccurate advice
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The major challenge is inappropriate advertising of unhealthy products
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Limitations:
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Majority of studies conducted in the Global North
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Underrepresentation of minority populations and male adolescents.
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Recommendations:
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Stricter regulation and improved health literacy
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More attention to potential positive impact of SMIs and their effective inclusion in health campaigns.
Published in January 2024