Scoping Review

Published in Social Science and Medicine:

Engel, E., Gell, S., Heiss, R., & Karsay, K. (2023). Social media influencers and adolescents’ health: A scoping review of the research field. Social Science & Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116387

Background:

Social Media Influencers (SMIs) as Adolescent Health Information Source:
- SMIs crucial for adolescent health info, but challenges arise from limited expertise and commercial interests.
Scoping Review Objectives:
- Synthesize existing research on SMIs and adolescent health.
- Address challenges in understanding the role of SMIs.
Methodology:
- PRISMA-ScR approach used for a comprehensive review
- Eight databases searched and articles screened based on predefined criteria
Study Sample:
- 51 articles from 2012 to 2022

Key Findings:

Inconsistent definitions and classifications of SMIs. Thus, we developed an overview including the approaches to categorize and define SMIs (see publication, Figure 2).

Various health topics with three major categories including appearance, nutrition, and substance use.
Mental health, fitness, and sexual health were underrepresented.

Negative focus:
- Promotion of unrealistic body images, unhealthy diets, substance use, and inaccurate advice
- The major challenge is inappropriate advertising of unhealthy products

Limitations:
- Majority of studies conducted in the Global North
- Underrepresentation of minority populations and male adolescents.

Recommendations:

Stricter regulation and improved health literacy
More attention to potential positive impact of SMIs and their effective inclusion in health campaigns.