School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications and Presentations
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2025
Abstract
This article investigates the dual role of social media as both a beneficial and a harmful tool for teens with disabilities (TWDs), emphasizing its impact on identity formation, self-expression, and community engagement. Social media platforms provide TWDs with opportunities for autonomy and empowerment, offering an avenue to connect with peers, share personal stories, and engage in self-advocacy. However, the same platforms pose significant risks, including cyberbullying, loss of privacy, and problematic social media use. The article highlights rehabilitation professionals' need to understand these underlying forces, ensuring that TWDs can leverage social media's benefits while minimizing its adverse effects. By reviewing existing frameworks, such as the Kaye framework for social media usage, and introducing a novel construct of optimal social media use, the article delineates strategies for effective social media engagement. Key recommendations include adopting harm reduction approaches and employing cognitive behavioral therapy to address behavioral addictions. The article calls for further research to deepen understanding and improve interventions tailored to TWDs, equipping them to navigate their digital environments safely and effectively. Ultimately, a balanced perspective on social media usage is advocated, recognizing the need to foster a digital space that supports TWDs' well-being and personal growth. This article serves as a comprehensive resource for professionals aiming to guide TWDs in harnessing social media as a tool for positive development while safeguarding against potential harm.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, R., & Mora, E. (2025). Optimal and Harmful Social Media Use by Teens With Disabilities: Leveraging Benefits While Minimizing Adverse Effects. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 56(3), 227-251. https://doi.org/10.1891/JARC-2024-0032
First Page
227
Last Page
251
Publication Title
Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling
DOI
10.1891/JARC-2024-0032
Comments
Copyright of Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling is the property of Springer Publishing Company, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.