Clinical and Ethical Considerations of Maladaptive Social Media Use in Pediatric Patients With Disorders of Gut

Abstract

Objective:

Social media (SM) use among adolescents is commonplace and an extension of their daily lives, with emerging attention to how SM can impact healthcare behaviors. In particular, the clinical and ethical nuance of maladaptive SM use among adolescents with disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) diagnoses remains unclear and pressing to consider.

Method:

This article presents case examples of maladaptive SM use in (a) a pediatric patient with DGBI and (b) a caregiver of a pediatric patient with a DGBI. We then contextualize these case examples in existing ethical frameworks (e.g., the American Psychological Association Ethics Code) and the extant literature.

Results:

SM use in pediatrics can negatively impact healthcare behaviors and can lead to consumption of medical misinformation; this impact is particularly significant in pediatric DGBI and merits clinical assessment of maladaptive SM use in this population.

Conclusions:

SM use can be adaptive or maladaptive for adolescents with DGBIs and caregivers, with maladaptive SM use presenting significant clinical and ethical considerations. In addition to discussing ethical considerations, recommendations, and resources, we also provide clinical questions and takeaways for healthcare professionals to implement in pediatric DGBI care.

Implications for Impact Statement

Adolescents commonly use social media (SM), with growing attention to how SM can negatively impact health. Adolescents with disorders of gut–brain interaction may be particularly sensitive to this, and healthcare professionals working with this population should consider the ethical and clinical implications of maladaptive SM use.

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Clinical and Ethical Considerations of Maladaptive Social Media Use in Pediatric Patients With Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction

Abstract

Objective:

Method:

Results:

Conclusions:

Implications for Impact Statement

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References