Adults with intellectual disabilities as users of social media: A scoping review

Background

Social media use continues to grow, and it offers an important way for adults with intellectual disabilities to feel socially included and to communicate with others.

Aim

This study aimed to establish the state of knowledge about social media use among adults with intellectual disabilities, their experiences and its impact.

Method

A scoping review was conducted of peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2021 that reported empirical research on social media use, experiences, training and outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Findings

Adults with intellectual disabilities use social media platforms and experience a range of positive outcomes including feeling more included and valued. Some of the negative impacts included bullying and exploitation. The high cost of technology and some elements of design sometimes make social media inaccessible.

Conclusions

The studies included provided evidence about the experience of using social media from adults with intellectual disabilities and some perspectives of family members and paid supporters. Future research is needed to examine effective approaches to overcoming barriers to access and ways to manage some of the negative impacts of engagement in order to inform policy and practice.