Do people experiencing schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have different web and social media usage ?

Background

People experiencing severe mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorders are becoming frequent Internet and social media users. Studies have raised concerns about potential risks of misuse in this population, and at the same time unexploited social connection opportunities. In this context, our study aims to explore and compare the Internet and social media use of French persons experiencing schizophrenia or bipolar disorders, as well as their perception of benefits and risks.

Methods

20 persons experiencing schizophrenia or schizophrenia spectrum disorders (peS), and 20 persons experiencing bipolar disorders (peBP) were recruited on a voluntary basis through patients and family associations (UNAFAM, Argos 2001) or in healthcare settings. All were mental health services users and had received their diagnosis by a psychiatrist. 

We used a semi-structured interview collecting information about their experience of the Internet and social media (frequency of usage, type of content and information accessed, benefits and risks perceived), as well as sociodemographic questions. Methodology and instruments were discussed with a user – researcher.

Results

After controlling for age and education level, which were different between samples, it remains that less peS used the Internet multiple times a day. Yet, the researched content concerned information about diagnosis, new treatments, secondary effects and testimonies in both populations. While benefits were reported by each group, peS appeared more worried about specific risks, like fake news, over-stimulation, addiction, viruses, dangerous encounters or a risk of disconnecting from reality.

Conclusions

Although peS have a comparable qualitative usage of the Internet than peBP, they still use the Internet less times a day, and seem to be more preoccupied by potential risks. Developing adapted e-mental health tools and approaches, as well as enhancing digital skills learning is key to address this population’s need for safety and to help closing the digital gap.