Seeking Virtual Support: Social Media in the Advanced Cancer Experience Among Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) (SCI941)

Abstract

1.Describe the types and roles of digital media adolescents and young adults reporting to be most helpful in coping with their advanced cancer diagnosis.2.Propose potential interventions for leveraging digital technologies for optimizing psychosocial support of adolescents and young adults with cancer. A cancer diagnosis, especially advanced cancer, interferes with adolescent/young adult (AYA) peer relationships. AYAs increasingly use digital technologies (i.e. social media, videogames) as a social instrument; little is known about the role of digital technologies in the AYA cancer experience. To describe the AYA experience with advanced cancer, including sources of psychosocial support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 English-speaking AYAs (14-25 years) with advanced cancer (relapsed/refractory disease, estimated survival <50%). Interviews were audio-recorded, de-identified, and transcribed verbatim. Questions focused on communication and sources of psychosocial support. Three coders (CW, AS, KB) applied directed content analysis using Dedoose software. Discrepancies were reconciled by consensus meetings. When asked about sources of support, social media, multi-player online games, and texting were identified as modalities for seeking and maintaining peer support. Three themes emerged regarding the role of digital technologies: distraction, maintaining relationships with peers during treatment away from home, and (especially among young adults) identifying similar-aged AYAs with cancer to build informal support groups. One adolescent shared: “…I talk with people on my game, and they know my situation. I kind of just play games with them and talk to them about where I am stuck.” Another adolescent shared: “I was able to keep in contact with all my friends from high school [through social media]…. And a lot of video games, because that’s where I talk to my cousins and other friends.” Negative consequences were acknowledged, such as the reminder of missing out on “normal” age-appropriate activities, but to a lesser extent. AYAs with advanced cancer cite digital technologies as a mechanism for maintaining peer relationships and seeking psychosocial support.