Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7800-3226
Date Available
12-18-2025
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Music (MM)
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/School/Program
Music
Faculty
Olivia Yinger
Faculty
Martina Vasil
Abstract
With the rapid expansion of online connectivity, concerns have emerged regarding the influence of digital interactions on adolescents’ real-world relationships and mental health. Social media use can expose adolescents to harmful content and disrupt the brain’s pleasure centers, increasing the risk of developing addictive patterns of use. Such disruptions may interfere with daily functioning and contribute to negative mental health outcomes. Given the impact of music on the brain’s reward system, music therapy may offer a beneficial approach for helping adolescents develop mindfulness of social media use and strengthen offline social connections. This thesis presents a scoping review of current interventions targeting social media addiction in adolescents. The findings highlight the potential role of music therapy and music therapists in addressing this issue through the COM-B model, which focuses on capability, opportunity, and motivation for behavior change. Broader implications extend to educators, mental health practitioners, and policymakers who are developing multidisciplinary, evidence-informed strategies to promote healthier digital engagement among young people. Collectively, this information contributes to a deeper understanding of how music therapy can support efforts to mitigate adolescent social media addiction.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2025.570
Recommended Citation
Swain, Roman D., "TREATING SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION IN ADOLESCENTS: A SCOPING REVIEW WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR MUSIC THERAPY PRACTICE" (2025). Theses and Dissertations--Music. 285.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/music_etds/285
