United States military Veterans’ descriptions of using social media to access mental health resources

Abstract:The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how United States military veterans describe using social media to access mental health resources in the United States. Social media is a digital technology that builds ideological and technological foundations and allows for the creation and exchange of user-generated content. The conceptual framework for this study was the technology acceptance model which helps explain how individuals adopt technology based on two key factors: Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. The study was guided by four research questions focusing on military veterans’ perceptions of the usefulness, ease of use, usage behavior, and likelihood of using social media to access mental health resources. Using convenience sampling, 40 military veterans participated in a questionnaire, 12 of whom were selected for semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis. Findings revealed that military veterans view social media as a practical, multifunctional tool for accessing mental health support, information, and community, appreciating its ease of use, accessibility, and its ability to fill gaps in traditional care. Veterans’ intention to use these platforms is shaped by trust, credibility, and perceived usefulness, reflecting strategic, goal-oriented behavior consistent with the technology acceptance model. The participants regarded social media as a valuable and accessible mental health resource, with engagement influenced by trust and ease of use. These insights can guide the development of trusted, user-friendly social media-based mental health tools tailored to veterans, helping bridge gaps in traditional care and enhancing outreach, engagement, and support.

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