Social media can be a tool which potentially helps autistic people connect with friends and broaden their social network, but its use can produce both opportunities and risks including cyberbullying. The present study aimed to design and evaluate a tailor-made online intervention to promote safe and effective social media use among autistic young adults in Hong Kong. This research was conducted with collaboration of three local community centers working for autistic young adults (aged 18-39 years old) who were of normal intellectual level. Intervention was designed based on previous results of systematic literature review and qualitative research. Using a clustered randomized control trial design, participants who were randomly assigned to the experimental group received a three-session online workshop to promote skills and risk awareness concerning safe and effective social media use; while those in the control group received standard treatment in their centers. A total of 34 young adults were recruited in three local community centers. Results showed that those in the experimental group (n=16) reported higher level of perceived self-efficacy in safe and effective social media use after completing the intervention, compared with those in the control group (n=18), and the treatment effect remained significant after controlling for confounding variables. Positive feedback towards the workshop was also received from participants. The findings showed that our tailor-made online intervention was effective in promoting higher level of self-efficacy in safe and effective social media use among autistic young adults.

Authors:
Phil Wai Shun Leung, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Shirley Xin Li, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Carmen Sze Oi Tsang, Haven of Hope Christian Service, Hong Kong
William Chi Wai Wong, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Phil Leung is currently a PhD candidate at the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, LKS Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong. He is also a Clinical Psychologist at the Haven of Hope Christian Service, Hong Kong.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

Bookmark

---

A Note to Presenters

To enhance academic profiles and showcase research, we encourage all presenters and co-presenters to include links to their public LinkedIn, ResearchGate profile, and research websites. Presenters may update their bio for their presentation by completing the form linked below by October 22, 2024.
- Presenter Information Update Form
Submitted changes will be reflected on November 01, 2024

Additionally, presenters should also update their IAFOR account details if there have been any changes to affiliations or biographies.
- https://submit.iafor.org/my-account/edit-account