BLACK ON THE TIMELINE: SOCIAL MEDIA, MISINFORMATION, AND THE MENTAL HEALTH OF BLACK EMERGING ADULTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report examines the digital lives and mental health experiences of Black emerging adults, highlighting how social media serves as both a vital social tool and a source of significant challenges. Drawing on survey data, the findings illustrate the central role that digital platforms play in shaping relationships, identity, information-seeking behaviors, and mental health outcomes for this population. The report also underscores how issues of racial discrimination and misinformation in online spaces intersect with the broader policy landcsape and questions of equity, access, and public health.
Key Findings Social media is deeply embedded in daily life. Nearly all respondents have integrated social media into their daily routines, with over 70% describing these platforms as central to their relationships and 69% noting disappointment at the thought of losing access. Racial discrimination online is pervasive. More than 80% of participants experienced discrimination within the past six months, including exclusion (87%), threats (83%), and exposure to racist content (96%). Mental health burdens are pronounced, especially among gender-diverse participants. Nonbinary and transgender respondents reported higher levels of distress across depression and anxiety symptoms compared to cisgender peers. Overall, more than half of respondents experienced symptoms of emotional distress in the week prior to the survey. Misinformation is widespread, and unintentional sharing is common. Nearly threequarters of participants reported encountering false or misleading information multiple times per week, and 71% admitted to unintentionally sharing such content. While most feel confident in identifying misinformation, familiarity with formal verification tools is uneven. Civic and health engagement are strong drivers of online use. Respondents actively consumed and shared news and political content, and nearly half sought mental health information online through platforms such as WebMD, YouTube, and TikTok.
Policy Implications The findings point to an urgent need for policies that both protect Black emerging adults from harmful online environments and strengthen the supports available to them. Specifically, the high prevalence of online racial discrimination and misinformation underscores the importance of federal and state investment in digital equity initiatives, including targeted digital literacy programs, mental health integration in digital wellness efforts, and stronger accountability measures for platforms hosting racist or misleading content. Addressing these issues is not only a matter of public health but also of equity and civic participation, as Black emerging adults remain highly engaged in online political and informational spaces.