Citation

Tsaousides T, Matsuzawa Y, Lebowitz M. Brain Inj. 2011; 25(12): 1155-1162.

Affiliation

Mount Sinai School of Medicine , New York, NY , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/02699052.2011.613086

PMID

21961574

Abstract

Objective: To examine use of Facebook among individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify barriers preventing Facebook use. Method: An online survey was developed assessing frequency and barriers to use of Facebook. The survey was distributed electronically to individuals with TBI through four state brain injury associations. Ninety-six individuals with TBI completed the survey (60% female, age range: 23-70). Results: The relative majority of respondents (60%) reported using Facebook on a regular basis. Among those who reported not using Facebook, the most commonly reported barriers were security concerns and cognitive deficits. Approximately half of non-users indicated interest in learning to use the site, with 70% reporting that they would use it more if they were more knowledgeable about it. Both users and non-users indicated that they would be interested in receiving training to learn how to use Facebook better. Conclusions: Social networking sites are increasingly important in creating and maintaining social networks. A significant number of survey respondents expressed interest in further training on Facebook use. Increased use of social networking may have important implications for social integration among individuals with TBI.

Language: en