Internet use for social interaction by people with psychosis : a systematic review

People with psychosis (PWP) have difficulties in establishing and maintaining social connections. An earlier systematic review on the use of online social networking (OSN) in psychosis found only 11 studies published before January 2014, but with promising findings. These studies showed no difference in OSN use between PWP and general population. Given the limited number of articles found and the rapid advances in OSN, we carried out an update review to assess evidence on how PWP use OSN. Several electronic databases were searched for the literature published between January 2014 and May 2018. Data from included studies were narratively synthesized. Thirteen additional studies examined the use of OSN in PWP in 2014–2018. Updated evidence confirms that PWP seem to use OSN at least as much as the general population, although only when not acutely unwell. PWP who are younger and have higher education level are more likely to use OSN. There was no evidence of worsening psychological symptoms due to OSN. Some studies showed patient-reported concerns about negative experiences and the inability to identify online social contacts. The use of OSN by PWP is a subject of increasing interest with a rapidly developing evidence base. The frequent use of OSN by PWP and the absence of evidence of symptom worsening are encouraging findings. This would justify the inclusion of OSN among the strategies to reduce social isolation in psychosis. Research methodologies should be improved by developing standardized measures to assess use and associated risks