Grief-related social media use was positively associated with stronger grief reactions and stronger continuing bonds with the deceased among bereaved students, while perceived social media support was associated with less severe grief reactions but higher levels of mental distress.
Grief-related social media use was positively associated with stronger grief reactions among bereaved students.
Grief-related social media use was positively associated with stronger continuing bonds with the deceased.
Perceived social media support was associated with less severe grief reactions.
Perceived social media support was associated with higher levels of mental distress.
Bereaved students who engage more in grief-related social media activities may be at increased risk of grief and mental health problems.
The authors suggest professional and peer support providers explore the needs and coping strategies of bereaved students who use social media for support.
This study surveyed 270 university and higher-education students in Flanders, Belgium, aged 18-28, who had lost someone close. It asked how they use social media in relation to their grief, how supported they feel by social media, and how they were doing in terms of grief, mental health, and their ongoing sense of connection with the person who died. Students who used social media more for grief-related purposes tended to report stronger grief reactions and stronger continuing bonds with the deceased. Students who felt supported through social media reported less severe grief reactions, but also more mental distress. Because this was a survey at one point in time, it cannot show whether social media use leads to these outcomes or whether people who are struggling more turn to social media. This research suggests that students who engage heavily with grief-related social media activity may be more likely to be experiencing difficulties with grief and mental health. The authors suggest that counselors and peer supporters could explore how bereaved students use social media and what they need from it, to help promote healthy coping.
Gerrits C, Claes L, Andriessen K. (2026). Grief-related social media use and perceived social media support among bereaved students: associations with grief, mental health, and continuing bonds.. Frontiers in public health. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1935184