How refugee youth use social media: what does this mean for improving their health and welfare?

How do refugee youth use social media and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)? Is ICT use relevant to refugee health and well-being? We conducted a systematic scoping review to identify current social media use behaviors. We examined impacts of social media and information sharing applications on health, well-being, inclusion, and integration of refugees into host countries. Review findings reveal that refugee youth commonly use ICTs for social networking, presentation of self, health information consumption, and political rights. Studies suggest that uptake of social media through personal mobile devices, such as smartphones, positively enhanced interactions of newly arrived refugees. Our review identifies policy opportunities to enable social media to facilitate delivery of resettlement and health information, to foster integration for refugees, and to improve their health.