Ann Plast Surg. 2026 Feb 9. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004645. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Social media influences adolescent self-image and confidence, yet its impact on psychosocial outcomes in adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate remains poorly defined. This population may be particularly vulnerable given the importance of craniofacial features to self-perception during adolescence. Negative self-perceptions have been linked to psychosocial distress and interest in revisional surgery, whereas social media may also provide peer support and cleft-related information. This study examined social media use patterns and their association with psychosocial functioning in adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate.
METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey adapted from the CLEFT-Q and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was distributed via REDCap to adolescents aged 10-18 years with cleft lip and/or palate. A parallel survey assessed parental perceptions of their child’s psychosocial functioning. Recruitment occurred at the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic between 2023 and 2025. The approximately 10-minute survey assessed demographics, social media use, and psychosocial outcomes across well-being, social functioning, school functioning, and self-perception domains using 5-point Likert scales.
RESULTS: Thirty-one adolescents completed the teen survey (mean [SD] age, 15.2 [2.1] years). Daily social media use was reported as <1 hour by 5/31 (16.1%), 1-3 hours by 14/31 (45.2%), 3-5 hours by 9/31 (29.0%), and ≥5 hours by 3/31 (9.7%). The most commonly used platforms were YouTube 24/31 (77.4%), TikTok 21/31 (67.7%), Snapchat 21/31 (67.7%), and Instagram 16/31 (51.6%). Palate surgery was reported by 29/31 (93.5%), and 17/31 (54.8%) had undergone combined lip, palate, and nasal surgery. Adolescents reporting ≥5 h/d of use demonstrated lower psychosocial functioning scores across domains, including teasing, appearance concerns, and happiness, although differences were not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed between adolescents reporting 1-3 versus 3-5 h/d of use. Surgical history and platform choice were not associated with psychosocial outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study provides preliminary descriptive insight into social media use and psychosocial functioning among adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate. Although no statistically significant associations were identified, consistent directional trends suggested lower psychosocial scores among adolescents reporting heavy social media use. These findings support cautious consideration of social media-based interventions and highlight the need for larger, adequately powered studies.
PMID:41662684 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000004645
