Abstract
The rise of social media has resulted in research producing contradictory findings. However, some have suggested that social media may provide social support for mothers during the transition to parenthood, the lack of which is a well-recognised risk factor for the development of perinatal mental health difficulties. In addition, increasing numbers of high-profile digital mothers (HPDMs) have shared their experience of motherhood and mental health difficulties on social media. This qualitative study explored the experience of mothers with postnatal mental health difficulties use of social media and following of HPDMs. Seven mothers who experienced postnatal mental health difficulties and gave birth within the last three years were interviewed about their experience of using social media and following HPDMs. Interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analysed using the principles and methodology of Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Two super-ordinate themes were identified: (1) The Authentic Mother, discussing the experience of witnessing honesty and authenticity in sharing experiences on social media, and (2) Accessibility and Convenience, discussing the ease of using social media amongst the demands of motherhood. The findings suggested a complex and contradictory experience of using social media and following HPDMs, with both beneficial and potentially harmful effects of authenticity and accessibility on the mental health of mothers in the postnatal period. Recommendations of how to support mothers have been made, including assessing mothers’ use of social media in relation to their mental health, encouraging digital pruning, and increasing the representation of support services on social media.