Meta-synthesis of the Relationship between Media Platforms and Spiritual Health
Journal of Pizhūhish dar dīn va Salāmat (i.e., Research on Religion & Health),
Vol. 11 No. 3 (2025),
11 November 2025
,
Page 46-60
https://doi.org/10.22037/jrrh.v11i3.46621
Abstract
Background and Objective: Previous studies have examined the role of mass media and social networks in strengthening or weakening the psychological and social dimensions of health. However, only a limited number of investigations have directly addressed the relationship between modern media platforms and the components of spiritual health. This research gap provided the basis for the present study. The ultimate aim of this research was to identify the factors influencing spiritual health through the use of media platforms -with a particular focus on Instagram- and to propose strategies for improving spiritual health in the digital environment.
Methods: The present study employed a qualitative meta-synthesis approach. Studies meeting predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed, yielding a total of 509 peer-reviewed articles. The analysis followed the Attride-Stirling thematic network framework, which organizes findings across three levels: basic themes, organizing themes, and global themes. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.
Results: The results revealed that the main themes associated with spiritual health in relation to media platforms included: strengthening social connections, social comparison, self-identity and self-presentation, cultural consumption and lifestyle, surveillance and privacy, and the mediatization of everyday life.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, media platforms function as communicative tools that exert dual effects on users. On the one hand, they can enhance social interactions and provide access to social support. On the other hand, their use may generate negative consequences such as increased social comparisons, reduced self-esteem, excessive dependence on external validation, and heightened psychological pressure. Furthermore, the content shared on these platforms can contribute to the spread of misinformation, the erosion of privacy, and the formation of unrealistic social norms. Overall, the impact of media platforms on users can be both positive and negative depending on individual conditions and patterns of use. Conscious and informed management of these platforms is, therefore, essential to maximizing their benefits while minimizing their adverse effects.
- Media platforms
- Meta-synthesis
- Spiritual health
How to Cite
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