This study investigated social media use, purposes of social media use, and the subsequent perceived psychological implications in elite U.S. figure skaters. Thirty-seven elite U.S. figure skaters were recruited via correspondence through social media platforms. The participants were current U.S. figure skaters who competed within the senior level at or above the national level and were over 18 years of age. A mixed methods two phase design was employed. During Phase 1, each participant completed a self-report survey including measures of social media use, purposes of use, and perceived psychological implications of use. Following the survey, eight participants were selected, dependent on their responses during Phase 1, to participate in Phase 2. Phase 2 consisted of a 20-to-30-minute semi-structured interview aimed at establishing an in-depth understanding of the perceived psychological implications of social media use. Athletes were asked about specific situations in which social media content affected their emotions, thought processes, body image, self-confidence, etc. The results indicated that a majority of elite U.S. figure skaters use a multitude of social media platforms for reasons both related and unrelated to figure skating. The participants perceived both positive and negative psychological ramifications of social media use. However, the negative effects of social media use were more pervasive in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 results.
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