Exploring the role of social media and online communities in the infertility journey: a scoping review.

Abstract

Objective: Infertility is a global health challenge with profound psychosocial consequences. Couples navigate this journey within social media and online communities. These digital spaces offer opportunities for support, coping and information exchange, but also expose users to comparison culture, misinformation, and inequities. This scoping review aims to synthesize the available evidence on how social-media and online communities shape the psychosocial experience of infertility, identifying both supportive and harmful dimensions.

Methods: Following Joanna-Briggs Institute methodology PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted. Eligible studies included qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods designs. Data were charted using a standardized extraction tool and synthesized thematically. Of 6,935 records screened, 19 studies were included.

Results: A qualitative content analysis was undertaken to identify four domains: (1) Psychosocial impact of infertility in online spaces, (2) Coping strategies and peer support, (3) Information sharing and misinformation, and (4) Gender, equity and global perspectives. Through studies, supportive functions coexisted with significant risks particularly misinformation, commercial exploitation and exacerbation of stigma.

Conclusions: Social media functions both as a lifeline and a liability in the infertility journey. Harnessing its supportive potential while mitigating risks requires clinician engagement, digital literacy initiatives, culturally sensitive research and ethical oversight.