biostudies-literatureSyed Sheriff RJNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR)278-287https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9768522biostudies-literatureUnknown46(5)<h4>Aims and method</h4>To gain a deeper understanding of the use of online culture and its potential benefits to mental health and well-being, sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported data on usage, perceived mental health benefits and health status were collected in an online cross-sectional survey during COVID-19 restrictions in the UK in June-July 2020.<h4>Results</h4>In total, 1056 people completed the survey. A high proportion of participants reported finding online culture helpful for mental health; all but one of the benefits were associated with regular use and some with age. Reported benefits were wide-ranging and interconnected. Those aged under 25 years were less likely to be regular users of online culture or to have increased their use during lockdown.<h4>Clinical implications</h4>There may be benefits in targeting cultural resources for mental health to vulnerable groups such as young adults.BJPsych bulletinUse of online cultural content for mental health and well-being during COVID-19 restrictions: cross-sectional survey.PMC9768522RP-2017-08-ST2-006NIHR201370O'Dell BBergin LRiga EGeddes JRCreswell CMcCormack SCipriani APrzybylski AKSyed Sheriff RJBonsaver LAdams HfalseUse of online cultural content for mental health and well-being during COVID-19 restrictions: cross-sectional survey.<h4>Aims and method</h4>To gain a deeper understanding of the use of online culture and its potential benefits to mental health and well-being, sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported data on usage, perceived mental health benefits and health status were collected in an online cross-sectional survey during COVID-19 restrictions in the UK in June-July 2020.<h4>Results</h4>In total, 1056 people completed the survey. A high proportion of participants reported finding online culture helpful for mental health; all but one of the benefits were associated with regular use and some with age. Reported benefits were wide-ranging and interconnected. Those aged under 25 years were less likely to be regular users of online culture or to have increased their use during lockdown.<h4>Clinical implications</h4>There may be benefits in targeting cultural resources for mental health to vulnerable groups such as young adults.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Oct2025-04-05T08:47:37.363Z2025-04-05T08:47:37.363ZS-EPMC97685223476374410.1192/bjb.2021.103