Adolescent co‐researchers identified the central role of social media for young people during the pandemic.

Aim: To test the method of engaging co‐researcher adolescents in data collection and explore stated motives for their selection of social media material related to COVID‐19. Methods: Twenty‐three adolescents, 13–19‐years old, in Sweden participated as co‐researchers collecting material from their social media related to COVID‐19. Specifically, they motivated their selection of social media material in field notes. Their motives were explored using content analysis. Results: Adolescent co‐researchers understood and performed the task well, providing insight into the social media exchanges of adolescents during the pandemic. An overarching theme for the motivation for their selection emerged: Social media is an important tool for adolescents' communication and information exchange during COVID‐19. Four categories were identified: Keeping track of the talk of the town; Recognition of personally relevant topics; Adolescents as information consumers; Social media as a means for expressing feelings, advice and existential reflections. Co‐researchers reported challenges relating to the quality of pandemic‐related information available to adolescents. Conclusion: Including young people as co‐researchers on matters relevant to them was successful. This study also underlines the need to consider the role of social media in information exchange during crises and to co‐produce health communication with adolescents to meet their specific needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]