#121 TikTok's Role in Addressing Adolescent Mental Health
August 13, 2023
Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash
I'm pleased to share a memo that I recently crafted during my internship course at school. The focus of this memo was to delve into a pertinent societal concern and identify how the company could play a role in its resolution. I chose to examine the critical issue of adolescent mental health and its interaction with social media. The following memo outlines my findings and proposes potential ways our company could make a positive impact in this arena. Your interest and insights into this exploration are greatly appreciated.
A recent report from the World Health Organisation states that approximately 1 in 7 adolescents are struggling from mental health challenges. It’s not only the current lifestyle that is affecting adolescents but also the pandemic that exacerbated the whole situation. I believe TikTok as a platform with all the right tools has the responsibility to lead from the front and help its users, which largely consists of adolescents, to deal with mental health challenges in an effective manner and leave a positive impact on the world.
Harnessing community to address Mental Health challenges
Mental health is a big issue in today's world. It's clear that many people are concerned about it because the hashtag #MentalHealth has received a massive 45 billion views on TikTok globally. Additionally, hashtags like #SelfCare and #WellBeing have also gained significant attention with a combined 29 billion views.One major problem with mental health is that people find it hard to talk about their feelings and struggles with others. They worry about being judged or made fun of if they open up. However, TikTok, being a platform filled with diverse content, can play a helpful role here. Each person's TikTok feed is unique, showing them content that fits their interests and needs.Seeing this diverse content on TikTok acts like holding a mirror up to yourself. People come across others who are going through similar experiences and mental health challenges. This realization can be a powerful moment for many. They might think, "Wow, I didn't realize others also faced what I am going through." This discovery encourages them to speak up about their feelings and seek possible solutions to improve their mental well-being. It creates a sense of connection and community, which can be incredibly supportive for those struggling with mental health issues.
Empowering youth to prioritize mental health.
TikTok's user base is predominantly made up of young people, and this presents a unique opportunity to address the mental health crisis in the community. Young users are often more open to discussing their emotions and sharing their experiences on the platform. By harnessing the strength of this engaged and empathetic community, we can foster a culture of understanding, support, and stigmatization surrounding mental health. To tackle the mental health crisis on TikTok, we can encourage content creators, influencers, and mental health professionals to collaborate in creating informative and relatable content. This content could cover various aspects of mental health, including coping strategies, self-care practices, and ways to seek professional help. By normalizing conversations about mental health, we can break down barriers and empower young users to reach out for support without fear of judgment. Moreover, partnerships with mental health organizations and experts can further enhance the platform's ability to provide reliable information and resources. By promoting mental health campaigns, awareness initiatives, and helpline numbers, TikTok can play a vital role in helping individuals access the help they need. Additionally, implementing features like AI-driven well-being prompts and pop-ups for users who might be engaging with content related to self-harm or distress can provide timely support and resources to those in crisis. Overall, by recognizing the power of TikTok's young and compassionate community, we can create a positive and impactful space where mental health is prioritized and openly discussed. By using our strengths to tackle the mental health crisis together, we can work towards a healthier and more supportive digital environment for everyone.
Challenges
However it’s worth noting that the information on the platform is not always accurate. Addressing the mental health crisis on TikTok comes with various challenges that need careful consideration. Firstly, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of mental health information shared on the platform is crucial to prevent the spread of misinformation and unqualified advice. Additionally, sensitive content related to mental health struggles can be triggering for some users, necessitating a balanced approach to content sensitivity and the inclusion of appropriate warnings or resources. Overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health and creating a safe space for open discussions requires thoughtful measures to build trust and privacy protection. Cultural diversity must be respected in mental health content to avoid reinforcing stereotypes and promote inclusivity. It is also essential to address the issue of unequal access to mental health resources and support among users. Encouraging users to seek professional help when needed and not rely solely on social media platforms is vital. Lastly, managing the volume of mental health content and ensuring adherence to community guidelines through content moderation is a complex task.
What’s in the future
By fostering a culture of understanding and support, TikTok can encourage open discussions about mental health. Collaborations between content creators, influencers, and mental health professionals can provide informative and relatable content, normalizing conversations about mental well-being. Partnerships with mental health organizations can enhance access to reliable information and resources, further aiding individuals in crisis. By promoting mental health campaigns and implementing well-being features, TikTok can create a positive and impactful space, benefiting both users and the company's image as a socially responsible platform.
See you next week.
Cheers!