Mental Health Stigma Among Youth In The Digital Age: Social Aspects

Aruna Tripathi

doi:10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i2237-243

Authors

Aruna Tripathi Department of Sociology Govt PG College Fatehabad, Agra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i2237-243

Keywords:

Mental Health Stigma, Social Media, Youth, Digital Age, Digital Engagement

Abstract

The issue of mental health stigma among young people has become a burning problem in the era of digitalization due to the acceleration of technological progress and changes in social relations. This review article discusses the social dimension of mental health stigma, with the emphasis on smartphone and social media usage, and digital patterns of engagement among young persons. Based on the literature that has been published within the last 2-4 years, the research follows the systematic review method to examine the association between digital behaviors and stigma development. The results indicate that though the digital platforms may raise awareness and peer support, they also maintain stigma by cyberbullying, misinformation, and by social comparison. There are multiple types of stigma: social, self, and structural, which are shown to be interdependent and enhanced by online communication. The paper emphasizes the importance of combined initiatives, such as digital literacy and awareness campaigns, policy interventions, to combat stigma and enhance positive mental health experiences among young populations in a more digital society.

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