A presentation of the main facts about social media, and research about the relationship between social media use and mental health, to examine both the positive and negative effects. Useful to anybody working in education, social care or mental health. It will also appeal to an educated general readership.

One of the most damaging externalities from the recent pandemic has been the rise in mental health issues. Many psychiatric disorders have strong genetic components, and although the extent of the genetic influence for many conditions has been extensively tested by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) there remains much to be understood regarding the genetics of these health issues. Twin studies, for example, have found a relatively high rate of inheritance for depression and anxiety disorders. To better appreciate the role that genetics plays in these disorders, it is useful to understand the extent to which other factors also contribute to the condition. Other major contributing factors to mental disorders are the environment and psychological factors. These environmental and psychological concerns have been further exacerbated by the growth of social media and the requirement, especially for young adults and teenagers, to always be ‘on’. It is likely that the metaverse, in whatever form it ultimately takes will further exacerbate these conditions. On the other hand, social media and the metaverse can be tools to help those suffering from mental health conditions. Online therapists and bots can provide frontline care to those who can’t or won’t go to an in-person therapy session. AI can be employed to provide some forms of therapy in light of the growing demand for licensed therapists and the limited supply.

In today's fast-paced digital world, where social media updates, news alerts, and a deluge of digital content vie for our attention, the profound impact on our mental well-being cannot be overstated. "Mindful Media: Navigating Mental Health Challenges in the Digital Age" dives deep into the psychological effects of our digital habits, shedding light on issues such as anxiety, depression, and addiction that can stem from our relationship with media. Backed by extensive research, personal narratives, and expert insights, "Mindful Media" offers a nuanced understanding of how our digital behaviors can shape our mental health. This book provides practical strategies and actionable advice to empower readers to navigate their digital lives with greater mindfulness and intentionality. By fostering a conscious approach to media consumption, the book helps individuals reclaim control over their well-being in the digital age. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of cultivating a balanced digital environment that promotes mental health. Through compelling case studies and real-life examples, the book vividly illustrates how digital media can either harm or heal, depending on how it is utilized.

eRisk stands for Early Risk Prediction on the Internet. It is concerned with the exploration of techniques for the early detection of mental health disorders which manifest in the way people write and communicate on the internet, in particular in user generated content (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, or other social media). Early detection technologies can be employed in several different areas but particularly in those related to health and safety. For instance, early alerts could be sent when the writing of a teenager starts showing increasing signs of depression, or when a social media user starts showing suicidal inclinations, or again when a potential offender starts publishing antisocial threats on a blog, forum or social network. eRisk has been the pioneer of a new interdisciplinary area of research that is potentially applicable to a wide variety of situations, problems and personal profiles. This book presents the best results of the first five years of the eRisk project which started in 2017 and developed into one of the most successful track of CLEF, the Conference and Lab of the Evaluation Forum.

An accessible overview of the mental health effects of adolescent digital media use, for researchers, policymakers and parents.

The Oxford Textbook of Social Psychiatry serves as a comprehensive reference to the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of social psychiatry, and its role in the management of psychiatric disorders. Written and edited by leading experts and rising stars in the field of social psychiatry, this textbook provides an authoritative and global look at social psychiatry, covering a wealth of topics and up-to-date research in 79 chapters. Divided into eight sections, this resource covers an overview of the history and development of social psychiatry, as well as the social world of families, culture, and identity, focusing on key issues such as globalisation, pandemics, trauma, spirituality, and gender. Clinical conditions and special vulnerable groups are also explored, with topics such as the mental health of prisoners, somatisation, and eating disorders. Case studies of specific geographical locations provide a critical overview of global mental health today and the challenges faced in different setting, such as low- and middle-income countries.

This second edition of this highly impactful book examines the intersection of mental health and digital technology to make informed decisions about the new options provided by digital technology. It highlights the rise in online therapy and social media and examines the ethical dilemmas involved in online research to suggest that the benefits created far outweigh the possible risks. This expanded and updated second edition, includes practical suggestions for clinicians and public, builds upon the first by updating readers on recent developments in technology and research in this area since 2015. It explores ways in which governments and practitioners responded to the mental health crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and looks at the challenges as well as the benefits of our increasing interaction online.