DIGITAL STIGMA AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: CHALLENGES, COPING MECHANISMS, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA ERA

Description

The rapid proliferation of social media platforms has fundamentally transformed communication, identity formation, and social interaction among university students. While digital connectivity offers unprecedented opportunities for peer engagement and information access, it has simultaneously given rise to new and pervasive forms of mental health stigma in online environments. This chapter explores the phenomenon of digital stigma — the labelling, stereotyping, and social exclusion of individuals with mental health conditions through online platforms — and its impact on the psychological well-being of university students. Drawing on an integrative review of contemporary literature in cyberpsychology, mental health studies, and digital sociology, this chapter examines how cyberbullying, cancel culture, performative vulnerability, and algorithmic amplification of negative content contribute to heightened anxiety, depression, and social isolation among young adults in higher education. It further investigates coping strategies employed by students, ranging from digital detox and peer support networks to help-seeking behaviours and mental health advocacy. The chapter also considers the role of educational institutions in fostering digital literacy, inclusive online cultures, and accessible mental health support systems. Finally, it identifies future research directions and policy recommendations for addressing digital stigma in university settings. The findings underscore the urgent need for interdisciplinary interventions that bridge digital culture and mental health promotion to create psychologically safe and inclusive online spaces for university students.