Disclosure of psychological distress by university students on an anonymous social media application: an online ethnographic study
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Date
2016
Authors
Lotay, Anureet
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Abstract
This research examines the disclosure of psychological distress by university students on an anonymous mobile application called Yik Yak which allows users to communicate anonymously with other local individuals, creating virtual communities. Using online ethnography and qualitative analysis, I examine what the narratives presented by Yik Yak users reveals about the mental health concerns of University of Manitoba students and the characteristics of this virtual community. The findings show that exam anxiety and academic stress, depression, suicidality, anxiety, sleep disturbance, excessive stress, loneliness, sadness, and loss of motivation, were significant sources of distress, especially during final exam periods. Thematic analysis indicated that emotion-sharing on the app fosters social support, a sense of belonging, and helps build community. Individuals are also able to disclose repressed selves and counter stigmatizing beliefs. Examining distress disclosure by individuals on this anonymous platform may help develop better interventions and mental health programming for students.
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Keywords
Mental health, Social media, University students, Distress, Anonymous, Self disclosure, Stigma, Online social group, Online ethnography