Prioritising mental health amid political trolling on social media

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By Sumit Jha

Mar 14, 2024

In the realm of social media, India stands as a landscape teeming with opinions. People feel compelled to share their viewpoints as these issues directly affect them.

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“They seek validation and a platform to express themselves, and social media provides that public square where they can voice their opinions,” shares  Dr Pragya Rashmi.

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The fear of missing out (FOMO) often drives individuals into participating in discussions even when they may not want to.

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Research indicates that cyberbullying and social media trolling can lead to disrupted sleep, diminished self-esteem, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and even suicide.

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The trolling phenomenon in India stems from a multitude of factors and can be fueled by misinformation and fake news, contributing the polarisation of online discourse.

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“Having trusted friends or access to helplines and cyber support services can be invaluable in navigating challenging situations,” adds Dr Rashmi.

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Lastly, she advices focusing on developing resilience and coping skills to better navigate challenging situations.

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