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In modern society, stereotyping against the LGBTQ+ community is one of the common issues. Due to the perceived notions, socially expected norms of behaviour and expectations created for all genders and sexualities, many stereotypes concerning the LGBTQ+ community are predominantly negative. With the changing context, a deepened approach is needed to educate people about distinct genders and social norms wherein they don't regard LGBTQ+ as transgressors. We aim to investigate such preconceived negative notions and understand how stereotypical images affect youth affiliated with the LGBTQ+ community. The study is designed qualitatively with (N=74) urban LGBTQ+ young adults belonging to the age bracket of 19-25 years. Based on the Inclusion criteria, Gays (12.16%), Bisexuals (66.21%), Lesbians (5.40%), Pansexuals (5.40%) and Others (10.81%) consented to participate in the study. The sample was selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The data was obtained using an open-ended questionnaire circulated via Google forms. The questionnaire was analyzed using thematic analysis. Based on the analysis of the sample's lived experiences, an exhibited stereotypical image was portrayed by mass media. Consequently, primary themes affecting these individuals were based on 'personal facets' (29.72%), 'Health facets'(22.97%) and 'miscellaneous' (17.56%). The results depict that LGBTQ+ youth conceal theirsexual orientation due to fear and shame associated with coming out and to protect their well-being in society. Gender stereotypes are used as a means to make estimations of others' sexual identities wherein mass media has played a profound role in perpetuating such discriminating behaviours. Therefore, a universalist framework should be built with coalitions of diverse Indian communities to ensure safety for all.

Keywords

LGBTQ+ community, stereotypes, mass media, mental health, stigma

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Efficacy of Mental Health Apps and Related Tools on Social Media: A Systematic Review of Researches

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Authors

Poonam Phogat ¹, Vasundhra Verma ¹

Affiliations
1 Department o f Psychology, Gargi College, University o f Delhi, Delhi ., IN

Source

IAHRW International Journal of Social Sciences Review, Vol 11, No 1 (2023), Pagination: 98 - 103

Abstract

In recent times, digital consumers have access to a variety of MHApps but choosing one that’s useful presents a challenge. Google and Apple’s digital marketplaces offer approximately 20,000 MHApps. In India, relying on such apps to understand and improve mental health issues remains ambiguous due to the stigma attached. MHApps may facilitate skill building, endorse psychoeducation, and self-monitoring features to treat and improve clinical symptomatology. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate prior research studies on the effectiveness of social media tools and MHApps on various digital platforms. The study drew on governmental statistics in addition to secondary data derived from national and international journals, websites, Google and Apple app stores. Using MHApps is a potential way to enhance well-being as they provide coping strategies in the absence of clinicians and in immediate crisis situations. However, with a lack of options depending on one’s preferences and features such as personalization, control, trust, poor customer service, security and unaffordability usage becomes difficult. Without awareness among people designing MHApps would be misleading. Consequently, randomized control trials (RCTs) on larger sample sizes are needed to measure the effectiveness of such apps. Despite the claims and usage of MHApps, it is evident that adherence remains seemingly low, therefore offering cost-effective ways to incorporate an array of system features and strategies to manage mental health and well-being on devices should be integrated. For legitimizing such apps intervention by professional clinicians and empirical evidence based-methods are needed in their development to help alleviate symptoms. To make MHApps more effective in the Indian context, cross-cultural differences should be examined.

Keywords

MHApps, social media tools, digital platforms, effectiveness, AIe

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