Informatics Publishing Limited

Vani Kakar ¹, Nanki Oberoi ²

Affiliations
1 National University of Educational Planning and Administration, NCERT Campus, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, IN
2 The Bitty Oberoi Foundation, Noida, UttarPardesh, IN

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to two fold. First, to explore the emotion of grief by reviewing the most prominent approaches that have attempted to understand it, and secondly to explore the modernized ways of mourning through social media. Since the advent of technology and newer forms of digital platforms the utilization of networking sites have significantly increased. This has set the tone for the present discussion since interacting with the internet especially through social media have become an integral part of every individuals lifestyle. Social networking sites have become a common site for reaching out to others for a sense of support and connection - it has also become a site to express grief and bereavement. The present paper attempts to bring together existing literature on how digital spaces have proven to be extraordinarily therapeutic for grieving individuals. The commentaries and studies swing between conflicting forms of evidence - on the one hand, grieving through social media is pointing to becoming a formalized death ritual in the 21st century, while on the other hand highlighting certain morbidities that expressions on social media prove to be, which seem to trivialize the very emotion of grief. While the sincerity of such forms of expression continue to be questioned, the reality of mourning through digital platforms must be acknowledged.

Keywords

Bereavement, Grief, Mourning, Networking Sites Social Media.

Full Text

     

Vani Kakar ¹, Nanki Oberoi ²

Affiliations
1 National University of Educational Planning and Administration, MHRD, Government of India, IN
2 The Bitty Oberoi Foundation, Noida, U.P., IN

Abstract

The aim of this theoretical paper is to describe the current situation of Counseling practices in schools within the Indian context. The goal is to bring out the neglected aspect of psychological health and well-being of students, which the current schooling practices seem to be out of sync with. Bridging the gap between the disciplines of psychology, philosophy and education, the discussion comprehensively brings together the Habermasian conceptualization of communicative action and public sphere. This becomes relevant for kick starting a necessary discourse in the area of Counseling and mental health practices in the school setting. The paper acknowledges the lack of a much needed effectual, legally binding mental health policy within the context of a school setting, and consequently discusses implications for policy and brings together the conclusive topics of a much needed potential debate in this arena.

Keywords

Counseling, Education, Public Policy, School, Social Action, Well-Being.

Full Text

     

Nanki Oberoi ¹, Vani Kakar ²

Affiliations
1 The Bitty Oberoi Foundation, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, IN
2 National University of Educational Planning and Administration, MHRD, Government of India, IN

Abstract

The advancement in different types of technology through the advent of Smartphone's, tablets, laptops and other digital devices of the sort have revolutionized the nature of society. This digital transformation seems to have brought about a radical shift in how an individual perceives himself with respect to the external world, having pervasive implications for his sense of self. The primary aim of this paper is to synthesize the evolution of the self over the years by borrowing key concepts from the psychodynamic, humanistic and existential approaches in psychology through the rather irresistible lens of technology and study their relevance in the 21st century. It is important to critically look into the varying approaches that have attempted to understand the self. The paper acknowledges the significant rise in the use of social media and consequently raises serious and urgent questions for mental health professionals confronting issues arising from constant networking and its inevitable impact on individuals which has no basis and parallel in history to cater to the pressing needs of the eleventh hour.

Keywords

Consciousness, Existential, Humanistic, Mental Health, Networking, Psychodynamic, Self, Social Media.

Full Text