The Faculty of Medicine successfully hosted a public engagement event focused on “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health of Young Adults,” as part of the Language and Communication module on 2024/10/18 in N Block. The event brought together students, faculty, and community members to explore the intricate relationship between social media use and mental health.
During the event, Year 2 MBBS students presented insightful posters on six key topics:
1. The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Anxiety/Depression
2. Body Image and Self-Esteem: The Role of Social Media
3. Cyberbullying and Its Psychological Consequences
4. Social Media Addiction: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
5. Ways to Combat the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
6. Positive Aspects of Social Media for Mental Well-being
Our students highlighted both the risks and potential benefits of social media for mental well-being, underscoring the importance of effective communication in addressing critical issues facing young adults today. This event is vital for our medical students, as it deepens their understanding of the mental health challenges their future patients may encounter. Engaging with this important topic fosters empathy and enhances the communication skills essential for their roles as healthcare professionals.
The event provided a platform for attendees to engage in meaningful conversations about their experiences with social media. Participants expressed that it was refreshing to see such an important topic being openly discussed, recognizing the positive impact this dialogue can have on raising awareness and understanding.
The Faculty of Medicine aims to continue facilitating conversations around mental health and the influence of social media, ensuring that students and the community are well-informed and equipped to navigate these challenges. For more information about the event, please contact Dr. Olivia Monteiro at omonteiro@must.edu.mo.
