Algorithms, algorithmic literacy and mental health_no notes

Algorithms, algorithmic literacy and mental health Dr Lizzy Winstone, NIHR SPHR Launching Fellow, University of Bristol, UK Churchill Fellow, 2023-24

Social media content and young people’s mental health Self-harm and eating disorder content Self-regulation of social media use Avoiding risky content and contacts

Kostyrka‐Allchorne, K., Stoilova, M., Bourgaize, J., Rahali, M., Livingstone, S., & Sonuga‐Barke, E. (2023). Digital experiences and their impact on the lives of adolescents with pre‐existing anxiety, depression, eating and nonsuicidal self‐injury conditions–a systematic review. Child and adolescent mental health, 28(1), 22-32.

Social media content and young people’s mental health • Diet and ED content – body image, comparison, thin/fit ideal internalization, selfobjectification • Self-harm content – disturbing imagery, competition, normalization • Discriminatory content – chronic stress, hopelessness, poor self-esteem

Social media algorithmic literacy “being aware of the use of algorithms in online applications, platforms, and services, knowing how algorithms work, being able to critically evaluate algorithmic decision-making as well as having the skills to cope with or even influence algorithmic operations” (Droguel, in Oeldorf-Hirsch & Neubaum, 2023).

Why might algorithmic literacy be important for mental health?

Informed content consumption:

Reduced anxiety and stress:

Awareness of algorithmic bias Personalised content

Transparency and control Setting boundaries

Enhanced digital wellbeing: Healthy digital habits Mental health resources

Combatting negative effects:

Empowerment and agency:

Critical thinking Mitigating echo chambers

Control over digital footprint Advocacy and change

Why might algorithmic literacy be important for mental health?

Informed content consumption:

Reduced anxiety and stress:

Awareness of algorithmic bias Personalised content

Transparency and control Setting boundaries

Enhanced digital wellbeing: Healthy digital habits Mental health resources

Combatting negative effects:

Empowerment and agency:

Critical thinking Mitigating echo chambers

Control over digital footprint Advocacy and change

Why might algorithmic literacy be important for mental health?

Informed content consumption:

Reduced anxiety and stress:

Awareness of algorithmic bias Personalised content

Transparency and control Setting boundaries

Enhanced digital wellbeing: Healthy digital habits Mental health resources

Combatting negative effects:

Empowerment and agency:

Critical thinking Mitigating echo chambers

Control over digital footprint Advocacy and change

Why might algorithmic literacy be important for mental health?

Informed content consumption:

Reduced anxiety and stress:

Awareness of algorithmic bias Personalised content

Transparency and control Setting boundaries

Enhanced digital wellbeing: Healthy digital habits Mental health resources

Combatting negative effects:

Empowerment and agency:

Critical thinking Mitigating echo chambers

Control over digital footprint Advocacy and change

Why might algorithmic literacy be important for mental health?

Informed content consumption:

Reduced anxiety and stress:

Awareness of algorithmic bias Personalised content

Transparency and control Setting boundaries

Enhanced digital wellbeing: Healthy digital habits Mental health resources

Combatting negative effects:

Empowerment and agency:

Critical thinking Mitigating echo chambers

Control over digital footprint Advocacy and change

How can we improve algorithmic literacy in the UK? 1. Commission a UK Media Literacy Week

How can we improve algorithmic literacy in the UK? 2. Review current provision of algorithmic literacy

How can we improve algorithmic literacy in the UK? 3. Develop teacher confidence

How can we improve algorithmic literacy in the UK? 4. Introduce a digital literacy qualification

New study: Adolescent perspectives of the role of social media algorithms on their wellbeing •We will interview 25 young people, including some people who have mental health difficulties.

•We will ask young people who use TikTok or Instagram to take screenshots of content that the algorithm thinks they will be interested in.

•The researcher will then talk to the young people about what is in the pictures, why they think the pictures have been suggested to them, and how they make them feel.

•We will record the interviews and analyse the data to describe themes.

With thanks Lizzy.Winstone@bristol.ac.uk