Loneliness certainly soars over college campuses, which ties in with the issues of mental health. The vice president and director of clinical programs at Grit Digital Health states, “Loneliness is correlated with increased risk for attrition, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.” In other words, loneliness can be a result of such troubles.
So college students keep themselves busy and overwork to seem like they are doing well on the outside. Meanwhile, they are struggling to stay afloat internally. The New York Times discusses the common hyper achievement stigma that is prominent in today’s college students. More specifically, the award-winning publication mentions the presence of “America’s culture of hyperachievent” as well as the “pressure of being effortlessly perfect.” The unrealistic goal of perfection is obviously what makes loneliness worse as it is unattainable, causing only more stress and anxiety to bombard the student.
It is crucial to mention the digital age we are in. So, social media only makes the matter of loneliness worse as it creates a usual competition for those who are trying to prove themselves of an elusive lifestyle. Here is where the toxic thinking of comparing comes in.
According to the associate director of counseling and psychological services at Duke University, Dr. Gary Glass, “People tend to publish the most impressive, entertaining, and/or attractive versions of themselves on social media platforms…This can create a false impression of how much happier or more successful others are.” In other words, students can realize social media is not a true reality as people usually post the positives in their life. The idea of perfection being demanded in school is already hard enough, and now the urge to be perfect on social media is only more draining.
Ultimately, some of these students who are overworking themselves as well as trying hard to prove to people on their campus and or on social media they are on top of everything, are inherently struggling. As hopelessness and struggles infiltrate their minds, students are hesitant to talk about their emotions with anyone, feeling shameful. Shame to share their true state of being. Mayo Clinic Health System reports, 75 percent of struggling students are reluctant to seek help, which only emphasizes being secluded.
However, there is a way to use social media and digital technologies for good; the mobile application Alike Health. Alike Health is a highly rated application that allows its users to connect to attain understanding and power to manage their mental conditions.
How does it work?
The user downloads the application to their smartphone and answers some questions about themselves in addition to sending their medical records, which are completely confidential as they take them in a de-identified procedure. Then the application uses data science to evaluate other users’ clinical records, leading up to “medical matches.”
These connections are people who have similar experiences with one another. Users can see the various aspects of how they are related to their match as well as a percentage of alikeness. From there, the user and their match can help boost one another to make good decisions, give insight into their issues, and grow together.
There are also some other notable features within the application such as a more understanding depiction of the users’ medical records. Alike Health translates medications, lab tests, and diagnoses in a simplistic manner. There is also space for group discussions, so users do not just have to talk to just one match, they can speak to multiple.
In addition, there is the option to post positivity or even a struggle in the posting component and the entire Alike Health community is there to uplift and encourage their fellow users.
A key factor of the application is anonymity which lets the user know they can trust Alike Health. College students could utilize this app to their benefit if they are nervous to admit or share with their peers about their mental health or even chronic health conditions.
Furthermore, as loneliness levels rise, Alike Health could put a stop to it within minutes. This app assures its user is never lonely because there is always someone who is going through or has been through a similar situation. With Alike Health there are no competitions or expectations. There is no need to feel perfect in any sense because imperfections are embraced.
Shame is nonexistent here because there is no one looking down on one another. Although everyone has their unique issues, Alike Health brings everyone together because they all share an alikeness, the need for community, and an ability to blossom.
Alike Health also has an Instagram which is @alike.health where they post informative videos of doctors giving advice as well as encouraging quotes. Instead of looking for negativity on social media platforms like Instagram, college students can use their social media for positivity.
Spartan Echo 