The Role of Media Influencers in Using their Platforms to Sensitize Nigerian Students on Mental Health

The Role of Media Influencers in Using their Platforms to Sensitize Nigerian Students on Mental Health

Babatunde Oriyomi Owolabi^1*, Oladimeji Uchenna Lawrence², Ayodimeji Joshua Falade³, Kingsley Okwuruoha Ikeokwu⁴, Ayomide Elizabeth Aderounmu⁵, Sylvia Chukwunyere Kelechi⁶

¹Department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Nigeria.

²Department of Mass Communication, Caleb University, Nigeria.

³Department of Mass Communication, Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria.

⁴Department of English and Literary Studies, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria.

⁵Department of Mass Communication, Caleb University, Nigeria.

⁶Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

^*Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.8080290

Received: 31 July 2024; Accepted: 13 August 2024; Published: 20 September 2024

ABSTRACT

In an era where mental well-being is increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of holistic health, this study explores the transformative potential of these online personalities. This research focuses on the power of social media influencers to reshape perceptions and promote mental health awareness among Nigerian students. The study with its theory grounded in the Two Step Flow of information theory examined how information and guidance from influential figures can cascade down to their engaged audiences, driving positive change. With a descriptive research design and a survey methodology, the study delved into influencers’ role in de-stigmatizing mental health discussions and empowering young people to seek the support they need. The findings reveal that Nigerian students are already turning to their favorite social media stars for inspiration and advice on managing mental health challenges. However, the study also underscores the crucial need for greater credibility and reliability of shared resources, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships between influencers and mental health professionals. By empowering these digital leaders as trusted mental health advocates, the research proposes a path forward that suggests the recommendation of a creative ecosystem that can serve as a mediator between social media influencers and mental health professionals in ensuring that a positive impact is being maximized in the awareness of mental health. Ultimately, this study aims to unlock the immense potential of social media influencers to make a lasting impact on the mental health landscape in Nigeria, benefiting the country’s vibrant youth population.

Keywords: Awareness, Mental health, Nigerian students, social media influencers, stigma, well-being

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, mental health awareness has gained significant traction globally as societies grapple with the impact of mental health challenges (World Health Organization [WHO], 2018) [12]. Nigeria, with its vibrant youth population, is no exception. Media influencers’ role in utilizing their platforms to sensitize Nigerian students on mental health management is paramount.

Mental illness can be described as a state where the reasoning pattern of a person is altered in such a way that it may cause discomfort to the person and his or her neighbors. It is synonymous with terms such as psychosis, lunacy, insanity, etc. It is when an individual goes off the ark that he or she is said to be insane or mentally challenged. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life. Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder. Apart from these wild kinds of mental illness, there are milder forms such as minor depression, anxiety neurosis, seasonal affective disorder, and minor sleeping disorders, among others. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) asserts that “mental illnesses can take many forms, just as physical illnesses do. Mental illnesses are still feared and misunderstood by many people…” (2012) [8]. However, NAMI (2012) points out that “mental illnesses are treatable.”

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and act (WHO, 2014) [11]. It is crucial for effective functioning, maintaining relationships, and coping with life’s challenges. Unfortunately, mental health issues are often stigmatized and overlooked, particularly in societies like Nigeria.

Media influencers with substantial online followings across various platforms are uniquely positioned in contemporary society (Brown, 2017) [2]. Their influence extends beyond entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle, making them potent agents for societal change. Social media platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, provide influencers with a powerful medium to engage with their audience.

Effective mental health management involves acknowledging the significance of mental well-being, seeking help when needed, and fostering a supportive environment. In a Nigerian context, where traditional attitudes towards mental health prevail, media influencers have the potential to reshape perceptions and encourage positive change.

Media influencers can play a transformative role in promoting mental health awareness and management among Nigerian students. By openly discussing their mental health struggles or sharing relevant information, influencers can break down stigma and normalize conversations around mental well-being. This transparency can resonate with young audiences, encouraging them to seek help when necessary.

Moreover, influencers can collaborate with mental health professionals to disseminate accurate information (Jones & Smith, 2019) [5]. By partnering with psychologists, counselors, and mental health organizations, influencers can ensure their messages are informed, responsible, and evidence-based. This collaborative effort contributes to the credibility of mental health discussions in the public sphere.

Influencers can also leverage their platforms to share resources, helpline numbers, and support networks. Influencers empower Nigerian students to access the assistance they need by directing their followers to reliable sources of information. This, in turn, fosters a community that values mental health and encourages mutual support. This article explores the definitions of mental health, the influence of media influencers, effective mental health management, and the pivotal role influencers play in promoting mental well-being.

Statement of the Problem

The traditional attitudes towards mental health often hinder open conversations and prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. This silence is further compounded by the limited availability of mental health resources and the lack of a supportive environment. As a result, there is an urgent need to address the mental health challenges faced by Nigerian students, and one promising avenue is through the influence of media influencers.

The surge in digital media consumption, particularly among youths, has positioned media influencers as pivotal figures in shaping public discourse and behavior. In Nigeria, where mental health issues are often stigmatized and under-addressed, the potential of media influencers in promoting mental health awareness and management among students is significant yet underexplored. This statement of problem seeks to highlight the gap in research regarding the efficacy and strategies of media influencers in sensitizing Nigerian students about mental health management.

Nigerian students face a myriad of mental health challenges exacerbated by academic pressures, economic uncertainties, and social issues. The prevalence of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders has been rising, with studies indicating that a significant portion of the student population is affected. Despite the increasing need, mental health services remain limited, and the stigma attached to mental health issues prevents many from seeking help.

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the global burden of mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being for overall health (WHO, 2018) [12]. Brown (2017) discusses the influential role of media influencers, suggesting that their impact extends beyond entertainment to shape societal attitudes.

With substantial followings on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, media influencers have emerged as critical actors in shaping youths’ perceptions and behaviors. They can uniquely engage with young audiences in a relatable and impactful way, potentially playing a crucial role in demystifying mental health issues and promoting healthy management practices.

While the influence of media on mental health awareness is recognized, there is a notable gap in research explicitly focusing on the role of media influencers in the Nigerian context. Studies have yet to fully explore how influencers can effectively communicate on mental health issues, what strategies are most impactful in the Nigerian cultural setting, and how these efforts translate into tangible outcomes for students’ mental health management.

The role of media influencers in sensitizing Nigerian students to the urgent mental health crisis presents a critical area for exploration. With the escalating mental health crisis among students in Nigeria, the potential of media influencers to reach and impact this demographic becomes even more crucial. Investigating how influencers can be leveraged to address mental health stigma, promote awareness, and encourage management practices is imperative. Understanding the strategies that resonate with Nigerian students, the content that effectively demystifies mental health issues, and the impact of these influencers on students’ attitudes and behaviors toward mental health management is essential for developing targeted interventions and policies.

Additionally, the existing research by Jones and Smith (2019) emphasizes the collaborative efforts needed between influencers and mental health professionals to ensure accurate and responsible information dissemination. However, the extent to which such collaborations can effectively promote mental health management among Nigerian students remains unexplored [5].

This study, therefore, underscores the critical need for research and interventions that leverage the influence of media influencers to break the silence surrounding mental health in Nigeria.

Significance of the Study

This study will be significant in the following ways, in addition to being a prerequisite for the award of a Higher National Diploma in Nigeria Polytechnics. First, this study provides valuable insights into the role of media influencers in mental health awareness among Nigerian students, informing the development of targeted interventions to address mental health challenges in this population. By examining the perceptions and attitudes of Nigerian students towards mental health, the study also contributes to efforts to reduce stigma and increase awareness, fostering a more open and supportive societal mindset. Furthermore, The findings on the collaborative efforts between media influencers and mental health professionals offer guidance for effective partnerships, ensuring accurate information dissemination and impactful strategies in promoting mental well-being. Understanding how media influencers shape supportive environments for mental health discussions provides actionable insights for influencers, educators, and policymakers to create online spaces that encourage dialogue, resource sharing, and community building. In addition, the study adds to the academic discourse on the intersection of media, mental health, and youth populations, offering a nuanced understanding of the role media influencers play in shaping perceptions and attitudes toward mental well-being among Nigerian students

MATERIALS/METHODS

A. A Brief Global Review of Mental Illness

Mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, substance abuse/dependence, mood disorders, and depression, among others, are common and under-treated in many developed and developing countries, with the highest rate found in the United States of America (USA), according to a study of 14 countries (Associated Press, 2004) [1]. Souter has reported that thousands of interviewers/researchers in 28 countries are compiling information on the prevalence, severity, and treatment of mental health disorders around the world. Researchers are calling it the most complex psychiatric epidemiological study ever attempted. The study’s first section incorporates data from 60,463 face-to-face household surveys with adults in 14 countries from 2001 to 2003. The results, released in the Journal of the American Medical Association, were analyzed using a survey method to identify trends in the occurrence of mental illness around the world. The results list the USA as having the highest rates of mental illness (at 26.4% compared with 4.7% in Nigeria or 8.2% in Italy).

However, it must be noted that these figures might be relatively high in the USA and Ukraine because of cultural opposition to disclosing symptoms of mental illness or recognizing their significance in other countries such as Nigeria. This is probably why some researchers suggest that the actual number of mentally ill persons is likely much higher since residents/citizens of countries such as Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Cameroon, Congo Democratic Republic, to mention a few, may be hesitant to confide in strangers due to culture bars. In many of these countries, there is a hidden or unhidden stigma. People are reluctant to admit that they have mental problems (Ronald et al. Ustun, quoted in AP, 2004) [1].

Despite these traditions that tend to prevent people from speaking up, the World Health Organization (WHO) has made considerable efforts to convince governments around the world that mental health problems should be taken seriously in a systematic way, in ways that many governments do not and particularly in developing countries where much money is spent on roads, high jinks or guns than on health. The argument is that a country’s human capital potential requires developing and maintaining a crop of educated and healthy citizens. If such a country refuses to do the above, it may never get developed. This perhaps explains why the WHO, despite the substantial financial outlay, has engaged in research efforts, including mental illness, for several years to make citizens of different countries worldwide healthy. When the WHO’s Global Burden of Disease Initiative report first came out in the late 1990s, it said that the most burdensome illness in the world among people in the productive years of life was not cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. It was depression, a form of mental disorder.

Similarly, the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) continues to push its vision of a world in which mental health is a priority for all people. Even though mental health services are increasingly being recognized as critical, they still get short shrift. They do not get the resources and support they deserve. WFMH continues to sponsor international conferences on mental health innovations and health promotion and prevention, to conduct projects of specific topical or regional interest, such as those on HIV/AIDS and depression, and diabetes and depression, and to coordinate and support World Mental Health Day. More recently, WFMH has redoubled efforts to achieve its vision through an initiative led by Dr. John Copeland called the “Great Push for Mental Health.” The WFMH has strategically allied with the Movement for Global Mental Health (MGMH). The Movement is best reflected in a series of articles in The Lancet. Essentially, these articles make the case that mental illnesses constitute a significant proportion of the global burden of disease and that prioritization and attention to mental health intervention will contribute significantly to both economic and social development. The “Great Push…” major themes are unity, visibility, rights, and recovery.

B. The Case of Mental Health in Nigeria

Unfortunately, Nigeria appears to be on the periphery of an ongoing international mental health network/effort. This is probably because apart from the absence of the requisite workforce (there are less than 70 qualified psychiatrists in the whole of Nigeria with a population of about 170 million people), government agencies such as welfare departments, women and children units, ministries of health at different levels of governance appear to bother less about mental health issues among the populace. Many a time, concerned government authorities tend to pass the buck as to whose responsibility it is to handle matters of mentally ill persons who aimlessly hang around marketplaces, schools, and social gatherings in Nigeria.

This weighty finger-pointing is not unconnected with the lukewarm/laissez-faire approach of the Nigerian government and other concerned stakeholders, including the media, towards mental illness issues. First, mental health training institutions/psychiatric hospitals where research into various forms of mental illness can be conducted or treatments administered to referred/identified mentally ill persons are unacceptably very few. Second, issues of psychiatry are considered under secondary or tertiary health care. Third, hordes of mentally challenged persons roam the streets in both rural and urban centers across the country. Fourth, many fraudsters who bear all kinds of names, including native doctors, spiritual healers, and alternative medicine practitioners, are now on the prowl, frisking hapless, mentally challenged persons/families of their hard-earned money in the name of providing them with treatments.

Fifth, apart from the infrequent new reports and occasional discussion segments on psychiatric issues, hardly any matters relating to mentally ill persons are put on the air, whether on radio or television media in Nigeria. Sporadic discussions of mentally ill persons have been held on segments such as “Healthy Living” on “Good Morning from Benin” on Independent Television (ITV), Benin City; “Health Tips” on “AM Express” on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) network; “Bridging the Gap,” a Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) sponsored program that is on the airwaves in Nigeria, among others. Sixth, the government has not thought it wise to give political muscle in support of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), or other volunteering agencies that may be interested in mental health issues in Nigeria. There is a litany of reasons why the government should be held culpable over the parlous state of mental health in Nigeria. However, that is not the focus of this discourse. It is more interested in exploring ways by which mental health issues/mentally ill persons could get attention and how the challenges they throw up increasingly become matters for discussion in the public domain through the instrumentality of the radio and television media.

C. Causes of mental health illness

1) Self-esteem

This is the value we place on ourselves, our positive self-image, and our sense of self-worth. People with high self-esteem generally have a positive outlook and are usually satisfied with themselves.

2)  Feeling Loved

Children who feel loved, trusted, and accepted by their parents and others are far more likely to have good self-esteem. They are also more likely to feel comfortable, safe, and secure and can better communicate and develop positive relationships with others.

3)  Confidence

Youth should be encouraged to discover their unique qualities and be confident to face challenges and take risks. Young people who are raised to have confidence in themselves are more likely to have a positive attitude and to lead happy and productive lives.

4)  Family breakup or loss

Separation or divorce or the loss of a parent or sibling is excruciating. Finding ways to cope and adjust to the changes wrought by these events is critical for everyone, but particularly for youth. How grief is handled can affect young people negatively for years to come. If children are having difficulty coping, professional help is recommended.

D. Types of mental health illness among students

1)  Depression

Depression is the most commonly diagnosed mental illness among students in several countries, including Spain, England, Australia, and the United States (Field et al., 2012) [4]. However, Vaez and Laflamme (2008) found that female students accessed health services more than male students. The authors concluded: “Of those who had sought care, the proportion of females was significantly higher than that of males (64.8% compared with 35.2%)” [9]. the authors also found that male students often denied or failed to verbalize whether they had accessed mental health services during their higher education program. According to Field et al. (2012), as many as 86% of those surveyed in the United States identified increasing rates of depression within academic institutions [4]. They found that depressive symptoms led to poorer academic performances among affected students and increased their vulnerability to experiencing additional mental health problems, including “anxiety, intrusive thoughts, controlling intrusive thoughts, and sleep disturbances.”

2)  Anxiety

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorder is widely prevalent and one of the most common types of mental health problems among college students. They indicated that 75% of 40 million Americans diagnosed with anxiety reported they experienced their first episode of anxiety at age 22. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 15.6% among undergraduates and 13% among graduate students. The authors found that panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder were less prevalent among undergraduates and graduate students: 4.2% and 3.8%, respectively. The rate of Anxiety disorders among females was double that of male students.

Ibrahim, Al-Kharboush, El-Khatib, Al-Habib, and Asali (2013) conducted a study to determine the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression among female medical students at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Their findings indicated that the prevalence of anxiety was 34.9%. The anxiety’s major causes were associated with the condensed academic courses, academic failures, and emotional factors during the six months preceding the study. The primary conclusion of these studies was that anxiety can lead to suicidal ideation, substance abuse, physical illness, and risky sexual behavior, and it hurts the cognitive and learning abilities of students [6].

3)  Stress

Although stress is not classified or identified as a mental disease, it is considered one of the risk factors that leads to or is associated with mental illness. Stress occurs “when an individual perceives that environmental demands tax or exceed his or her adaptive capacity” (Cohen, 2007: p. 1685) [3]. Stress is considered one of the most prevalent risk factors for mental illness among university students because they have to deal with a vast range of different academic, social, and personal challenges. According to the American College Health Association, although 36% of national American university students are overwhelmed, 36% of all students are mentally exhausted. A Saudi study conducted by Sani et al. (2012) to investigate the prevalence of stress among medical students at Jizan University in Saudi Arabia revealed that the “prevalence of stress among medical students was 71.9%, with females being more stressed (77%) than the males (64%). The major factors associated with perceived stress among students were “long hours of study, examinations and very tight time schedules, psychological and family issues, lack of entertainment in the campus; and the education system itself” [7]. In conclusion, continuing stressors negatively influence physical and mental health, which exhausts individuals’ energy and may lead to less functional productivity. According to Waghachavare et al. (2013), integrating stress management skills into university curricula will help reduce the prevalence of this problem and other mental health disorders related to stress [10].

E. The role of media influencers in using their platforms to sensitize Nigerian students on mental health management

In the digital age, media influencers have influenced public opinion and behavior. With their large followership on social media platforms, they can reach a broad audience and influence their thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This influence can be harnessed to sensitize Nigerian students to mental health management.

Media influencers are pivotal in shaping consumer preferences and driving brand engagement. However, their influence extends beyond marketing and can impact the mental health of their followers. Research found that followers often develop parasocial, or one-sided relationships, with influencers, which can lead to emotional and cognitive difficulties. This type of bonding can instigate many mental health problems as followers compare their lives to those of the influencers.

Despite these challenges, media influencers can also play a positive role in promoting mental health. Farivar suggests that influencers can promote authenticity by showcasing the less glamorous aspects of their lives and sharing messages of self-care and body positivity. Collaborations between influencers and mental health professionals can be fostered to create educational content and resources that promote mental well-being.

In Nigeria, several media influencers significantly impact their followers. Some of the most popular influencers include Sisi Yemmie, Taaoma, and Pamilerin. These influencers have a large followership and the potential to reach a broad audience with messages about mental health.

Mental health literacy among Nigerian adolescents is low. This lack of knowledge and understanding can contribute to stigma and prevent students from seeking help when they need it. However, school-based depression literacy programs can lead to significant positive changes in students’ knowledge, attitude, and confidence. Media influencers can be vital in promoting these programs, raising awareness about mental health, and sensitizing students in several ways:

1) Sharing Personal Experiences: Influencers can share their experiences with mental health issues. This can help to normalize the conversation around mental health and make students feel less alone in their struggles.

2)  Promoting Mental Health Literacy: Influencers can use their platforms to educate their followers about mental health. This could involve sharing information about different mental health conditions, explaining how to recognize signs of mental distress, and providing resources for further learning.

F. Successful mental health campaigns by influencers and its impact.

#HereForYou by Selena Gomez Selena Gomez, a global pop star, partnered with Instagram to launch the #HereForYou campaign. This initiative aimed to promote mental health awareness on social media by encouraging users to share their experiences with mental health and seek support. The campaign reached millions of Instagram users and created a safe space for open discussions about mental health. Selena’s personal story about her struggles with anxiety and depression resonated with her vast audience, helping to reduce a and encourage others to seek help.

#YouAreNotAlone by Demi Lovato. Demi Lovato, a singer and actress, has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She launched the #YouAreNotAlone campaign to encourage people struggling with mental health issues to share their stories and seek support. Demi Lovato’s openness about her battles with bipolar disorder and addiction has inspired many people to seek help and speak out about their own challenges. The campaign helped reduce stigma around mental health issues, particularly among young adults.

3) Collaborating with Experts: Influencers can collaborate with mental health professionals to create engaging and informative content. This could involve hosting Q&A sessions, sharing expert advice, or even creating a series of posts or videos on different aspects of mental health.

A. Theoretical framework

The Two-Step Flow Theory, formulated by Lazarsfeld, Berelson, and Gaudet in 1948, posits that information from the media first reaches “opinion leaders,” who then interpret and disseminate this information to less-active media consumers.

B. Assumptions of the Theory

1) Interpersonal Influence: The theory assumes interpersonal interactions influence most people more than the mass media. It suggests that people are more likely to be influenced by people they know and trust, such as friends, family members, or respected figures in their community.

2) Role of Opinion Leaders: The theory posits that information from the media first reaches “opinion leaders,” active media users. These opinion leaders then interpret the information and pass it on to less-active media consumers. This implies that most people receive information from opinion leaders through interpersonal communication rather than directly from mass media.

3)  Limited Influence of Mass Media: The theory suggests that the mass media have a limited influence on most individuals. Instead, it is the opinion leaders who play a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Lazarsfeld, Berelson, and Gaudet found that most voters in the 1940 U.S. presidential election got information about the candidates from other people who read about the campaign in the newspapers, not directly from the media.

4) Importance of Word-of-mouth Transmission: The theory emphasizes the importance of word-of-mouth transmission of information. It suggests that interpersonal discussions about media content are vital in communication.

C. Relevance of theory to the work

Influencers can be seen as “opinion leaders” when sensitizing Nigerian students to mental health management. They consume information about mental health from various sources, interpret it, and then share it with their followers, who are the students. This process aligns with the assumptions of the Two-Step Flow Theory. Influencers can leverage their platforms to educate their followers about mental health, share personal experiences, promote mental health literacy, and encourage help-seeking behavior.

For this study, a descriptive research design has been adopted, utilizing a survey technique to gather primary data. A Google questionnaire was used to collect responses from participants. While I analyzed existing literature to frame mental health issues on social media, the primary data was obtained explicitly through this survey. The sample size for this study consists of 150 subjects drawn from a population of 3,760 students at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. The Krejcie and Morgan formula was used to calculate this sample size, ensuring that the sample accurately represents the larger student body.

S = X^2X N^X P^X (1-P)

d^2x (N-1) + X^2X P^X (1-P)

Where:

– S is the sample size

– X is the Z value (e.g., 1.96 for a 95% confidence level)

– N is the population size

– P is the population proportion (expressed as a decimal, often assumed to be 0.5 (50%) to provide the maximum sample size)

– D is the margin of error

S = 1.96²^x 3760 ^x 0.5 ^x (1-0.5)

0.05² ^X (3760-1) + 1.96² ^x 0.5 ^x (1-0.5)

After performing the calculations, we find that the sample size S is approximately 150

RESULTS

It is clear that influencers have a unique ability to connect with this audience and get them talking about mental health, but some challenges need to be addressed.

One of the most encouraging findings is that students find the mental health content from influencers genuinely relatable and relevant to their own experiences. They are not just passively consuming this information but actively liking, sharing, and commenting. This level of engagement is so important when breaking down stigma and encouraging open conversations.

However, there also seems to be some skepticism about the trustworthiness of the mental health resources being shared online. Students want to be sure they can rely on the information they get from their favorite influencers. Building that credibility and providing vetted, high-quality content should be a top priority.

Another finding is that influencers may not have all the support and resources needed to maximize their impact. If we want them to be effective mental health advocates, we must ensure they have the proper training, funding, and collaborative partnerships. Empowering them to share this crucial information is also crucial.

Ultimately, the findings suggest that influencers have immense potential to drive much-needed change in mental health awareness and de-stigmatization. However, we need to address the challenges head-on to unlock that potential. By improving credibility, providing the proper support, and fostering open discussions, we can help these influential voices make a transformative impact. This is more than just sharing information; it is about creating a future where mental health is discussed openly and without shame. With the right strategies and collaborative approach, I believe media influencers can be instrumental in making that vision a reality for young Nigerians.

CONCLUSION

This research highlights the immense potential of social media influencers to drive positive change around mental health awareness and de-stigmatization in Nigeria. The findings show that young people are already turning to these online personalities for information and inspiration on these issues. However, the findings also reveal some key challenges that must be addressed, such as concerns about the credibility and reliability of the shared mental health resources. These concerns indicate the need for more significant support and collaborative partnerships to empower influencers as effective advocates. If we can get this right, the opportunities are enormous. Imagine a future where young Nigerians see their favorite online stars as trusted sources of guidance on mental health, where seeking support is normalized, not stigmatized. Achieving this transformative change will take a concerted, multi-faceted effort. Nevertheless, the insights from this research suggest it is an ambitious goal well within our reach. By empowering influencers and building a culture of open dialogue, we can revolutionize mindsets and make a lasting impact on this critical issue.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To enhance the effectiveness of influencers’ mental health advocacy, it is crucial to establish collaborations with certified mental health professionals who can review and endorse the content shared. This partnership will ensure that the information presented is both accurate and trustworthy. Developing comprehensive training workshops for influencers is also essential, these workshops should cover key mental health topics, promote ethical communication, and provide guidance on handling sensitive issues effectively.

Moreover, initiating campaigns that encourage young people to discuss mental health openly can have a significant impact, emphasizing the importance of sharing personal experiences. Influencers should be encouraged to utilize diverse formats, such as interactive Q&A sessions, podcasts, and documentaries, to engage a wider audience and maintain their interest in mental health topics.

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