How many hours within a day are you looking at your phone? How often are you scrolling through social media? According to Eyesafe, the average screen time per day among adults in March 2020 was 13 hours and 23 minutes. COVID-19 confinement is leading to screen time spike.
Social media plays a big role in our pandemic lives. Additionally, sometimes social media does not portray the best representation, healthy behaviors, or accurate information. After conducting research on APIDA mental health and implementing a student survey, CAP team members – Elianna Bautista, Emily Tran, Anne Gao, Johanna Angeles, and Himani Boompally – found that “Asian Americans are the least likely racial group in the U.S. to seek mental health services.” Their research also identified the following stigma around mental health in the APIDA community:
- Model Minority Myth
- Taboo to discuss about mental health in many Asian cultures
- Lack of mental health education
- Religious or spiritual beliefs
- Lack of culturally appropriate resources
- Accessibility challenges to mental health (i.e. language barrier)
In response, this group created an Instagram page that aims to spread positive mental health and wellbeing education. Check out @yourstrulyusc on Instagram and don’t forget to follow.