The Impact of YouTube on Loneliness and Mental Health

Abstract

There are positives and negatives of using YouTube in terms of loneliness and mental health. YouTube’s streaming content is an amazing resource, however, there may be bias or errors in its recommendation algorithms. Parasocial relationships can also complicate the impact of YouTube use. Intervention may be necessary when problematic and risky content is associated with unhealthy behaviors and negative impacts on mental health. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable. Although YouTube might assist in connecting with peers, there are privacy, safety, and quality issues to consider. This paper is an integrative review of the positive and negative impacts of YouTube with the aim to inform the design and development of a technology-based intervention to improve mental health. The impact of YouTube use on loneliness and mental health was explored by synthesizing a purposive selection (n = 32) of the empirical and theoretical literature. Next, we explored human–computer interaction issues and proposed a concept whereby an independent-of-YouTube algorithmic recommendation system steers users toward verified positive mental health content or promotions.

AI Chatbots in Digital Mental Health

“…However, dropout rates require attention, as does clarity around what disorders they are useful for [40]. Some reviews found a high potential for AI chatbots in identifying patients at risk of suicide [41][42][43], and triage and treatment development through NLP integrated to social media in real-time [44][45][46].…”

“…AI chatbots may be a part of innovative solutions to answer calls for the detection and moderation of fake news [90] and the transparent regulation of social media platforms [91][92][93]. As an example, a review of the impact of YouTube on loneliness and mental health found its recommendation algorithms may inadvertently reinforce existing beliefs and biases, spread misinformation and disinformation as well as enable unhelpful or harmful content [46]. However, the review also found that YouTube can have positive effects on loneliness, anxiety and depression if users actively engage with the platform and use it as a tool for education, social connection and emotional support.…”

“…From 2016 onwards, it was designed to increase safety, with efforts made to remove dangerous content and demonetise those who did not follow regulations. However, the development of AI chatbots means that continuous adaptation is critical through legislation and setting ethical values [94] in addition to improving current AI systems [46]. YouTube has initiated mental health policies, algorithm changes, content moderation, content creator and user psychoeducation, mental health and crisis resource panels, selfharm and suicide content warnings and parental controls and settings [96].…”

“…This can lead to polarisation and misinformation, which can have negative consequences for mental health. Improved algorithms are called for to detect bias and errors as well as moderate how videos appear in a watch list in order to steer users to safe, well-informed and inclusive content as well as refer them to mental health and crisis resource panels with suitable information and resources, in conjunction with assistance from AI chatbots [46].…”

Unpacking the Role of YouTube Influencers in Shaping Healthy Attitudes and Behaviors in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The impact of YouTube influencers on health attitudes and behaviors has been observed worldwide. Studies have shown that YouTube plays a significant role in influencing individuals' perceptions and decisions regarding healthrelated topics such as fitness, nutrition, mental health, and preventive care [10][11][12]. The captivating nature of video content, combined with the trust and relatability established by influencers, has made YouTube a potent medium for health communication.…”