If you’ve watched the hit Netflix show Adolescence you’ll know the very real consequences of getting drawn into extreme misogynistic content online.
These influencers and chatroom communities prey on people’s vulnerabilities, offering answers and solutions to complex issues that are so common amongst young people today.
Loneliness. Low self-esteem. Anger issues. Depression. These sorts of feelings are completely normal and there is a wide range of support available to help you manage these without turning to potentially harmful content on social media.
Loneliness and building your confidence
Meeting people, making friends, forming relationships – all this can feel tricky, especially when you’re at university. The social skills needed to build a community around you aren’t always something that comes naturally to everyone. In fact, it can feel impossible at times.
Getting out and about is key to making those connections, even if this means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. If you experience social anxiety, or don’t feel confident in social situations there are some small steps you can take to overcome this and feel more confident.
We’ve pulled together some top tips on how you can embrace the small talk when meeting new people. If you’re feeling lonely at the moment then don’t struggle without help. We have lots of information and support to help you.
Too much time on social media
If you’re starting to feel depressed, angry or frustrated about your life then it’s natural to seek out support online.
So much of our life is now spent online, and social media and chatrooms can feel like an easy way to find like-minded people if you’re struggling with your in-person friendships and relationships.
The risk is that some of these online communities can lead you to more extreme content, and before you know it your algorithm is feeding you videos that play on your anxieties and insecurities.
If it’s starting to become a problem for you then take a step away. Speak to people in real life, reset your recommendations and actively protect yourself from content which is designed to make you feel worse in the long run.
Mental health support
We know that some men find it hard to reach out for mental health support, and that stereotypes and expectations can be really harmful.
There are a number of support options available both through UWE and across the community, which cater specifically to men and their mental health. We’ve pulled together the best of these resources including local groups which offer a space for men to talk openly and support each other.
You can also access the UWE Wellbeing Service for more structured mental health support if you’re suffering with anxiety, depression, feelings of low self-esteem and many other issues.
There’s support for students with specific learning differences, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism, through the Access and Learning Strategies team.
We also understand the additional pressures or challenges you might experience at university, if you have little or no family support, or if you are caring for ill or disabled family members. If this is you, UWE Cares can support you in a number of ways, from providing information and guidance, to specialist careers support and finance through our bursary and accommodation support.
Whatever it is you are struggling with, there are support options available to you, both here at UWE and within our Bristol community.
