WITHDRAWN Social Disconnectedness Is a Mental Health Concern for Young Adolescents

OBJECTIVES: Nearly a fifth of the adolescent young population worldwide suffers from some form of mental health disorder and less than optimal well-being. This research aims to address growing concerns for mental health and identifies the need for student users to help increase their social connectedness, reduce mental health risks that are not psychiatrically diagnosable, and decrease the chances of early onset of mental health concerns through the development of a digital application (app).

METHODS: An anonymized online survey questionnaire on social connectedness was developed for students aged 12–18 years. Questions were based on a 5-point Liekart scale, options for free text were provided and shared with students attending schools using a global online Launchpad platform. The findings of the survey were assessed along with feedback from professional counsellors for mental health.

RESULTS: The survey was fully anonymized and 88 responses received on a global platform. Nearly 74% of users were open to the use of an app to promote mental health and social connectedness with various features centred around allowing adolescents to talk to others with similar interests. 80% of users preferred ‘private chats’ in the app with both peers and professionals, rather than group chats. About 73% of users were moderately satisfied with social connectedness. Nearly 13% of users had responses on the extremes of the scale for social disconnectedness - extremely satisfied or very dissatisfied. The biggest challenge for students was social disconnectedness even when surrounded by people. Time management was another major challenge for most users. The app is expected to improve communications in the real-world among young adolescents who may have previously found social interactions an anxiety inducing experience.

CONCLUSIONS: Social disconnectedness is a growing concern among young adolescents. Most young adolescents prefer use of a digital app to address potential mental health concerns.