Discussions surrounding mental health are increasingly prevalent, especially through social media, which has become a primary space for digital activism. However, how significant is the actual influence of this activism on public perception? This question is addressed by Nathania Alma Lalisang, a class of 2022 Communication Science student at Universitas Padjadjaran.
Titled “Survey of the Influence of Social Media Activism on Student’s Perceptions Regarding Poor Hygiene of People with Mental Health Illness in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study,” her article was published in the Journal of Community Mental Health and Public Policy (CMHP), April 2024 edition, a journal with Sinta 4 accreditation.
Nathania’s research was motivated by her concern about the negative public perception of individuals with mental disorders, particularly concerning poor hygiene. “Mental health is a very serious and broad issue, so I wanted to research it using a communication approach,” she explained.
Originating from a Survey Methods course assignment in her third semester, the research was conducted over three months (September–November), followed by the writing process in December.
An interesting finding emerged from her research: social media activism did not significantly influence students’ perceptions regarding the hygiene of individuals with mental disorders. Instead, these perceptions were more shaped by direct experiences or interactions with patients or mental health professionals. This indicates that while activism is important, it is not always sufficient to profoundly change someone’s perspective.
“Sometimes, no matter how much activism is done, we can’t force people to have the same perception,” Nathania revealed. For her, this research serves as a reminder that changing perceptions requires more than just digital campaigns.
Beyond her success in publishing a scientific article, Nathania also shared tips for other students: “Be enthusiastic, be very patient, and be realistic. Don’t chase high-Sinta journals too soon; first understand your own capacity.”
Moving forward, Nathania plans to graduate on time and develop her course assignments into articles that can be published again in higher-accredited journals.
For those interested in reading her article, please access the CMHP Journal, April 2024 volume, and search for Nathania Alma Lalisang. [Ed]