Mental health messaging on platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp is becoming common in the digital age. Globally, digital media technologies have become integral to how young people get and use health and well-being information.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the transition of health services to virtual platforms. In the United States, it is estimated that up to 95% of young people aged 13-17 use digital platforms to obtain health-related information.
The use of social media to access health information is also common among young South Africans. It is estimated that about 60% of young people in South Africa prefer to use social media to contact health workers and ask for information. So, social media has a big role in promoting youth health and well-being.
