Experts warn that the type of content they view can influence behaviour, mental health, and sleep.

Data from The Marketing Heaven shows TikTok is a huge part of teen life in the U.S. and globally. New trends, such as #Pingtok, chroming challenges, and “Pink Tote Lid” confession videos, have increased exposure to risky or emotionally intense content.

“This isn’t passive media consumption,” says Brian Futral, head of Content Marketing at The Marketing Heaven. “It’s immersive, algorithm-driven exposure. When teens are spending nearly two hours a day inside one recommendation engine, the nature of that content matters more than ever.”

#Pingtok and Chroming Challenges

In early 2026, #Pingtok gained attention as teenagers created stylised videos showing drug use.

Futral explains, “When risky behavior is framed in soft lighting and trending audio, it stops looking dangerous. It starts looking aspirational. Algorithms do not distinguish between healthy engagement and harmful engagement. They amplify what keeps people watching.”

Resurfacing chroming challenges involve inhaling toxic fumes, sometimes with fatal consequences. Meanwhile, “Pink Tote Lid” videos feature teens sharing personal challenges.

Some see these as community-building. Others argue they turn private experiences into public performance.

Futral adds, “TikTok has become both a stage and a therapist for some teens. The line between connection and exposure is blurring. When validation is measured in views and comments, vulnerability can turn into performance. When you’re on the app for 50-plus hours a month, trends shape identity. That is especially powerful during adolescence.”

Regulatory and Legal Attention

In 2026, TikTok, Meta, and YouTube are being sued in the U.S. and Europe for features like infinite scroll and autoplay, which encourage addictive behaviour. The European Commission cited these features under the Digital Services Act.

TikTok now sets a default 60-minute daily limit on screen time for users under 18, though it can be bypassed. Futral notes, “The fact that platforms are pre-setting limits tells you the industry recognises a problem. We’ve moved from debating whether there’s an issue to debating how big it is.”

Advice for Parents and Brands

Parents should focus on content teens see, not just screen time spent on TikTok. “You can’t just ask how long your teen is on TikTok. You have to ask what TikTok is feeding them,” says Futral.

Brands and creators are under pressure too. “If brands contribute to harmful or exploitative trends, they will face backlash. Sustainable growth in 2026 means understanding digital well-being as part of strategy, not a PR afterthought,” Futral adds.

A 2025 CDC/NIH study found U.S. teens with higher non-school screen time were more likely to report sleep problems, anxiety, and lower physical activity.

The WHO reported that problematic social media use among adolescents rose from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. Advocacy groups say TikTok has not done enough to address these risks.

The study, conducted across 10 countries with over 3,300 respondents, offers new insight into the emotional realities of daily travel and what needs to change.

Commuting is a daily reality for most

At least 75% of respondents in all countries surveyed reported commuting either daily or 4–6 times a week.

The highest daily commute rates were reported in Lagos, Nigeria (83.4%), Poland (83%), and Czech Republic (82.4%).

Nearly half of all respondents said their daily commute takes at least an hour, with notable peaks in Romania (58%) and Nigeria (52%), where a significant portion also reported commuting for over two hours each day.

In all countries surveyed, nearly half of respondents commute more than 20km daily, with Czechs, Romanians, and Germans covering the longest distances overall.

The survey confirms that commuting affects mental health: 20–30% of respondents said commuting always or often negatively impacts their mental health. An additional ~35% said it sometimes does.

Commuting Trade-Offs: Control vs. Well-Being

Across all 10 countries, private cars are the most popular primary mode of commuting (43%), followed by public transport (38%).

While 35–40% of car commuters say they feel stress while commuting, a majority also report that commuting by car reduces their stress levels.

This duality suggests that commuting-related stress may stem from external factors such as traffic, reckless drivers, or parking, while car ownership and control over travel may bring a sense of security and relief.

On the other end of the spectrum, modes that involve physical activity and autonomy — such as cycling, walking, and shared scooters — consistently ranked highest in satisfaction and lowest in mental health strain.

Respondents who walk or cycle report the least stress and widely agree that these modes improve their well-being.

What needs to change? Rethinking the Commute

Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that reduced traffic congestion would significantly ease stress.

Other helpful changes cited include shorter commute times, active transport options, better work-from-home flexibility, and switching to public transport.

The survey findings underscore the importance of active and micromobility options, reinforcing the need to make them more accessible and appealing through urban planning. They also point to the need for improved public infrastructure to support active commuting, greater availability of remote work options, and a shift toward flexible, hybrid commuting models that combine private vehicles with active and shared mobility solutions.

With commuting deeply embedded in everyday life, reimagining how we move through our cities could have a profound impact on mental well-being, productivity, and quality of life.

The platform, which has over a billion users worldwide, recently had issues with regulators, including lawsuits from Brazil and the U.S. state attorneys general, alleging negative effects on minors’ well-being and data privacy violations.

The planned restrictions specifically target filters that alter physical appearance, rather than those designed for playful effects like animal ears. TikTok’s research, supported by external studies, reveals that appearance-altering filters can contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and affect teenagers’ self-esteem. 

These changes pertaining to the TikTok beauty filters are expected to roll out globally in the coming weeks, including age-restricted access to appearance effects and additional information to help users understand how such filters modify their appearance.

TikTok is also working to improve guidance for creators of filters to minimise potential harm.

TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, currently requires users to be at least 13 years old. But enforcing this age limit through neutral age checks and technology to detect underage accounts has not been enough, regulators still question the effectiveness of these measures. 

Each month, the platform removes millions of accounts that fail to meet its age requirements. In collaboration with child safety organisations and other stakeholders, TikTok is exploring enhanced machine learning tools to better identify and moderate underage users.

The platform also continues to expand its initiatives to ensure user safety, including partnerships with NGOs across Europe to provide in-app resources for mental health support. 

For instance, users reporting distressing content are now connected to local helplines offering psychological counselling and support. This approach builds on successful pilots in countries like France and aims to offer immediate assistance while harmful content is reviewed and removed.

TikTok has also made strides in strengthening its data security framework in Europe through “Project Clover,” a €12 billion initiative aimed at safeguarding user data. Key successes include the operational launch of a data centre in Norway and the migration of European user data to this facility. 

Added to this, independent cybersecurity experts now oversee security gateways to monitor access to sensitive information.

TikTok will now address these issues surrounding user safety, data security, and the well-being of its youngest users. With its continued growth, attracting over 175 million monthly users across Europe, the platform is creating a safer, more transparent digital space for all.

However, a recent report by Flourish Ventures reveals an often-overlooked aspect of this growth story — the mental health and well-being of African founders. 

According to the research, an astonishing 86% of African startup founders report that the pressures of their role have impacted their mental health. 

Even as startup culture continues to thrive on the continent, it’s obvious that addressing founder wellbeing is no longer optional; it’s essential for long-term success and sustainability.

The Startup Pressures and External Stressors

The report surveyed 169 founders across 13 African countries, shedding light on the mental and emotional toll that comes with the entrepreneurial journey. 

Key stressors include the difficulties of fundraising, inflation, and currency fluctuations. External pressures were found to be more, with economic and market conditions contributing heavily to founder stress. 

For instance, inflation is a big concern for founders in Nigeria and Egypt, where over 66% of respondents cited it as a major stressor.

This external environment means founders must constantly adapt, often working long hours to manage their companies amidst uncertainty. 

These macroeconomic issues add to the “occupational health hazard” that startup founders face. Even among those who consider their startups to be thriving, 76% reported that the pressures have taken a toll on their mental well-being.

Founder Loneliness: A Silent Burden

In addition to the external pressures, many founders experience profound loneliness in their journey. Over 78% of founders reported feeling isolated, highlighting that even in a high-communication role, the founder’s path can feel solitary. 

This isolation is often compounded by the need to project strength and resilience to maintain morale among team members and to meet investor expectations.

African founders generally lack structured support systems to share their burdens. While friends and family provide emotional support, they often lack the business insight needed to help founders scale through complex industry challenges. 

This lack of peer support leads to an increased sense of isolation, a scenario that is particularly acute for female founders, who are more likely to experience stress related to work-life balance, fear of failure, and isolation.

Limited Investor Support: More Pressure, Less Relief

Investors play a huge role in shaping the success of startups, but for many African founders, investor relations add to the pressure rather than alleviating it. 

Only 17% of founders feel comfortable discussing their challenges openly with investors, and just 11% believe that investors genuinely care about their well-being. 

Many founders feel that investor expectations are misaligned with the realities of running an African startup, where economic conditions are frequently challenging.

Coping Strategies and the Road to Resilience

Even with these challenges, African founders display commendable resilience. The survey shows that adopting multiple coping strategies, such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and leaning on support systems, can significantly improve mental health outcomes. 

However, more support from the venture capital industry is necessary. While 25% of founders reported consulting a coach or therapist, many struggle to access the mental health resources they need due to limited time and funds.

The report emphasizes that African founders can benefit greatly from investor-led initiatives that promote mental health, such as access to coaching, leadership training, and resources for personal resilience. 

Founders are calling for investors who prioritize the founder’s well-being as a critical component of startup success. As one founder pointed out, “Great investors believe in the person behind the business model, not just the model itself.”

Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for Africa’s Future

African founders are passionate and driven, with 81% stating that they enjoy the journey, and 64% saying they would start another venture if their current one failed. 

However, for Africa’s startup ecosystem to thrive, stakeholders—including investors, accelerators, and mentors—must create a more supportive environment that prioritizes founder wellbeing.

The report is a wake-up call to Africa’s venture capital and startup communities: building resilient companies requires resilient founders. Actively promoting mental health and creating spaces for open dialogue will ensure the ecosystem can cultivate not just successful ventures but also sustainable, thriving entrepreneurial journeys.

It has become imperative for investors and founders alike to consider mental health as an integral part of the success formula.

Entrepreneurs with the support to manage stress effectively are more likely to innovate, grow, and lead the continent into a prosperous future. 

The African founder journey is filled with both passion and perseverance—let’s ensure that well-being becomes a core part of the narrative.

However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and promote greater understanding.

One of the most promising developments in this field is the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent mental health issues.

“In the fast-paced and pressurized world of innovation, real-time access to mental health support is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Innovators push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and constantly face the unknown. This can take a toll on their emotional well-being. Real-time mental health support, powered by AI, can provide them with the tools and resources they need to navigate challenges, maintain resilience, and continue to thrive in their endeavors. Investing in accessible and immediate support for our innovators is not just about individual well-being, but about nurturing the very engine of our collective progress,” Tolulope Ijitade, Tech Entrepreneur and Advocate for Digital Transformation.

AI for Mental Health

AI-powered tools and applications are revolutionizing the way we approach mental health. These solutions offer a range of benefits, including:

• Increased accessibility: AI platforms can provide 24/7 access to resources and support, overcoming geographical limitations and reducing wait times for traditional therapy.
• Personalized care: AI algorithms can analyze individual data and tailor interventions to meet specific needs and preferences.
• Early detection: AI-powered tools can help identify early signs of mental health challenges, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of more severe issues.
• Empowerment: AI applications can empower individuals to take control of their mental well-being through self-management tools and personalized feedback.
• Stigma reduction: By normalizing conversations and promoting understanding, AI can play a crucial role in destigmatizing mental health issues.
• Cost-effectiveness: AI-powered solutions can also offer a more cost-effective alternative to traditional therapy, making mental healthcare more accessible for a wider population.

The integration of AI into mental health care presents a promising future for individuals seeking support. By leveraging the power of technology, we can break down barriers, foster greater understanding, and empower individuals to thrive.

As Nonye Ekpe, CEO of Balm.ai, aptly states: “AI has the potential to democratize access to mental health care and empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. We are witnessing a revolution in the field of mental health, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation.”

Switzerland: A Powerhouse for AI in Health and Mental Health

Nestled amidst the Alps, Switzerland has emerged as a global leader in the field of AI innovation, particularly in the realm of health and mental health.

Renowned for its robust research ecosystem, strong academic institutions, and a supportive government, Switzerland fosters a unique environment where cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and deep learning are being harnessed to revolutionize healthcare delivery and mental health support.

From pioneering AI-powered tools that diagnose and personalize treatment plans for mental health conditions to developing AI-driven chatbots that offer accessible and stigma-free support, Switzerland is at the forefront of shaping a future where technology empowers mental well-being and empowers individuals to thrive.

Switzerland consistently stands out as a global powerhouse of innovation, education, and quality of life.

Internationally recognized for its unparalleled achievements, it holds leading positions in a variety of domains: being the most innovative country worldwide, boasting top-notch universities with unmatched international acclaim, and delivering an exceptional quality of life that resonates with both its citizens and expatriates.

These accomplishments, evidenced by numerous international rankings, emphasize Switzerland’s pivotal role in setting global benchmarks, driving businesses, industries, and societies toward excellence and sustainable growth.

Zurich, Switzerland stands out as a hub of AI innovation, marrying the country’s legacy of precision with technological advancement.

ETH Zurich, the Switzerland’s prominent institution, serves as a foundational pillar for AI research. Switzerland’s consistent emphasis on precision aligns perfectly with AI’s demand for accuracy. In addition, Zurich offers AI professionals a blend of technological growth, a stable economy, and an exceptional quality of life, ensuring both professional success and personal contentment.

Western Switzerland is a nexus for AI research and innovation, hosting world-renowned institutes like the EPFL in Lausanne, the Idiap Research Institute in Martigny and CAIM (Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine), which has been founded back in 2021 by the University of Bern and Bern University Hospital to shape the digital healthcare future.. It’s the birthplace of influential AI platforms like Torch.

Actors like the UN, ITU in Geneva and WEF in Davos are already managing important global AI activities from Switzerland. Building onto this reputation, Switzerland becomes the world leader for AI governance and ethically  implemented cognitive technologies.

The UN transferred their AI Center to Geneva back in 2017.  Also, the first AI for Good Global summit took place from 7 to 9 June 2017 in Geneva. Basel is the Health and Pharma center in Switzerland with Novartis and Roche.

A Case Study in AI-powered Healthcare Solutions from Switzerland

VAY.ai is a Swiss digital health startup based in Zürich, Switzerland that effortlessly digitizes human movements with a computer vision software.

Providing the highest personalization to users through precise motion analysis and real-time feedback for physical therapy, rehabilitation, and digital health apps, for accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and engaging therapy experiences, to achieve better health outcomes,.

This reduces stigma, increases accessibility, and empowers patients with tools for emotional regulation and coping skills, ultimately leading to a brighter future for mental well-being.

Biped.ai is an AI-powered navigation device maker for blind and visually impaired people. A Swiss Health Tech Solution.

Innovative Digital Healthcare Solutions in Nigeria

HealthConnect24×7 is a Nigerian digital healthcare startup based in Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria that combines next generation telemedicine, telemonitoring and home health to provide their customers with immediate access to highly trained and experienced doctors and wellness experts for acute and chronic condition management and advice via voice/video calls, live chat as well as on-site care.

Youper.ai, Effective mental health digital therapeutics powered by artificial intelligence.

Youper combines psychology and artificial intelligence to understand users’ emotional needs and engage in natural conversations.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association identified Youper as the most engaging digital health solution for anxiety and depression.

Although, in the United States, innovative technology-based interventions have been developed to reduce stigma toward people with mental illness.

These interventions have demonstrated usefulness in stigma reduction and have summarized the latest advances, aligning with the growing interest and need for the application of new technologies in the field of mental health.

This evolving landscape reflects increasing mental health literacy and a reduction in stigmatizing attributions, marking a promising trend towards greater understanding and acceptance of mental health challenges.

AI Advancing Mental Health Solutions

With continued development and responsible implementation, AI has the potential to significantly improve the lives of millions of individuals around the globe.

The journey towards greater understanding and accessible mental health support for all is well underway, fueled by the power of AI and the dedication of individuals like Nonye Ekpe and her team at Balm.ai.

One way that AI is being used to improve mental health outcomes is by providing personalized treatment plans. AI algorithms can analyze data about a person’s mental health to identify the most effective treatment plan for them.

AI is also being used to improve the early detection of mental illness. AI algorithms can analyze data from wearable devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches, to identify early signs of mental illness.

The history of mental health care is laden with instances of cruelty and inhumanity inflicted upon those struggling with mental illness. From ancient societies that saw mental disturbances as divine punishment or demonic possession, through the dark ages of asylums and institutionalization, to the dawn of modern psychiatry, the journey of mental health care is a testament to societal evolution and our expanding understanding of the human mind.

Commencing with the digital revolution, the technologization of mental health care took on an unprecedented journey, from the internet’s widespread deployment to the expansive world of mobile applications and digital platforms.

The proliferation of smartphones brought mental health care to the palms of people’s hands, and the Internet’s accessibility facilitated the provision of therapy anywhere, anytime. More individuals began seeking help, and providers have reaped the rewards of technology’s reach.

And now, at the forefront of this journey lies artificial intelligence, a burgeoning field that, as if standing on the shoulders of history’s giants, promises to catapult mental health care into even greater heights.

AI has proven its potential across a variety of sectors such as healthcare, gaming, and finance, showcasing its ability to work creatively and symbiotically with human intelligence.

The tale of AI’s growing involvement in mental health care unfolds through several pioneering projects and use cases. From emotionally intelligent chatbots offering 24/7 mental health support to virtual reality exposure therapy, the range of AI-driven treatments and interventions is flourishing like never before.

AI’s promise lies in its ability to harness vast amounts of data through machine learning algorithms and extract insights that are unattainable by human capabilities alone.

For instance, AI’s proficiency in natural language processing allows it to analyze immense volumes of text-based data, helping psychologists in detecting and understanding patients’ emotional states with unparalleled precision.

This invaluable information aids providers in developing personalized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of patients. Furthermore, AI’s potential in mental health accessibility is palpable, with the power to grant aid to those who have been out of reach for so long.

Significant developments in AI-driven mental health care solutions have been observed in various settings, from the workplace to personal self-care practices.

The integration of AI-powered emotional intelligence tools into organizational structures offers employees improved well-being and productivity, while AI-enhanced meditation applications lend newfound efficacy to the ancient art of mindfulness.

These noteworthy advancements in AI technology, while invaluable, must be tempered by prudent considerations of ethics, cross-cultural sensitivities, and potential limitations. The marriage of mental health care and AI can prosper only through a conscientious alliance that prioritizes empathy and personalized treatment.

As we stand at the precipice of a new era in mental health care, the future appears promising. Embracing AI-powered tools and technologies brings forth an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize how we approach mental health, reach underserved communities, and build a more inclusive, healthier society.

It is upon the wings of AI that the field of mental health care can soar even higher, transcending boundaries, limitations, and leaving behind the shadowed past.

The advent of the internet as a platform for mental health care treatment marked a significant turning point. Online support groups, information dissemination, and teletherapy were now possible, democratizing mental health care and extending its reach to remote communities.

Those with limited access to care providers, or those preferring anonymity, benefited significantly from these novel technological advancements. It is essential to appreciate the inventive and meticulous minds who championed early technological advancements in mental health care.

Their efforts, emerging from a deep reservoir of human curiosity and fortitude, now serve as the bedrock upon which AI is poised to build a transformative, compassionate framework for the treatment and understanding of mental illness.

Our journey into understanding and harnessing the exceptional power of AI in mental health care is in its nascent stages – a testament to human ingenuity and determination. As we collectively embark upon this intrepid voyage, we heed the words of Vincent van Gogh: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

Each incremental advancement in AI technologies paves the way for future innovations, synergistically building upon the foundation established by preceding achievements.

In navigating the uncharted territory, we remain vigilant, steadfast, and humble – animated by the profound belief in a more compassionate, inclusive mental health care landscape. With AI at the helm of this brave new world, the possibilities that lie within our grasp are nothing short of extraordinary.

As we turn our gaze to the horizon, we cannot help but marvel at the possibilities that shimmer enticingly on the brink of realization, the fruition of pioneering visionaries’ daring pursuits.

In the face of daunting challenges, these early adopters dared to push the boundaries, transgress the status quo, and usher in what promises to be a brave new world—an intellectual awakening, coalescing at the nexus of artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and mental health.

In this theater of human connection, AI is poised to play a transformative role. Combining the seemingly incommensurable domains of human emotion and machine learning, AI-driven systems have the capacity to enhance our ability to connect with one another by refining our communication skills, elevating our emotional intelligence, and catalyzing shared empathy.

One can envision a world wherein AI-powered tools enhance our communications, sewing together the fragmented threads of our digital conversations and fostering greater emotional resonance between disparate or distanced individuals.

For example, imagine a couple struggling to maintain a long-distance relationship, grappling with disconnection and the challenges of communication in this era of separation.

Enter an AI-driven communication platform that not only facilitates their conversations, but also actively enriches their exchanges by detecting subtle emotional cues and offering suggestions for optimizing their emotional understanding and empathy.

By untangling the perplexing web of non-verbal cues that underpin our words, such a system might empower the couple to connect more deeply, rekindling their emotional bond despite the distance that separates them.

In this light, the potential of AI in enhancing social connection and communication for mental health becomes clear. By endowing these artificially intelligent systems with the ability to identify and interpret the complex emotional cues that infuse our language, touch our faces, and permeate the very spaces we inhabit, we arm ourselves with vital tools in the fight against loneliness and despair.

But the power of AI to shape our social connections extends beyond the realm of one-to-one communication. Consider, for instance, a community grappling with a collective sense of isolation, triggered perhaps by the strains of a global crisis.

Here, AI-driven systems that assess and map emotional states at a community level could offer deep insights into the shifting currents of this collective struggle.

By detecting emerging patterns of distress and identifying resources for support, such systems might serve as guiding beacons, illuminating the pathways towards connection and resilience for those mired in the darkness.

AI is a powerful tool that has the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent mental illness. As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of AI in the field of mental health.

Regulation and Policy 

As AI continues to develop, it is important to ensure that it is used in a responsible and ethical way. We need to make sure that AI is not used to perpetuate mental health stigma or to discriminate against people with mental illness. We also need to make sure that AI is used in a way that respects the privacy and autonomy of individuals.

With careful planning and implementation, AI has the potential to make a significant positive impact on the lives of people with mental illness. We can use AI to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, to improve access to mental health care, and to develop new and effective treatments for mental illness.

We believe that AI has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of people with mental illness. We are committed to working with others to ensure that AI is used in a way that promotes greater understanding and better mental health outcomes for all.

In this vision, the vast, untamed frontier of the human mind finds a worthy companion in the potent, agile hands of AI-driven applications, charting a course that is rife with unexplored possibilities and startling new discoveries. In the words of American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer John Dewey, “We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience”.

As AI-guided mental health journeys continue to unfold, it is precisely this profound, reflective aspect of human consciousness that our cybernetic allies will help us nurture and enhance, leading us ever closer to the goal of global happiness and emotional resilience.

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Authors bios: Tolulope Ijitade and Nonye Ekpe.

[Featured Image Credit]

Mental health is about how you feel, while financial health is about your money. If you’re living in debt or struggling to pay bills on time, it could be contributing to an unhealthy state of mind that negatively impacts both physical and emotional well-being.

When people talk about “mental illness” or “emotional issues,” this means something is going on in the brain which affects our ability to function properly as humans (i.e., being able to think rationally). When we talk about “financial problems” being bad for our mental health—or worse yet, causing mental illness—it means that something has gone wrong in terms of finances; specifically, there’s been an issue managing one’s money effectively enough so as not only meet short term needs but also long term goals as well!

Sometimes you’re so busy chasing the next dollar that you forget to take care of yourself. You might not realize how important it is to make sure you have enough money in your pocket so that when times get tough or someone needs help—you don’t have to worry about whether they will be able to pay their bills later down the road.

You can spend too much time calculating your money.

If you’re like me, then you’ll be reading this article and thinking “Wait, what? I’ve never heard of that.”  The point is: there are so many things to consider when it comes to financial health and mental health—money isn’t one of them. In fact, focusing too much on the numbers can actually make us miserable and deprive us of having fun. When we overthink our finances (and other aspects of life), we miss out on living in the moment because we’re always worried about how much money we have leftover or how much debt we should be paying off next month instead of focusing on our current situation at hand…

The best way for me personally has been learning “how”, not only how but also why my finances work best for me; making sure my goals align with those values has helped tremendously!

Technology can be an excellent ally in your financial health journey.

Technology allows you to stay on top of your finances in a way that’s much easier than manually checking the balance of your bank account or credit card statement, which is often an all-or-nothing process that leaves no room for error. 

For example, with technology, you can see if there’s been any change in balances or fees over time (e.g., new charges) without having to call customer service and ask about them directly—and then wait for hours as someone else deals with this issue for you! With technology, everything is automated: once there’s been an input error or discrepancy identified by the system itself (a “positive” outcome), this will automatically be corrected immediately without any human intervention required; meanwhile, everything else continues running smoothly behind the scenes until its completion time comes around again next month when another batch gets processed through again.

Balance is key to both financial health and mental health.

Balance is key to both financial health and mental health. It’s easy to forget that we are all individuals, and have different priorities, goals, and life experiences. When you’re feeling financially stressed, it can be tempting to reach for your credit card as a means of self-medication (or even if you’re not feeling stressed). But this isn’t going to help your long-term goals—or even make sure that you have enough money in the bank so that unexpected expenses don’t cause panic attacks!

If there is one thing I’ve learned over the years as a personal finance blogger: finding balance requires making sacrifices along with achieving our goals. And while both financial health and mental health are important parts of our overall well-being as human beings on this planet we call home (yes!), they don’t have anything in common when it comes down.

The summit, titled “Mental Health in a Distressed Economy,” brought together health specialists to discuss the topic.

Dr Osahon Enabulele, President of the World Medical Association, stressed the importance of government intervention to help the country reach a stable mental health condition. He also advocated for increased awareness and protection for persons with mental health concerns.

“Mental health discussion could not have been chosen at a better time than now. When all the countries of the world, including Nigeria, are still trying to recover from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic”, he stated.

Also in attendance, Professor Olatunji Francis Aina, Professor of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, UNILAG, stated, “Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being and not mere absence of disease and infirmity. Mental Health is so important that there is no health without mental Health.”

Professor Aina highlighted that “people’s mental health is vulnerable during economic distress or recession. In other words, economic recession and its associated problems such as unemployment, income decline, and huge debts are significantly associated with mental health issues, increased rate of common mental disorders, psycho-active substance use disorders and suicidal attempts.”

Giving his goodwill message at the Summit, 9mobile’s Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Abdulrahman Ado, represented by Chineze Amanfo, 9mobile’s Public Relations Lead,  emphasized the importance of having more dialogues around mental Health. “Mental Health issues should be continually discussed,” she stated, “even with the incessant and overwhelming stories of suicide we hear every day.”

“As a customer-centric brand concerned with Nigerians’ well-being, we are doing everything we can to raise awareness through advocacy and ensure that the dialogue about mental health is perpetuated, hence the necessity for the 9mobile Health Talk Series.” “The virtual series aims to lay down mental health issues in very simple words so that everyday people can connect,” she explained.

9mobile organizes the Health Talk series as part of its CSR pillars – Health, to raise public health awareness and generate conversation about mental health concerns and how to solve them in the best interests and well-being of society.

While bringing many benefits to people globally, social media has a downside from causing anxiety, fear of missing out, cyberbullying or stress, to other complications. 

Kaspersky experts share their tips on how technology can help users reduce online stress as well as protect themselves.

1. Limit oversharing

In the new era of social media, the safest option is to pay close attention to what you share online. Over-sharing can make you more vulnerable to criticism from others, which can exacerbate anxiety. Another reason is to protect personal data from strangers.

For example, users can accidentally leave details of flight tickets or other data such as a personal address in a great vacation photo.

Today, anyone can go to someone’s account and see what they share with others, so it’s safer not to give scammers any chance to use your personal information. 

2. Learn how to deal with tough comments

Unfortunately, it’s almost inevitable you’ll face a bully or hater if you post a lot of content online. The situation can become especially tough if kids have to face it.

Expert insights urge people not to take any bad or hurtful comments to heart, become upset, or more importantly give up on their dream.

It’s important to be aware that trolls or aggressors are looking for a reaction as their main goal is to hurt or provoke emotions.

The more attention aggressors receive, the more they will continue to write negative posts.

To face bullies without harming your own mental health, it’s a good practice to teach children how to work with negative comments – for example, to ignore troll posts, delete negative comments, or report insults to moderators. It might also be a good idea to turn off comments.

Additional help could be to take small breaks and digital detox to escape from social networks, so you can relax and focus on yourself. Kaspersky has launched a digital CyberSpa space, to help people distract from worries and take a few calming breaths when you need to refocus. 

3. Make social accounts private

To reduce the risk of running into a hater or sharing sensitive information, a good defense is to increase the level of account privacy. Various social networks have different privacy settings:

Facebook

• Facebook has a special Help Center, that will help adjust the privacy settings for accounts
• Facebook offers a selection of tools to fight cyberbullying. For instance, the company has developed a separate Anti-Bullying Center for Teens.
• Users can also track who tags them on their content. This can be done in the Chronicle & Tags settings.
• A great option is to check already published materials with users’ tags, and, if necessary, you can remove yourself from materials you do not want to be associated with, using the “Activity Log”.

Instagram

• Users can use a restrictive tool to protect their account without notifying the unwanted visitors
• Change of the privacy setting allows you to choose who can watch and comment on users’ content.
• You can moderate comments under your posts.
• Instagram tracks the content posted by users. If the platform sees possible violations, it will notify the user that they are about to publish information that crosses the boundaries.

Twitter

• Twitter has its own Online Bullying help center for help and advice.
• Expansion of notification filters, allows users to filter the accounts from which they receive notifications. For example, they may not receive notifications from users without a profile picture.
• One effective step is also the option to block users. This prevents blocked accounts from posting, seeing your tweets, and reading your feed.
• Special Twitter Help Center will provide users with all necessary tools to protect personal data and tweets.

TikTok

• TikTok has produced a guide that helps to identify bullying behaviour and take measures against them.
• Configuring video privacy settings on a personal account, lets users choose who can view each video and restricts the upload of personal videos.
• The unwanted comments filter allows to create a list of unwanted keywords that will be blocked in the comments on videos or during live broadcasts to protect users from bullying.
• User filter allows you to choose who can add the Duet to a user video.
• Family settings keep users safe and support them in their creative endeavors without breaking personal boundaries.