Exploring the Effects of Black Twitter (X) on South African Millennials’ Mental Health

This study qualitatively explored the perceptions of black South African millennials about the effects of Black Twitter (X) on their mental health. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with black South African millennials who actively interact on Black Twitter (X). The data was analys...

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Main Authors: Seriane Morapeli, Tshegofatso Ratale
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Johannesburg 2025-01-01
Series:The Thinker
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.uj.ac.za/index.php/The_Thinker/article/view/3948
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author Seriane Morapeli
Tshegofatso Ratale
author_facet Seriane Morapeli
Tshegofatso Ratale
author_sort Seriane Morapeli
collection DOAJ
description This study qualitatively explored the perceptions of black South African millennials about the effects of Black Twitter (X) on their mental health. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with black South African millennials who actively interact on Black Twitter (X). The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Participants had positive and negative perceptions of the influence of Black Twitter (X) on their mental health. Participants identified Black Twitter (X) as a convenient source of information and a form of escapism but the prevalence of trolling and hateful content causes anxiety and depression. The effect of Black Twitter (X) on black South African millennials’ mental health is complex. It can provide a supportive community, inspire activism, and increase awareness of vital issues. However, it does present challenges, such as the possibility of cyberbullying and negative interactions. Recognising these dynamics is essential to maximise advantages and minimise potentially damaging disadvantages.
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spelling doaj-art-ca045c3a0085499098a880d67279e5e22025-01-30T09:01:18ZengUniversity of JohannesburgThe Thinker2075-24582616-907X2025-01-01101410.36615/f3kxv369Exploring the Effects of Black Twitter (X) on South African Millennials’ Mental HealthSeriane Morapeli0Tshegofatso Ratale1University of JohannesburgUniversity of Johannesburg This study qualitatively explored the perceptions of black South African millennials about the effects of Black Twitter (X) on their mental health. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with black South African millennials who actively interact on Black Twitter (X). The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Participants had positive and negative perceptions of the influence of Black Twitter (X) on their mental health. Participants identified Black Twitter (X) as a convenient source of information and a form of escapism but the prevalence of trolling and hateful content causes anxiety and depression. The effect of Black Twitter (X) on black South African millennials’ mental health is complex. It can provide a supportive community, inspire activism, and increase awareness of vital issues. However, it does present challenges, such as the possibility of cyberbullying and negative interactions. Recognising these dynamics is essential to maximise advantages and minimise potentially damaging disadvantages. https://journals.uj.ac.za/index.php/The_Thinker/article/view/3948Black Twitter (X)South AfricaMillennialsMental Health
spellingShingle Seriane Morapeli
Tshegofatso Ratale
Exploring the Effects of Black Twitter (X) on South African Millennials’ Mental Health
The Thinker
Black Twitter (X)
South Africa
Millennials
Mental Health
title Exploring the Effects of Black Twitter (X) on South African Millennials’ Mental Health
title_full Exploring the Effects of Black Twitter (X) on South African Millennials’ Mental Health
title_fullStr Exploring the Effects of Black Twitter (X) on South African Millennials’ Mental Health
title_full_unstemmed Exploring the Effects of Black Twitter (X) on South African Millennials’ Mental Health
title_short Exploring the Effects of Black Twitter (X) on South African Millennials’ Mental Health
title_sort exploring the effects of black twitter x on south african millennials mental health
topic Black Twitter (X)
South Africa
Millennials
Mental Health
url https://journals.uj.ac.za/index.php/The_Thinker/article/view/3948
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AT tshegofatsoratale exploringtheeffectsofblacktwitterxonsouthafricanmillennialsmentalhealth