POLEMIC

Political polarization and declining mental well-being are interconnected issues that amplify each other, threatening social trust and personal resilience. This research investigates how polarized environments contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression while exploring how mental health challenges make individuals more vulnerable to extreme ideologies. By analyzing data from social media platforms and personal digital tools like smartphones, the study seeks to uncover the dynamic feedback loop between these phenomena. Using methods like network analysis, behavioral sensing, and natural language processing, the research combines large-scale societal trends with individual experiences to provide a comprehensive view of these challenges. The findings aim to guide evidence-based strategies for promoting mental well-being and reducing polarization, benefiting public health initiatives, policy-making, and technology design.

2025

2029