Mental health of adolescents and youth in India: A critical analysis in the era of AI

Abstract

Mental health challenges among adolescents and youth in India are a growing concern, compounded by
the pervasive influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their daily lives. In a nation with over 600 million
individuals under 25, the intersection of mental health and AI demands urgent attention. This paper critically
examines the key mental health issues faced by Indian youth in the digital era, including anxiety, depression,
cyberbullying, social isolation, and unhealthy comparisons fostered by AI-driven social media algorithms.
AI-driven platforms amplify engagement by exploiting users’ psychological vulnerabilities, often at the
expense of mental health. ( Matthew Hindman 2018). It evaluates the accessibility, effectiveness, and ethical
considerations of AI-based mental health interventions such as virtual therapists and emotion recognition
systems.
Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, yet it remains an underexplored, overlooked
and often stigmatized subject in India, particularly among adolescents and youth. This paper delves into the
prevalence, causes, and implications of mental health issues among Indian youth, supported by recent data
and evidence. It examines societal, cultural, and economic factors contributing to these challenges, evaluates
existing mental health policies, and offers innovative solutions for improved mental health outcomes. With over
253 million adolescents and 600 million individuals under the age of 25, the mental health of this demographic
is crucial for the nation’s socio-economic progress. This paper critically examines the prevalence, causes, and
implications of mental health challenges among Indian adolescents and youth, supported by recent data and
evidence. It also explores the intersection of mental health and criminal activities, providing insights into the
underlying factors and potential interventions.
While AI has the potential to improve mental health care by offering scalable and accessible solutions,
significant barriers remain. Social stigma, lack of awareness, and digital illiteracy limit the potential of AI-driven mental health interventions in India. (Kumar, M., et
al. 2021).These include digital inequality1
, privacy
concerns, cultural insensitivity in AI models, and
societal stigma. The paper highlights the pressing
need for holistic approaches that integrate AI-driven
tools with traditional mental health practices, policy
reforms to bridge infrastructure gaps, and awareness
campaigns to reduce stigma. By addressing these
challenges, India can create a robust ecosystem
that promotes resilience and emotional well-being
among its youth, empowering them to navigate the
complexities of a rapidly digitizing world.
The prevalence of mental health disorders
among Indian adolescents is alarming, with 7.3%
of individuals aged 13-17 years suffering from
conditions like depression and anxiety, as reported
by the National Mental Health Survey. Suicide has
become the leading cause of death among individuals
aged 15-29, accounting for 35.5% of global suicide
deaths in this demographic. Factors such as academic
pressure, societal expectations, family dynamics, and
the pervasive influence of digital and social media
contribute significantly to the mental health crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated
these challenges, with a 31% increase in anxiety and
depression symptoms reported among Indian youth
in 2021.
1 The disparity in access to and use of digital
technologies, such as the internet, smartphones,
computers, and digital skills.
This paper also highlights the growing connection
between mental health issues and criminal behavior
among youth. National Crime Records Bureau data
reveals a significant number of crimes committed
by juveniles are linked to untreated mental health
issues, emotional instability, and substance abuse.
Cybercrimes, crimes of passion, and offenses related
to suicidal behaviors are notable trends requiring
urgent attention.
India’s mental health infrastructure remains
inadequate, with a severe shortage of mental health
professionals and insufficient funding. Programs like
the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
and initiatives such as Tele-MANAS and Mano
Darpan mark progress but fall short of addressing
the vast and complex needs of Indian youth. Social
stigma surrounding mental health continues to deter
individuals from seeking help, particularly in rural
and marginalized communities.
To address these challenges, this paper advocates
for a comprehensive approach that includes
integrating mental health education into school
curricula, leveraging technology for telemedicine and
digital mental health solutions, and implementing
community-based interventions. Policy reforms
should focus on increasing funding for mental health,
incentivizing professionals to work in underserved
areas, and enhancing juvenile justice systems to
include mandatory mental health screenings andtherapy sessions. Nationwide awareness campaigns
targeting parents, educators, and community leaders
are essential to destigmatize mental health issues and
promote early intervention.
Improved data collection systems are also critical
for understanding region-specific challenges and
designing targeted interventions. By addressing the
root causes of mental health challenges and investing
in robust infrastructure and support systems, India
can empower its youth to achieve their full potential
and mitigate the socio-economic impact of untreated
mental health issues. This holistic approach can
transform mental health outcomes, reduce the
prevalence of youth-related crimes, and contribute to
a healthier, more productive society