Document details

Abstract: Scientific literature has shown an association between the use of digital technologies and the mental health of higher education students. However, gaps remain regarding the digital practices used to promote mental health literacy. In this context, a qualitative study was conducted using six focus groups, involving 43 students from 32 courses at 18 Portuguese higher education institutions. Thematic analysis of the data identified five themes: Digital habits; Digital technologies in mentalhealth literacy; Impact of digital technologies on well-being and mental health; Evaluation of digital technologies in mental health; Good practices in promoting well-being and mental health. The results show that the focus groups provided spaces for critical reflection and collective construction of knowledge concerning the benefits, risks and limitations of digital technologies in mental health. However, a discrepancy was identified between the participants’ critical discourse and their actualpractices. Despite reservations about the use of non-specialist digital tools, there is widespread reliance on social media content and artificial intelligence. This finding highlights a focus on immediacy, anonymity and accessibility, underscoring the need to gain a better understanding of these mechanisms and to improve access to specialist services.