"I am thrilled to be working for Truthsayers® as an intern and I look forward to learning more about the interaction between neuroscience and technology." Lily Brough, Intern, Truthsayers®

I’m currently in my first year of sixth form studying Psychology, Politics, Art and Global Perspectives. I have a passion for mental health and social issues such as feminism and LGBTQ+ rights. My interest in psychology began in year 9 when mental health started to be a topic of conversation; I then stumbled across the Stanford Prison Experiment conducted by Philip Zimbardo which sparked my interest in the field of psychology more broadly.

Exploring the causes of mental health issues in the modern world

I love exploring how psychology and politics intersect and trying to understand why we make the decisions we make. I recently entered an essay writing competition in which I wrote an essay exploring the causes of mental health issues in the modern world. In the essay, I explored the role of COVID-19 and its impacts on wellbeing, from frontline workers experiencing PTSD, to the increase in depression among those stuck at home. I also began to unearth some of the consequences climate change has had on our mental health, including substance abuse in rural communities experiencing severe drought.

Impacts of social media

As I am 17, technology has always been a part of my life and I have grown up with the influence of social media. Because of this, I am fascinated to learn of the impacts social media has had on our world. I discussed the adverse mental health effects of social media in my essay entry and to further this I have continued to research social media’s role in democracy for my global perspectives coursework; from the prevalence of fake news to the increase in political polarisation.

Positive value of technology

I also, however, learnt how social media and technology can be used to strengthen our mental health. Truthsayers is an interesting example of how technology can advance our understanding of mental health and create change. I am thrilled to be working for Truthsayers as an intern and I look forward to learning more about the interaction between neuroscience and technology.

I look forward to sharing my experiences in this blog.