University Student Creators & Viewers - Algorithms & Mental Health

Seeking Uni Students & Creators for NCTJ Award Investigation: Social Media Algorithms & Mental Health (15-20 Min Interview) Hi everyone, My name is Janayah, and I am a trainee investigative journalist currently preparing a piece for the NCTJ Awards for Excellence(Top Scoop category). I’m carrying out an investigation looking into the relationship between YouTube and TikTok recommendation algorithms and university student mental well-being. Specifically, the article probes whether social media platforms e.g. YouTube and TikTok are creating a two-sided emotional loop. For Creators (Supply Side):Whether YouTube’s recommendation algorithms amplify users' negative and highly emotional content, thereby potentially incentivising student creators to lean into personal distress for audience reach. For Viewers (Demand Side):Whether TikTok’s feed provides student viewers with disproportionate amounts of negative and highly emotional content, thereby potentially drawing them into a downward emotional spiral that impacts their well-being and mental health. A 2025 study from the University of Iowa mathematically proved that YouTube's algorithm actively forces feeds into emotional ‘grievance’ loops. While the data is clear, the story lacks the vital human element. To complement the University of Iowa's findings on YouTube, this investigation also draws on foundational global research by Amnesty International into TikTok's recommendation algorithm. Their technical testing revealed a rapid "rabbit hole" effect where the 'For You' feed quickly saturates accounts with mental health-related content, reaching over 50% of recommended videos within as little as 3 to 20 minutes when a user shows interest in these topics. By relying on passive viewing habits to drive maximum engagement, the platform risks drawing vulnerable young viewers into downward emotional spirals, creating a demand-side pressure that mirrors the dynamic faced by creators on the supply side. I am looking to speak with: Student Content Creators(YouTube/TikTok) who have felt algorithm-related pressure around the type of content they post. Student Viewerswho have experienced "doomscrolling" or felt their feeds rapidly fill with negative/mental health-related content during stressful periods at uni. What’s involved? A brief, informal15–20 minute chat(via Zoom, Teams, or phone). Anonymity guaranteed:You can be completely anonymised (pseudonym used, uni name withheld) if you prefer. If you’re interested in sharing your perspective or experience to help bring the human side of this research to light, please send me a DM here on Reddit or comment below and I’ll reach out. Thanks so much!