Communication, health and well-being

The number of adolescents with mental health disorders and admissions to hospitals for this reason has increased significantly
in recent years, placing Spain among the European countries with the highest number of diagnoses. Most of the research carried out so far has focused on the effects of the media discourse regarding the mental health of minors; however, there have been few studies on the representation in the media of the mental health of adolescents. This work examines, through an analysis of the existing literature, the image of adolescent mental health in audiovisual fiction, news media and social media. The analysis also studies the importance of the gender perspective in this representation and reflects on the need to work on media literacy, offering tools to address the prevention of stigma in the classroom.

Non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) in adolescents is increasing as a coping mechanism for negative emotions. In this paper, our
objectives are to find out the perspective of health and social intervention professionals on whether social media are a risk
factor for the development of self-harm and the role of the family in the emotional well-being of the child. Nineteen interviews
were conducted with health and labour/social work/education experts specialised in adolescence, self-harm and families. They were conducted online and in person between March and May 2024. The main findings are that social media promote self-harm and simplify language through memes, abbreviations and codes, affecting the development of basic social skills in adolescents and disrupting their mental health. Hence the importance of good communication with the family to promote the emotional well-being of young people.

This article presents the findings of a quantitative study analysing how the coronavirus pandemic was covered in 24-hour programming on Spain’s four main television channels during the lockdown, from 13 March to 11 May 2020. The study examined broadcasts from La 1, Antena 3 TV, Telecinco and La Sexta over a 60-day period to track how coverage of the virus evolved, focusing on the presence of disease-related terms and their progression. The data show that news about the disease, along with political coverage, dominated television programming. In contrast, economic issues received the least attention from both public and private broadcasters, although there were differences in how each channel approached coronavirus-related reporting.

This research is based on the analysis of Pablo Motos’ monologues on the television show El Hormiguero 3.0: Quédate en casa, aired during the months of lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions (03/23/2020 – 06/22/2020). Through the use of content analysis and by evaluating their informative and social relevance, 11 of the presenter’s opening monologues were assessed to observe how an infotainment show tackles the coverage of health information within the context of a global pandemic. All the monologues analysed are centred around the development and consequences of the pandemic. The results of the research reinforce the perceived status of Pablo Motos as an opinion leader and television coach, who assumes the role of expert on social and welfare issues, with his discourse focussed on mental health, yet without relying on authoritative scientific sources.

Health inequalities persist despite significant global advancements in health and well-being. While social determinants of health, such as income and education, are well-documented contributors, commercial determinants —especially advertising exposure— play an increasingly influential role. This study examines the relationship between advertising and health inequalities, focusing on how personalized digital advertising may exacerbate these disparities. The literature review reveals that disadvantaged communities have historically been disproportionately exposed to advertisements for healthharming products, a pattern consistent across traditional media and globally. Additionally, the critical analysis undertaken here of digital advertising practices highlights the potential risks of personalized advertising in reinforcing health disparities.
These risks include algorithmic biases, issues related to data practices, and content loops that may perpetuate stereotypes
and unhealthy behaviours. However, the study also identifies opportunities where personalized advertising could promote
health equity by delivering targeted, health-enhancing messages to underserved populations. This research contributes to the
broader discourse on health equity by highlighting the dual role of advertising as both a risk factor and a potential tool for
positive health intervention. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks that address the evolving
landscape of digital advertising, ensuring it serves public health interests rather than perpetuating inequality.