Call to address social media misinformation impact on seafarers’ mental health
(Posted on 16/08/24)
Although having access to connectivity at sea is widely considered an important part of seafarer wellbeing, there are emerging signs of negative consequences. Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS) has witnessed first-hand the detrimental effects of social media on seafarers' mental health, particularly among Indian seafarers, and it's time for authorities to take decisive action.
MHSS CEO and Clinical Psychologist Charles Watkins said: “The extensive use of social media is a multi-layered problem that provides users with a false sense of connectivity onboard, increasing social distance and declining mental health.”
Indian seafarers of all ages are suffering. The older demographic (25-35) feels left behind, missing important life events, while younger seafarers (20-25) experience desperation due to a lack of contact. This digital disconnect heightens the isolation felt by many and must be addressed urgently.
One issue that is becoming particularly alarming is that Indian seafarers are bombarded with misleading online portrayals of life at sea, seeing depictions of a perfect balance between work, partying, and socialising. Once the seafarers are on board, they feel that these unrealistic portrayals do more harm than good, leading to severe disillusionment and exacerbating mental health issues.
MHSS consultant Shreya Menon, a psychologist and psychotherapist based in India, highlights that many Indian seafarers go months without connectivity, missing out on vital support networks. Ms. Menon said: “I often speak with seafarers who say, ‘You didn’t tell me X, Y, or Z,’ because they’ve been misled by online representations. The reality of life onboard is often a shock especially for young Indian seafarers joining a ship and finding a very different situation than land where they are surrounded by family.”
MHSS calls on authorities to take immediate action to clamp down on misinformation and misleading footage being shared on social media. Regulatory bodies need to enforce measures that reflect the needs of the crews who keep the industry afloat and protect their mental health.
Charles Watkins added: “Regulation is crucial to ensure that Indian seafarers are not misled by idealised portrayals of life at sea. Authorities must step in to monitor and remove harmful content that contributes to mental health issues. In addition, I recommend initiatives to prepare and educate seafarers about the actual life at sea to counter the flood of misinformation and give them a better understanding of the real experience and challenges.”
Latest News
Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges
(Posted on 29/05/26)From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more
First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE
(Posted on 29/05/26)Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more
NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum
(Posted on 29/05/26)NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more
Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz
(Posted on 25/05/26)Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more
The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility
(Posted on 25/05/26)The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more
First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO
(Posted on 22/05/26)Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more
Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent
(Posted on 22/05/26)Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more
Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future
(Posted on 22/05/26)The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International... Read more
Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading
(Posted on 14/05/26)Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more
NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels
(Posted on 13/05/26)NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more
