Online hate is at an all-time high. We are bombarded with damaging words, hate-filled imagery, stereotypes, and blatantly abusive labels. Words have consequences that should not be dismissed. They affect self-image, mental health, and the way our youth navigate relationships, culture, and gender roles. Society often ignores the fact that hate online becomes culture offline. Hate can create warped expectations for an entire generation.
Many young people are being taught outdated versions of norms contrary to education and empathy like ‘girls should get married at eighteen and not work outside the home’, or that ‘girls’ primary function is to serve their in-laws’. Boys receive little instruction on responsibility, caregiving, or emotional strength.
The Importance of Dialogue
In my last year of grad school, working on my initiative, You Are Not Alone – The Human Is Near You, I have seen personally how harmful things can be. I speak about women, because the stigma for women is amplified. Not only are they up against struggle, but they deal with the crushing weight of needing to be a good daughter, wife, or mother culturally.
Young men are no different. It’s important to remember that when we as society twist mental health statistics related to male suicide. To further a misogynistic narrative, we are institutionalizing male suffering, preventing men from reaching out for help, and reinforcing that vulnerability equals weakness. The cycle continues because school and parents are not teaching kids to pause, listen, and reflect before they post stuff online.
The Responsibility of Journalists and the Media
During a recent summit I hosted with 40-50 young journalists, I realized the degree to which these issues are entrenched. There was a willingness to discuss depression and anxiety but when it came to discussing gender stereotypes in reporting, there was considerable resistance. Some even seemed to argue that dowry could be justified, or defended using phrases like, “Girls topped CBSE results” unaware that this language implies and perpetuates inequality.
What was most alarming for me was the lack of training. Young journalists, who will be the media of tomorrow, often have not received journalistic training about mental health reporting and/or gender sensitivity. Their influences are based on social media trends rather than ethical conduct. As a result of this, harmful narratives transmit rapidly, often normalizing misogyny, hate and stigma.
What You Are Not Alone – Human Is Near You is Doing
Our movement was conceived in silence and emerged as a bridge between the space of pain and recovery. We started as an initiative to provide emotional support for those experiencing the feelings of loneliness and depression, but we quickly realized that advocacy cannot go far enough.
Here is what we’re doing now:
1. Training Journalists & Influencers
We offer a variety of programs which focus on gender-sensitive reporting and responsible digital media engagement. Without it, social engagement will continue to consume stories of hate or division and not move toward more understanding and empathy. The online and traditional media narrative should be assessed for impact on mental health perspective.
2. Digital Democracy & Emotional Literacy Lab
A safe virtual space where youth are invited to engage with what the discourses in politics, media and identity manufacture with respect to mental health and how to assemble a more healthy narrative.
3. School & College Workshops
We provide students with the opportunity to utilize poetry, art and storytelling to share their unspoken struggles like stress, bullying, and online harassment. Our initiatives make space for young people to discuss and share their experiences of hate and pressure in a safe space.
4. Counseling Relationship & Marriage
We assist young people to process sensitive issues through advice about topics like love, consent and family pressure to be better equipped with practical tools that help them be resilient and not internalize abuse.
5. Direct Support
In addition to raising awareness, we also provide assistance with legal and housing issues, and access to therapy for people who have been abandoned or stigmatized by their families. It can give young people the courage to oppose hatred and the opportunity to envision and create healthier futures for themselves and their communities.
The Right Narratives for Young People
Boys need to understand that they need to carry their share of caregiving responsibilities, especially toward their parents, and stop leaving this all to the girls. Girls need to be free to take advantage of educational opportunities, careers, independence, or simply enjoy being young people – without worrying about social media and being blamed or judged. Social media needs to reflect more balance.
A Collective Obligation
The crisis from online hate is an issue that is not gender specific, but societal. Girls endure public character assassination and judgment, while boys lose their opportunity to be caring and compassionate. Journalists risk being merely conduits of hate through lack of training in sensitivity and care.
There is hope. When young people are given the right training and freedom to express themselves, they rise to the moment. Change begins with awareness and awareness begins with conversation.
Name: Daraa Patel
Professional Title: Journalist | Mental Health Advocate | Climate Communicator – Dhara For Dhara | Peace Ambassador | Founder of You Are Not Alone – Human Is Near You.
Bio: Daraa Patel is the founder of You Are Not Alone – Human is Near You, a grassroots initiative bridging mental health gaps for women and youth. She drives change through gender-sensitive training, advocacy against digital hate, and storytelling that amplifies silenced voices—building empathy, resilience, and inclusive communities.
