New Terms, New Insights: The Hour Mental Care at SEGi University

At The Hour Mental Care, we recognise the importance of participating in conversations that reflect the evolving realities of mental health—particularly among young adults.

We were honoured to contribute to SEGi University’s recent forum, “New Terms, New Insights on Mental Health,”where our founder and managing director, Ms Arifah Razman, was invited as a panel speaker alongside other distinguished professionals in the field.

The forum explored pressing concerns affecting young adults today, including cyberbullying, substance use, and the growing impact of social media on psychological wellbeing.

The Emerging Concern: Dopamine-Driven Digital Behaviour

A key theme discussed during the forum was the concept of dopamine-driven engagement on social media platforms.

Digital environments are designed to capture and sustain attention through intermittent rewards—such as notifications, likes, and continuously refreshing content. These small but frequent stimuli trigger dopamine release, reinforcing repeated engagement.

Over time, this can form a behavioural loop:

• Individuals turn to social media in moments of discomfort or boredom

• They receive short-term relief through digital stimulation

• The effect diminishes quickly, prompting repeated use

  
  

This pattern gradually conditions the brain to seek constant stimulation, reducing tolerance for stillness and sustained focus.

Understanding the Experience of “Brain Fog”

One of the commonly reported effects associated with this pattern is what many describe as brain fog—a subjective sense of reduced mental clarity.

Among young adults, this may present as:

• Difficulty concentrating on tasks

• A sense of mental fatigue despite adequate rest

• Reduced motivation for cognitively demanding activities

• Increased restlessness in low-stimulation environments

  
  

From a clinical perspective, this reflects a state in which the brain is overstimulated yet under-engaged in meaningful processing. The constant switching of attention can impair cognitive efficiency and emotional regulation over time.

Encouraging Reflective Use of Social Media

A central question raised during the discussion was:

Why am I using social media, and what boundaries should I establish?

This question invites a shift from passive consumption to intentional engagement. Understanding the underlying motivations—whether boredom, stress, or avoidance—can support healthier digital habits.

Our Clinical Perspective

At The Hour Mental Care, these patterns are increasingly evident in therapeutic settings. Many young adults present with concerns related to anxiety, attention difficulties, and emotional fatigue, often linked to their relationship with digital environments.

Our participation in this forum reflects our broader commitment to:

• Contributing clinical insights to community and educational spaces

• Supporting early awareness of emerging mental health patterns

• Promoting practical strategies for sustainable behavioural change

  
  

Re-establishing Balance

Addressing these challenges does not require complete disengagement from digital platforms. Rather, it involves cultivating balance and intentionality.

This may include:

• Allocating time for low-stimulation or reflective activities

• Engaging in tasks that require sustained attention

• Prioritising in-person interactions and meaningful connection

• Allowing periods of rest without digital interruption

  
  

Such practices support cognitive recovery and enhance overall psychological wellbeing.

Moving Forward

We extend our appreciation to SEGi University for facilitating a platform that brings together diverse perspectives on mental health.

As the landscape of mental health continues to evolve, particularly in the context of rapid technological change, ongoing dialogue remains essential. The Hour Mental Care remains committed to contributing to these conversations and supporting individuals in navigating them with greater awareness and resilience.