Resilience against the maladies of the Digital Age: Disinformation and Self-harm

Resilience has become a central concern in addressing two intertwined global challenges: mental health crises and the destabilizing force of disinformation. Suicidal crises highlight the urgency of strengthening personal capacities such as self-efficacy, adaptive coping, and a sense of control, while disinformation campaigns exploit vulnerabilities, polarize societies, and erode trust in institutions. In both cases, digital environments can either increase risks or foster resilience. Building resilience therefore requires action at both individual and societal levels. By combining clinical insights with strategies to counter disinformation, this talk presents resilience not only as a personal resource but also as a collective shield, which is essential for protecting well-being and democratic stability in the digital age.