Beyond the Scroll: Why Biodiversity, Climate, Mental Health Inclusion Deserve More Space on Social Media

Topics like biodiversity, climate, mental health and disability, often struggle to gain traction on social media, where content trends favour immediacy and entertainment over complex discussions. Yet, these underrepresented issues are foundational to our collective wellbeing, societal progress and our resilience. Their lack of representation not only distorts public opinion, but also downplays the urgent potential, these topics hold for shaping a healthier, more inclusive world. These issues are getting desperate now.

Biodiversity and Climate Change: Foundational Yet Overlooked

We know that biodiversity and climate change are essential for human survival, the economy and health. Losing biodiversity harms ecosystems, which means putting food and water supplies at risk. Climate change also brings more extreme weather, threatening lives and livelihoods. However, social media may focus on fast news and shareable content. This can make environmental issues feel distant or irrelevant, even though they are now affecting our daily lives.

When we connect these issues to personal concerns, people understand that nature and humanity are deeply linked. This connection inspires sustainable choices and collective action. Learning about local endangered species or how urban growth impacts nature, needs to motivate support for conservation efforts.

Mental Health and Disability: Breaking the Stereotypes for Greater Inclusion

As someone who deals with a physical, mental and emotional disability, disability is left out of mainstream social media discussions, unless something is mentioned in the paper and it makes it on to social media. Through my blog I talk about these issues and then I post on to social media. Sadly, a lack of visibility, reinforces stereotypes and leaves accessibility issues ignored in policies and public spaces. Any form of a disability is a natural part of being human and bringing it into everyday conversations builds empathy and awareness, leading to better support for people with diverse needs. Talking about disability also highlights the strengths and unique views of individuals, showing that disability is not always a limitation. By amplifying voices by those who deal with a disability, collectively we can fight stigma and encourage inclusion.

Mental Health is Essential but it is Still Stigmatised

Since Covid-19 talking about mental health has become more common, but stigma still exists and social media often ignores or may oversimplify these complex issues. There is very little importance to them. Honest conversations about conditions like anxiety, depression and PTSD are vital to reduce stigma and improve access to care. However, these discussions don’t always grab attention online and many misunderstandings about mental health remain. Making mental health a regular topic on social media will help normalise mental health for those looking for help and build a more compassionate society that values mental health and wellbeing as part of overall health. It would also raise awareness of the deeper causes of mental health issues, like poverty, isolation and trauma, encouraging collective efforts so that these issues can be addressed.

Creating Space for Transformative Change

These issues share a vision for a fairer, stronger and more compassionate society. Paying more attention to them reminds us that change is both necessary and possible. By us raising awareness, we not only learn for ourselves, but also inspire hope and action. Seeing efforts like fighting climate change, creating accessible cities, or improving mental health support helps combat the feeling of hopelessness that come with these challenges. The goal is to make social media value meaningful content, even if it’s not instantly gratifying. These issues are not meant to be gratifying, but they are part of what we all get to deal with. This also means rethinking algorithms, investing in education and promoting a culture where deep, impactful conversations are as valued as fun or sensational content.

Conclusion

As we continue to navigate the digital age, it is important to think about the stories we share and consume. What if our social media reflected the world we want – where important issues like biodiversity, climate action, disability, inclusion and mental health are actively discussed? How might attitudes and priorities change if we valued meaningful content, valued substance and knowledge over flashy distractions that mean very little. Every share, comment and like can shape opinions and drive change. By boosting these important conversations, by making them central to social media, we can help build a more informed society, which means we're more likely to act.