Economic, political and climate-related stresses, coupled with the proliferation of mis- and disinformation, are eroding the cohesiveness of society.

The document has shed light on the growing "polarisation" within New Zealand communities.

Dr Anne Bardsley, deputy director of Koi Tu, emphasises that despite the country's historical reputation as a highly cohesive and high-trust society with a robust democracy, various factors are contributing to increased anxiety and concern among certain segments of the population.

These factors include high-income inequality, unaffordable housing, personal safety concerns, economic instability and the pressing issue of climate change.

Sir Peter Gluckman, director of Koi Tu, emphasises the urgent need to strengthen both institutional and social trust. He asserts that when social cohesion is undermined or threatened, individuals experience heightened levels of anxiety, anger and frustration.

Trust in the government and fellow citizens dwindles as a result.

Sir Peter stresses that the government's operations and communication strategies play a pivotal role in either alleviating or exacerbating the situation. For a democratic society to remain resilient and cohesive, both institutional and social trust must be nurtured, as these concepts are mutually dependent.

Importance of engaging in global conversations

The authors of the discussion paper also highlight the importance of engaging in global conversations regarding the governance and accountability of artificial intelligence (AI). They express concern over the global reluctance to establish universally agreed-upon standards, appropriate governance frameworks and mechanisms for accountability.

This reluctance has facilitated the misuse of social media platforms and technologies such as AI and deep fakes, leading to the dissemination of misinformation and further undermining trust.

A notable example cited by Sir Peter and Dr Bardsley is the 2022 protest onParliament grounds, where weaponised narratives propagated through social platforms created divisions within communities.

In light of these challenges, the authors call upon New Zealand to prioritise efforts aimed at strengthening both institutional and social trust. They stress the need for effective management of new and disruptive technologies like AI.

Moreover, they emphasise the significance of participating in global dialogue to establish governance frameworks and accountability mechanisms for AI.

According to the paper, by addressing these issues proactively, New Zealand can work towards restoring and reinforcing the trust that forms the foundation of its cohesive and inclusive society.

Sources

Informed Futures Media Release

Newsroom

Mental health experts are describing it as "a silent pandemic of psychological distress."

Last month Koi Tu, a think tank and research centre at the University of Auckland, published a commentary Youth Mental Health in Aotearoa New Zealand: Greater Urgency Required.

Sir Peter Gluckman, Director of Koi Tu, says it's unacceptable that close to a quarter of New Zealand's youth surveyed are reportedly mentally unwell and that the issue hasn't received the attention and action it deserves.

"We're not talking necessarily here about classic psychiatric illness, of depression, or severe anxiety," says Gluckman.

"We're talking about emotional disturbances sufficient to interfere with a young person optimally developing through life with long term consequences to employment, to learning, to relationship building ... to being satisfied with their lives."

Key insights

• There is a silent pandemic of mental morbidity amongst the global youth population which will have adverse life-course consequences
• The last decade has seen a rapid and concerning rise in youth psychological distress and suicide rates
• Nationally, poor mental health for youth is persistently inequitable and worsening
• Impacts of COVID-19 on youth mental health is likely to be extensive and enduring
• Protection and promotion of mental wellbeing for youth is now a matter of urgency.

The commentary follows the release of the preliminary findings of the Youth19 survey of 7,721 school students aged 13-19 years.

It found that 23% (29% of females and 17% of males) reporting symptoms of depression.

This is approximately twice the rate in 2012 (17% and 9% respectively).

Political parties are putting the issue of mental health strongly in focus.

But experts say a wave of anxiety and mental distress is on the way.

The services that are needed aren't arriving fast enough.

Journalist Laura Walters has been looking into mental health in a series of articles for Newsroom.co.nz.

She told The Detail about the billions being allocated and good intentions that can't be enacted because the personnel aren't in place. But the political will for change is there.

Source

• informedfutures.org
• newsroom.co.nz
• stuff.co.nz
• scoop.co.nz
• Image: Lynn Grieveson