Designing for anonymity in social networking platform for student mental health and well-being

Mohd Mohadis, Hazwani and Mohd Hisham, Muhammad Hadwan and Mohd Zahri, Muhammad Danial and Mhd Salim, Mohamad Hidir and Ahmed Maher, Zulfikar (2026) Designing for anonymity in social networking platform for student mental health and well-being. In: 10th International Conference on Information and Communication Technology for the Muslim World (ICT4M) 2025, 26-27 November 2025, Kuala Lumpur Malayisa.

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Abstract

The rise of digital communication has transformed how students seek support for their mental health and well-being. However, stigma and fear of judgment continue to hinder open self-expression. This study presents the design and development of BeyondWords, a mobile application that serves as an anonymous social networking platform, providing university students with a safe space to share personal confessions, emotional expressions, life experiences, challenges, and vulnerabilities. The platform was developed based on a user requirements analysis conducted through interviews and questionnaires, which revealed that 80% of respondents considered anonymity crucial for self-expression, while 90% believed it protects privacy and reduces fear of judgment. Participants emphasized that anonymity enables them to express their burdens and emotions freely, fostering a sense of relief and emotional support. To address these needs, BeyondWords incorporates features such as anonymous posting, interactive feedback, content moderation, and community engagement. This work highlights the pivotal role of anonymity in digital social platforms in creating safe spaces that effectively support student mental health and well-being.

Item Type:	Proceeding Paper (Other)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	social networking platform, mental health application, digital safe space, student well-being, user-centered design
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General) > T55.4 Industrial engineering.Management engineering. > T58.5 Information technology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Information System Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Information System Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology
Depositing User:	Dr Hazwani Mohd Mohadis
Date Deposited:	20 Jul 2026 14:30
Last Update:	20 Jul 2026 14:30
Queue Number:	2026-07-Q4067
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/127691

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