Promoting Indigenous Culture Using AI Algorithms on Social Media: Effective Strategies for Improving Mental Health among Canadian Youths

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of culture, technology, and mental health in the digital age, focusing on the impact of promoting Indigenous culture on social media to support Canadian youths' psychological well-being. Recognizing the historical marginalization of Indigenous narratives, it investigates how AI algorithms integrated into social media platforms enhance the dissemination and engagement of cultural content. A controlled experiment was conducted where two groups of youths engaged with either a traditional or AI-powered platform promoting Indigenous culture. Over five days, their mental health and cultural engagement were assessed. Results revealed that the AI-powered platform significantly improved participants' cultural identity, sense of belonging, and mental health compared to the traditional platform. These findings suggest that AI technology can play a transformative role in delivering culturally relevant content, offering a promising approach to addressing mental health disparities in Indigenous communities and beyond. The study contributes to understanding how AI can enhance digital cultural promotion and support mental well-being.