Algorithmic Pathways to Mental Health Content: How YouTube's Recommendation System Shapes Adolescent Exposure Patterns

This project investigates how YouTube's recommendation algorithm shapes what adolescents encounter when searching for mental health content. Using a mixed-methods approach combining algorithmic walkthroughs (qualitative) with YouTube Data API analysis (quantitative), we identify systematic patterns in how the platform routes users toward or away from professional mental health resources.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-05-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20278934
Primary Topic
Mental Health via Writing
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
preprint

Algorithmic Pathways to Mental Health Content: How YouTube's Recommendation System Shapes Adolescent Exposure Patterns

Bikash Khadka
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Mental Health via Writing
preprint

Algorithmic Pathways to Mental Health Content: How YouTube's Recommendation System Shapes Adolescent Exposure Patterns

Bikash Khadka
preprint en

Abstract

This project investigates how YouTube's recommendation algorithm shapes what adolescents encounter when searching for mental health content. Using a mixed-methods approach combining algorithmic walkthroughs (qualitative) with YouTube Data API analysis (quantitative), we identify systematic patterns in how the platform routes users toward or away from professional mental health resources.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Quality Education
Mental Health via Writing
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Algorithmic Pathways to Mental Health Content: How YouTube's Recommendation System Shapes Adolescent Exposure Patterns — Bikash Khadka · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS