The Students Association of Master of Communication Science Universitas Brawijaya (HIMANIKA UB) successfully held a workshop entitled “Self Zone” which raised the theme of Personal Branding and Mental Health for Z Generation, Tuesday (12/11/2024). This workshop was attended by UB Communication Science undergraduate students who were enthusiastic about exploring the concept of personal branding in the context of mental well-being amidst the challenges of the digital era.
This event presented the main speaker, Maulina Pia Wulandari, Ph.D., Head of UB Communication Science Masters Study Program, who provided in-depth insights into the problems of self-identity and mental health experienced by today’s young generation.
“Z Generation currently lives with very high connectivity, but they also face enormous social pressure, especially from expectations that arise through social media,” she said. According to her, this condition poses a serious challenge to the mental stability of Z Generation, who often feel they must always look perfect in public, both physically, socially, and in terms of academic achievement.
She provides a way to build personal branding that truly reflects personal values and not just to meet societal expectations. “Personal branding is not just about showing yourself on social media, but about building an identity that is consistent with who we really are,” she said.
In a sub-discussion on the problems faced by Z Generation, she explained that mental health or lack of self-confidence is an increasingly crucial issue among Gen Z. This is reinforced by the true story of one of the additional speakers, Keishya Nariswari Gina Abhirupa, who shared her personal experience in dealing with anxiety and overthinking.
Keisha shared her challenging struggle to achieve mental balance. “I used to often feel anxious and always overthink about other people’s views. But, as time goes by I try to overcome it, and the way to overcome it is by not thinking about what other people say, because you are not satisfying for other people,” said Keishya, who has now succeeded in finding a way to overcome this anxiety.
This workshop succeeded in providing a new perspective to UB Communication Science students on how to manage personal branding and mental health in Z generation. Students who attended felt helped by the tips and experiences given by Mrs. Pia, as well as Keishya’s inspiring story. The “Zona Diri” or Self Zone workshop is expected to be the first step for students to understand the importance of balance between personal branding and mental health in facing the current digital era.
In addition to being a means of education, this event is also a platform for students to share experiences and discuss problems that are often experienced by Z generation, such as anxiety and overthinking. The event organized by HIMANIKA UB is expected to build deeper awareness about the importance of mental health and healthy personal branding for students and other young generations. [dy/sitirahma/UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
