A summary of research on emotional contagion and sentiment diffusion in online mental health communities, and its implications beyond academia.
In this edition of Get to Know the Members of ORSSA, we introduce Kurt, who is a Lecturer at Stellenbosch University. In this short interview, we get to know more about Kurt, what drew him to the field of OR, and how his research interests connect analytical thinking with some of the complex challenges facing society today.
A step-by-step guide for extracting Bluesky posts using Python
This walkthrough covers extracting subreddit posts from Reddit using Python (without the use of PRAW).
A Stellenbosch University researcher has found that negative emotions can be reinforced through social media interactions, with people experiencing depression particularly affected.
Can online interactions reinforce negative emotions? Dr Kurt Marais discusses his research into depression-related content on Reddit and simulated interactions on Twitter (now X), shared for Mental Health Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day.
Regstreekse uitsending van Spektrum op RSG by die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees 2026: Duisende inwoners in die Tshwane-metro is steeds sonder krag. Miljoene onderwysers wêreldwyd teen 2030 benodig. Het die verbod op selfone in die klaskamer ‘n positiewe uitwerking op leerlinge se akademiese prestasie? Die Stellenbosch Wynroete vier sy 55ste bestaansjaar.
Dr. Kurt Marais of Stellenbosch University explains the concept of emotional reinforcement online, describing how negative sentiments can amplify among individuals with depression. The study analysed over twelve thousand posts, identified patterns of activity between 10pm and 5am, and highlighted the importance of anonymity in online mental health communities. He discusses the broader implications for social media research and the need for careful consumption of digital content.
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Dr. Kurt Marais het sosiale media se emosionele impak op geestesgesondheid bestudeer en ‘n leksikon ontwikkel vir die akkurate ontleding van depressieverwante taal aanlyn.
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The addictive nature of social media, particularly platforms like Instagram and TikTok, leads users to spend excessive amounts of time doomscrolling. A lecturer from Stellenbosch University examined depression-related content on social media platforms such as Reddit and Twitter (now known as X) and found that by reinforcing negative emotions, users can exacerbate and deepen each other’s depression.
Study highlights ‘emotional reinforcement’ – when people amplify each other’s emotions online. Effect stronger among people with depression. Researcher developed reliable depression-specific lexicon.
Read article →Exploring how artificial intelligence, automation, and changing labour market trends are reshaping the future world of work.
Ten university staff members at Stellenbosch University and the University of Fort Hare were selected to join the new doctoral training consortium launched with South African partners in 2021. Kurt Marais, a member of staff from Stellenbosch University, is a student on the programme and with support from University of Bath co-supervisors, Kurt is studying towards a PhD degree focusing on research in mathematical optimisation within the field of mental health and social network analysis in a South African context. These are Kurt's reflections after visiting Bath to work closely with his co-supervisor and continue his research.
A teaching-focused qualitative project for a quantitative module for students to gauge and motivate interest and retention in an Operations Research module from their second to third year.
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Lecturer | Department of Logistics
Stellenbosch University | Stellenbosch, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 808 3877
Email: maraisk@sun.ac.za