A Privacy-Preserved and User Self-Governance Blockchain-Based Framework to Combat COVID-19 Depression in Social Media

Abstract

Faced with the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, governments must protect the well-being of the population. Aside from considerations, such as keeping the virus from spreading and treating patients, the government should also be concerned about the mental health of its citizens during the epidemic. This study aimed to help users who develop depression due to COVID-19 on social media, reduce the cost of counselling, and reduce the need for users to visit the hospital for counselling. This study investigated the opportunities for blockchain technology to provide psychological help to social media users suffering from depression caused by the pandemic. Blockchain-based technology has been used to develop a new model that enables a user autonomy system to allow users to control their own data fully. The model utilizes a delegated proof of stake consensus blockchain to manage depression data to enable low cost and information security while discussing aspects related to trust, privacy, interoperability, and integration with other information communication technologies. The blockchain framework has been proven to provide secure and reliable information management that meets the user requirements for information autonomy. The framework can be combined with various other information technologies to extend its functionality further.