Dr. Ishrat Fatma Presents Research on Digital Technology and Mental Health at Paris International Forum

New Delhi: Dr. Ishrat Fatma, associated with the Greater Noida campus of IIMT University, presented her research on the impact of digital technology on the mental health of migrant street vendors at the Health in Entrepreneurship Research Forum (HERF 2026), held at the Paris School of Business in France from October 1 to 3, 2026.

Her research examines the psychological pressures that may arise as street vendors increasingly adapt to digital payment systems, technology-driven business practices and changing customer interactions. Focusing on vendors in Prayagraj and Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, the study brings attention to the human and social challenges accompanying the rapid expansion of the digital economy.

Dr. Fatma’s participation in the international forum was acknowledged through a certificate issued by the Paris School of Business. Her presentation contributed to wider academic discussions on the intersection of health, entrepreneurship and digital transformation.

Research Explores Digitalisation-Related Stress Among Street Vendors

Titled “Algorithmic Anxiety on the Roadside: Digitalization Stress and Mental Health Among Migrant Street Vendors in Prayagraj and Ghaziabad,” Dr. Fatma’s research explores the relationship between growing dependence on digital technology and the mental well-being of people engaged in informal economic activities.

Street vendors frequently operate with limited financial resources and face uncertainties related to daily earnings, customer demand and business continuity. As digital systems become increasingly integrated into commercial activities, adapting to new technologies may introduce additional challenges for some workers.

The research highlights the importance of examining these experiences alongside the economic and operational benefits of digitalisation. It draws attention to the need to understand how technology-driven changes affect people whose livelihoods depend on small-scale, informal businesses.

Prayagraj and Ghaziabad at the Centre of the Study

The study focuses on migrant street vendors in Prayagraj and Ghaziabad, two cities in Uttar Pradesh where street vending forms part of the local economic landscape.

For vendors working in the informal sector, changes in payment methods, customer engagement and business practices can influence their everyday working conditions. Understanding the psychological dimension of these changes is important for developing a more comprehensive picture of digital transformation.

By examining digitalisation stress and mental health in this context, Dr. Fatma’s research brings an often-overlooked dimension of technological adoption into focus. The subject is relevant to academic researchers, policymakers and stakeholders working towards more inclusive digital systems.

HERF 2026 Brings Health and Entrepreneurship Research into Focus

The Health in Entrepreneurship Research Forum 2026, hosted by the Paris School of Business, provided an international academic platform for research relating to health and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Fatma’s presentation connected these themes with the experiences of workers in the informal economy. Her research underscores the importance of considering psychological well-being and working conditions alongside discussions of technological advancement and economic development.

The growing use of digital tools has created new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. However, understanding the challenges faced by different groups remains essential to ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible to a wider section of society.

International Platform Highlights Indian Research

Dr. Fatma’s participation in HERF 2026 brought research focused on Indian urban communities to an international academic forum. Representing her institutional affiliation with IIMT University, Greater Noida campus, she presented a study addressing the relationship between technology, livelihoods and mental health.

Her participation also highlights the relevance of research examining the social consequences of digitalisation, particularly among workers whose experiences may receive less attention in mainstream discussions on technological progress.

The certificate issued by the Paris School of Business formally acknowledges her participation in the forum. Her research topic provides scope for further academic discussion on digital technology, the working lives of migrant street vendors and mental well-being in the informal economy.

The study reinforces the importance of viewing digital transformation not only in terms of efficiency and economic opportunity, but also through its potential implications for the people adapting to these changes.