Reflexiones Académicas

The trend of Mental Disorders on Social Media

Posted on by Marjorie N. Gomez

Social media has transformed how people share experiences, opinions, and information. While these benefits are widely acknowledged, the burgeoning use of social media has also raised concerns about its impact on mental health. Research suggests there is a complex relationship between social media use and mental health disorders. Although a lot has been said about the effects of social media on mental health, it is important to continue discussing the risks associated with its use.

After the coronavirus pandemic, there was a surge in growth on social media platforms, especially TikTok.  Isolation hit hard, so it is no surprise that several teens and young adults started to use the app to connect and learn about mental health disorders, and to self-diagnose themselves. However, some research suggests that young people discovering something about themselves in the symptoms they see online may be less concerned about diagnosing disorders. They seem to be more focused on finding ways to communicate some of the mental challenges they’re facing.

Even though social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, can serve as valuable resources for mental health information and support groups, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing the stigma associated with psychiatric disorders, they can also be the source of different abnormal disorders. Furthermore, social media addiction itself is emerging as a behavioral disorder. Individuals who are addicted to social media exhibit symptoms similar to substance use disorders, including mood modification, tolerance, and withdrawal. This addiction can interfere with daily functioning and exacerbate other mental health issues.

For instance, recently, medical researchers have explored a phenomenon in which individuals present symptoms acquired from viewing illness-related content posted online. Most commonly, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Tourette Syndrome. The number of Individuals claiming to have mental health issues on the Internet has risen dramatically in the last few years. People seem to be craving attention, connection, or support through likes, shares, and comments.

This drastic rise of people with mental disorders has led many people in online communities to share medical conditions, sometimes exaggerating legitimate but minor health concerns. Once they get the attention and sympathy they crave, they get lost, adding novelty to their storyline of medical crises.  The attention and validation that can come from sharing one’s experiences publicly may also attract individuals who do not genuinely have mental health disorders but seek to capitalize on the visibility and support associated with such disorders.

One way to capitalize on mental disorders is monetization. People faking or exaggerating mental struggles have allowed individuals to gain enough followers and engagement to make a decent living off sharing these mental issues. Research shows that people are fascinated with trauma and pain. Pain and trauma bring sympathy, and online, that can be translated into many likes, huge engagement, and monetization from media platforms.

This trend of highlighting mental health disorders online has romanticized them. Media often depicts mental health struggles in a way that is far from reality. Movies, TV shows, and literature portray mental illness as an alluring trait, suggesting that those who suffer from conditions like depression or anxiety are somehow more profound or creative. For instance, characters with mental health issues are often shown as having extraordinary artistic ability or deep philosophical insights that set them apart from others. This portrayal can lead to the belief that mental illness is a pathway to brilliance or that it inherently endows individuals with exceptional qualities.

In reality, mental health disorders are debilitating and can severely impact a person’s ability to function daily. Romanticizing these conditions can obscure the harsh realities faced by those who suffer from them. Social media platforms play a significant role in this phenomenon. Influencers and users tend to share aesthetically pleasing images or quotes about their mental health struggles. As previously stated, sharing experiences can be therapeutic and foster community. However, it can also create a culture where mental health issues are seen as trends rather than serious medical conditions.

Acknowledging this trend is important to recognize people who are genuinely struggling with mental health disorders and those who are faking them for views, attention, or money. We need to be mindful that some people have gone so far in trying to convince people that they’re ill that they’ve started giving themselves unnecessary medication for attention or following medical advice from random people online, putting their own lives on the line. We need greater awareness about the consequences that come with faking disorders and how unethical it is. Furthermore, we need to start addressing this trend of exaggerating mental disorders or romanticizing them to disseminate accurate information, provide support, and counteract the spread of misinformation about mental health disorders online.

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