PLOS Mental Health Community Case Studies: The era of online communities -a young person’s perspective
In the latest ‘Community Case Studies’ blog from PLOS Mental Health, we consider how online communities and social media impacts the mental…
The post PLOS Mental Health Community Case Studies: The era of online communities -a young person’s perspective appeared first on Speaking of Medicine and Health.
In the latest ‘Community Case Studies’ blog from PLOS Mental Health, we consider how online communities and social media impacts the mental health of adolescents and young adults. We recently published an article evaluating how internet addiction can alter the brain and behaviours but how does social media specifically affect mental health? Islam et al. recently studied this in the context of COVID-19 information on social media. Below we hear from Maria Jose Rodriguez Pinzon about her experiences and perspectives on social media and mental health more generally...
Recent years have seen an explosion in social media usage. Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, young people in particular are spending more and more time online. Among many things, this has increased exposure to mental health literacy and discussions [1]. As an increasing number of people share their advice and experiences online, there has been a rise in awareness of mental health conditions and online community support. However, increased social media usage also comes with challenges – some of which are dangerous. As more people share their experiences of mental health conditions on forums that are not always curated and professionally verified, there has also been an increase in misconceptions as well as self-diagnosis [2].
Social media influencers and celebrities are increasingly disclosing their mental health experiences. For example, YouTuber and podcaster Nicole Rafiee has openly shared her experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) [3]. However, as noted by Rafiee, heightened awareness online has not necessarily resulted in accurate portrayals of such conditions. As such, individuals are sometimes self-diagnosing mental health conditions using broad understandings and inaccurate portrayals [4]. With media consumption primarily occurring through social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, the spread of misinformation is vast [5] and incorrect self-diagnoses are concerning due to a corresponding misuse of self-help and alternative therapies, such as AI therapy [6],which are not always evidence-based and not always appropriate for certain conditions.
Mental Health treatments and management can be costly and therefore inaccessible in private settings, and public healthcare wait-lists are often lengthy [7]. Consequently, many individuals have no choice but to turn to online resources and alternative therapies for much-needed mental health support [8]. The rise in self-diagnoses has heightened the urgency with which individuals seek support, leading to unprecedented demand for services that already stretched. As such, therapies that have been designed to lessen demand, for instance, AI chatbots, are being used often without guidance, and without the consultation of a mental health professional [6]. Additionally, these therapies are sometimes recommended and promoted by individuals with a personal interest in the ‘product’ they endorse, meaning their advice, as stakeholders, should be viewed with caution [9].
Mental Health treatments and management can be costly and therefore inaccessible in private settings, and public healthcare wait-lists are often lengthy… many individuals have no choice but to turn to online resources
Alternative interventions should not be dismissed outright however [8]. They can play a crucial role in complementing existing treatments and assisting those who cannot access conventional treatment or are on waiting lists. Social media has democratised access to these therapies, empowering individuals to explore what works for them. If we could ensure the presence of professionals on these platforms to help bridge the gap between experts and the public, and to provide accurate information on evidence-based practices, it would help individuals to determine approaches that are most suitable for them. Additionally, integrating these alternative therapies with traditional treatments can enhance overall care, particularly for those in underserved or remote areas where access to professional mental health services is limited. This approach fosters a more inclusive and holistic mental health care system, accommodating diverse needs and preferences while maintaining professional oversight and support.
The effects of increased social media use on mental health are solely due to mental health literature availability. The surge in usage following the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened public awareness of all global issues [10]. Although this has many benefits, it has also negatively impacted the mental health of technology users, as more people are exposed to real-time tragedies worldwide, which is understandably distressing. On the positive side, increased exposure has also bolstered advocacy for justice [11]. Therefore, it is crucial to view social media as a dual-faceted tool: it can raise political awareness, enhance advocacy efforts and increase connection, but it can also potentially exacerbate mental health conditions. Recognizing and balancing these aspects is essential for leveraging social media’s benefits while mitigating its drawbacks. Furthermore, integrating mental health support and resources within social media news platforms can help users manage the emotional toll of constant exposure to distressing content, promoting a healthier and more informed digital community.
It is clear that social media has significantly influenced how individuals perceive and understand mental health conditions. While it has empowered people with lived experiences to share and express themselves, it has also negatively impacted the mental health of users by exposing them to a constant stream of distressing content [12]. Psychologists should use social media to connect with the public. Failure to do so may result in the field lagging in innovation and cultural relevance and general worsening of mental health globally. Therefore, social media should be conscientiously employed as a tool for psychoeducation, recognizing both its challenges and benefits. Integrating professional guidance within these platforms can help mitigate negative effects while maximising their potential to inform and support mental health awareness and understanding. Additionally, using social media for mental health advocacy can enhance public engagement, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention by reaching individuals who might not otherwise seek help [13]. This approach can also facilitate the dissemination of evidence-based practices and resources, making mental health support more accessible and culturally relevant to diverse populations. By harnessing the power of social media thoughtfully, psychologists can ensure that it serves as a positive force in the realm of mental health.
As a young person, I can see the value of social media and I see how my peers have utilised social media as an educational tool. Equally however, I have experienced first-hand the negative effects social media can have. For instance constant exposure to the lives of others can sometimes fuel imposter syndrome, which has negative impacts on our wellbeing. It is incredibly easy to take some people’s word as truth online, because they deliver their message with such confidence. It is hard to remember that we see filtered versions of events. I think social media is a tool, and as such it can be used for good or for ill, and we as young people have to be informed and responsible when using it. By doing so, we can harness the positive aspects of social media while mitigating its negative impacts on our mental health.
About the Author
Maria Jose Rodriguez Pinzon is an undergraduate student in Psychology with Placement at Cardiff University. She has been involved in numerous research projects at Cardiff University, and most recently completed her placement year working as a research assistant at King’s College London. Her primary areas of interest are mental health, clinical psychology and organisational psychology.
*The contents of this blog reflect the personal experiences and opinions of the author. This does not represent any kind of professional advice or the opinions of PLOS or PLOS Mental Health
References
- Halsall, T., Garinger, C., Dixon, K., & Forneris, T. (2019). Evaluation of a social media strategy to promote mental health literacy and help-seeking in youth. Journal of consumer health on the internet, 23(1), 13-38.
- Hasan, F., Foster, M. M., & Cho, H. (2023). Normalizing anxiety on social media increases self-diagnosis of anxiety: The mediating effect of identification (but not stigma). Journal of health communication, 28(9), 563-572.
- Rafiee, N. (2023, March 23). You don’t have OCD…you’re just annoying. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHSXRYHbufQ
- Jesse, S. Y., & Haslam, N. (2024). Broad concepts of mental disorder predict self-diagnosis. SSM-Mental Health, 100326.
- Suarez-Lledo, V., & Alvarez-Galvez, J. (2021). Prevalence of health misinformation on social media: systematic review. Journal of medical Internet research, 23(1), e17187.
- Khawaja, Z., & Bélisle-Pipon, J.-C. (2024, April 28). Your AI therapist is not your therapist: The dangers of relying on Ai Mental Health chatbots. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/your-ai-therapist-is-not-your-therapist-the-dangers-of-relying-on-ai-mental-health-chatbots-225411
- Salaheddin, K., & Mason, B. (2016). Identifying barriers to mental health help-seeking among young adults in the UK: a cross-sectional survey. British Journal of General Practice, 66(651), e686-e692.
- Ribeiro S, Pimentel AP, Fernandes VR, Deslandes AC, Amarante P (2024) It is time for more holistic practices in mental health. PLOS Ment Health 1(1): e0000028. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmen.0000028
- Simmons, C. (2023, November 1). “I debunk wellness misinformation for a living… so, why did I fall for it?” Cosmopolitan UK. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a45708686/wellness-misinformation-conspiracy-theories/
- Yamamoto, M., & Yang, F. (2022). Does news help us become knowledgeable or think we are knowledgeable? Examining a linkage of traditional and social media use with political knowledge. Journal of Information Technology & Politics, 19(3), 269-283.
- Allsop, B. (2016). Social media and activism: A literature review. Social Psychological Review, 18(2).
- Stainback, K., Hearne, B. N., & Trieu, M. M. (2020). COVID-19 and the 24/7 news cycle: Does COVID-19 news exposure affect mental health?. Socius, 6, 2378023120969339.
- Gere, B. O., Salimi, N., & Anima-Korang, A. (2020). Social media use as self-therapy or alternative mental help-seeking behavior. IAFOR Journal of Psychology & the Behavioral Sciences, 5(2), 21-36.
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