Social Media And Mental Health Stigma: How To Challenge Misconceptions Online
Approximately 20% of people around the world spend more than four hours per day on social media platforms, which tend to feature abundant content about mental health. While some people use social media to advocate for mental health care, others may spread messages that contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health. In some cases, people may do this without knowing it, but inaccurate content can have a profound effect on the ways people view mental health and other topics. Keep reading to learn how social media can influence mental health stigma and how you can challenge misconceptions about mental health when you see them online.
How social media platforms can spread misinformation about depression and other disorders
For example, someone might post a meme about bipolar disorder that doesn’t accurately represent its diagnostic criteria and how it presents clinically. Such content may discourage people from seeking the support they deserve, or it could lead people to think they’re living with bipolar disorder when they are not.
In addition, some people might post information about mental health that they believe to be accurate and helpful, but this information may not have been fact-checked by a licensed mental health professional. The internet also contains large amounts of outdated information. Mental health experts often have to update mental health information to ensure it reflects the latest clinical standards and language recommended to reduce stigma and increase help-seeking behavior.
How to push back against misconceptions and fight stigma
Some people may not know how to challenge misconceptions about mental health on social media sites. They might be afraid to offend a friend or family member who posted something that perpetuates stereotypes, especially if they posted the information publicly. One possible way to diplomatically address such posts is to contact the person in question via direct message and share reputable resources. Even if the person disagrees with you, they may eventually appreciate that you were respectful and contacted them directly instead of publicly.
Presenting data to fight stigma
When you decide to challenge misconceptions about mental health on social media, you may find it helpful to prepare your arguments. Adding reliable data may make your case more compelling. For example, some people might believe that only people with certain body types experience eating disorders. You might consider sharing information about how people of all body types can have eating disorders and how these conditions can manifest in various ways.
When challenging misinformation about mental health, you might also consider sharing experiences from your own life. Some people may appreciate your sincerity and be more receptive to a personal message about your own mental health journey.
Many people fail to realize that they’ve posted inaccurate or insensitive information. Culture constantly evolves, and what is generally viewed as acceptable today might be considered insensitive a few years from now. When you challenge misinformation, you might keep in mind that many people have good intentions. This knowledge may help you address misconceptions compassionately and effectively.
The social media paradox: Screen time and mental health
Not all messaging about mental health on social media is negative. Many people are exposed to social media messaging about the importance of seeking help for mental health challenges. However, recent research on mental health stigma around the world has revealed a paradox with respect to social media and mental health.
In a study involving individuals across 23 countries, respondents who spent four or more hours per day on social media were more likely than people who didn’t use social media to believe that mental health care does not improve mental health. These same individuals were nearly twice as likely to believe that they would be judged for seeking support than people who didn’t use social media.
Talking to a therapist about social media and mental health
Individuals who have concerns about the effects of social media on mental health may benefit from speaking with a licensed mental health professional. Therapy can help people recover from stigmatization related to mental health. A therapist can also offer guidance on how to challenge stigma when it arises, whether on social media or in real life.
Online therapy for depression and other disorders
Some people who have experienced mental health stigma may be hesitant to see a therapist in person. In these cases, support is available through online therapy. With online therapy, anyone can connect with a licensed therapist from home or any location with an internet connection via audio, video, or live chat. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, allows individuals to reach out to their therapists at any time between sessions through in-app messaging, which may be helpful for times when people experience stigmatization.
In addition to allowing for flexible communication, online therapy has shown its efficacy in numerous peer-reviewed studies. One 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was just as effective as in-person therapy for treating depression symptoms.
Takeaway
What’s the relationship between social media and mental health stigma?
Social media can have a paradoxical effect on mental health. Many social media platforms have content that promotes mental health care. However, research suggests that people who spend four or more hours per day on social media are more likely to believe that mental health care doesn’t help.
Do social media platforms contribute to anxiety and depression?
Social media may contribute to depression for a number of reasons. In some cases, people may spend more time online than in real-world interactions. Even if these online interactions are positive, individuals may start to miss out on the benefits of in-person contact.
In other cases, people who use social media may believe they are being excluded. Despite having many online contacts, they may experience a sense of isolation and being left out if they see pictures of people at parties or events to which they weren’t invited. Some people may also experience a compulsion to constantly check social media to see if people have responded to their posts or comments, which can contribute to anxiety symptoms.
More research may shed light on the relationship between social media use and adolescent health, depression, and suicide-related outcomes. However, it can be important to note that it’s not just adolescents who are affected by social media. People of all ages can experience mental health challenges related to social media use.
What is the effect of screen time on the mental health of teens and adults?
Social media can affect mental health in ways that have nothing to do with mental health stigmatization. For many people, excessive social media screen time can take time away from real-life interactions and other activities. Screen time can also affect a person’s sleep, especially if they use a screen during the hours before bedtime. Many screens emit blue light, which can affect the body’s circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. A lack of quality sleep can then affect the performance of teens and young adults at school or work.
How is social media addiction diagnosed?
Social media addiction isn’t a diagnosable disorder. However, spending too much time on social media can negatively affect mental health. There may not be a specific number of hours that indicate addiction, but a mental health professional can assess how social media use is affecting a person’s social life and mental well-being.
How does the media affect mental health stigma?
The media, in general, can affect mental health stigma by producing content that inaccurately portrays mental health. For example, some outlets may publish content that depicts depression as a disorder that always looks like sadness. While this can be true for many people, other individuals with depression may be highly productive, and they may not necessarily show outward signs of a depressed mood despite experiencing internal struggles. When inaccurate content is spread on social media, it can have a profound impact on the way that people perceive mental health disorders and treatment.
What are some steps to protect people from mental health stigma on social media?
One step that may help is to prevent children and adolescents from accessing social media at a young age. False messaging about mental health can have a significant effect on young people as they develop ideas and opinions about mental health. Parents who limit social media use may protect their teens and adolescents from negative mental health outcomes.
What are five dangers of social media?
Social media usage often has a negative impact on mental well-being and can even contribute to the development of mental illness. Below are five potential dangers of social media:
- Increased risk of depressive symptoms
- Social isolation
- Exposure to online abuse or harmful content that can leave lasting emotional scars
- Sleep problems
- Attention challenges
According to the Pew Research Center, around one in five teenagers reports that social media harms their mental health. It can be important to raise awareness of the consequences of social media use, as many clinical psychological science professionals are seeing increased rates of mental illness among those who frequently use these platforms.
However, it’s possible for social media to have positive impacts as well. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health shares new mental health research findings and reliable information about mental illness on its social media channels. This can help people learn more about mental health and the importance of seeking help.
When is social media toxic?
Social media can become toxic when a person develops an addiction to it, when it contributes to the development of psychological distress or major depression symptoms, and when it encourages constant social comparison. Excessive use of social media often has negative effects like poor mental health and a loss of in-person peer support networks.
What is the root cause of social media addiction?
Social media is generally designed to be addictive. It tends to activate the brain’s reward center, releasing dopamine and encouraging users to continue using social media. Over time, excessive social media use can lead to mood disorders like depression.
Does getting rid of social media help with mental health?
In many cases, getting rid of social media can enhance mental health and satisfaction with everyday life. Individuals may turn to friends and family for emotional support rather than constantly reaching for their phones. They may spend more time in the real world rather than interacting with others virtually, which often comes with a variety of mental health benefits.
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