Doctor Tik Tok: The Phenomenon of Self Diagnosing
In a world full of technology, we have access to information at our fingertips. With the rapidly expanding phenomenon of social media, mental health awareness has increased in a positive way, allowing more representation which creates a safe space for people to be authentic. In the digital era, people often turn to the internet to share health concerns, research symptoms, and even search for self diagnoses. Self diagnosis is when an individual asserts that they have a condition without confirmation from a professional. Although the representation and shared community for mental illness is a wonderful benefit, the current phenomenon of self diagnosing poses risks that we should be aware of.
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Firstly, it’s important to recognize that finding an explanation for your feelings can be cathartic, but unfortunately not everyone has access to a professional. According to “Down The Rabbit Hole of Self-Diagnosis in Mental Health” by University of Colorado Denver, “If mental health care is inaccessible or unaffordable, self-diagnosis can be a necessary and valid option.”
However, on apps like Tik Tok, the trendy nature of romanticizing mental illness has created an environment for people to easily self diagnose. The phenomenon creates a prevalence of misinformation surrounding health-related content. It is vital to refer to doctors and professionals regarding any mental health concerns, and not Tik Tok. Virtually anyone can post health-related content, and there is no guarantee of its accuracy.
The increased aestheticization and glamourization of mental illness is extremely harmful to everyone. Not only is most mental health content misconstrued or exaggerated in attempts to get likes, but it can enable harmful and dangerous behaviors. It also perpetuates stereotypes that are hurtful.
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People turn to social media as a way to connect with others and feel a sense of community. “You’ve suffered loss, you’ve suffered a setback or you’ve underperformed at school, not living up to your potential. That causes painful emotional responses — in all their variety and complexity. These are often reasonable and proportionate reactions to difficult circumstances which, by definition, means they’re not evidence of a mental disorder. But young people today don’t have a way to talk about them,” says Sociologist Joseph Davis. Clinical terms are replacing our words for emotion.
While the issue of self diagnosing is complex, it is vital we recognize when to seek help from a professional, or when to rely on close relationships to be vulnerable and share feelings in our own words.
Strike out,
Indigo Carter
Saint Augustine
