Witten/Herdecke, Germany. New study highlights problematic psychological content on social media.
Thanks in part to social media, psychoeducation—in which mental health professionals teach individuals about their conditions, disorders, and treatment options—is much more widespread today than it was just a few decades ago. The accessibility of information about mental illness and neurodivergence should primarily be viewed as a positive development, as it can shorten the path to diagnosis and therapeutic support. However, a new study, conducted as part of an international collaboration involving the University of Witten/Herdecke, shows that some forms of psychoeducation can be problematic. For the study, researchers analyzed 177 German-language TikTok videos on ADHD, depression, autism, narcissism, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Collectively, the short videos were viewed nearly 100 million times. The researchers concluded that only one in five videos conveyed factually accurate content. The majority were created by affected individuals or laypersons, contained false or overly simplistic statements, or simply recounted personal experiences. Personal accounts from those affected could be helpful, but—according to the researchers—should not be treated as a substitute for therapy. If one feels as though they might benefit from a diagnosis it is always best to consult a licensed psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
Source Universität Witten/Herdecke
Translation Paula Boslau
Image Solen Feyissa
