Diagnosing Through the Screen
The Complex Impact of TikTok on Mental Health Self-Identification
The proliferation of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has fundamentally transformed the way individuals engage with mental health information. It is now commonplace for users to encounter short-form videos in which content creators share personal experiences or symptoms related to mental health disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, or autism. These videos frequently attract substantial engagement, with hundreds of commenters expressing identification with the symptoms described. While such content can foster a sense of validation and community for those who may feel misunderstood or isolated, there are significant concerns regarding the reliability and appropriateness of self-diagnosing based on information disseminated through these brief, often anecdotal, online formats.
A critical issue lies in the fact that many of these videos are produced by individuals without professional qualifications or clinical expertise. The brevity and virality inherent to TikTok’s algorithm-driven platform encourage the oversimplification of complex psychological conditions, reducing nuanced diagnostic criteria to easily digestible lists or relatable anecdotes. This can inadvertently lead viewers to believe they possess a particular disorder, despite the absence of a comprehensive clinical assessment. The normalisation of self-diagnosis within these digital communities not only risks trivialising serious mental health issues but also perpetuates misinformation, potentially delaying or deterring individuals from seeking appropriate professional intervention.
Moreover, the algorithmic curation of content on TikTok amplifies exposure to mental health-related videos, creating echo chambers in which users are repeatedly presented with similar narratives. This repeated exposure can reinforce self-diagnosis, foster confirmation bias, and contribute to the internalisation of mental health labels as aspects of personal identity. The pursuit of social validation—manifested through likes, shares, and comments—further incentivises the production and consumption of such content, sometimes at the expense of accuracy or clinical rigour.
As Sed Yildirim observes in a recent research study:
“With increasing social media usage, self-diagnosis can worsen an individual’s existing mental disorders and complicate the right treatment. In other words, social media can worsen undiagnosed mental health disorders and worsen self-esteem and lead people to engage in self-harming behaviours such as suicidal thoughts.”
When evaluating the benefits and risks of self-diagnosis, it becomes evident that the dangers of oversimplification and misinformation are substantial. Mental health disorders are inherently multifaceted, and the reduction of their complexity to short, engaging videos may obscure the importance of individualised, evidence-based care. Ultimately, while social media can serve as a valuable tool for raising awareness and reducing stigma, it is imperative to approach self-diagnosis with caution and to prioritise professional guidance in the assessment and treatment of mental health concerns.
While the risks and drawbacks of self-diagnosis through social media are considerable, it is important to recognise that self-diagnosis is not inherently negative. For many individuals, especially those who have long struggled to understand their experiences, encountering relatable content online can catalyse self-reflection and the pursuit of professional help. In some cases, self-diagnosis acts as a crucial first step toward obtaining a formal medical diagnosis, empowering individuals to seek appropriate support and resources. However, it is also significant to acknowledge the privilege associated with accessing professional mental health care. Not everyone has the financial means, time, or resources to obtain a formal diagnosis or ongoing treatment. For those facing such barriers, online communities and self-diagnosis may provide a sense of validation and understanding that is otherwise inaccessible. Therefore, while it is essential to approach self-diagnosis with caution and critical thinking, it is equally important to recognise its potential benefits and the broader context of healthcare accessibility and social privilege.
References:
Ahuvia, I. L., Schleider, J. L., Kneeland, E. T., Moser, J. S., & Schroder, H. S. (2024). Depression self-labeling in U.S. college students: Associations with perceived control and coping strategies. Journal of Affective Disorders, 351, 202–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.229
Haslam, N., & Tse, J. S. (2024). Public awareness of mental illness: Mental health literacy or concept creep? Australasian Psychiatry, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/10398562241292202
Mathes, B. M., Norr, A. M., Allan, N. P., Albanese, B. J., & Schmidt, N. B. (2018). Cyberchondria: Overlap with health anxiety and unique relations with impairment, quality of life, and service utilization. Psychiatry Research, 261, 204–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.01.002
Seda Yıldırım. (2023). The Challenge of Self-diagnosis on Mental Health Through Social Media: A Qualitative Study. Computational Methods in Psychiatry, 197–213. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6637-0_10