Preface
Certainly, the internet has become home to infinite pieces of information that come together to form an amalgamate of search results that serve us to the best of our needs. As a society, databases have allowed us to advance our knowledge and support our innovation in producing electric cars to building artificial intelligence systems. However glorified all this may seem, unlimited and accessible information surely is a two-edged sword.
Misinformation has transformed to be embedded into our search engines and social media platforms, thus becoming inescapable. This was especially prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic where false theories and treatments regarding the virus gained popularity. In turn, spreading confusion and the distortion of facts, making it challenging for individuals to obtain accurate and trustworthy information.
Ultimately, there are different terms to define this misinformation epidemic. An infodemic is excessive information, often false or misleading, in digital and physical environments. This term highlights the parallel between the rapid dissemination of misinformation and disease (Teplinksy et al., 2022).
Health misinformation is defined as any health-related claim or fact that is false based on current scientific consensus, while disinformation is defined as a coordinated or deliberate effort to circulate misinformation knowingly to deceive and uphold a certain narrative, or reputation (Teplinksy et al., 2022).
Mental Health and Misinformation: Is my self-diagnosis valid? Mental health advocacy has come a long way from being a taboo to becoming a pillar of public health. As a society, we have utilized media and news platforms to publicize different mental illnesses, and developmental and neurological disorders to raise awareness and gain familiarity with such conditions. Additionally, we have enabled ourselves, even those with no expertise, to become pseudo-experts ourselves.
Familiarity and awareness of mental disorders have enabled the public to water down the seriousness of such illnesses, alas making them “trends” or relatable content in some cases. Sequentially, it has become inevitable for media consumers, especially youth, to escape this push. It is important to note that youth ages 11 to 17 are particularly vulnerable to social influence (Banner Health, 2021).
In a positive light, this influx of information has made us more aware and attentive to mental health. Conversely, many individuals have erroneously been made to believe they possess a condition or disorder that they may not actually have.
Dr. Adelayo, a psychiatrist at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital has referred to this phenomenon as the Barnum effect at play, where individuals, after being exposed to numerous videos, may begin to identify with various potential symptoms and even exhibit some of those symptoms themselves (Banner Health, 2021).
So, what is the verdict? Is your self-diagnosis valid?
While self-education and being caring of your own mental health is a step in the right direction, it is crucial to avoid advice from self-proclaimed ‘arm-chair experts’, who have no medical expertise or credentials to offer the information or services they do. Additionally, it is important for people to seek out accurate scientific information and consult with qualified professionals to ensure they receive appropriate evidence-based treatments.
Perhaps, TikTok or Instagram have shed some light and led you to believe that you have ADHD, but that is not the endpoint rather the beginning for your journey to connect with the suitable resources and take care of your mental health. Lastly, it is important to avoid instilling such symptoms as trendy personality traits, and to approach them with seriousness and caution. Instead of trivializing or romanticizing symptoms, it is important to recognize their potential impact on individuals' well-being and seek appropriate assistance when necessary. By doing so, individuals can ensure they receive the support, understanding, and evidence-based interventions that are tailored to their specific needs. This approach promotes a healthier perspective on mental health and encourages a responsible and informed attitude towards seeking help and treatment.
Banner Health. (2021, November). Tiktok self-diagnoses on the rise, why it’s harmful. Banner Health. https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/advise-me/tiktok-self-diagnoses-on-the-ri se-why-its-harmful
Teplinsky, E., Ponce, S. B., Drake, E. K., Garcia, A. M., Loeb, S., van Londen, G. J., Teoh, D., Thompson, M., & Schapira, L. (2022). Online medical misinformation in cancer: Distinguishing fact from fiction. JCO Oncology Practice, 18(8), 584–589. https://doi.org/10.1200/op.21.00764
