Program Type
Honors
Faculty Advisor
Jennifer Willbanks
Document Type
Poster
Location
Face-to-face
Start Date
18-4-2024 10:00 AM
Abstract
Abstract
This research examines the relationship between algorithmic social media platforms and self-diagnosis of mental disorders. Looking specifically at psychopathology, the enhancements and pioneering of new algorithmic social media platforms have made the facilitation of forged disorders and exaggerated symptoms quickly widespread. The most notable example, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), has led a plethora of youth to self-diagnose and romanticize one of the most serious and rare mental health disorders recognized by the APA (Hatigan et al., 2023). This becomes increasingly problematic because it diminishes the severity and urgency for those who are clinically diagnosed with DID. To investigate the relationship between social media use and self-diagnosis, Arkansas Tech University students (N =238) completed a survey regarding their social media use, knowledge of psychopathology, and their tendency to engage in self-diagnosis. Results indicate social media usage contributes to an increased tendency to self-diagnose and attempt to diagnose others. The perceived validity of psychopathological information being spread online is positively correlated to self-diagnosis and diagnosing others. The rise of algorithmic social media and subsequent self-diagnosis is quickly becoming a public health concern and has practical ramifications in counseling and clinical settings.
Keywords: psychopathology, self-diagnosis, social media, mental health, college students
Recommended Citation
West, Felicity, "The Examination of the Relationship Social Media Usage and Self-Diagnosis of Mental Disorders" (2024). ATU Student Research Symposium. 33.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/atu_rs/2024/2024/33
The Examination of the Relationship Social Media Usage and Self-Diagnosis of Mental Disorders
Face-to-face
Abstract
This research examines the relationship between algorithmic social media platforms and self-diagnosis of mental disorders. Looking specifically at psychopathology, the enhancements and pioneering of new algorithmic social media platforms have made the facilitation of forged disorders and exaggerated symptoms quickly widespread. The most notable example, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), has led a plethora of youth to self-diagnose and romanticize one of the most serious and rare mental health disorders recognized by the APA (Hatigan et al., 2023). This becomes increasingly problematic because it diminishes the severity and urgency for those who are clinically diagnosed with DID. To investigate the relationship between social media use and self-diagnosis, Arkansas Tech University students (N =238) completed a survey regarding their social media use, knowledge of psychopathology, and their tendency to engage in self-diagnosis. Results indicate social media usage contributes to an increased tendency to self-diagnose and attempt to diagnose others. The perceived validity of psychopathological information being spread online is positively correlated to self-diagnosis and diagnosing others. The rise of algorithmic social media and subsequent self-diagnosis is quickly becoming a public health concern and has practical ramifications in counseling and clinical settings.
Keywords: psychopathology, self-diagnosis, social media, mental health, college students
