To a large extent, TikTok has become a space where people can feel empowered to express themselves freely, learn, and share their varying life experiences, challenges, and mental health well-being.
When it comes to mental health, TikTok can undoubtedly be beneficial in spreading awareness and de-stigmatizing mental health issues, but there can also be a particular downside.
Numerous mental health experts have recently raised concerns and are questioning the following:
- Is TikTok a legitimate mental health resource?
- Or has it become a danger zone for mental disorders?
TikTok: What is it Exactly?
TikTok is a video-sharing platform that allows you to create, share and discover short videos of dance trends, pranks, comedy skits, singing, lip-syncing, and so much more.
If you are anything like me, it is also the perfect place to zone out and watch funny cat and dog videos. But is this all there is to TikTok? Is it just purely a source of entertainment and fun?
TikTok has proven to be a go-to app containing the latest trends and fads and a place for people to unite. The platform has enabled people to connect and interact with each other over similar interests, learn new hobbies, share fun or educational content and, in turn, establish a sense of identity for many.
Videos are short, fast-paced, and designed to grab the viewer’s attention. Their format triggers a dopamine release and creates more cravings. The result? TikTok videos create an addictive atmosphere, and viewers want more.
These upbeat and addictive videos have resulted in the social media app becoming exceptionally popular recently, particularly among younger Millennials and Generation Z. But, in 2020, during the pandemic, TikTok downloads skyrocketed, reportedly an astounding 850 million times. As of September 2021, TikTok amassed over 1 billion monthly global users.
TikTok and Mental Health
Due to the app’s incredible widespread reach and popularity, more and more healthcare professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health advocates, have turned to this platform to promote awareness concerning various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more.
TikTok’s Negative Impact on Mental Health
While mental health awareness is undoubtedly positive, mental health influencers lacking medical credentials are also surging on the platform. These individuals post videos of themselves experiencing symptoms like anxiety or personality disorders.
At the same time, other influencers, again many without formal mental health training, offer to help teens and young adults to self-diagnose mental health conditions like ADHD, OCD, dissociative identity disorder, Tourette syndrome, and autism.
These types of videos are now receiving billions of views. By searching Tiktok alone using the hashtag #mentalhealth, you will find over 60B views, #anxiety over 21B, #adhd (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) over 18B, and #bpd (borderline personality disorder) over 7B views.
While striving to spread mental health awareness on TikTok, many well-meaning influencers may inadvertently harm impressionable viewers. The result is that some individuals seem to be incorrectly self-diagnosing with disorders or manifesting symptoms simply because they are now being made aware of them.
Yet, there is not enough information available for self-diagnosis. People should be open-minded and understand that just because one person experiences an issue or symptom can be very different for another. Also, it does not mean that a particular person suffers from that specific mental health condition.
There is considerable uncertainty regarding whether the information and advice delivered in these videos are trusted and clinically proven. Based on this, there is concern that some information presented to young and impressionable viewers could be false, misleading, confusing, or even inaccurate.
TikTok’s Positive Impact on Mental Health
While there are particular worries about how TikTok videos represent mental health, we should highlight the positive impact, which includes:
- Education: More and more people are becoming exposed to people with different conditions, learning new terminology, and engaging in dialogue regarding their symptoms.
- Validation: There is also the fact that those who have previously felt isolated in dealing with their struggles can now find the validation they need.
- Communication: This platform has created a space where those with mental conditions can feel that they belong and are part of a community or social network.
TikTok has become a new coping strategy for many during these recent destabilizing times and has developed a platform for individuals to seek out like-minded people.
Many young people have finally found a place to share their struggles and learn from mental health experts.
Furthermore, it has allowed individuals to feel more comfortable seeking licensed healthcare professionals to assist them with their mental health issues or concerns.
Takeaway
We find that social media, overall, can either be a blessing or a curse. Hence it is essential to be mindful of how platforms such as TikTok can affect one’s life to prevent it from becoming a danger zone for mental health disorders.
If a person finds that social media triggers mood, behavior, or relationship changes, it may be wise to take a break and consult a professional (i.e., a therapist, psychiatrist, etc.)
Remember, TikTok can be a fun and engaging app, but it is vital to be mindful about whom advice is taken from, not to rely on TikTok as the only form of therapy, to be open-minded, and always conduct your own research.
Considering these factors, apps like TikTok can be an incredibly beneficial mental health resource in providing relief, spreading awareness, and supporting people with mental health issues.
The benefits of more individuals learning and talking about mental health undoubtedly outweigh the potential negatives.
About The Author
Hi, I’m Irene, a freelance writer who works with start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses. My goal is to help you save time and money so that you can focus on growing your business. I specialise in SEO blog posts and articles, website content creation and proofreading. If you would like more information on how I can help with your written content, then let’s have a chat.