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Social media-based diagnoses: How do you critically navigate an accessible and validating way of understanding yourself?

25 March 2025, Version 1
This content is an early or alternative research output and has not been peer-reviewed by Cambridge University Press at the time of posting.
This item is a response to a research question in Depression
Q. Are new digital technologies and social media causing the spike in anxiety and depression in young people?

Abstract

The rise of social media has provided a platform for shared experiences and community support in mental health discussions. However, it has also contributed to the oversimplification of complex conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. This article explores the nuances of self-diagnosis and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of mental health.

Keywords

Mental health diagnosis
Social media

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