Research has shown that social media can negatively impact people’s mental health. But can it affect people’s beliefs about mental health treatment?
Yes, according to researchers at Union. In one of the first studies to examine the impact of social media on people’s perceptions of mental health care, researchers discovered that viewing just a few social media posts that mock mental health treatment can have a profound impact on some people’s attitudes toward treatment.
The study appears in the latest issue of the journal Social Media + Society.
For the study, 186 participants viewed 10 tweets. The gender breakdown was 67 percent male, 32 percent female. For half of the participants, five of the tweets derogated mental-health treatment (e.g., “My friend is feeling sad again today. It’s not depression or bipolar — those aren’t real. STOP WHINING”) The other participants viewed tweets that had nothing to do with mental health treatment.
A recent study sheds light on the potential negative impact of social media posts on perceptions of mental health treatment. This article explores the study’s findings, revealing how social media content can influence public opinions and contribute to stigmatization surrounding mental health care.
The research suggests that certain social media posts may inadvertently perpetuate misconceptions about mental health treatment, hindering individuals from seeking the help they need. As societal attitudes play a crucial role in shaping the narrative around mental health, understanding the influence of online content becomes imperative in combating stigma.
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Social Media Posts can Negatively Impact Perceptions of Mental Health Treatment https://t.co/mZKKOW7unW #rehabnearme 855-339-1112
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