THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD: MENTAL ILLNESS REPRESENTATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Subjects/Theme:
Social media, digital stigma, peer support, algorithmic amplification, romanticization, performative vulnerability, severe mental illness, media guidelines.Description
The arrival of social networks has fundamentally transformed how mental illness is communicated, understood, and experienced. Setting aside the narratives of traditional media, digital platforms have democratized mental health discourse, allowing marginalized individuals to share their lived experiences and build supportive communities. This chapter examines the dual nature of digital mental health representation. It first outlines the critical need and importance of these online spaces for reducing self-stigma and fostering global peer support. It then critically analyzes the demerits of digital representation, including the algorithmic romanticization of psychological distress, the rise of misinformation and selfdiagnosis, and the stark divide in how "palatable" conditions are embraced while severe mental illnesses face continued social exclusion. Finally, the chapter proposes actionable strategies for content creators, users, and tech platforms to cultivate authentic, safe, and destigmatizing digital environments.
