Social Media and Self-Diagnosis

Recently, while preparing a presentation on mental health for college RAs, I consulted with a seasoned RA to review my material. She suggested including a discussion on the trend of students “self-diagnosing” based on what they see on social media. I really value insights from those who grew up in the digital age.

I came across an excellent interview on the Johns Hopkins News and Publications website that delves into social media and self-diagnosis. I highly recommend taking five minutes to read it; it highlights important points we need to address.

For instance, when we hear students casually say things like “I’m so OCD sometimes” or “my ADHD is really getting to me today,” it’s crucial to engage them in a conversation. We should discuss the difference between common distractions and true ADHD, explain how diagnoses are actually made, and highlight the red flags they should be aware of in themselves.

It’s also essential to teach students how to critically assess mental health information and encourage them to seek help from reliable sources, rather than relying on the misinformation that often circulates on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. ~ Ryan