Did the algorithm “diagnose” you with autism, ADHD, etc.?
You are not the only one whose “for you page” is suddenly flooded with short form videos about everything from mould toxicity to autism – that may or may not feel uncannily relatable.
The videos often claim things like: “Did you know that sleeping with the TV on is actually an ADHD trait?”.
It is easy to dismiss the claims presented by short videos as misinformation leading people astray. But at the same time social media fills a large gap of missing information about what life is actually like if you are an adult with autism and/or ADHD.
But how can you tell what is right and what is wrong? In this insight you get advice on how to tell useful information apart from nonsense and thinly veiled advertising.
Why is mental health trending on social media?
People suffer from poor mental health all over the planet. It is often difficult or impossible to get access to proper treatment. Instead, people turn to social media as a way to get help, community and – more often than not – simply an explanation to their suffering.
Why is social media filled with so much misinformation?
The most obvious – and in many ways the biggest – problem with social media is that no one is fact checking. You risk getting information that is completely false.
Misinformation is obviously a problem in and of itself.
But more often than not, the misinformation is used to sell you a service or a product.
Misinformation is ubiquitous
Social media about mental health is often either false information – or facts that have been way oversimplified. A scientific study of TikTok videos about ADHD revealed that about half of them contained misinformation or oversimplifications.
Neurodivergent or just quirky?
Is your TV on while you sleep? Or do you flinch when hearing a small sound? These quirks are sometimes presented as “signs” that you have this or that disorder or neurodivergence. It might be a smaller part of a large puzzle piece pointing to you having ADHD or PTSD. Or it might simply be just that, a quirk. The problem is a lack of nuance and expertise from the sources. Which is why it is very important that you take these nuggets of information with a grain of salt and do proper research if you suspect you might be neurodivergent.
Need to be sceptical about popular sources
Unfortunately, even seemingly trustworthy sources sometimes sell you oversimplified or downright unscientific information. A noteworthy example is Dr. Amen, a very popular psychiatrist in the US, who purports that there are “7 types of ADHD”. A claim not supported by scientific studies. Despite this, you can find several tests online that claim to show you which of the 7 types of ADHD you have. And Dr. Amen has a large following on social media.
In conclusion, it is vital that you use scepticism and seek out information from several different sources – and compare this information to scientific literature and diagnostic criteria.
What are they selling you?
Dr. Amen is just one of many people and companies turning a profit while seemingly helping people. Social media is full of people who target their products and services towards people with poor mental health. Some things might be helpful, a lot of them are not.
What exactly are they trying to sell?
It might be actual products like magnetic bracelets, essential oils or dietary supplements.
But more often than not it is more intangible. Influencers are experts at selling you a highly edited version of their reality. If you do what they do, you too can become more beautiful, happier, thinner, more spiritual or richer – if you pay up. Become a member of their club, join a retreat or get access to exclusive teachings. But you seldomly get what you were promised.
In conclusion, be sceptical when you come across a social media account with claims about their product that sound too good to be true.
Bleach – a cure for autism?
A few years ago parents tried to cure their autistic children of autism by forcing them to ingest bleach. This method was popularised in Facebook groups for parents of autistic children. This dangerous experimentation came about because the parents did not get the support and help they desperately needed. They rejected scientific methods and even common sense and instead turned to dangerous experiments on their children.
This example shows how incredibly important it is to always use common sense and sound scientific knowledge – even at times where you are in a desperate situation.
Use common sense and knowledge based on scientific studies
In conclusion – social media is filled with misinformation. Sometimes dangerous, sometimes innocuous.
Whether it is misinformation or snakeoil, you risk putting your mental and physical health in danger if you follow the advice blindly. Make sure you use common sense and make sure the information is scientifically sound.
Testimonies are important
But does that mean you should not seek out information about mental health on social media?
Not at all. Because social media has a wonderful potential for the dissemination of important knowledge and community building.
Get to know yourself through others
Adults getting an ADHD and/or autism diagnosis is a surprisingly new trend. Many adults have struggled, both as children and adults, without knowing why. But seeing social media content about other adults with similar lives can literally be life changing. Having access to knowledge about why you struggle makes a big difference for people who get diagnosed as adults.
Communities hold knowledge about lived experience
There is a significant gap between the lived experience of adults and the diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD. This gap is currently being filled with testimonies from autistic and ADHD adults, often on social media. For instance, groups on social media like Facebook provide a safe space for newly diagnosed people who are often confused and grieving. The other members of the group provide gentle guidance and reflections that make the newcomer feel safe and more at ease. The sense of community social media provides can play a big part in making newly diagnosed people feel better.
Social media helps mainstream neurodivergence
I have seen a big shift in how autism and ADHD is perceived since my own diagnosis in 2018. It has become much more common for adults to get an autism and/or ADHD diagnosis – and a significant reason is exposure to adults talking about life with autism and ADHD on social media.
This shift in perception has also made it much more mainstream to talk about how we as a society can improve life for people with neurodivergent brains, e.g. in workplaces.
Organising to improve rights
Societal attention means a higher level of organisation of neurodivergent people in higher education and unions, typically in the form of networks. It shows a heightened awareness around including neurodivergent people and working towards their rights and needs being met.
Use social media – carefully
Social media content about autism, ADHD and mental health in general can be both good and bad. As it stands, it is up to you to sift through the information you get. Which is why it is important to use your common sense and put effort into researching the facts.
Communities on social media have great positive potentials for people seeking self development and a sense of belonging. But there is a risk that these communities might be infected with false information.
