Expert warns social media is distorting mental health discussions for teens

Assoc. Prof. Kathrin Karsay, a communication scholar at the University of Vienna, has shared concerns about the state of mental health discussions on social media. While she acknowledges the trend has helped challenge taboos and reduce stigma, she warns of growing risks tied to oversimplified or misleading content. Karsay explains that mental health content on social media often prioritises emotional appeal and extremes over accuracy. Popular posts frequently misinterpret everyday stress as serious diagnoses or label normal emotions as disorders. This deviation from expert consensus can have real consequences, particularly for young people, as many conditions first appear during adolescence or early adulthood.

She also highlights the dangers of romanticising mental illness, which can discourage those affected from seeking professional help. While social media can give teens the words to describe their feelings, it cannot replace therapy. Karsay advises users to question what they see, especially when influencers promote supplements or coaching services.

To stay safe, she suggests taking a break if a feed seems to push a particular narrative. Users should also report harmful content and unfollow accounts that spread misleading or harmful advice. Instead, Karsay urges people to use social media as a starting point for conversations with trusted individuals. The scholar’s warnings underline the need for caution when engaging with mental health content online. Social media can open discussions, but users must remain critical and seek professional guidance when needed.