#American Idols – The Role of Influencers in Shaping the Public’s Understanding and Utilization of Mental Health Care-View Presentation

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In a comprehensive discussion, mental health professionals Dr. Anna Russell, Dr. Keelan O'Connell, and Dr. Cecily Lehman addressed the impact of social media influencers on public perceptions and utilization of mental health care. Initial discussions explored the internet's evolution, highlighting its pervasive influence and the significant role social media plays in contemporary life. It was noted that large portions of the population, including various age groups, are actively engaged on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, spending significant time connected online.<br /><br />The presentation outlined how influencers, by virtue of their vast followings, wield considerable sway over their audiences, in part due to mechanisms like parasocial relationships and herd behavior. This sway can be positive, as seen with celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo and Selena Gomez, who advocate for mental health awareness, or negative, potentially propagating misinformation as illustrated by Elon Musk's unsubstantiated critique of the antidepressant Wellbutrin.<br /><br />Health care professionals were urged to consider integrating a social media-focused mental health evaluation in patient assessments, emphasizing openness, curiosity, and nonjudgmental attitudes. Such engagement could mitigate potential harms from unregulated social media influence while fostering constructive dialogues.<br /><br />The session concluded with a hands-on group activity designed to practice the "TAME" method — assessing the time spent, activities engaged in, mental health impacts, and overall experiences related to social media use — to better contextualize and address patient experiences and concerns in clinical settings. This conversation underscored the need for continued research, education, and adaptation within mental health practices to navigate the complex intersection of social media and mental wellness effectively.

Keywords

mental health

social media

influencers

parasocial relationships

herd behavior

mental health awareness

misinformation

TAME method

patient assessments

clinical settings