Dr. Inna Kanevsky, TikTok influencer and Psychology Professor, debunks psychology misinformation online. They discuss challenges of engaging on social media, evolution of therapy trends, pathologizing normal behaviors, navigating social media hate, and ethics of mental health content. The episode ends with a call to action to support Ukraine.
Influencers on social media must prioritize authentic expertise over viral content to ensure genuine value for audiences seeking guidance.
The prevalence of misinformation on platforms like TikTok poses challenges in discerning reliable information, especially concerning mental health and social issues.
Balancing the dissemination of accurate mental health information with financial opportunities on social media underscores the evolving landscape of advocacy and ethical dilemmas.
Deep dives
Grifting in Social Media: Practices and Ethics
Prominent figures on social media, particularly TikTok, are engaging in practices that blur the lines between professionalism and misinformation. A significant emphasis is placed on credentials and content delivery, where the portrayal of expertise in areas like therapy and mental health raises concerns about authenticity and genuine value. The impact of influencers promoting courses, questionable therapies, and even incorrect information poses inherent risks to audiences seeking guidance and support.
Navigating Misinformation and Public Discourse
Discussing the prevalence of misinformation on platforms like TikTok, especially concerning mental health and social issues, sheds light on the challenges of discerning reliable information. The proliferation of pseudoscience, hate speech, and misleading content underscores the complexity of addressing societal concerns within online spaces, where algorithms and echo chambers play significant roles in amplifying and perpetuating harmful narratives.
Social Media and Mental Health Advocacy
Examining the influence of social media on mental health advocacy reveals a nuanced interplay between informative content and commercial interests. The commercialization of mental health discussions, including the promotion of courses and products, raises ethical dilemmas about the authenticity and impact of such engagements. Balancing the dissemination of accurate information with financial opportunities underscores the evolving landscape of mental health advocacy in digital spaces.
Challenges of Social Media Ethics and Influence
Exploring the nuances of ethical practices on social media, particularly related to mental health, highlights the delicate balance between authenticity and commercial interests. The interplay between engaging content creation, influencer marketing, and accurate information dissemination poses challenges for maintaining integrity and transparency in online interactions. Addressing the ethical implications of sponsored content, misrepresentation of professional credentials, and the promotion of questionable therapies underscores the need for critical evaluation and responsible engagement.
Empowering Critical Thinking in the Digital Age
Reflecting on the impact of social media on mental health discourse, there emerges a critical need for promoting discernment and critical thinking skills among users. Encouraging individuals to evaluate information sources, identify red flags in content, and navigate nuanced discussions can enhance digital literacy and resilience against misinformation. Empowering individuals to engage responsibly and ethically on social media platforms fosters a culture of accountability and informed decision-making in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
On this episode, the gang is joined by the one and only Dr. Inna Kanevsky to discuss all types of grifty misinformation floating around online about pop psychology and science.
Dr. Inna Kanevsky has over 1.1m followers on TikTok (@dr_inna) and her videos have garnered over 36 million views, which according to some estimates places her in the 99.75% percentile of U.S. Tiktokers. When she’s not being a social media influencer, Dr. Inna is a Psychology Professor at San Diego Mesa College with her doctorate in experimental psychology.
Be sure to follow Dr. Inna on TikTok @dr_inna and on Instagram @_dr_inna.
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