Digital hypnosis and social media self-diagnosis spark mental health concerns

Psychologists and specialists are warning about the psychological impacts of intensive digital content consumption, a phenomenon referred to as ‘digital hypnosis.’ This condition is driven by the rapid succession of videos and images on screens, which can create a continuous brain stimulation mechanism that makes it difficult for users, particularly minors, to stop consuming content.

Experts note that this constant stimulation can lead to dependency and difficulty in emotional regulation. Children may exhibit anger, frustration, or tantrums when devices are removed. Furthermore, the rise of short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram has facilitated a trend of ‘express self-diagnosis.’ Users often attempt to diagnose themselves with complex conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression based on brief, 30-second clips.

This trend of self-diagnosis is criticized for trivializing mental health and creating digital bubbles where algorithms reinforce a user's initial suspicions. Specialists emphasize that such practices can lead to confusion, stigma, and delays in seeking professional clinical evaluation.