Experts weigh in on social media mental health advice
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Before they turn to a parent or a doctor, many young Vermonters will seek mental health help online. Professionals are working to ensure the learning doesn’t end there.
Child psychiatrist Steve Schlozman says it only takes a few minutes for one of his patients to mention mental health advice they saw on their phone.
“If I ask, ‘Hey, have you ever spent any time online?’ Knowing the answer is probably yes, and ‘Have you gotten worried, or have you become concerned or even just happy that you found out something that’s going on with you? Tell me about that,’ Then, the number’s actually pretty high,” said Scholzman.
Schlozman estimates at least half of his patients are finding and often buying into health advice through social media. “These influencers are really good, and that tied with the algorithm gives what they say a lot of mileage,” he said.
Influencers on TikTok have special sway. A recent survey from personal trainer app Zing Coach found that 56% of Gen Z use TikTok for health advice, with one in three saying it’s their main resource. Local Gen Zers say they’re part of the fervor.
“We use it for context about everything else we do in our lives so it makes sense that we would also do it for health,” said Maggie Hjortshoj, a University of Vermont student.
“Videos -- I feel like you get the quick snippet of what you want to know and what you want to know about,” said Mia McPhee, a UVM student.
“It’s examples of people who have experienced things, and I want to see that side rather than just a fact sheet,” said Faith Deboer, a UVM student.
Seeking health advice through social media isn’t entirely bad. Schlozman says it can be a good resource, as long as you fact-check. “This is actually one of the most fun parts of my job. Like the kids coming in, they tell you this stuff, and you get to sort of say, ‘Hey, I’m glad you’re telling me. This makes sense. This doesn’t make sense. So now let’s figure out what we’re dealing with,’” said Schlozman.
With the return to school around the corner, Schlozman says many teens will struggle with the transition and look online for solutions. “The algorithms are such that they know if you’re going back to school -- and they know that kids going back to school tend to be anxious about it -- they’re gonna start feeding you that stuff,” he said.
At all times of year, but especially at the start of the school year, Schlozman recommends checking in with your kids and helping them get professional resources and care.
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