STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

International Journal of Behavioral Sciences Original Research

Instagram Therapists vs. Qualified Mental Health Professionals: How Young Adults Perceive and Navigate Mental Health Advice Online

  1. Lavina Anil Waghalekar Student, MA Psychology (Counseling), Maniben Nanavati Women's College, SNDT University, Mumbai, India, Maharashtra, India
  2. Deeya Bhanushali Student, MA Psychology (Clinical), Maniben Nanavati Women's College, SNDT University, Mumbai, India, Maharashtra, India
  3. Sherin George Student, MA Psychology (Counseling), Maniben Nanavati Women's College, SNDT University, Mumbai, India, Maharashtra, India.

Abstract

The growing presence of “Instagram Therapists” - individuals who share mental health advice on Instagram without formal qualifications - has raised important questions about the credibility of online mental health information. In contrast, are qualified mental health professionals and licensed practitioners. Existing literature shows a surge in young adults turning to social media for mental health guidance. However, limited research delves into how they perceive and differentiate between advice from Instagram Therapists and qualified professionals. This qualitative exploratory study aims to investigate how young adults perceive and navigate mental health advice provided by Instagram Therapists in comparison to Qualified mental health professionals. It explores the factors that contribute to building trust in Instagram Therapists, the motivations behind seeking help from qualified professionals instead, and the influence of Instagram-based mental health content on young adults' mental health beliefs, coping strategies, and help-seeking behaviors. 15 young adults aged 18 to 30 years, with no formal background in psychology, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes. The findings suggest that while Instagram increases access to mental health information, the lack of Context and depth often leads to emotional consequences. Young adults eventually seek solutions beyond online content, transitioning to therapy for more clarity. Perceptions and misconceptions about therapy also emerged. This study highlights the importance of mental health literacy and verification of professional qualifications before relying on online advice. The results have implications suggesting policies and the need for accurate and responsible Mental Health information on online platforms.

Keywords

References (27)

  1. Adeane E, Stasiak K. “It's really hard to strike a balance”: The role of digital influencers in shaping youth mental health. DIGITAL HEALTH. 2024;10. doi:10.1177/20552076241288059
  2. Andersson, G., Titov, N., Dear, B. F., Rozental, A., & Carlbring, P. (2019). Internet-delivered psychological treatments: From innovation to implementation. World Psychiatry, 18(1), 20-28. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20647
  3. Bellini-Leite SC. Dual Process Theory: Embodied and Predictive; Symbolic and Classical. Frontiers in Psychology. 2022;13. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.805386
  4. Blanco F. Cognitive Bias. Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior. 2017:1-7. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_1244-1
  5. Borah T, Gogoi S, Dutta A. Cognitive dissonance: its role in decision making. ADVANCE RESEARCH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE. 2020;11(2):69-72. doi:10.15740/has/arjss/11.2/69-72
  6. Cavazos-Rehg PA, Krauss MJ, Sowles SJ, Connolly S, Rosas C, Bharadwaj M, et al. An Analysis of Depression, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Ideation Content on Tumblr. Crisis. 2017;38(1):44-52. doi:10.1027/0227-5910/a000409
  7. Sylvia Chou WY, Gaysynsky A, Cappella JN. Where We Go From Here: Health Misinformation on Social Media. American Journal of Public Health. 2020;110(S3):S273-S275. doi:10.2105/ajph.2020.305905
  8. Clement S, Schauman O, Graham T, Maggioni F, Evans-Lacko S, Bezborodovs N, et al. What is the impact of mental health-related stigma on help-seeking? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies. Psychological Medicine. 2014;45(1):11-27. doi:10.1017/s0033291714000129
  9. Ehrlinger J, Readinger WO, Kim B. Decision-Making and Cognitive Biases. Encyclopedia of Mental Health. 2016:5-12. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-397045-9.00206-8
  10. Evans JSBT, Stanovich KE. Dual-Process Theories of Higher Cognition. Perspectives on Psychological Science. 2013;8(3):223-241. doi:10.1177/1745691612460685
  11. Garrett SM, Hilder J, Tester R, Dunlop A, Gardiner T, Dowell T, et al. Young People Talk About Digital Support for Mental Health: An Online Survey of 15–30‐Year Olds in New Zealand. Health Expectations. 2024;27(4). doi:10.1111/hex.70001
  12. Joy, K., & Mabulay, E. P. (2024, May 21). The Virtual Clinic: Social Media’s Influence on Self-Diagnosing and Mental Health Awareness among Filipinos. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380743191_The_Virtual_Clinic_Social_Media%27s_Influence_on_Self-Diagnosing_and_Mental_Health_Awareness_among_Filipinos
  13. Lewandowsky S, Ecker UKH, Seifert CM, Schwarz N, Cook J. Misinformation and Its Correction. Psychological Science in the Public Interest. 2012;13(3):106-131. doi:10.1177/1529100612451018
  14. Marchant A, Hawton K, Stewart A, Montgomery P, Singaravelu V, Lloyd K, et al. A systematic review of the relationship between internet use, self-harm and suicidal behaviour in young people: The good, the bad and the unknown. PLOS ONE. 2017;12(8):e0181722. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0181722
  15. Adeane E, Stasiak K. “It's really hard to strike a balance”: The role of digital influencers in shaping youth mental health. DIGITAL HEALTH. 2024;10. doi:10.1177/20552076241288059
  16. Andersson, G., Titov, N., Dear, B. F., Rozental, A., & Carlbring, P. (2019). Internet-delivered psychological treatments: From innovation to implementation. World Psychiatry, 18(1), 20-28. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20647
  17. Bellini-Leite SC. Dual Process Theory: Embodied and Predictive; Symbolic and Classical. Frontiers in Psychology. 2022;13. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.805386
  18. Blanco F. Cognitive Bias. Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior. 2017:1-7. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_1244-1
  19. Borah T, Gogoi S, Dutta A. Cognitive dissonance: its role in decision making. ADVANCE RESEARCH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE. 2020;11(2):69-72. doi:10.15740/has/arjss/11.2/69-72
  20. Cavazos-Rehg PA, Krauss MJ, Sowles SJ, Connolly S, Rosas C, Bharadwaj M, et al. An Analysis of Depression, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Ideation Content on Tumblr. Crisis. 2017;38(1):44-52. doi:10.1027/0227-5910/a000409
  21. Sylvia Chou WY, Gaysynsky A, Cappella JN. Where We Go From Here: Health Misinformation on Social Media. American Journal of Public Health. 2020;110(S3):S273-S275. doi:10.2105/ajph.2020.305905
  22. Clement S, Schauman O, Graham T, Maggioni F, Evans-Lacko S, Bezborodovs N, et al. What is the impact of mental health-related stigma on help-seeking? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies. Psychological Medicine. 2014;45(1):11-27. doi:10.1017/s0033291714000129
  23. Ehrlinger J, Readinger WO, Kim B. Decision-Making and Cognitive Biases. Encyclopedia of Mental Health. 2016:5-12. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-397045-9.00206-8
  24. Evans JSBT, Stanovich KE. Dual-Process Theories of Higher Cognition. Perspectives on Psychological Science. 2013;8(3):223-241. doi:10.1177/1745691612460685
  25. Garrett SM, Hilder J, Tester R, Dunlop A, Gardiner T, Dowell T, et al. Young People Talk About Digital Support for Mental Health: An Online Survey of 15–30‐Year Olds in New Zealand. Health Expectations. 2024;27(4). doi:10.1111/hex.70001
  26. Joy, K., & Mabulay, E. P. (2024, May 21). The Virtual Clinic: Social Media’s Influence on Self-Diagnosing and Mental Health Awareness among Filipinos. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380743191_The_Virtual_Clinic_Social_Media%27s_Influence_on_Self-Diagnosing_and_Mental_Health_Awareness_among_Filipinos
  27. Lewandowsky S, Ecker UKH, Seifert CM, Schwarz N, Cook J. Misinformation and Its Correction. Psychological Science in the Public Interest. 2012;13(3):106-131. doi:10.1177/1529100612451018