The Pros and Cons of Mental Health Advice in a Digital Age

Recently, the internet has become an invaluable resource for individuals seeking

support, guidance, and information on mental health. From articles and blog posts to

YouTube videos and TikToks, we are constantly flooded with advice on mental

well-being. I can see the benefits of this online advice, such as accessibility and

empowerment. However, I have found myself thinking about the dangers of simplifying

mental health online, and the impacts it may have on an individual who looks to an

influencer for guidance instead of a therapist.

The Accessibility of Mental Health Advice

One of the most obvious benefits of online mental health resources is

accessibility. Many individuals may feel hesitant to seek help from traditional sources,

whether due to stigma, cost, or geographic barriers. Online platforms also help to

decrease stigma from seeking mental health care. Of course, I continue to think that the

most effective way to lessen stigma is to have consistent conversations.

People are increasingly turning to social media like Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit

to find advice on managing anxiety, depression, and stress. For example, I am always

seeing mindfulness tips on my TikTok feed. Some of them, such as diaphragmatic

breathing, are ones that I actively utilize in session. These platforms offer quick,

digestible pieces of information that are

The Pros: Empowerment and Normalization

For many, online mental health advice serves as a gateway to understanding that

they are not alone in their struggles. One of the key messages I attempt to impart on

clients is the idea of universality: many feelings, experiences, and behaviors are

common in the shared human experience. On the internet, social media influencers and

mental health advocates often share personal stories, creating a sense of community

and normalizing conversations about mental health. I have seen some of my favorite

influencers sharing about how they overcame anxiety, and read comments on their

posts about how helpful their advice was to viewers.

Additionally, the anonymity of online spaces can be empowering. Some

individuals may feel more comfortable asking questions or expressing vulnerabilities

when they don’t have to do so face-to-face. As a result, online mental health

communities can provide individuals with a safe space to share experiences, seek

validation, and even form meaningful connections with others going through similar

challenges.

The Dangers: Misinformation and Harmful Advice

However, with the sheer volume of mental health content online, not all of it is

created equal. In fact, some advice can be dangerous or harmful. Many online sources

are not created or regulated by professionals, which can lead to the spread of

misinformation.

For example, self-help tips or “quick fixes” for serious conditions like depression

or bipolar disorder may oversimplify complex issues, providing false hope or unrealistic

expectations. I have seen advertisements for natural supplements that are guaranteed

to cure depression. I have seen “influencers turned life coaches” offer sessions for a

very high cost with absolutely no credentialing or regulating. While advice such as “just

think positive” or “exercise more” might be helpful for some, it’s not a substitute for

professional treatment. The idea of “letting them” is patronizing towards those who have

been hurt by others, or who face systematic challenges. For someone struggling with

severe mental health issues, this kind of advice could be detrimental, leading them to

delay seeking proper help or dismissing the severity of their condition.

Moreover, certain trends or movements within online mental health communities

may unintentionally perpetuate unhealthy behaviors. For example, I have seen some

groups on platforms like Reddit or Instagram romanticizing self-harm, eating disorders,

and other harmful coping mechanisms, offering validation for dangerous behaviors

under the guise of support. While I can see that individuals in these groups are seeking

a place to belong, the lack of guidance from a professional is detrimental; these

communities can create echo chambers where users reinforce each other’s unhealthy

habits.

Conclusion: Striking a Balance

Social media has revolutionized how we access and discuss mental health

information, providing new opportunities for learning, support, and connection. However,

the unregulated nature of online advice also comes with significant risks, particularly

when it comes to misinformation or harmful advice. It’s essential that individuals

approach online mental health advice with caution and critical thinking, while also

seeking professional guidance when necessary. As therapists, it is our responsibility to

help the client differentiate between online and professional advice, and to continue to

educate the public about this important differance.