The boom of self-diagnosis on social media: between information, identity and pathologization

Abstract

The rise of digital culture, combined with the constant presence of social media, has significantly changed how mental health content is consumed. In this context, self-diagnosis emerges as a relevant phenomenon, characterized by the adoption of psychological disorder labels without proper clinical evaluation. This study aims to critically analyze this movement, seeking to understand its impact on subjectivity construction and the perception of psychological suffering. This is a qualitative theoretical study based on a bibliographic review. The findings indicate an ambivalent reality: while access to information is expanded, there is also a concerning simplification of concepts, which may transform common experiences into pathological conditions. Based on Foucault, Bauman, Han, Rose, and the DSM-5, the study discusses how contemporary discourses contribute to new forms of identification and labeling. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of mental health literacy and the value of clinical listening.