The Role of TikTok in ADHD and Autism Self-Diagnosis: Psychosomatic Consequences and the Line Between Awareness and Misinformation

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the role that TikTok has had in the self-diagnosis of ADHD and autism and the possible psychosomatic consequences that this can have. Social media platforms have an immense impact in our society nowadays. TikTok, specifically, has much discourse about mental health, specifically ADHD and ASD, and it has an ability to influence younger generations self-perception due to its algorithm, so combined, this can brew the perfect environment for self-diagnosing to happen. There is also potential for health anxiety to be worsened, the more you get exposed to health content on the app, which could lead to psychosomatic symptoms. This literature review highlights the challenges of obtaining a formal ADHD and ASD diagnosis and why people might feel the need to self-diagnose, as well as the issues that could come along with this, like misinformation, health anxiety and somatization. It is also noted that there are benefits to having an increase awareness of these conditions, like community support. This study call for the potential of this app to be used by health care professionals to reach younger generations, but fact-checking tools should be applied to minimize the spread of misinformation.