You’re Probably Using These Psychological Terms Incorrectly on Social Media
When I first joined TikTok in 2020, I couldn’t go a day without videos of abusive narcissists, whether in the form of “toxic” exes or emotionally absent parents. While narcissists obviously exist, the content has been so common that you’d be forgiven for thinking that narcissists are as common as people named Bob. Narcissism has become the new “OCD,” which is another clinical term that people often misuse to mean, “I keep my office in order, and I like to match paper clips to push pins.”
Two years later, it’s nearly impossible to log on to social media without seeing one of the following: ADHD, gaslighting, trauma, anxiety, neurodivergence, or a trigger (a descendant of a trigger alert).
Mental health awareness matters, but as more digital creators create therapy-related mental health content, clinical psychological terms are being used so casually that they obscure their true meaning. And while talking openly about mental health issues can be decidedly positive, writes Australian publisher Zee Feed , “the overuse of clinical terms on social media risks pathologising behavior and turning life experiences into content trends.”
At the Sci Show , science communicator Hank Greene agreed: “Mental health professionals note that using diagnostic terms as inappropriate metaphors for bizarre behaviors, personality traits, or even stock market fluctuations ultimately minimizes serious illnesses and people who have they are”.
Here’s a look at some of the most commonly—and misused—psychological terms, and what they mean—and, more importantly , don’t .
ADHD: According to the National Institute of Mental Health , ADHD is “a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” It’s not just distraction, forgetting to call people back, or a constantly dirty car.
Gaslighting : Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that causes the victim to question their own sanity. In gaslighting, the abuser convinces the victim that his version of events never happened and manipulates them into believing they are overly sensitive or mentally unstable. Gaslighting is not when someone disagrees with your opinion and tries to convince you of theirs, thinks you are upset when you really are not, or a girl boss .
Narcissistic abuser . According to Insider , narcissistic personality disorder is a diagnosable condition that affects 0.5 to 1% of the population. It is characterized by control, invasion of privacy, social isolation, verbal abuse, and instilling fear into the victim. A narcissist is not someone who hurts your feelings or stalks you on Tinder.
OCD : obsessive-compulsive disorder is “ a disorder in which people have repetitive, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel compelled to do something repetitive (compulsions) … that can significantly interfere with daily human activities. “It doesn’t mean vacuuming a lot, moving bedroom furniture, or rearranging your refrigerator on a whim because you can’t see it.
Trigger : A trigger is something that reminds a person of a traumatic experience, whether it be abuse, an eating disorder, substance use, an accident, or some other form of trauma. The saying “I’m excited” is often used in jest; as in “this picture of a woman’s perfect boyfriend bringing her breakfast in bed triggers me.” But triggers are reminders of traumatic experiences, not something that just makes you feel uncomfortable, anxious, angry, or inadequate.
Anxiety: According to the Mayo Clinic , anxiety disorder is characterized by “intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.” Often they include a sudden feeling of fear or dread (panic attacks). Do we all experience anxiety sometimes? Yes. But don’t write off how you feel before a presentation, a party, or waiting in line for “anxiety.” What you are experiencing is nerves and impatience.
Injury : There is perhaps no word on the Internet more commonly used than “injury”. As psychology professor Nick Haslam wrote for the Chicago Tribune , people are “traumatized” by high-profile jury verdicts, “Trump 2016 slogans,” and even their frizzy curly hair. (I once posted a video on TikTok of pouring water on my child’s head while bathing, and received numerous comments from people who were “traumatized” with water on their face as children.)
According to the American Psychological Association , trauma is “an emotional response to a horrific event such as an accident, rape, or natural disaster” characterized by shock, denial, “unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms such as a headache or nausea. “The trauma is not eating vegetables when you were little, or getting water in your eyes while swimming.