Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword in the Pandemic

The pandemic forced us to adapt, and social media became a lifeline. It kept us going from staying connected with loved ones to attending virtual classes. But, like anything, social media can have downsides, too.

Here's a look at both sides (Rupan, 2024):

• ** Positives:**
  

Connection: Video calls bridged the distance and helped us feel close.

Information Sharing: Crucial updates and preventive measures spread quickly.

Community Building: Social media became a platform for support and problem-solving.

• ** Negatives:**

Misinformation: Fake news and fear-mongering caused unnecessary anxiety.

Mental Health: The constant negativity could have impacted mental well-being.

• What's next?**

• Media Literacy: Let's teach kids (and ourselves!) to be critical of what they see online.
  
• Parental Controls: Help kids navigate the digital world safely.
• Fight Cyberbullying: Schools and communities can work together to stop online harassment.
• Ethical Social Media: Platforms need clear guidelines to combat misinformation. ✅

Remember, social media is a tool. Let's use it wisely! #mentalhealthawareness #staysafe #digitalwellbeing #worldhealth

references

🟥 Dhillon, Rupan. (2024). Social Media And Mental Health Issues.

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Understanding Conformity and Obedience

Social Pillars: Solidarity and Status

Social psychologist Roger Brown identified two critical components of social existence: solidarity and status. Solidarity is reflected in group behaviors like sociability, cohesiveness, and altruism. Conversely, status is represented by hierarchical relationships based on wealth, power, perceived competence, or attractiveness.  Generally, obedience stems from hierarchical relationships, while conformity is more closely associated with solidarity. 

Conformity and Obedience: Different Behaviors, Similar Motives

Similar behaviors can sometimes arise from different motivations. It's crucial to distinguish between the observed behavior and its inferred cause. Conformity is behavior that aligns with the actions of one or more others. The inferred cause is usually the desire to gain social approval, which also implies a hierarchical relationship—obedience to the implicit demands of the group.

Sources of Conformity:

 Levy (2008) gives us several sources of conformity:

1.  Power conformity: Aligning behavior to obtain rewards or avoid punishments from the larger group.
2. Groupthink: A phenomenon where group members, especially advisors, become unwilling to criticize a leader's decisions, even if flawed.
3. Informational conformity: Imitating the group to gain knowledge, like looking up at a building when others do.
4. Normative conformity: Aligning with established beliefs about appropriate conduct in a situation.
5. Conformity to inaction: When individuals observe no action from the group, they may imitate that inactivity.

Types of Obedience

1. Power obedience: Based on the desire to obtain rewards or avoid punishment for disobeying.
2. Normative obedience: Obeying to fulfill the expectations of the group.

Kelman's Influences (Levy 2008): While power relationships are often implied, both conformity and obedience can be shaped by three attributes of the influencing agent:

1. Power or resource control
2. 
   
   
   Credibility (belief in the agent's ideas)
3. Attractiveness (desire to identify with the agent)

Historical Context

Social psychology as an experimental science is a 20th-century phenomenon. However, the importance of conformity and obedience has been recognized for millennia. From ancient philosophers like Socrates to historical events like the American Civil Liberties Union's Vietnam War case, discussions surrounding these concepts have been ongoing.

The Milgram Experiment: A Landmark Study on Obedience

Stanley Milgram's research on obedience to malevolent authority is considered one of the most impactful studies in social psychology.  The experiment explored how far individuals would go in obeying an authority figure, even when it involved inflicting harm on another person (an accomplice).  The results were startling, revealing high obedience despite the ethical implications. (Levy,2008).

Understanding the Power of Dissent

Research by Allen and Levine, Schachter, and others highlights the crucial role of dissent in reducing conformity.  A single dissenter, especially a compromising dissenter who offers an alternative perspective, can significantly decrease the pressure to conform.

Conclusion

Conformity and obedience are complex social phenomena with significant implications. Understanding these concepts can give us valuable insights into human behavior and social dynamics. This knowledge can empower us to resist undue pressure to conform and to question authority figures when necessary.

References

1.  Levy, S. G. (2008). Conformity and obedience. In L. Kurtz (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, & Conflict (2nd ed., pp. 412-426). Academic Press.

Is Borderline Personality Disorder a Misunderstood Diagnosis?

A borderline personality disorder is a mental health condition that can cause intense mood swings, unstable relationships, and difficulty controlling emotions. People with BPD often experience feelings of emptiness, fear of abandonment, and impulsive behaviors. However, a growing movement argues that the diagnosis may be doing more harm than good.

Is BPD Stigmatized Against Certain Groups?

Critics say BPD is disproportionately applied to women, trauma survivors, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. They argue that the diagnosis reinforces stigma and prejudice rather than offering a clear path to treatment (Aves, 2023).

A Broken System? How BPD Can Affect Treatment

People with BPD often face an uphill battle when seeking mental health care.  The stereotype of BPD as a sign of someone who is "attention-seeking" or "manipulative" can lead to discrimination from mental health professionals.  This can make it challenging to get the treatment needed, including hospitalization during a suicidal crisis.

The Myth of Dependency: Why People with BPD Might Be Denied Care

Aves (2023) gives us some reasons why this may happen:

1. 
   One justification for withholding care is the belief that people with BPD are more likely to become dependent on treatment. 
2. However, critics argue this is a misconception. 
3. They point out that dependence on care can be temporary and doesn't necessarily lead to worse outcomes.  In fact, some say that supportive care can be crucial for recovery.

The Human Cost of Misdiagnosis

The limitations placed on treatment for BPD can have tragic consequences. Studies show a higher risk of suicide among people with BPD, especially after short hospital stays. Critics argue that the mental health system is failing these vulnerable individuals.

What Can Be Done?

The call to action is clear: mental health care for BPD needs an overhaul.  More research is required to understand the condition and develop effective treatments.  Additionally, mental health professionals need to be better trained to recognize and address the stigma surrounding BPD. (aves, 2023) 

 References

• Aves, W. (2023). Dispelling myths and challenging neglect in ‘borderline personality disorder’ healthcare: a lived-experience perspective. Journal of Psychosocial Studies, 16(2), 179-192. Retrieved Jul 7, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1332/147867323X16881441383633