Gangstalking Forums: Online Support or Echo Chamber?

The internet offers a unique space for connection and community. But for those struggling with the unusual belief system of gangstalking, online forums can be a double-edged sword (Lustig et al., 2021):

1.   Gangstalking refers to a persecutory delusion where individuals believe they are being harassed and targeted by a large group of people (This belief is often accompanied by feelings of isolation and fear. 
2. For those experiencing gangstalking, online forums can be a lifeline. Here, they connect with others who share their experiences, validate their feelings, and develop a common language to describe their torment. 
3. Terms like "targeted individuals" (TIs) and "perps" (perpetrators) become a way to express and understand their reality. However, the insular nature of these forums can create significant drawbacks.

The Echo Chamber Effect:

Imagine a room where every conversation reinforces a single idea. That's what online forums can become for TIs.  Surrounded by others who share their belief in gangstalking, individuals rarely encounter differing perspectives. This confirmation bias makes it difficult to consider alternative explanations for their experiences, like mental health conditions and discourages seeking professional help. (Lustig et al., 2021)

 It's Important to Note:

This discussion isn't meant to dismiss or minimize the very real struggles of those experiencing gangstalking beliefs.  Their feelings of fear and isolation are valid.  The goal here is to introduce a different point of view into these online spaces.  By understanding the potential downsides of echo chambers, we can create an opportunity for individuals to consider alternative explanations for their experiences.  This might open the door to seeking professional help and finding a path toward healing.

The Fabrication of Reality:

The constant focus on gangstalking within these forums can blur the lines between perception and reality, according to Lustig and colleagues (2021): 

1. Shared stories and terminology solidify the concept of gangstalking as a real threat.  
2. This can make it challenging to distinguish between genuine harassment and coincidental events, further entrenching the belief system.

What This Means:

For someone genuinely experiencing stalking, online gangstalking forums can be misleading and harmful. They may prevent individuals from getting the professional help they genuinely need.

Finding Help:

If you are concerned about someone who believes they are being gangstalked, encourage them to seek professional help from a licensed therapist or mental health professional. These individuals can provide support, explore alternative explanations for their experiences, and recommend appropriate treatment plans.

Remember:

While online forums can offer a sense of community, it's essential to approach them with a critical eye. If you suspect gangstalking delusions, encourage the person to seek professional help.

#targetedindividuals

 #onlinecommunities

#onlinesupport

#mentalhealthsupportgroups

 References

• Lustig, A., Brookes, G., & Hunt, D. (2021). Linguistic analysis of online communication about a novel persecutory belief system (gangstalking): Mixed methods study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(3). https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.2196/25722

Gang Stalking: A Chilling Phenomenon Shrouded in Mystery

Have you ever felt like you're being watched? That someone, or even a group, is following your every move? If so, you might be familiar with the concept of gang stalking. Gang stalking refers to the belief that you're being harassed and followed by multiple individuals. While it may sound like a plot from a thriller movie, studies suggest it's a more common experience than you might think. Up to 1% of women and a half-percent of men in the Western world report experiencing gang stalking in their lifetime. Despite its prevalence, there's surprisingly little scientific research on gang stalking. Most of what we know comes from self-reported experiences. A recent study aimed to shed light on this by analyzing online narratives from people who believe they are being gang-stalked.

Here's what the study found (Sheridan et al., 2020):

1. Core experiences: People described feeling surveilled, interfered with physically, and targeted by conspiracies. They reported isolation, hopelessness, and a determination to fight back in response to this harassment.
2. Psychological impact: The study confirmed that gang stalking has a severe negative effect on mental well-being. People suffer from symptoms like anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
3. Risk of violence: The study found a troubling trend: some individuals who believe they are being gang-stalked reported developing violent thoughts or tendencies.

It's important to note that gang stalking is not a recognized mental health disorder. People who experience these symptoms may be suffering from other conditions. However, this study highlights the authentic and concerning effects that gang-stalking beliefs can have on individuals. It underscores the need for more research to understand this phenomenon better. Further studies could help us answer questions like (Sheridan et al., 2020):

1. What exactly causes people to believe they are being gang-stalked?
2. Are there different types of gang-stalking experiences?
3. How can we best support those who believe they are being targeted?

By taking gang stalking seriously and conducting more research, we can hopefully find ways to help those affected and prevent violence. This is a complex topic, and if you or someone you know is experiencing gang-stalking or related thoughts, it's vital to seek professional help.

References

1.  Sheridan, L., James, D. V., & Roth, J. (2020). The Phenomenology of Group Stalking (‘Gang-Stalking’): A Content Analysis of Subjective Experiences. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072506

Dante Faints at the Second Circle: A Story of Lust and Loss

 Dante's Inferno isn't just about fire and brimstone. It's a story of human emotions laid bare. We enter the second circle, where a chilling wind whips the souls of the lustful for eternity.  Among them, Dante encounters the tragic Francesca da Rimini and her lover, Paolo.  Their story of forbidden love and murder is heartbreaking.

What makes this passage so powerful?

The universality of love and loss: Everyone can relate to the power of love and pain. Compassion for the condemned: Dante feels pity for Francesca and Paolo, even though they are condemned. The seductive power of desire: The wind represents the uncontrollable nature of lust.

Why did Dante faint?

Overcome with emotion: The raw pain of Francesca's story is too much for him to bear. The weight of human sin: Witnessing the suffering in hell is a profoundly emotional experience. This passage reminds us that even in the darkest corners of hell, there is humanity. Do you think Francesca and Paolo deserve their punishment?  Why or why not?

#dante #inferno #lust #love #loss #compassion #humanity #morality

References

🟩Alighieri, D. The Divine Comedy.(1885) Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-70469

Dante in Limbo: Where the Virtuous Lacking Faith Reside

 Dante's journey through hell continues! We left him shaken by the inscription on the gates, and now he awakens to a new horror: Limbo. Who is here? The virtuous souls who never received baptism. Think of great people from history who lived before Christianity or unbaptized babies. They aren't being actively punished, but their existence is one of eternal longing – desiring heaven but forever out of reach. Why is this so profound? It explores the limitations of human knowledge and faith. Are good deeds enough? Is faith essential? These are questions that have troubled humanity for centuries.

Here are some takeaways:

1. Faith is complex. Dante ponders the fate of those who lived good lives but lacked faith in the specific religion.
2. There's a difference between punishment and longing. Limbo isn't torture but a state of unfulfilled desire.
3. Good intentions can only take you so far. The virtuous pagans exemplify the importance of faith alongside good works.

What do you think? Is faith essential for a good life?

#dante #inferno #limbo #faith #religion #philosophy #morality #goodworks

References

🟩Alighieri, D. The Divine Comedy.(1885) Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-70469

Lost in the Land of the Apathetic: Dante's Inferno & You

Dante's Inferno isn't just about fire and brimstone. It's a deep dive into human nature.
The first circle of hell? Not for the evil but for the apathetic. Those who just...meh ‍♀️
Why is this so scary? Because it reflects a life without passion and without taking a stand. Sound familiar?
Feeling stuck? This circle represents the dangers of going through the motions.
Indifference is a choice! Choose to fight for what matters to you.
Find your fire! Live a life of purpose and passion.
Dante literally faints from the horror. It could be a wake-up call that a life without meaning is a fate worse than hellfire.

What ignites your spark? Tell us in the comments!

#dante #inferno #apathy #mentalhealth #findyourpassion #makeadifference

References

🟩Alighieri, D. The Divine Comedy.(1885) Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-70469

Lost in the Dark Wood? Dante's Inferno & the Psychological Landscape Within

 Dante Alighieri's Inferno isn't just a fantastical tale of hellfire and brimstone. It's a timeless allegory for our internal struggles, surprisingly relevant to psychology.

➡️ Dante's dark forest represents those moments when we feel lost, unsure of our path, and question our very purpose. We all experience these periods of confusion; the poem reminds us that it's a normal part of the human condition.

➡️  The terrifying beasts that Dante encounters symbolize our own inner demons—those negative thoughts, anxieties, or unhealthy habits that keep us from reaching our full potential

But fear not!  There is a Virgil in all of us – a beacon of reason and guidance.  This could be a therapist, counselor, or even a trusted friend or mentor who can help us navigate our inner turmoil.

Here's the deeper psychological insight:  The underworld that Dante descends into isn't some external place but rather a representation of the unexplored depths of our own psyche.  By confronting the darkness within, we can begin to understand ourselves better and emerge into the light.

So, what are your inner demons?  How can you start to overcome them?

Maybe it's a fear of public speaking, a lingering childhood trauma, or the procrastination monster keeping you from achieving your goals. Whatever it is, acknowledging these internal struggles is the first step towards conquering them. 

#inferno #dante #psychology #mentalhealth #selfdiscovery #journey #loveyourself #mentalhealthawareness #findyourlight

References

• Alighieri, D. 1885. The Divine Comedy. Hayes Barton Press. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-70469

Welcome to the Psychology of YOU: Navigating the Multi-Layered Self Online

Have you ever scrolled through a friend's perfectly curated Instagram feed and wondered, "Is that really them?" Chances are, it's a carefully crafted snapshot of their online persona. Social media has become a stage where we present ourselves to the world, but what happens when that stage expands to multiple platforms?

Today, we delve into the fascinating psychology of self-presentation in the age of multi-platform social media. We'll explore how people manage their online identities across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even niche accounts like "Finsta" (fake Instagram).

We'll go beyond the picture-perfect facade and dissect the complexities of navigating different platform norms, audiences, and functionalities.  You'll discover how users strategically curate content, create boundaries between platforms, and achieve their desired self-presentation across this intricate online ecosystem. So, join us as we explore the psychology behind the "multiple-you" phenomenon on social media. We'll delve into research, analyze trends, and offer insights into how we all navigate this ever-evolving digital landscape. Buckle up because understanding the psychology of YOU online is more intriguing than you might think!

Today, users manage a complex ecosystem of platforms, each with its own norms, audience expectations, and functionalities.  Imagine presenting a professional image on LinkedIn while letting loose on a private Instagram account – that's the reality for many!

Finstas vs Rinstas: The Dual Lives of Instagram Users

We all know the pressure to present a perfect online self. But what if you crave a space to be real, silly, or not-so-insta-perfect? Enter the Finsta and Rinsta phenomenon. Huang and Vitak (2022) explored how people use these two sides of their Instagram persona:

1. Finsta (fake account): A private account for sharing unfiltered content with close friends. Think funny selfies, inside jokes, and rants you wouldn't want your boss to see.
2. Rinsta (real account): the public face of your Instagram life. You'll find carefully curated photos, positive vibes, and a more polished aesthetic here.
   

The Grass is Always Greener...

Interestingly, Huang and Vitak (2022) also revealed that while Finsta posts may be more authentic, they tend to be:

1. Less visually appealing - fewer filters and edits
2. Rated as receiving less positive feedback - likes and comments - than Rinsta posts.

This highlights the double-edged sword of social media. We crave connection and validation, but sometimes, being our true selves online comes at a cost. 

Finding Balance in the Digital Age

So, how do we navigate this world of Finstas and Rinstas?  Huang and Vitak (2022) tell us that the key is finding a balance:

• Social media is a highlight reel, but it doesn't have to be all sunshine and rainbows.
•  Finsta offers a valuable space for authenticity and connection with close friends. 
• But remember, there's beauty in both the curated and the unfiltered.
• 
   Embrace the fun and creativity of Finsta while using Rinsta to showcase your achievements and connect with a broader network. Ultimately, don't be afraid to be you – online and off!

References

1.  Huang, Xiaoyun & Vitak, Jessica. (2022). "Finsta gets all my bad pictures": Instagram Users' Self-Presentation Across Finsta and Rinsta Accounts. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction. 6. 1-25. 10.1145/3512916.