TraumaTok: How Social Media Shapes Our Understanding of Trauma
Instead of discussing what's actually happened in our lives or the actual material conditions of our existence, we end up abstracting it all into a diagnosis or just calling it trauma, or kind of using trauma as an excuse to not explore what we actually mean.
Social media has a way of making everything go viral, and trauma is no exception. In this episode of 'All In The Mind', technology reporter Ariel Bogle dives into the phenomenon of TraumaTok, a corner of TikTok where users share their experiences with trauma. With billions of views under the hashtag, it's clear that these conversations are resonating with many people. But what does this mean for our mental health? Is this widespread sharing helpful or harmful?
Bogle explores these questions by speaking with a diverse group of individuals, including psychology student Grace Chen, social worker Sid, and Dr. Alex Wallard from the Telethon Kids Institute. They discuss how trauma is often oversimplified on social media, the spread of misinformation, and the impact of these discussions on those who consume them.
The episode doesn't just highlight the problems; it also looks at the power of finding community and connection in a digital world that can sometimes feel isolating. If you've ever wondered about the effects of discussing trauma online, this episode is a must-listen.