Tweeting and Trivializing: How the Trivialization of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder via Social Media Impacts User Perceptions, Emotions, and Behaviors

• In Event: Social Media, Public Health, and Mental Health

Abstract

This paper argues that a disease can be trivialized in three distinct, yet related, ways: Oversimplification of symptomology or causes, skepticism about severity, and through overuse of humor, mockery, or levity to describe the condition. This present work explored how trivialization of OCD on Twitter, social media-based identity cues, and individual differences impact social media users’ perceptions of the disease, emotional reactions to OCD related content, and intentions to take action related to the condition. Findings from an experiment (N = 574) indicate that different patterns of emotional reactions can be found in response to these variables, alongside significant interactions between independent variables. Furthermore, participant gender and preexisting familiarity with the disease impacted group perceptions and behavioral intentions. Directions for future work are discussed.

Authors

• Rachelle Liane Pavelko, Indiana U

• Jessica Gall Myrick, Indiana U