Media, encompassing television, radio, newspapers, and the internet, serves as the primary means through which people access information and entertainment. It spans all communication channels, from traditional printed paper to digital platforms, offering diverse content such as news, art, educational materials, and any information that can influence or reach individuals.
With the proliferation of media and internet technology, access to television and film has surged, impacting various aspects of society, including psychiatry. Despite its sensitive and stigmatized nature, mental health remains a popular subject for entertainment, with one-fifth of prime-time television programs depicting some aspect of mental illness around the turn of the millennium. However, the portrayal of mental health issues on-screen is often negative, emphasizing dangerousness, criminality, and unpredictability, which can affect public perception and deter individuals from seeking help.
Starting in the early 20th century with the silent movie "Dr. Dippy’s Sanitarium" (1906), psychiatry and psychiatrists have been major subjects in cinema, often portrayed unrealistically or negatively. These portrayals contribute to societal misconceptions about psychiatry and provide an outlet for discussing controversial practices like commitment and forced treatment. Movies frequently depict people with psychiatric disorders as violent criminals, despite evidence showing they are more often victims of violence. Films like "Ordinary People" (1980) over- idealize psychiatrists, creating unrealistic treatment expectations, while others like "One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest" (1975) depict treatments such as medication and electroconvulsive therapy negatively. Additionally, many movies unrealistically portray love, talk therapy, or hypnosis as quick cures for psychiatric disorders.
Recent movies have continued the trend of portraying mental illnesses in a negative or distorted way. For instance, "Split" (2016) depicts a character with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) as having violent personalities, reinforcing harmful stereotypes. "Joker" (2019) controversially portrays its main character, who has mental health issues, turning to extreme violence, which perpetuates the idea that mentally ill individuals are dangerous. "Glass"Â (2019), a sequel to "Split", continues this negative depiction of DID. "The Invisible Man" (2020) shows a character manipulated into appearing mentally ill by her abusive ex-partner, tying her mental state to horror elements. "The Night Clerk"Â (2020) features a protagonist with Asperger's syndrome entangled in a murder investigation, often falling into stereotypes. These movies, while popular, often rely on sensationalism and exaggeration, contributing to public misunderstanding and stigma around mental health issues.
Impacts of Social Media
The emergence of social media as a powerful communication platform has further reshaped the landscape of mental health discourse. Users can now access a plethora of content, ranging from political unrest, a video of a cat dancing or the new viral food recipe, and then to a person detailing his or her inpatient psychiatric stay, all in one place.
The rise of social media has significantly impacted the portrayal of mental health issues, often in harmful ways. Misinformation and misrepresentation spread rapidly, creating confusion and perpetuating myths. Social media frequently stigmatizes and stereotypes conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, emphasizing violence and instability. Sensationalized content prioritizes shock value over accuracy, distorting public understanding. Some trends romanticize mental illness, while cyber bullying targets those sharing their struggles, worsening their conditions. The lack of professional oversight allows harmful content to proliferate, and unethical sharing of personal stories exploits vulnerability. Additionally, influencers sometimes suggest oversimplified solutions to complex mental health problems, misleading followers.
Mitigating Negative Impacts
To mitigate these negative impacts, it is crucial to promote media literacy, encouraging users to critically evaluate the information they consume and share. Mental health professionals and advocates should actively engage to provide accurate information and counteract harmful content. Additionally, social media platforms can implement stricter policies and algorithms to reduce the spread of misinformation and provide resources for users seeking help.
For a better use
Visual media, including movies, television, and social media, plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of psychiatry. Psychiatrists must familiarize themselves with popular portrayals of their field to understand the perspectives of patients and society. Visual media can serve as valuable educational tools, offering memorable depictions of psychopathologies and sociocultural contexts of mental health. Despite its potential, visual media remains underutilized in psychiatry training, highlighting the need for greater integration of media literacy and education in mental health curricula.
References
-Kalpana Srivastava, Suprakash Chaudhury,P. S. Bhat, and Swaleha Mujawar. Media and mental health.2018
-Can Misel Kilciksiz, Jason Xie , Annelise Bederman. Visual Media: An Aperture Into the Past and Future of Psychiatry. 2023
-Linda Rosencrance. Media. 2023
-Naveed Saleh. How the Stigma of Mental Health Is Spread by Mass Media.2023
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board