Subscribe or block: a Neurodivergent’s guide to social media
In this blog, our Guest Contributor explores their relationship with social media and the role it can play in the lives of Neurodivergent people in providing community, connection and kinship.
There are a lot of mixed views and opinions out there about social media, especially around potential and perceived risks for those using it. This blog offers a unique perspective on the topic – how it can be simultaneously a lifeline, a blessing and a curse for Neurodivergent individuals.
Can you tell me some of the positive aspects and benefits of social media?
Social media can help massively with feelings of loneliness. For Neurodivergent individuals especially, the world can feel like an incredibly isolating and polarising place, even when we are surrounded by other people. This might be because it can be hard to find others whose values, morals, likes and dislikes align with our own. Or, perhaps because those around us aren’t able to sympathise with and understand our experience of the world. My online world has enabled me to connect with those who allow me to be myself, without any judgement.
Seeing and connecting with other people like us online, those who are also Neurodivergent and/or are struggling with their mental health, can feel comforting. For those of us who have spent time in mental health inpatient settings, social media can create connection with the outside world – a connection that may previously have been lost and left us feeling excluded and alone. Whether this comes from physical separation, stigma from those around us, or the isolation that comes with being miles away from home, away from friends and family in a scary, and often traumatic, institution. Social media not only enables you to remain up to date with the people in your life, but it also helps to maintain a sense of normality and familiarity.
It’s a reminder that there are other people in the world like me and it gives me a purpose, structure, and routine. It can be a reason to get up out of bed in the morning: to go and read someone else’s posts, message them or re-blog. On most platforms there is also no pressure to post yourself, and no expectation to show your face.
Why do you think social media is often a safe space for Neurodivergent people?
We are often more able to be authentically ourselves on online spaces. We don’t have venture out into the busy and overwhelming world and we can connect with people we care about or share interests with. We can do this without the added pressure to mask, make eye contact or look a certain way to fit in with neurotypical norms. It has also helped to lessen the stigma and stereotypes associated with Neurodivergence and mental health: there are lots of communities online where people can share their experiences more freely, because mental health is no longer such a big taboo.
Social media is also a way for me to engage in my special interest, Formula 1. I can chat with other people from across the world who also share my interest, removing some of the pressure to know what to say. I have learnt so much about Formula 1 from reading other people’s social media posts: it’s a distraction, an escape and can support with self-regulation. I can also info dump to people who appreciate the same things as me!
Often, many people use social media to connect with those they already know in ‘real life.’ I think for many Neurodivergent individuals it is often a more intimate tool for making friends with those sharing niche interests. For me, it really is a lifeline.
What are some of the negatives, or things to look out for?
There are risks associated with social media, such as the potential for being groomed or harmed online. Neurodivergent individuals and those struggling with their mental health can be more vulnerable, but we will all have a different experience and face different challenges.
Within the mental health recovery community online there are people claiming to be in and promote recovery, when in reality they are not. It is easy to be triggered by the content these people post, especially if you are struggling yourself. Some mental illnesses, such as eating disorders, can be competitive and social media can feed into this and make it worse. Autistic people can experience hyperempathy, meaning that it can be overwhelming and distressing to see others also struggling. Engaging with content or people who are actively in crisis has the potential to also cause you to spiral, even though it can feel comforting to know you are not alone.
Social media is so performative: this includes people who share content related to mental health, but also influencers. For Neurodivergent individuals, it can be harder for us to spot the truths or to recognise when content might not accurately portray the reality.
How might a Neurodivergent individual be able to navigate using social media safely?
When deciding whether to engage with certain communities, such as mental health recovery, it’s important to consider whether you are able to detach yourself from other people’s situations. You have to protect your peace and boundaries because there is a fine line between feeling less alone and using social media as a tool for self-destruction. You have to do what is right for you and your own mental wellbeing.
For me personally, social media is a tool that helps to break down the boundaries associated with being Neurodivergent and in hospital. It can be both a lovely and a safe space, but simultaneously overwhelming and potentially harmful. Staying safe online looks different for everyone, but for me it means personalising my feed and blocking certain tags. This allows me to shape my own algorithm and I am only shown the things I am interested in. It is good to be aware of the risks, reflect on your boundaries consult with people in your life if you feel like the online world is getting too overwhelming.
