Social media therapy

Social media therapy is a form of expressive therapy. It uses the act of creating and sharing user-generated content as a way of connecting with and understanding people. Social media therapy combines different expressive therapy aspects of talk therapy, art therapy, writing therapy, and drama therapy and applies them to the web domain. Within social media therapy, synchronous or asynchronous dialogue occurs through exchanges of audio, text or visual information. The digital content is published online to serve as a form of therapy.[1]

Background

Time spent online via email, websites, instant messaging and social media has increased: since 1999, more than 2,554 million people have become internet users.[2] This alters the way people communicate with each other, and alters the connotation of certain words. The concepts of "identity", "friend", "like" and "connected" have adapted alongside technology.[3] People are influenced by data sharing, social marketing, and technological tools. The devices that keep us connected have changed societal expectations and social norms. Therapists recognize the ways in which this affects clients' personal interactions. At least some therapists also understand the ethical implications of their own professional use of social media, as ethical codes have been adjusted to include the new media.

There are multiple therapeutic services offered through the internet. Mental Health professionals can extend their services via email and video conferencing. E-therapy, online counseling, cyber therapy, and social media therapy are similar in that each utilizes the internet in order to provide therapy for patients.

Controversy

There are pros and cons when it comes to the subject of online therapy. Criticism of providing therapy through online methods comes from concerns over the lack of physical contact. There are important features of therapy created through face-to-face therapy such as transference and countertransference that can not be created through online therapy. Patricia R. Recupero and Samara E. Rainey stated in their article "Informed Consent to E-Therapy" of American Journal of Psychotherapy that the lack of face-to-face interaction increased the risk of misdiagnosis and misunderstanding between the E-therapist and patient, thereby increasing the risk of uncertainty for the clinician.[4] There are also concerns over the internet creating a distraction from the therapy itself. Confidentiality and privacy concerns have been raised as well.[5] Counter criticisms state that the physical distance does not matter.

See also

References
  1. Tobin, Michelle. "Social Media Therapy". Michelle Tobin. Michelle Tobin. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  2. de Argaez, Enrique. "Internet Growth Statistics". The Internet World Stats. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  3. Fenichel, Michael. "The Intersection of Technology and Human Experience". Cyberpsychology. Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  4. Recupero, P. R.; Rainey, S. E. (2005). "Informed Consent to E-Therapy". American Journal of Psychotherapy: 319–331.
  5. Coleman, Mirean. "Online Therapy and the Clinical Social Worker". National Association of Social Workers. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
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