Psychologists Navigate Ethical Tightrope of Social Media Influence
SÃO PAULO – Prominent psychologists are weighing in on the increasing presence of mental health guidance on social media, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and informed consumption of online content. A recent discussion highlights the potential benefits of platforms for disseminating psychological knowledge while cautioning against the trivialization of professional counseling.
Psychologist leonardo Fraiman, creator of the OPEE Life Project methodology, initially resisted joining social networks but was persuaded to use them as a platform for sharing “consolidated academic content.” His profile, focused on early childhood education, limits, and parenting, has amassed over 2 million followers, primarily women aged 35-54. “There I speak based on consolidated academic content, I don’t give a personal opinion about things. It’s not my stage for exhibitionism, for guesswork. It’s a multi megaphone of training and guidance for people who often don’t have access to a professional,” Fraiman stated.
Carolina Roseiro, a counselor and spokesperson for CFP, clarified that psychologists are not prohibited from using social media for professional purposes, including advertising or content creation. However, she stressed the importance of avoiding the trivialization of counseling. Roseiro advocates for illustrative content accompanied by clear references to supporting research, either in captions, videos, or professional profiles. “It’s not a rule that this is done in all videos, but in your network it needs to be associated with what reference you use to publicly enunciate this advice,” she explained.
The discussion also addressed the unique context of social media versus traditional therapeutic settings. Experts acknowledge the potential for generalization on these platforms, recognizing they lack the structured demands of a therapy session.
Maria Maia emphasized the obligation of social media users to critically evaluate details. “Even the people you love to follow will sometimes say something stupid. Don’t be afraid to do some research for yourself,” she advised.
The conversation reflects a broader trend of Generation Z – those born between 1997 and 2012 - relying heavily on social media for information, while also impacting content consumption across other demographics.