Written by: Arya Tondale
Edited by: Grace Sargent
In the digital age, social media platforms have become a hub for communication, expression, and the exchange of ideas. But with the rise of awareness of mental health, people are misusing platforms like TikTok, Reddit and Instagram to spread misinformation through ‘pseudopsychology.’. There is now a concerning trend of misusing terms like "autistic" and "neurodivergence." These terms, once confined to clinical contexts, are often inaccurately and insensitively being used on social media and even our everyday vernacular. Such misuse not only perpetuates misconceptions but also undermines the experiences of individuals who are truly neurodivergent. So, let's get into how these words are being misused and the implications of such misuse.
The Blurred Lines of Language
Language evolves, adapting to societal changes and cultural shifts through time. However, this evolution sometimes blurs the lines between clinical terminology and casual usage. According to an article by Autism Speaks, “Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today.” (Autism Speaks).
Yet, on social media, it's frequently employed as a synonym for eccentric, socially awkward, or obsessive behavior. Nowadays, social media users use that word to describe their ‘unique’ tendencies and oftentimes ‘being autistic’ is seen as trendy.
Similarly, "neurodivergence" encompasses a range of neurological variations, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more—it celebrates the diversity of human cognition. However, on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, it's often used haphazardly, overlooking its nuanced meaning. People may label themselves or others as "neurodivergent" without understanding the depth and breadth of what it truly entails.
Impact on Perception and Understanding
Social media molds the way we perceive certain things, in this case it is words like these whose meaning and interpretation gets changed (Bakombo et al.). Firstly, it perpetuates stereotypes and misconceptions about neurodivergent individuals. When "autistic" is carelessly used to describe someone who is meticulous or socially awkward, it reduces autism to a mere personality trait rather than a complex neurodevelopmental condition. This oversimplification diminishes the challenges faced by autistic individuals and trivializes their experiences.
When you say stuff like “I am autistic that’s why it takes time for me to recognize someone” or “My neurodivergence makes me toxic lol,” it encourages a negative perception of the neurodivergent community. We start using actual clinical terms as excuses for our behaviors and traits to get a pass. But it shouldn’t be like that.
Moreover, misusing "neurodivergence" as a catch-all term undermines the distinct identities and struggles of various neurodivergent communities. Each condition under the neurodiversity umbrella comes with its own set of strengths, weaknesses, and societal stigmas. Lump-summing them together erases these differences and overlooks the unique needs of each group.
Validating Experiences and Promoting Understanding
It's crucial to validate the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and promote accurate understanding on social media. Here are some steps individuals can take to ensure respectful and informed discourse:
1. Educate Yourself: Before using terms like "autistic" or "neurodivergent," take the time to understand their meanings and implications. Familiarize yourself with the experiences of neurodivergent individuals through reputable sources and personal narratives.
2. Practice Empathy: Recognize that neurodivergent individuals have diverse experiences and challenges. Empathize with their perspectives and avoid reducing their identities to stereotypes or caricatures.
3. Use Precise and Appropriate Language: Be mindful of the words you use and the context in which you use them. Reserve clinical terms like "autistic" for appropriate contexts and use them respectfully.
4. Amplify Diverse Voices: Elevate the voices of neurodivergent individuals on social media. Share their stories, insights, and advocacy efforts to promote greater awareness and understanding.
Conclusion
The misuse of terms like "autistic" and "neurodivergence" on social media reflects a broader need for sensitivity, understanding, and education surrounding neurodiversity. By fostering respectful dialogue and accurate representation, we can create a more inclusive online environment where all individuals, regardless of neurocognitive differences, feel valued and understood. Let's strive to use language responsibly and amplify the voices of those whose experiences deserve to be heard.
References:
“What Is Autism?” Autism Speaks, 2023, www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism.
Bakombo, Schwab, et al. “The Influence of Social Media on the Perception of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Content Analysis of Public Discourse on YouTube Videos.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 13 Feb. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9961260/.
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