Are We Just Surrounded By Assholes?
The Overuse of “Narcissist” on Social Media
In recent months, the term narcissist has become a ubiquitous label on social media, often applied broadly to individuals exhibiting a range of self-centered behaviors. This trend has been amplified by professionals, including clinical psychologists, who use the term in public forums, potentially blurring the lines between clinical insight and casual diagnosis. As readers and writers concerned with the ethical implications of words, we need to step back and examine the consequences of pervasive labeling.
The Rise of “Narcissist” in Pop Culture
Narcissism, derived from Narcissus in Greek mythology, who fell in love with his reflection, has long fascinated psychologists. In clinical terms, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a recognized condition characterized by patterns of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. However, clinical nuance of NPD is often lost in popular usage, where narcissist has become shorthand for anyone perceived as self-absorbed or difficult. There are also several subtle sub-categories of NPD that I won’t go into here.
A 2022 survey by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) revealed that a staggering 81% of mental health professionals have encountered posts diagnosing others with mental health conditions, including narcissism. Posts and articles that diagnose others as narcissists, often without any clinical basis, are rampant. This trend isn’t just confined to laypeople; highly trained psychologists have been contributing to the problem often due to socio-political concerns, sometimes blurring professional boundaries by making broad assertions about public figures or stereotyping entire groups of people, usually because they’re earning a living offering courses, marketing a book, or getting more clicks on their websites or YouTube channels.
Ethical Concerns in Diagnosing from Afar
One of the primary concerns with the casual use of “narcissist” is the ethical implications of diagnosing individuals without a thorough and direct evaluation. Professional ethics and licensure codes emphasize the importance of basing assessments on adequate information and techniques. Diagnosing someone with NPD requires a comprehensive evaluation of their long-term behavioral patterns (over several years), their relationships, and their self-perception. Diagnosing someone without such an evaluation not only violates these guidelines but also risks misrepresenting and stigmatizing the individual. Otherwise, it’s just name-calling and an ad hominem attack. It’s unhelpful and can cause more harm.
When professionals use their platforms to label others as narcissists without sufficient evidence, it undermines public understanding of mental health conditions. This is particularly concerning when considering the complexities of NPD. By reducing this complex diagnosis to a catch-all term for undesirable traits, we risk trivializing a serious mental health issue.
Public Perception & Mental Health
The oversimplification and overuse of the word narcissist can have significant implications for public perception of mental health. When professionals casually label others, we contribute to a culture where psychiatric diagnoses are seen as convenient labels rather than complex and serious life-threatening conditions. This can lead to social shaming where people are branded based on superficial observations, potentially damaging reputations and relationships. It also undermines trust in mental health professions as a whole, which can lead the public to seek unscientific and questionable treatments offered by unscrupulous grifters on social media.
A 2023 study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that social stigma remains a barrier to seeking mental health treatment. The casual use of psychiatric terms like narcissist can discourage individuals from seeking solid and reliable professional help. If people believe they’re unfairly labeled or stigmatized, they may avoid consulting mental health professionals. Mistrust is an increasing problem, given the already existing barriers to accessing mental health care, including stigma and fear of judgment.
The Role of Professionals in Promoting Ethical Conversations
As mental health professionals, (or simply mindful individuals) it is our responsibility to promote ethical conversations around mental health. This includes being sensitive to the language we use and the impact it can have. Instead of contributing to the trend of flippantly diagnosing others, focus on educating the public about the complexities of mental health conditions and the importance of thorough, context-rich evaluations.
Recognize the power dynamics at play when making public statements about anyone’s mental health. When a professional or someone in a position of authority labels someone a narcissist, it carries a weight that can influence public opinion and potentially harm the individual being labeled. It’s crucial to use this power wisely and stick to the principles of fairness, accuracy, and respect for personal dignity. Every human being deserves that.
Mindful Use of Diagnostic Labels
Moving forward, it’s essential to approach diagnostic labels with caution and respect. This means avoiding the temptation to diagnose others based on limited information. Instead, encourage a deeper understanding of mental health conditions. Remember, a clinical diagnosis is a shorthand and map to guide treatment. Never confuse the map with the actual territory.
For professionals, it also means cleaning up our own house and staying within ethical guidelines that prioritize thorough evaluations and protect individuals from unwarranted labels, particularly when offering services or promoting courses or books. By doing so, we foster more informed and compassionate conversations around mental health that respect the complexity of human behavior and the dignity of everyone.
Some Final Thoughts
How can we encourage open & mindful communication about mental health?
How do we support initiatives that promote mental health?
Considering the prevalence of social media, what are some strategies to challenge the misuse of the term “narcissist” online?
Resources for further inquiry:
Scrolling for a Diagnosis: The Effects of Self-Diagnosing Content on Social Media on Young Adults’ Mental Health, by Hadil Dewak, 2023
There’s no evidence that Freud ever said this, but this was the origin of the title: “Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure you are not, in fact, surrounded by assholes”.
Thanks for thoughtful information.. too many people casually “throw around” terms to describe someone they are simply annoyed with… and narcissist is far too common a choice.. when perhaps simply mean self centered/self serving…
Can perhaps hope people will use your information … become more thoughtful with labels….