Social media’s disturbing role in “delusion amplification” highlighted in new psychology research

For many, social media is a tool for communication and self-expression. But for those vulnerable to psychiatric disorders, it may become something far more insidious. A new study published in BMC Psychiatry suggests that social media can act as an incubator for delusional thinking, reinforcing distorted self-perceptions and encouraging excessive mentalistic cognition. The study introduces a new conceptual model, “Delusion Amplification by Social Media,” which suggests that the disembodied nature of online interactions may contribute to an unstable sense of self and encourage excessive mentalistic cognition.

With social media deeply embedded in modern life, researchers have sought to understand how digital interactions affect mental health. Unlike traditional face-to-face communication, social media allows individuals to engage in social interactions where physical, spatial, and temporal cues are detached. This separation from embodied experiences has raised questions about how the brain processes virtual interactions and whether these experiences might intensify certain psychiatric symptoms.

Previous research has linked social media use with anxiety and depression, but few studies have examined its effects on disorders involving psychotic traits and distorted self-perception. Researchers at Simon Fraser University wanted to explore whether heavy social media users—particularly those with psychiatric conditions—might be using these platforms to construct and sustain a delusional self-image. They hypothesized that the selective presentation of identity online, combined with social validation mechanisms like “likes” and “followers,” could contribute to a distorted sense of reality in vulnerable individuals.

To investigate the relationship between social media use and psychiatric disorders, the researchers conducted a systematic review of all available studies on the topic. They analyzed data from 2,623 academic papers published between 2004 and 2022. Of these, 155 studies met the criteria for inclusion. The review focused on psychiatric disorders related to social cognition, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and erotomania.

The researchers identified studies that examined how individuals with these disorders use social media, including the frequency of use, types of engagement (e.g., posting, lurking, commenting), and the effects on their symptoms. They also reviewed case reports of individuals whose psychotic symptoms were triggered or worsened by social media interactions.

The study found that social media use is disproportionately high among individuals with psychiatric disorders involving delusional thinking. The strongest associations were found in individuals with narcissism, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders, who tend to rely on social media to construct and validate their self-image. These individuals often engage in behaviors such as excessive selfie-taking, obsessive comparison to others, and compulsive monitoring of feedback from online audiences.

For example, individuals with narcissistic personality disorder were found to be more likely to post self-promotional content, seek admiration through likes and followers, and curate an idealized version of themselves online. Similarly, those with body dysmorphia and eating disorders were found to use social media as a tool for self-surveillance, often engaging in appearance-related comparisons that reinforce their distorted body image.

Psychotic spectrum disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, were also linked to problematic social media use. Individuals with schizophrenia were found to be at risk of developing online-related delusions, such as paranoia about being watched or controlled through social media algorithms. Some case reports described patients who believed their thoughts were being broadcasted online or that they were being stalked through digital platforms.

Erotomania, a disorder characterized by delusional beliefs about being loved by someone (often a celebrity or public figure), was found to be facilitated by social media. The ability to follow, interact with, or message high-status individuals online may create the illusion of a personal relationship, leading to obsessive behaviors and misinterpretation of social cues.

The researchers proposed a model called “Delusion Amplification by Social Media,” which explains how social media environments encourage distorted self-perceptions. According to this model, individuals with an unstable sense of self may turn to social media to craft a more coherent or idealized identity. However, because social media interactions lack real-world grounding and accountability, these self-perceptions can become increasingly detached from reality. The virtual world allows users to maintain their delusions without real-life contradictions, reinforcing distorted beliefs over time.

Interestingly, the study also found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder, who typically have reduced social cognition, were less likely to engage with social media compared to neurotypical individuals. Those who did use social media tended to prefer platforms with less social interactivity, such as YouTube, where they could engage in solitary activities rather than direct social exchanges.

“Social media is creating conditions where delusions can more easily be generated and sustained due to the presence of platforms and apps that cater to the disorder’s causes, plus the absence of effective reality-checking,” says Bernard Crespi, a professor of biological sciences and Canada Research Chair in Evolutionary Genetics and Psychology. “This research has important implications for the causes and symptoms of mental illnesses, and how they can be exacerbated by online social platforms.”

While the study provides strong evidence that social media can amplify delusional thinking in certain psychiatric disorders, the researchers acknowledged several limitations. Most notably, the studies included in the review were observational, meaning they could not establish a direct causal link between social media use and mental health symptoms. It is unclear whether individuals with psychiatric disorders are drawn to social media because of their symptoms or if social media use actively worsens their conditions.

Another limitation is that different social media platforms function in unique ways, and not all may contribute equally to psychiatric symptoms. Future research should investigate how specific platforms—such as Instagram (which is image-heavy) versus Twitter (which is text-based)—differently impact mental health outcomes.

Additionally, more longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether prolonged social media use leads to worsening psychiatric symptoms over time. Controlled experiments could also help researchers understand whether reducing social media use can mitigate delusions and improve self-perception in individuals with psychiatric conditions.

The study, “I tweet, therefore I am: a systematic review on social media use and disorders of the social brain,” was authored by Nancy Yang and Bernard Crespi.