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Trauma Dumping on Social Media

Trauma dumping on social media is a phenomenon that refers to the unsolicited sharing of traumatic experiences online. This act often doesn’t consider emotional boundaries or whether the receiver can cope with the type of information uploaded (Johnson, J. 2023). With the rise of social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, individuals feel comfortable enough to use their profiles as virtual diaries (Rettberg, 2016). However, unintended consequences of this behaviour can affect both the sharer and reader (Wildan Wildan & Kusuma, 2024). In December 2023, the TikTok hashtag #TraumaTok had over 5 billion views, highlighting the growing popularity of trauma dumping on social media (Cliodhna O'Connor et al., 2024).

Background

Over 70% of adults, globally, have experienced trauma (Randazzo & Ammari, 2023). The act of sharing this trauma without the consent of the listener(s) has recently (2020s) been described as ‘Trauma dumping’ (Colombo, C. 2021). This behaviour is characterised by intense, frequent, one-sided graphic sharing of trauma while healthy venting involves mutually exchanging frustrations with someone (What Is Trauma Dumping? (2022). Individuals who frequently ‘trauma dump’ may select listeners who feel obligated to provide them support (Woolard et al., 2023). Critics argue that trauma dumping can ruin relationships and lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression (Molina, 2023). Trauma dumping has become more prevalent with the growth and ease of access to social media. Social media allows individuals to share their opinions and experiences with just a click of a button (Anwar, 2022). This could be in the form of a video, photo or comment. Some may view trauma dumping online as a way to make their traumatic experience meaningful (Blainey & Slade, 2014). Research also shows that this trauma content comes from mainly young white people (Cliodhna O'Connor et al., 2024). This indicates that perspectives from non-white and older people are underrepresented, although the research only looked at English-language content (Cliodhna O'Connor et al., 2024). Research shows that trauma dumping on social media mainly includes negative childhood experiences and relationship difficulties (Cliodhna O'Connor et al., 2024).

Reasons for Trauma Dumping

Social media, with its high engagement levels, is a pervasive tool for spreading and consuming mental health information (Basch et al., 2022). There are many reasons why an individual might seek out or share traumatic experiences: seeking validation; seeking attention or connection; desire for relief; and sometimes manipulation (Team, 2024). In 2016, countless women took to social media (Twitter and Instagram) using the #NotOkay to share their experiences of sexual assault following a statement made by the then-presidential candidate Donald Trump boasting about groping women. This movement significantly raised awareness for the horrifying rape culture in America (Domonosoke,. C. 2016). Also, during the COVID-19 pandemic online searches regarding mental health issues rapidly increased (Jacobson et al., 2020). Due to the lack of social interaction, people turned to online platforms for support. The most common issues being searched were suicidal ideation and anxiety (Jacobson et al., 2020). It should be noted that this study only focused on American states (Jacobson et al., 2020). Additionally, gender has an impact on the amount and type of trauma content uploaded (Keohane & Richardson, 2018). Females upload emotional images associated with their trauma more than men, indicating that women partake in trauma dumping more (Keohane & Richardson, 2018). Knowing the reasons behind trauma dumping provides context for examining its consequences.

Impact on the Sharer and the Audience

Trauma dumping on social media can impact both the sharer and the reader. It can help both creators and consumers to feel connected and supported when reading/sharing traumatic experiences (Househ et al., 2014). Unlike support groups, individuals can access this support at anytime and anywhere. Myrick, J. G., et al (2015) explored the role of this continuous support and outlet in a community of people with cancer. They found that hope was the most commonly expressed emotion whereas fear was the least. Sharing their personal experiences created a positive space for optimism about recovery (Myrick, J. G et al., 2015). The study followed a longitudinal design which involved collecting data every week for two years. However, the study lacks detailed information about its participants, providing only a general description of the target audience as young adults. To delve more into the impact of this space on the sharer and reader, future studies should adopt a qualitative approach (Myrick, J. G et al., 2015). Furthermore, the first step of recovering from trauma is telling someone about it. However, doing this face-to-face can be challenging due to PTSD and social anxiety often co-occurring (Collimore et al., 2010) therefore trauma dumping online gives people a chance to do this without being in person. This indicates that social media aids a survivor’s recovery (Tokgoz-Sahoglu, C. 2019). In addition, seeing a video or photo of a real person helps the audience to feel empathy and connected to the story (Lambert, 2013). A lot of the engagement on social media platforms such as TikTok is positive, with words of support, advice and personal narratives (Basch et al., 2022). Additionally, traumatic experiences such as receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis can make people lonely and withdraw from social activities (Gerritzen et al., 2021). Sharing these experiences online can allow individuals to reach and talk to a vast amount of people; it gives people a form of social interaction that they may be lacking in real life (Gerritzen et al., 2021).

However, a low percentage of videos discussing trauma are made by mental health practitioners (Cliodhna O'Connor et al., 2024). As a result, a substantial amount of mental health-related posts on social media (e.g. Facebook) include medically inaccurate information (Bizzoto et al, 2023). In addition, trauma dumping online allows and encourages individuals to become self-proclaimed ‘trauma coaches’ (Cliodhna O'Connor et al., 2024). This lack of controlled environment leads to misinterpretation and judgement (Bizzoto et al, 2023). When investigating the content quality of TikTok’s on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder, researchers found that approximately half (52%) of the videos were misleading and 49 out of 52 videos were made by non-healthcare professionals (non-HCP) (Yeung et al., 2022). In addition, they found that first-person or personal experiences by non-HCP videos accounted for 29.2% (vs 9.1%) and received the highest engagement. This indicates that consumers are more interested in the experiences of the average person (Yeung et al., 2022). Social media allows factually misleading information to be widely spread anonymously (Steinert & Dennis, 2022) and it can promote negative behaviours (Bahnweg, et al 2023). Many videos talking about general mental health symptoms, e.g. drifting off whilst in a conversation with someone, recast them as signs of trauma (Bahnweg, et al 2023). This encourages viewers to delve into their past looking for a traumatic event if they do said behaviour (Bahnweg, et al 2023). The promotion of negative behaviours is worsened by the few restrictions on live stream. In 2021, a Chinese TikTokker, Luo Xiao Maomao, invited her 760,000 followers to watch her suicide attempt on live stream. (Bahnweg, et al 2023). Furthermore, on TikTok, it has become a trend to share traumatic experiences, stories include surviving sexual assault, suicide or an abusive experience (Zenone et al., 2021). While courageous majority of the 1.5 billion TikTok users are children and teenagers (Weimann, G., & Masri, N. 2020) who may not be able to handle such topics. Also, recent survivors of similar experiences may not be ready to see this content (Zenone et al., 2021). Content creators also sometimes post this content in a youth friendly way e.g. the trend of sharing traumatic experiences to pop song “Literally My Life’ (Lantican, 2020).

Alternatives to Trauma Dumping

People respond to trauma in several different ways which means there is no right way of navigating it (Keohan, 2022). If an individual is experiencing traumatic stress, typically symptoms improve with time. However, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may become more severe over time (Keohan, 2022). A serious accident; physical or sexual assault; abuse; work-related exposure to trauma; serious health problems or childbirth experiences; war and conflict; or torture may all lead to PTSD (Megnin-Viggars et al., 2019). There are many different treatments for trauma including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychological first aid (American psychological association, 2019). CBT is based upon the belief that an individual’s behaviour is affected by the way they think and structure the world around them. Therefore, it is designed to help people recognise and learn how to change these unhealthy thought patterns (Kar, 2011). It is extremely effective for PTSD (Kar, 2011). PFA takes a different approach, it recognises that distress is normal after a traumatic event (American psychological association, 2019). It’s used to promote a psychological sense of safety and calm. (Gilbert et al., 2021). It does this by providing individuals with the right information, emotional support and comfort after a traumatic event (Shah et al., 2020). Trauma therapy helps and allows individuals to process trauma-related memories in a controlled environment, but it can only be effective if the disorder is recognised by a health care professional (Megnin-Viggars et al., 2019). With the increase of individuals becoming self-proclaimed ‘trauma coaches’ on social media platforms (Cliodhna O'Connor et al., 2024), self-help books for treating trauma and other psychological disorders have also increased in popularity (Redding, R. E et al., 2008). Stress-relief techniques show promise at reducing symptoms of generalised anxiety and post-traumatic stress (Gallegos, A. M et al., 2017). These techniques give people coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations (Fledderus et al., 2011). A study looking at guided self-help for psychological distress found a significant reduction in depressive symptoms in participants who received the self-help intervention (Fledderus et al., 2011). This reduction was maintained at the 3-month follow-up for both depressive and anxiety symptoms. However, a follow-up assessment wasn’t carried out for the control group (Fledderus et al., 2011).

Summary

To start the process of emotional healing, an individual must recognise and discuss their traumatic experiences (Tokgoz-Sahoglu, C. 2019). Sharing this (trauma dumping) on social media platforms opens the door to friendly advice and support which someone may not be able to get in real life (Basch et al., 2022). Especially when PTSD and social anxiety disorder commonly co-occur (Collimore et al., 2010). In addition, 75% of patients wait up to 6 weeks for psychological treatment (NHS, 2021) whereas trauma dumping online can be done within minutes. However, sharing personal information publicly on social media means that anyone can access or come across it (Rafique, 2017). On platforms such as TikTok majority of viewers are children and teenagers (Weimann, G., & Masri, N. 2020). Children and teenagers may not be emotionally ready to hear about certain traumatic topics (Zenone et al., 2021). The concept of trauma dumping has become more common with the rise of social media platform TikTok, users often share personal and emotional experiences through short-clip videos (Cliodhna O'Connor et al., 2024). It has even become a trend to share such experiences (Lantican, 2020). Most of the existing research emphasises the potential negative effects of trauma dumping, especially due to its unsolicited nature and the potential psychological burden it may place on others (Johnson, J. 2023). Some discussions state that when done in a consensual and contextually appropriate manner (venting), there may be some benefits such as feeling connected and heard (Househ et al., 2014).

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