Inquiry Process update #3

For Step 3 of our inquiry process, Parmis and I have generated a new set of questions informed by our research to further investigate self-diagnosis and expand our understanding of the topic and find more information to add to our final project. To find answers, we will use sources from Google Scholar and the UVic library database.

New questions: 

• Which platform is most likely to spread misinformation about mental health or medical conditions? 
• How do algorithms influence what symptoms or disorders users believe they have? 
• Does exposure to online mental health info/content increase anxiety or reassurance in users? 
• Can self-diagnosis lead to a confirmation bias? 
• In what ways can online self-diagnosis be helpful or empowering? Can it encourage people to seek help sooner? 
• What are the risks of misdiagnosis through online platforms? How can it lead to overdiagnosis or unnecessary stress, and are certain groups more vulnerable? 
• Should AI tools be responsible for preventing harmful self-diagnosis? 
• How might self-diagnosis change as AI becomes more advanced? 
• Could they replace parts of traditional diagnosis? 
• How do influencers on TikTok shape people’s understanding of mental health disorders?