SUBJECTIVE IMPACT OF ONLINE SELF-ASSESSMENT PRACTICE: LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The advancement of digital technologies and the popularization of social networks have significantly transformed access to health information, especially in the field of mental health. In this context, there is a growth in the practice of online self-diagnosis, characterized by the search for information about symptoms and psychological disorders on digital platforms, often before seeking professional help. This study aims to investigate the subjective impacts of the practice of online self-diagnosis on individuals’ mental health. This is a qualitative research, developed through a narrative literature review, with a bibliographic survey carried out in the SciELO, PubMed, PePSIC, CAPES Journals and Google Scholar databases. Descriptors related to mental health, self-diagnosis, social networks, self-medication and subjectivity were used. The results indicate that the excess of information available on the internet favors phenomena such as infodemic, the dissemination of inaccurate content and the strengthening of risky practices, such as self-medication. Furthermore, it was observed that self-diagnosis can impact individuals’ subjectivity, influencing identity construction, generating anxiety, hypervigilance, and psychological distress. It is concluded that, although the internet broadens access to information, the inappropriate use of this content can cause significant harm to mental health, reinforcing the need for digital education and encouraging the search for qualified professional support.