Study: social media can reinforce stigma, stereotypes

Used to analyze 33,000 tweets that made some reference to Alzheimer's disease, the system indicated that people concerned about these issues might be more conscious of their own comments on social media, and also more willing to engage with others who are using language that is insensitive or potentially hurtful.

However, "it was shocking to me how many people stigmatized Alzheimer's disease and reinforced stereotypes that can further alienate people with this condition," said Karen Hooker, holder of the Jo Anne Leonard Petersen EndowedChair in Gerontology and Family Studies, in the OSU College of Public Health and Human Sciences. "This can create what we call 'excess disability,' when people with a stigmatized condition perform worse just because of the negative expectations that damaging stereotypes bring."

"This type of stigma can make it less likely that people will admit they have problems or seek treatment, when often they can still live satisfying, meaningful and productive lives," Hooker was quoted as saying in a news release. "Our attitudes, the things we say affect others. And social media is now amplifying our ability to reach others with thoughtless or hurtful comments."

The researchers noted a 2012 report that negative attitudes about Alzheimer's disease and dementia can result in shame, guilt, hopelessness and social exclusion among stigmatized individuals, leading to delay in diagnosis, inability to cope, and decreased quality of life.

A comment a person might never make in a face-to-face conversation, said Oscar, lead author on the study, is often transmitted via social media to dozens, hundreds or ultimately thousands of people that were not really intended.
Some constraints that might reduce the impact, like clearly making a joke or using sarcasm in a personal conversation, can often get lost in translation to the printed word.