Be careful if you use social networks! Faced with the violence of certain comments, people end up developing a special phobia which handicaps them in their daily life.
Social networks are now omnipresent in our daily lives. Whether it is to keep in touch with our friends, share our passions, follow our idols, participate in political life, meet new people or simply have fun, we spend several hours a day on it. But all is not rosy in this virtual world. Because this constant exposure to the opinions of others can have harmful effects on our mental health.
Indeed, social networks, by amplifying everyone’s voice and providing a platform for sometimes heated discussions, create an environment conducive to the development of social phobias. Users may feel judged, criticized, or even attacked for their opinions. Negative or hateful comments, heated debates, and the culture of trolling – which consists of intentionally sowing chaos – can increase their anxiety and fear of speaking out in public. And we’re not even talking about cases of cyberharassment, of which women are more likely to be victims!
Also, some people end up developing a terrible fear ofbe confronted with the other. Sweaty hands, increased heart rate, blushing, trembling, nausea or even panic attacks… All signs of social anxiety, which affects 4.7% of French adults at least once in their lives, according to figures from the High Health Authority. One of these social phobias in particular concerns the overwhelming fear of the opinions of others.
This fear, called allodoxaphobia – this word comes from the ancient Greek “allo” (meaning “difference”), “doxo” (opinion) and “phobia” (fear) – is like all other phobias, irrational, overwhelming and appears in situations that, in reality, pose little or no real danger. Be careful, allodoxaphobia should not be confused with its cousin doxophobia, which is the fear of expressing opinions.
Manifestations of allodoxaphobia can vary, from mild nervousness to a paralyzing fear of participating in discussions, even with loved ones. This phobia can also lead to social isolation, as affected individuals may choose to withdraw from social media and limit human interactions in order to avoid confrontation with others’ opinions. If the phobia becomes very serious, those who suffer from it may even organize their lives in such a way as to avoid any situation in which they might hear the opinions of other people, to the point of withdrawing from society. Fortunately, allodoxaphobia can be treated like any other type of social phobia, thanks to support groups and psychology professionals. So be careful!