Inspired by the growing influence of technology on everyday life, Vasileia Karasavva is dedicated to exploring how our digital interactions shape mental health, behavior, and decision-making in the modern world.
Vasileia Karasavva (she/her), a PhD student in the department of psychology, is conducting research in the field of cyberpsychology with a particular focus on digital citizenship with Dr. Amori Yee Mikami at the PEARL Lab. She explores how our interactions with the digital world shape our lives, with research interests spanning mental health, social media’s effects on happiness, and online sexual consent communication.
“I am interested in the digital world and how it shapes our lives. It is important to understand all the positive, negative, and neutral ways our relationship with the digital world affects our daily lives!”
In a Q&A, Vasileia discusses her current research, what led her to this field, and her advice for future graduate students.
Can you tell us about any new research that you’re working on?
We just published a paper on PLOS One about the way that ADHD is presented on TikTok. We did this because TikTok’s ADHD content is widely viewed and ranks among one of the app’s most popular hashtags. Recent estimates suggest that 1 in 2 Millennials and Gen Zer’s use TikTok as their primary search engine. Concerns have been raised about the potential for misinformation on TikTok due to the vast amount of unvetted, user-generated content.
In Study 1, two clinical psychologists with expertise on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, on our research team evaluated the top 100 ADHD-related TikToks and found most were scientifically inaccurate. Half of content creators also sold products related to ADHD or solicited funds from viewers.
Study 2 surveyed 843 young adults (224 without ADHD, 421 self-diagnosed, 198 formally diagnosed). Consuming more ADHD TikToks was linked to a more favourable view of #ADHD content and assuming that ADHD is more prevalent and more difficult to manage.
“Our results highlight the disconnect between how users and professionals view TikTok as a psychoeducation tool. While TikTok has democratized access to ADHD information, making it more relatable and accessible, its anecdotal content could lead some to misattribute normal behaviors or symptoms of other conditions to ADHD. To bridge this gap, professionals should listen to what users find useful about TikTok, demystify the ADHD diagnosis and treatment process, and promote equitable information access.”
What inspired you to pursue an MA/PhD in psychology at UBC?
The clinical psychology program at UBC offers strong training in both clinical practice and research and really strives to push students to become exemplary in both. I was really attracted to the idea that I would be in a program that would challenge me to be better while also providing me with all the tools and support I would need to reach my goals.
What advice would you give to aspiring MA/PhD students?
Remember to be a person, not just a graduate student! It is important to try and keep some balance to ensure that you avoid burnout and continue to enjoy your graduate studies.
