From memes and hashtags to trending buzzwords, language has taken on a life of its own in the ever-evolving landscape of social media. However, Pinoys have noticed some terms and phrases that are frequently misunderstood or misused without a second thought. Are you guilty of using some of them?

Trauma

Sadly, the word “trauma” gets thrown around casually in online conversations without understanding its gravity. Some use it to describe minor inconveniences or everyday stressors, unwittingly diminishing the experiences of those who have endured real trauma. Let’s remember that our words hold power, especially when addressing sensitive subjects like trauma.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

“Na-o-OC ako.”

How many times have you heard someone randomly say that? Probably too many to count. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a real mental health condition that deals with frequent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that cause significant distress and anxiety. People with OCD typically can’t control these obsessions or compulsions despite knowing their severity.

Just because you like your clothes organized a certain way or don’t enjoy pineapples on pizza doesn’t mean you have OCD. At best, you probably share those personality quirks and a million more with the rest of the world. Throwing the OCD term so loosely trivializes the suffering it can bring and contribute to the spread of false information.

Depression

From one serious mental health condition to another, depression has become a buzzword online, used by people who may not fully grasp the complexities of the condition. They confuse depression with any bouts of sadness or loneliness, which, by the way, are starkly different, respectively. Depression is a clinical condition affecting a person’s thoughts, feelings, and even physical health in profound ways. 

It’s not the same as having a bad day, okay? Depression requires diligent medical attention, empathy, and a support system for full recovery. 

Gaslighting

Dubbed by Merriam-Webster as its word of the year in 2022, gaslighting is a tactic by manipulators to control someone by making them doubt their thoughts, memories, or feelings. But if you’re still scratching your head as to what gaslighting means, we have an article about it that you can read here.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a big deal. Yet, it often ends up used to describe anything from pre-exam jitters to waiting for the reply of your crush. This carefree use of the term might unintentionally downplay the struggles of those with anxiety disorders. The next time you’re tempted to describe that cafe queue as an “anxiety-inducing” situation, think twice. 

Relapse

TikTok has been overrun recently by ‘relapse’ TikToks, but it seems not everyone knows what it means. Some associate it with the idea of long-lost connections or simply missing someone. Although relapse may manifest physically or emotionally, it extends beyond mere nostalgia. In the context of mental health, relapse happens when a person slips back into self-destructive behaviors after making progress in their recovery. 

Nonetheless, this trend reminds us of the importance of handling sensitive topics carefully and avoiding unintentionally romanticizing the concept of relapse. 

Introvert

Things have taken a strange turn when introversion is automatically equated with being anti-social. Take it from us when we say the difference between the two is like day and night. And no, introverts don’t hate people or are always stuck at home plotting new ways to escape parties. Introverts enjoy social interactions, just in a different way. If you can break through their little bubble, introverts are some of the best peeps to be around! 

Problematic

Nobody wants to be near a problematic person, so much so that people hastily label someone problematic over the randomest things. You prefer using chopsticks over a spoon and fork? Well, guess what? You’re problematic! Tattoos are your jam? You get the problematic tag! You swear by a child-free lifestyle? That’s also sometimes considered problematic! 

If you want to know what problematic individuals look like, they’re usually manipulative, self-centered, aggressive, and have no respect for boundaries. Humans are complex beings, so maybe try to know them on a deeper level first before jumping to conclusions.

By using these terms more mindfully, we can create a more empathetic online environment, ensuring that we uphold the significance of these words and promote healthy conversations.

Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube, to be the first to know about the latest news and coolest trends!