Abstract
TikTok is a popular social media platform from which users frequently obtain information. Specifically, psychological concepts such as anxiety, depression, and related conditions are becoming popular vernacular on TikTok through trends such as "story times." However, the accuracy of these terms' usage requires examination. In this qualitative analysis of TikTok posts and comments under the hashtags #gaslight and #narcissist, it was found that videos under these hashtags often originated from users attempting to warn viewers about psychological traits that align with common diagnostic language. However, comments under these videos tended to use these terms in a more casual sense than depicted in the original video posts. Results also indicated that because these posts were informative and easily accessible, it became easier for users to employ these terms casually, despite their sensitive diction and clinical definitions. Additional subthemes in the findings included defining gaslighting, how narcissists think and behave, and signs of narcissistic behavior. Implications for research and real-world applications are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Fernandez, Aaren
(2026)
"Language Analysis of "Gaslight" and "Narcissist" as Seen on TikTok,"
Journal of Research Initiatives: Vol. 9:
Iss.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/jri/vol9/iss2/6
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