self-labeling madness: why r we so obsessed with defining ourselves?

[WarHeRo]

With the rise of social media, there’s been a huge surge in self-labeling. It’s gotten to the point where we can’t have a basic conversation without asking how to address someone properly. Now, it’s not just about biological sex but also gender (i.e., their primary self-label). This isn’t limited to pronouns; when we try to compliment someone by calling them handsome or smart, they might interrupt to tell us how they prefer to be labeled (i.e., secondary label).

It has reached a point where basic interactions and simple conversations are frequently disrupted by labeling issues. Ironically, those who insist on these labels expect compassion and respect for their self-identifications (primary labeling), while simultaneously restricting your freedom to label them in return (secondary labeling), which undermines a friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, they not only present their own labels but also demand that you fully label yourself, showing little tolerance if you choose to avoid it.

Labeling people seems unnecessary to me because individuals aren’t objects and shouldn’t be categorized. It often leads to discrimination without any valid reason.

What do you think about this? Do you find yourself caught up in the rat race, trying to identify with various labels?

Bonus

This labeling trend has gone so far that people even label themselves with certain illnesses. Research shows that self-labeling with a mental illness, like saying “I have depression,” is linked to internalized stigma, maladaptive responses, and a lower quality of life. About 22.2% of students self-labeled as having depression, while 39.0% met the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). After accounting for depression severity, self-labeling was associated with lower perceived control over depression, more catastrophizing, less perspective-taking, refocusing, reappraisal, and planning, and more positive attitudes towards medication but not therapy. [1]

Have you ever identified yourself with any mental health issue?

Primary and Secondary Labeling

A categoric (primary) label defines one’s social and self-identity based on position, rank, sex, class, etc., classifying them as “success” or “failure,” “in” or “out,” “good” or “bad.”

A descriptive (secondary) label refers to specific behavior, often linked to secondary roles, and can be positive or negative. It becomes part of self-identity if the labeler is primary and the label matches the person’s main identity. Descriptive labels, formed through social interactions in small groups, stick within the same category. For example, an “intellectual” can be labeled an “intellectual bum,” but not “dumb” without first changing their primary label. Similarly, a “successful businessman” can be labeled an “alcoholic” but not a “schlemiel” without delabeling first. This explains the success of labeling “alcoholics” but not “schizophrenics” as respectable heads of families. [2]

Sources

1. Isaac L. Ahuvia, Jessica L. Schleider, Elizabeth T. Kneeland, Jason S. Moser, Hans S. Schroder, Depression self-labeling in U.S. college students: Associations with perceived control and coping strategies, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 351, 2024, Pages 202-210, ISSN 0165-0327, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.229.

2. Rotenberg, M. (1975). SELF-LABELLING THEORY: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS AMONG MENTAL PATIENTS. The British Journal of Criminology, 15(4), 360–375. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23636205

[76561199572171423]

wut

[WarHeRo]

Originally posted by Hi Im Swat:

Your legal disclaimer is not valid anywhere.

how is it related to the topic?

[Hobbit XIII]

What Do I think about this?
My answer cannot be put any better than this fellow


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqI5zHqAQoM

[Fantasma]

I feel like you greatly overstate and exaggerate the prevalence and severity of this "issue..."

Maybe it's because I don't hang out on social media platforms and don't use Twitter or Discord, or anything like that, but I don't come across the problem you're describing all that often. And even when I do, it's also not as bad as you say. I have misidentified people's gender before - in every case this has happened, they simply correct me, and I refer to them how they ask me to. Then we both move on with our lives. I guess if you fight them on it, you might have issues, but I personally see no reason to create problems over something so small.

"Furthermore, they not only present their own labels but also demand that you fully label yourself, showing little tolerance if you choose to avoid it." Yeah, genuinely don't ever run into this kind of thing...

I don't think people labelling themselves is really something all that new anyway. People have always wanted to fit in with a group, for one reason or another. I think all that changes is what's in vogue to label yourself as or with.

[WarHeRo]

Originally posted by Corvus XIII:

What Do I think about this?
My answer cannot be put any better than this fellow


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqI5zHqAQoM

define me

Originally posted by Fantasma:

I feel like you greatly overstate and exaggerate the prevalence and severity of this "issue..."

Maybe it's because I don't hang out on social media platforms and don't use Twitter or Discord, or anything like that, but I don't come across the problem you're describing all that often. And even when I do, it's also not as bad as you say. I have misidentified people's gender before - in every case this has happened, they simply correct me, and I refer to them how they ask me to. Then we both move on with our lives. I guess if you fight them on it, you might have issues, but I personally see no reason to create problems over something so small.

"Furthermore, they not only present their own labels but also demand that you fully label yourself, showing little tolerance if you choose to avoid it." Yeah, genuinely don't ever run into this kind of thing...

I don't think people labelling themselves is really something all that new anyway. People have always wanted to fit in with a group, for one reason or another. I think all that changes is what's in vogue to label yourself as or with.

the primary label isnt the main concern, and I’m not necessarily complaining about it. it’s just a hindrance in introductions. the real issue lies with the secondary labels. People feel entitled to self-label, and some even self-diagnose their mental health conditions. This trend of self-labeling has worsened, as individuals often don’t consult medical professionals before claiming to be depressed or having mental health issues. I find this quite concerning.

[Fantasma]

Originally posted by WarHeRo:

the primary label isnt the main concern, and I’m not necessarily complaining about it. it’s just a hindrance in introductions. the real issue lies with the secondary labels. People feel entitled to self-label, and some even self-diagnose their mental health conditions. This trend of self-labeling has worsened, as individuals often don’t consult medical professionals before claiming to be depressed or having mental health issues. I find this quite concerning.

I agree that self-diagnosing (especially for mental health issues) is bad. I think the problem is more specifically with that kind of thing, than with self-labeling overall. I do believe that social media plays a part, because it can be seen as "cool" or "edgy" online to have mental health problems. Though I think it's overall an issue with younger people in specific, I haven't seen as many people on the older side (late 20s and up) doing that.

As I said, I think that what's popular to label yourself with is what has changed, and right now self labeling with mental disorders is popular for one reason or another. Honestly, I think if more societies had better mental health awareness and less stigmatization, it would probably help to decrease this - because then it wouldn't be seen as anything special.

[WarHeRo]

Originally posted by Fantasma:

Originally posted by WarHeRo:

the primary label isnt the main concern, and I’m not necessarily complaining about it. it’s just a hindrance in introductions. the real issue lies with the secondary labels. People feel entitled to self-label, and some even self-diagnose their mental health conditions. This trend of self-labeling has worsened, as individuals often don’t consult medical professionals before claiming to be depressed or having mental health issues. I find this quite concerning.

I agree that self-diagnosing (especially for mental health issues) is bad. I think the problem is more specifically with that kind of thing, than with self-labeling overall. I do believe that social media plays a part, because it can be seen as "cool" or "edgy" online to have mental health problems. Though I think it's overall an issue with younger people in specific, I haven't seen as many people on the older side (late 20s and up) doing that.

As I said, I think that what's popular to label yourself with is what has changed, and right now self labeling with mental disorders is popular for one reason or another. Honestly, I think if more societies had better mental health awareness and less stigmatization, it would probably help to decrease this - because then it wouldn't be seen as anything special.

I believe that self-labeling has opened the door to many issues, and is a cause to this trend too. while self diagnosis has been round for ages, it was never as pronounced among younger people as it is now. it was typically something seen in older individuals.

nowadays, when someone claims to be mentally ill, asking for proof is very risky. even if u r certain they r lying, u can’t really act on it. Additionally, forums are flooded with people claiming to be mentally ill or depressed. so, while it might be 1 in 5 irl, it’s more like 3 in 5 online.

destigmatization of mental issues is also a long desired political agenda. more will follow i think

[90054321564584560]

- It is a trend
- Internet allows anonymity where people can express themselves freely without being laughed at. So people can act differently from their real-life mask.
Labeling isn't different than bunch of people online write lores about themselves thinking they are badass GodSlayer NavySeal graduate or have 200IQ and stuffs lol. You can see people online tend to live on fantasy than being any close to real life. The more chronically online the person is the odder they will be in real life.

[WarHeRo]

Originally posted by 90054321564584560:

- It is a trend
- Internet allows anonymity where people can express themselves freely without being laughed at. So people can act differently from their real-life mask.
Labeling isn't different than bunch of people online write lores about themselves thinking they are badass GodSlayer NavySeal graduate or have 200IQ and stuffs lol. You can see people online tend to live on fantasy than being any close to real life. The more chronically online the person is the odder they will be in real life.

thats a great summary. i do agree

[Xero_Daxter]

One day I will have a title for myself.

I will be known as Dax the Conqueror, Dax the Warmonger, Dax the INVINCIBLE!!! Mwhahaha!

[miakisfan]

Originally posted by WarHeRo:

With the rise of social media, there’s been a huge surge in self-labeling. It’s gotten to the point where we can’t have a basic conversation without asking how to address someone properly. Now, it’s not just about biological sex but also gender (i.e., their primary self-label). This isn’t limited to pronouns; when we try to compliment someone by calling them handsome or smart, they might interrupt to tell us how they prefer to be labeled (i.e., secondary label).

It has reached a point where basic interactions and simple conversations are frequently disrupted by labeling issues. Ironically, those who insist on these labels expect compassion and respect for their self-identifications (primary labeling), while simultaneously restricting your freedom to label them in return (secondary labeling), which undermines a friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, they not only present their own labels but also demand that you fully label yourself, showing little tolerance if you choose to avoid it.

Labeling people seems unnecessary to me because individuals aren’t objects and shouldn’t be categorized. It often leads to discrimination without any valid reason.

What do you think about this? Do you find yourself caught up in the rat race, trying to identify with various labels?

Bonus

This labeling trend has gone so far that people even label themselves with certain illnesses. Research shows that self-labeling with a mental illness, like saying “I have depression,” is linked to internalized stigma, maladaptive responses, and a lower quality of life. About 22.2% of students self-labeled as having depression, while 39.0% met the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). After accounting for depression severity, self-labeling was associated with lower perceived control over depression, more catastrophizing, less perspective-taking, refocusing, reappraisal, and planning, and more positive attitudes towards medication but not therapy. [1]

Have you ever identified yourself with any mental health issue?

Primary and Secondary Labeling

A categoric (primary) label defines one’s social and self-identity based on position, rank, sex, class, etc., classifying them as “success” or “failure,” “in” or “out,” “good” or “bad.”

A descriptive (secondary) label refers to specific behavior, often linked to secondary roles, and can be positive or negative. It becomes part of self-identity if the labeler is primary and the label matches the person’s main identity. Descriptive labels, formed through social interactions in small groups, stick within the same category. For example, an “intellectual” can be labeled an “intellectual bum,” but not “dumb” without first changing their primary label. Similarly, a “successful businessman” can be labeled an “alcoholic” but not a “schlemiel” without delabeling first. This explains the success of labeling “alcoholics” but not “schizophrenics” as respectable heads of families. [2]

Sources

1. Isaac L. Ahuvia, Jessica L. Schleider, Elizabeth T. Kneeland, Jason S. Moser, Hans S. Schroder, Depression self-labeling in U.S. college students: Associations with perceived control and coping strategies, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 351, 2024, Pages 202-210, ISSN 0165-0327, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.229.

2. Rotenberg, M. (1975). SELF-LABELLING THEORY: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS AMONG MENTAL PATIENTS. The British Journal of Criminology, 15(4), 360–375. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23636205

Don't lump us all into that please. The only thing I define myself as is a human being.

Let's not forget, however, that one persons ideas on this doesn't make what they are talking about true.

That said, I do think coming up with new words to define things isn't always the wisest way to go. When you allow a few people to define or re-define something for everyone else that doesn't always work out so good.

[WarHeRo]

Originally posted by Xero_Daxter:

One day I will have a title for myself.

I will be known as Dax the Conqueror, Dax the Warmonger, Dax the INVINCIBLE!!! Mwhahaha!

conquew ma heawd pwetty pwease >///<

Originally posted by miakisfan:

Don't lump us all into that please. The only thing I define myself as is a human being.

Let's not forget, however, that one persons ideas on this doesn't make what they are talking about true.

That said, I do think coming up with new words to define things isn't always the wisest way to go. When you allow a few people to define or re-define something for everyone else that doesn't always work out so good.

I am against excessive labels. so i like ur label 'human'. thats rly all it takes
i think u didnt get the msg, but thats fine

[76561199738392758]

How it started:
"Don't put me in a box"

How it's going:
"I demand all of these boxes to be implemented into everything"

[michaelplehner]

It really only happens on the internet. In 38 years, I have only met 2 people who tried that label nonsense. One was a girl pretending to be a guy and another girl that claimed she is non-binary. On both occasions I did not play their game.

[WarHeRo]

Originally posted by Clown Syndrome:

How it started:
"Don't put me in a box"

How it's going:
"I demand all of these boxes to be implemented into everything"

heh. thats true

Originally posted by michaelplehner:

It really only happens on the internet. In 38 years, I have only met 2 people who tried that label nonsense. One was a girl pretending to be a guy and another girl that claimed she is non-binary. On both occasions I did not play their game.

i mean, its ez to avoid if u have the position of power. but if i was to identify as a women tomorrow, i doubt ppl could just avoid playin