⚖️Writing Client Stories in Academia vs Social Media

After last week’s newsletter, I received a question- how is writing in books different from writing about clients on social media?

The difference lies in the intention and nature of both.  

Academic writing is primarily aimed at advancing the field by sharing treatment insights with other professionals. Books and research papers are typically read by experts in the discipline. While professional recognition may be a byproduct, it is not the primary goal.

Social media, on the other hand, is inherently driven by engagement—likes, comments, and shares. Even when the intent is to educate, the platform’s structure prioritizes visibility and interaction, making professional or social clout an inseparable and primary aspect of the process.

Additionally, the audience differs. Unlike academic writing, which remains within professional circles, social media posts are widely accessible to the general public. This raises significant concerns about confidentiality. Simply removing identifying details may not be enough, as people familiar with a client’s story may still recognize them.

Another key difference is tone. Academic writing demands a professional, objective approach. The very nature of contributing to a professional body of work encourages adherence to ethical and methodological standards. In contrast, social media lacks this rigor, which can sometimes lead to therapist portrayals that verge on the "heroic," or "savior, tropes.

Clinical writing carries serious ethical considerations—informed consent, client confidentiality, and agency. While academia fosters nuanced discussions around these issues, such conversations are largely absent from social media. This gap calls for urgent reflection.

Perhaps the real challenge lies in the instant nature of social media, which does not encourage deep thought before publishing—unlike academic writing, which undergoes extensive deliberation over days, months, or even years.

Until next week,
Suvrita

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