In this document, we decided to develop a reflection on an ethical subject : knowledge sharing of psychologists on Youtube and specifically how this knowledge sharing is achieved by those professionals. In order to think about this topic, we decided to focus on two Youtube videos and one Youtube channel.
Firstly, we are going to discuss about the video that inspired this ethical subject. This video was published recently on Youtube by influencers Mcfly and Carlito (2021) on their secondary Youtube channel. In this video, a neuropsychologist evaluates the intellectual quotient (IQ) of these youtubers. At first sight and for non professional people, this video seems funny and maybe informative about the notion of IQ. But as psychology students, we can easily question his ethics and the quality of mentioned information.
First of all, in their video, Mcfly and Carlito explained that their purpose is to determine which of the two is “the most plonker”. They presented it as a fight between them, something “funny” (for example with the sound of drum beats at the time of the announcement), as if having the highest IQ was a goal itself. For us it is very problematic : evaluating the IQ of somebody is not a game nor a competition. It must be realized for precise and determined goals and not just for fun. Unfortunately, this kind of reasoning can lead some people to develop anxiety about their IQ or the IQ of their children. Thus, the neuropsychologist is invaded by questionable demands from some parents asking to test the IQ of their children, for no valid reason, only to know.
Secondly, we can interrogate the ethics of the neuropsychologist in this video. Why did she accept to assess their IQ when there is no therapeutic interest ? Moreover, even if a large part of the video is cut, the audience has access to several test instructions. From our point of view, she should have refused the video recording of this part because prior knowledge of the test instructions influences the results and several million of potential future patients are watching this video. However, we can notice an effort to not reveal the entirety of the test’s instructions. For example some words are masked by a sound or replaced by different examples (than those normally used). Unfortunately, for us, these efforts are insufficient. Moreover, although this neuropsychologist is funny, some of her remarks are maybe inappropriate as the joke about a potential gift. Then, we can question the interest to reveal to several million people the IQ of Mcfly and Carlito.
However, we can mention some good elements in this video. For example, youtubeurs presented interesting informations such as the existence of a variety of types of intelligence and the fact that school grades do not define the intelligence of individuals. It is also interessant to take into account the opinion of a professional who can share his knowledge, in contrast to a vulgar test on the internet. For example the neuropsychologist explains that IQ is calculated in regard to age and genre, the principle of non-judgement, the interaction between all the cognitive functions, and so on.
To finish on this first video, we can notice that it questions other students in our promotion and psychologists on Facebook groups. Indeed, it was watched by almost 3 million people so the consequences of this type of video are not to be taken lightly.
Fortunately, other Youtube videos are more qualitative, professional and ethical. For example, we can mention the video of the Channel “Et si c’était faux” (2021) about the myths of hypersensitivity and high potential . In the video, the youtuber Léa and a neuropsychologist (know as @confidencesdepsy on Instagram) propose a totally different format.
First, the neuropsychologist has a face filter and doesn’t give her name to preserve her anonymity. We think it is a very good idea because it also preserves the anonymity of her patients.
Secondly, even if the neuropsychologist evaluates the IQ of Léa, they choose to not record the test’s passation (unlike the first mentioned video). From our perspective, it’s more ethical: both to respect the copyright and to avoid results distorsion for future patients who have seen this video. However, we can also question the necessity to evaluate the IQ of Léa in order to explain the high potential and the interest of revealing her results to thousands of subscribers.
Thirdly, they decided to share information about high potential in an interesting way: by answering questions from Lea’s subscribers. This format seems more suitable and relevant in the objective of sharing information. For example, the explanation is adapted for a non-professional audience, without distorting information. Moreover, the neuropsychologist tries to re-establish the truths about high potential while breaking the unfounded representations shared by the general population. By doing this, the neuropsychologist also adopts an ethical posture when she relativizes her remarks, takes important precautions while explaining notions (i.e., intelligence) and puts this information into a scientific context.
In conclusion, this video is proof that it is possible to share information about a psychological field in a professional, appropriate and ethical manner.
Finally, we decided to present the Youtube channel of a clinical psychologist “Danaë Holler Psychologue” (2021). This channel seems to be aimed at psychology students as well as professionals. Danaë Holler proposes various contents such as theoretical-clinical reflections and description of some therapeutic techniques. She also recommends readings and films about psychology that she finds interesting. Her work is very relevant because one of the missions of the psychologist is to continue to study throughout his or her career. When contents proposed on Youtube have a good quality (as her work), it gives the audience some leads to explore. It is another way to discover a subject without spending hours reading scientific articles. Obviously, it is not enough to have a complete formation, but it is not her purpose. She only wants to propose synthesized informations about some therapeutic techniques and reflections to explore. For that, she mentions different possible formations after the University.
In her videos, she also shares her personal journey and her clinical experience (internships and jobs) which is particularly interesting for students or young professionals. Indeed, she provides various advice for students relative to psychology studies, the master’s degree selection, the internship search or how to position ourselves during internships. What is particularly interesting in her various contents is the fact of having both the vision of a former student, but also of a professional psychologist. Her sharing of clinical experience is especially interesting for young graduates and professionals. For example, she offers feedbacks on her professional insertion and presents the profession of psychologist in different institutions. Moreover, she addresses essential points in her private practice that are not mentioned in University as Doctolib, teleconsulting…
In summary, this particular channel offers various contents in an ethical and relevant way. The diversity of the topics discussed allows the audience to approach a certain number of aspects of the profession of psychologist. Furthermore, it can help future psychologists to build their professional identity.
Through these three examples, we see that it is possible to share information related to psychology in an ethical way on the Youtube platform. However, the psychologist needs to be careful of several points such as the veracity of the information, adapting the language and format of the video to a non-professional audience and having a reflection on informations that are not useful (even deleterious) to transmit. To conclude, let us not forget that according to article 32 of the deontological code of psychologists (2012), “The psychologist has a responsibility to disseminate psychology and the image of the profession to the public and the media. He shall present psychology, its applications and its practice in accordance with the ethical rules of the profession. He uses his right of rectification to contribute to the seriousness of the information communicated to the public.” This article can very well apply to content shared on Youtube and must guide the psychologist on this platform.
Words we have learned:
- to invade = envahir
- not to be taken lightly = pas à prendre à la légère
- results distorsion = la distorsion des résultats
- journey = le parcours
- former student = un ancien étudiant
Bibliography:
Holler, D. (2021). Danaë Holler Psychologue. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrpMbWFOkZDu19X7nFDZA2Q/videos
Et si c’était faux. (2021, 16 octobre). Les mythes de l’hypersensibilité et du Haut Potentiel [Vidéo]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f4nCG0pNgA&feature=youtu.be
Mcfly et Carlito la chaîne secondaire. (2021, 10 octobre). Qui de nous 2 a le plus gros QI ? (vrai test officiel avec Paola la best psychologue) [Vidéo]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n91C9IwRGxQ
Authors: BOULLAIS Charles, COLOSIEZ Rebecca & LECLAIRE Hugo (M2 PPCECC)