Review of Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Viral Age

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 15 Jun 2025, 02:59

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Viral Age" by Elliott B. Martin, Jr..]

5 out of 5 stars

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Are you a big fan of psychiatry or pop psychology? Does the current state of politics and digital culture make you so anxious that you cannot sleep at night? Do you think that society today has gone crazy? If you agree, then Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Viral Age by Elliott B. Martin, Jr. will be a good fit for you.

The author believes that modern culture is plagued by data-driven moral absolutism, powered by algorithms, social media, and healthcare megaliths. An army of data scientists and statisticians is pushing a new "moral high ground" that is not based on ethics or truth but on what gains traction in digital spaces: memes, vanity metrics, and virality. This "moral high ground" is more interested in fanning the flames of socio-political hatred than driving meaningful change. Ultimately, the book urges us to reconsider the current standards for assessing and managing mental illness. A new approach, not just "more research", is needed now.

I find the author’s scathing critique of psychiatry insightful. Few would question the validity of experts or anyone with a degree. I have never thought that the field would pretend to be scientific yet lack objective biological proof. I have never thought that suicide risk assessments in hospitals could be heavily reliant on cold, rigid metrics and bereft of nuance. If interpreted poorly, patients could find themselves burdened by financial woes and legal trouble, ironically creating the conditions for suicides to happen. It turns out that the current state of psychiatry is responsible for perpetuating myths around COVID-19 treatments. That is why diagnoses of mental illnesses and disorders are neither reliable nor trustworthy. Without revealing spoilers, the author’s warning of the threat towards public health posed by psychiatry is structured well and backed by extensive evidence. This is especially so when healthcare authorities have so much influence that they can manipulate the perception of mental wellness.

If you are a reader concerned with social commentary and the modern political landscape, you will enjoy Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Viral Age. The only negatives I can think of are the occasional rants and the many long, complex sentences. They do not affect my rating. Rather, they show that the book is not for casual readers looking for a quick read to pass the time. Overall, Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Viral Age deserves a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Viral Age
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Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine · Post by **Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine** » 14 Jul 2025, 02:54

Many studies show that there is a link between social media and the increase of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. After reading the review I am worried that this book will bring even more skepticism around the area of psychiatry and psychology. I am curious to see the evidence and facts advanced by the author. I will add this book to my shelves. Thank you for your insightful review.

Jessy Edward · Post by **Jessy Edward** » 14 Jul 2025, 03:04

This is such a thought-provoking review! The book sounds intense but important, especially with how it challenges mainstream ideas in psychiatry and mental health. I’m really intrigued by the connection it makes between digital culture and how we define illness today. Definitely not a light read, but it seems worth diving into.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 14 Jul 2025, 05:50

My curiosity is piqued to know what the phrase 'Viral Age' refers to as captured in the book title. I would definitely be interested in reading this book, as there is so much anxiety arising from both the geopolitical environments and technology advancements. Thanks for the review, @Chi Chiu Michael Mak.

Post by **Kutloano Makhuvhela** » 14 Jul 2025, 08:57

Hmm, I do not think I would enjoy the rants. Is it, perhaps, they convey the author's anger at the system? Anyway, I agree with the author about the many things you have raised throughout the book. Thank you for reading this book and sharing your thoughts on it us. You did a huge service to people who feel the same.

Helen Waziri · Post by **Helen Waziri** » 15 Jul 2025, 09:08

The book doesn’t just critique—it exposes how data-driven systems, under the guise of objectivity, may worsen public health by enforcing shallow, reactive narratives. It's a sobering, urgent call for intellectual resistance in a world increasingly governed by metrics over meaning.

Etimbuk Eshiet · Post by **Etimbuk Eshiet** » Yesterday, 06:57

This review sheds light on a deeply thought-provoking book. I’m especially intrigued by the idea that modern psychiatry may be more driven by data and digital trends than true mental health care. The author's critique of how mental illness is assessed and handled today sounds bold and necessary. It’s refreshing to see a book challenge mainstream narratives with such conviction. Thanks for the insightful summary—this one’s going on my reading list.