bbc.com
Hyperrealistic Reborn Dolls' Rise in Brazil Sparks Mental Health Concerns
Hyperrealistic reborn dolls, costing between R$800 and over R$10,000, are gaining popularity on social media in Brazil, with users simulating parenting roles, raising concerns about mental health and the impact of social media; experts urge further research.
- What are the immediate social and psychological implications of the rising popularity of hyperrealistic reborn dolls in Brazil?
- Hyperrealistic reborn dolls", costing between R$800 and over R$10,000, are gaining popularity on social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram. Videos and photos depict users caring for them like real babies, raising questions about mental health and social media's influence. The phenomenon is largely observed in Brazil, with experts noting a lack of scientific studies on the trend.
- How might societal pressures regarding motherhood and the lack of fulfilling relationships contribute to the appeal of reborn dolls?
- The increasing use of reborn dolls may reflect a desire for controllable relationships and a response to societal pressures, particularly concerning motherhood. While some see it as a hobby, the potential for excessive attachment and the blurring of lines between reality and fantasy is concerning, especially for those experiencing loss or loneliness. The psychologist notes the need for further research to understand this evolving trend.
- What are the long-term implications and potential risks associated with the increasing use of reborn dolls as a means of emotional fulfillment, and what future research is needed?
- The rising popularity of reborn dolls highlights a potential societal shift toward non-human relationships as a coping mechanism. The lack of studies currently prevents definitive conclusions, yet it invites reflection on increasing isolation and the desire for control in personal relationships. Future research should explore this phenomenon's psychological impact, especially considering the potential for unhealthy attachments.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately raise concerns about mental health and social media influence, setting a negative tone. The article prioritizes the potential risks associated with reborn doll ownership, focusing on the negative psychological implications and neglecting alternative interpretations or potential benefits until much later in the text. This framing influences the reader to perceive reborn dolls negatively from the outset.
Language Bias
The article uses emotionally charged language, such as "excessive attachment," "illusion," "substitution," and "pathological," when discussing the potential negative consequences of owning reborn dolls. These terms evoke strong negative emotions and contribute to a negative portrayal. More neutral terms like "strong attachment," "fantasy," or "unhealthy coping mechanism" could have been used to convey the same information without the negative connotations.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the potential negative psychological aspects of reborn doll ownership, particularly for women, while giving less attention to the hobby aspect or the therapeutic uses mentioned later in the piece. The potential for positive uses in therapy, particularly for anxiety around parenting or perinatal loss, is presented only briefly towards the end. This omission could create a skewed perception of reborn dolls as primarily a problematic phenomenon. Additionally, while the article mentions the dolls' popularity on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, it does not provide specific data or statistics on usage or demographics, limiting a full understanding of the scale and context of this trend.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the relationship with reborn dolls as either a healthy hobby or a sign of psychological distress. It fails to acknowledge the nuanced spectrum of experiences and motivations individuals might have, ignoring the possibility of a moderate, healthy engagement with the dolls.
Gender Bias
The article disproportionately focuses on women's experiences with reborn dolls and links their use to issues specific to women's roles in society, such as motherhood, societal pressure, and the potential for filling voids related to fertility or loss. While men's use of dolls is briefly mentioned, the analysis of potential issues remains heavily centered on women. This could reinforce gender stereotypes regarding emotional expression and vulnerability.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the potential negative impacts of "reborn dolls" on mental health, particularly concerning the development of unhealthy attachments and the substitution of real human relationships. The psychologist interviewed highlights the risk of using these dolls to fill existential voids, potentially exacerbating pre-existing mental health issues like those related to perinatal loss or loneliness. The lack of scientific studies on this specific phenomenon is also acknowledged, emphasizing the need for further research to determine the true extent of the problem. This relates to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.