Technology has become an integral part of modern life, influencing how we connect learn and manage our well-being. It has both, positive and negative impacts on mental health. There are concerns about excessive use of screen time, mental health, and social media, new tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) Virtual Reality (VR), and other mental health apps offer helpful support. Understanding these connections and striving to strike the right kind of balance is important as rapid development in technology is seen right now. 

How is technology beneficial for mental health exactly?

The article by the National Institute of Mental Health explores the same. It suggests how mobile mental health support can be effective. Crisis helplines of being able to connect with anyone through a phone or a computer at anytime can be really helpful. It also mentions how new technology can be packaged into an extremely sophisticated app that, for example, can track user’s typical behavioral patters, and any discrepancies are immediately detected.  There are some other apps that aid in improving memory or thinking skills and even connect to a peer counselor or a healthcare professional. There is a sudden and fast increase in the number of apps that come out each year but still, there does need more work to be done to regulate the effectiveness with which they work. 

There is no denying that technology provides much-needed support and easy access to information, enhancing communication and relationships along the way. With this easy access and communication, people are now more aware about mental health and the need to get help whenever required. 

Here are 10 Positive Effects of Technology on Mental Health

  1. Technology offers access to mental health services, including online therapy and support groups.
  2. Technology has played an important role in raising awareness about mental health problems through social media and educational platforms.
  3. It makes it easier to communicate and connect with people and reach out to them when required.
  4. Different Applications for meditation, mood trackin,g and stress management offer tools to support mental wellbeing at any time.
  5. Teletherapy platforms make mental health accessible to people even in remote areas or those with limited mobility, thus breaking barriers.
  6. Smartwatches and fitness trackers help users monitor their physical and emotional health by tracking metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels.
  7. Mental Health apps and interventions are made more engaging by using rewards, challenges, and interactive activities. 
  8. AI-powered chatbots provide instant, judgment-free conversations, and coping strategies.
  9. Online crisis hotlines and chat services provide immediate support for people in distress
  10. VR and AI technologies both cater to individual needs. 

Artificial Intelligence 

Advances in computers, their capacity, and data collection are a result of Artificial Intelligence development. It has many potential applications when it comes to Psychiatry. The article “Technology and Mental Health – The Role of Artificial Intelligence” has some interesting insights about the same. According to Lovejoy C. A.(2019), AI might have additional methods that can be used when it comes to diagnosing. At present, psychiatric assessments of patients include observation of their mental state and the subjective self-report questionnaires. But these methods are subjective, difficult to repeat, and can at times be time-consuming. In such cases, AI may come to use with its audio and video analysis, which have greater objectivity and also better predictive value. Along with assisting with the diagnosis, AI may also help monitor the progress of the patients. Apps have been developed that actively prompt users to answer questions on their mood, sleeping patterns, and other relevant areas, which may reduce bias and compliance issues. Behavioral indications via smartphones or medication adherence via reminders which are tailored according to the patient’s requirement all of them help monitor the required aspects when it comes to the patient.(Pham et al., 2022)

Fiaske, Henningsenf, and Buyx (2019) researched the ethical implications of Embodied Artificial Intelligence in Psychiatry, Psychology, and Psychotherapy. They found out the important benefits of embodied AI applications in mental health include new modes of treatment, opportunities to engage hard-to-reach populations better patient response, and freeing up time for physicians. At the same time, they discussed the various questions of data ethics, lack of guidance on the development of AI applications, their clinical integrations, training of mental health professionals, gaps in the framework, and potential misuse of the technological advancement.

Virtual Reality 

Mental Health problems are inseparable from the environment and with technological advancements like Virtual reality, and computer-generated interactive environments, individuals can repeatedly experience problematic situations and something they are scared of, via evidence-based psychological treatments, and it may aid in overcoming their difficulties. This was discussed in the paper titled “Virtual reality in assessment, understanding and treatment of mental health” published by Freeman, et al., 2017. The most established finding here was that VR exposure-based treatments can reduce anxiety levels but there is still much research required. The capability of VR to simulate reality could thus greatly increase access to psychological therapies. Lovejoy. (2019)

Another study discussed the usage of Virtual Reality on similar lines.  Gregg and Tarrier (2007) explain through their research that although virtual reality-based therapy appears to be superior to no treatment, the effectiveness of VR therapy over traditional therapeutic approaches is not supported by the research currently available. But having said that using VR as an aid to help patients with phobias especially instead of relying only on that can be of help. An integrated approach where a treatment course like systematic desensitization can be aided by VR methods thus granting better results. 

In conclusion, much research still needs to be done to understand the effectiveness and reliability of technology in mental health settings. While technology and AI offer potential benefits in mental health care, they cannot fully replace mental health professionals.  AI lacks the empathy, nuanced understanding, and ability to interpret nonverbal cues that are crucial for effective therapy. It also poses risks of misdiagnosis, privacy breaches, and potential overreliance, limiting its capacity to address complex mental health issues and provide the comprehensive support required for optimal well-being. But taking the help of technology and platforms like AI and VR, for more effective therapeutic practices only after thorough investigation and study can be an important turning point in the field of Psychology. 

References

Gregg, L., Tarrier, N. Virtual reality in mental health. Soc Psychiat Epidemiol 42, 343–354 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-007-0173-4

Freeman, D., Reeve, S., Robinson, A., Ehlers, A., Clark, D., Spanlang, B., & Slater, M. (2017). Virtual reality in the assessment, understanding, and treatment of mental health disorders. Psychological Medicine, 47(14), 2393–2400. doi:10.1017/S003329171700040X

Fiske A., Henningsen P., Buyx A., (2019) Your Robot Therapist will see you now – Ethical implications of Embodied Artificial Intelligence in Psychiatry, Psychology and Psychotherapy. 

Pham, K.T., Nabizadeh, A. & Selek, S. Artificial Intelligence and Chatbots in Psychiatry. Psychiatr Q 93, 249–253 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-022-09973-8

Lovejoy, C. A. (2019). Technology and mental health: The role of artificial intelligence. European Psychiatry, 55, 1–3. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.08.004

Technology and the Future of Mental Health Treatment National Institue of Mental Health.