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Do you know that global consumer spending on mental health apps reached USD 270 million in 2020, which is up by 32.5% compared to the previous year? While in 2022, mental well-being apps generated USD 491 million in consumer spending, up by 82.5% compared to 2020. What do you think will happen by 2026? Mental health apps are popular among college students. About 60% of students report using mental health apps to manage their well-being.
This notable growth is a reflection of both the availability of digital solutions and the increased recognition of the significance of mental health. The need for cutting-edge and user-friendly applications is only going to increase as more individuals look for help for their mental health.
However, the truth still remains that technology has altered the way we communicate, work, and obtain information. The typical person uses their smartphone for more than four hours per day, and billions of people use social media. There are issues with this widespread use of technology, including its impact on mental health.
In addition to being essential for our mental well-being, striking this balance will also increase our general level of productivity and life happiness.
Understanding the relationship between Technology and mental health
Technology and mental health have a mixed relationship. Learning and social interaction are only two of the numerous advantages that technology may provide. It makes it possible to interact with peers on social media, which fosters a feeling of support and belonging. It also makes it possible to keep friendships going across great distances, allowing teenagers to stay in touch with former pals. More significantly, technology makes resources and interventions available for mental health care when required.
But it's important to understand that overusing technology can have drawbacks, such as impairing one's ability to communicate in person and strengthening feelings of loneliness. It's critical to preserve good relationships and general well-being by finding a balance between online and offline contacts.
Negative effect of technology on mental health
Everyone is aware that using the internet can be risky. With so much information at our fingertips, it's simple to become overwhelmed by the abundance of websites, videos, and social media posts.
This excessive use of the internet can cause mental health problems, including cognitive disorders, in certain people.
In fact, research carried out by McKinsey & Company shows that negative effects seem to be greatest for younger generations, with particularly pronounced impacts for Gen Zers who spend more than two hours a day on social media and Gen Zers with poor mental health.
A study shows that the two most common health conditions are depression and anxiety. The need to reply to messages right away and maintain social media updates might make one feel overburdened.
Anxiety and stress levels were shown to be highly correlated with social media FOMO, according to a study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior. This constant pressure to stay connected can create a cycle of worry, where individuals feel compelled to be available at all times, leading to a decline in mental well-being. As a result, finding ways to disconnect and establish healthy boundaries with technology is becoming increasingly important for managing anxiety and stress.
Prioritizing self-care, practicing mindfulness, and establishing boundaries are crucial for managing the stress and anxiety associated with digital usage. According to research in the journal Psychological Reports, mindfulness exercises like deep breathing and meditation can lessen anxiety and enhance general well-being. Reducing stress and anxiety can also be achieved by limiting screen time and taking regular breaks from technology.
Even though technology may bring people together, using it excessively on its own can be ironic in that it can quickly result in feelings of isolation and loneliness. People favor online interactions over offline contact because of the all-time low of digital gadgets, which isolates us from the social environment
Several studies demonstrate that this type of excessive use causes loneliness, which is unpleasant and triggers mental health issues.
An example is a study that shows around 32% of those in the US with a major depressive episode in the past year had serious thoughts of suicide compared to just 2% of those who did not have any major depressive episode.
Due to social and academic demands, teens and adolescents are more vulnerable to psychological problems, including stress, anxiety, and depression. They can be reluctant to talk to friends or family about their mental health problems. Instead of using traditional interventions, technological interventions can help the younger generation get care for a variety of mental health issues in a private and confidential manner. One of the best ways to spot mental health issues early on is through online counseling.
Technology services are often the first or only service that someone has used for mental health support. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 counseling and said that less than 45% of users had spoken to anyone else for crisis intervention—National Academy of Medicine
Seniors' inability to learn new things as they get older, their lack of interest in new technologies, and their lack of technical socialization might all be contributing factors to the geriatric population's low adoption of technology. Elderly persons who receive proper instruction and training on the use of technology-oriented mental health interventions have been proven to be quite successful in encouraging their participation in these programs.
It's critical to use technology management techniques in order to lessen the detrimental impacts of excessive technology use on mental health. Likewise, it is critical to consider how social media affects mental health and to keep in mind that social media frequently offers a controlled and false view of the world. The following are some tactics that we suggest:
Take a pause: Taking regular pauses is one of the best strategies to reduce the dangers associated with extended technology usage. Every hour, we advise taking ten to fifteen minutes to stand up, stretch, and move about.
Apply the 20-20 Rule: This is an additional tactic to lessen eye strain. Take a 20-second break from your screen every 20 minutes to concentrate on an object 20 feet away.
Get Regular Exercise: Exercise is crucial for preserving both mental and physical well-being. Frequent exercise can enhance sleep quality and help lower stress and anxiety.
Maintain Proper Posture: Bad posture can lead to physical health issues including back and neck discomfort. Maintaining proper posture when using technology requires sitting up straight and having your shoulders relaxed.
Technology has proven effective in a number of areas, including education and overall well-being. People who live in remote areas, are reluctant to discuss certain difficulties in person, or lack the time to see a doctor in person may find that technological treatments enhance mental health.
These interventions are gradually becoming more popular. Technology has numerous drawbacks, but when used properly, it may also have many advantages, particularly in terms of mental health. Once one is aware of the potential drawbacks of technology, they may take steps to limit and recognize these consequences. In fact, technology may be more beneficial than detrimental if used properly.
