World Mental Health Day: How Technology Has Impacted Mental Health & Awareness?

“The human spirit must prevail over technology.” Albert Einstein's timeless insight remains relevant today, as mental health increasingly depends on our ability to balance digital innovations with human well-being.

Our daily routines are intricately connected to screens, starting with smartwatches and smartphones, continuing through long hours on laptops, and often ending with OTT platforms or short-form video entertainment on television.

We cannot deny that technology has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, from the way we work and communicate to how we access healthcare. However, as our dependence on digital tools grows, so does their impact on mental health, making it a global concern.

The Growing Link Between Technology and Mental Health

Those days are long gone when shutting down a laptop meant the end of the workday. Nowadays, technology has overtaken our daily activities; staying constantly connected keeps us tied to screens and digital platforms, which we often do to excess.

High screen time and reduced in-person interaction, combined with long work hours and the growing use of AI for both personal and professional tasks, are contributing to increased cases of loneliness, attention disorders, and anxiety.

Meanwhile, the widespread use of engaging, short-form social media content further shortens the attention spans of many individuals, making it difficult for them to focus on a single task for extended periods.

On the other hand, technology offers affordable and convenient mental health awareness and support through apps, online therapy, and digital communities. This dual nature underscores the importance of practicing mindful digital habits while using technology to promote positive mental health outcomes.

Negative Impact of Technology on Mental Health

Screen Time and Sleep Disruptions

Excessive exposure to screens, particularly before bedtime, can suppress melatonin production, disturb sleep cycles, and heighten vulnerability to anxiety and depression.

A study of over 45,000 young adults in Norway found that using screens before bed increases the risk of insomnia by 59% and reduces sleep duration by nearly half an hour.

Social Isolation and Loneliness
Relying heavily on digital interactions can reduce face-to-face connections, leaving individuals feeling isolated despite being “connected” online.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, many people experienced heightened feelings of isolation, even though they constantly communicated via digital platforms.

Stress, Anxiety, and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Continuous notifications, social comparison, and the pressure to stay updated on platforms like social media contribute to heightened stress and anxious behaviors.

According to the WHO Regional Office for Europe, problematic social media use among adolescents rose from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. Additionally, 12% are at risk of problematic gaming, highlighting growing concerns about the impact of digital technology on young people’s mental health and well-being.

Misinformation and Digital Overload

The widespread presence of fake news, hate speech, and manipulative content fosters confusion, mistrust, and insecurity among the people.

Emerging technologies, such as deepfakes, AI-generated hallucinations, and targeted social media trolling, have further blurred the line between reality and fiction, intensifying mental health challenges.

These digital phenomena can heighten anxiety, fuel paranoia, and contribute to emotional exhaustion, especially among frequent social media users.

Positive Impact of Technology on Mental Health

Despite its drawbacks, technology has also revolutionized mental health awareness and care in significant ways:

• Improved Accessibility
  Digital platforms, online therapy, telepsychiatry, and virtual support groups enable individuals to seek help anytime and from anywhere. Although the world is witnessing the rise of improved mental health accessibility, yet its access on the global canvas remains deeply unequal.

According to the WHO World Mental Health Survey, treatment rates vary from as low as 1.6% in Nigeria to 17.9% in the U.S., with more than half of those in need going untreated globally and nearly 90% in the least resourced nations. This is where technology can play a transformative role, making mental health resources more accessible through online therapy, apps, and digital communities.

• Cost-Effective Solutions
  Affordable or free mental health apps reduce barriers associated with traditional in-person care, making treatment more accessible.

• Awareness and Education
  Online campaigns, webinars, and educational resources help normalize conversations around mental health and reduce stigma.

• Community Support
  Virtual forums and peer networks provide safe spaces for individuals to share experiences and receive encouragement.

• Digital Tools for Self-Care
  Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and mood-tracking apps empower users to manage stress, improve focus, and monitor overall mental well-being.

• Innovative Treatments
  Emerging solutions like virtual reality therapy and AI-driven chatbots are proving effective as supplementary tools for mental health care.

Finding Balance: Digital Wellbeing in Everyday Life

Technology is a double-edged sword. While it offers access to mental health resources, awareness campaigns, and support networks, excessive use of digital tools can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Therefore, striking a balance is essential to preserving mental well-being in today’s digital era.

While technology is here to stay! So mindful and conscious use can help minimize its negative impact on mental health.

Key Takeaways:

1. Set Boundaries: Limit screen time, especially before bed, to improve sleep quality.
2. Take Tech-Free Breaks: Walk, exercise, or practice yoga to recharge both body and mind.
3. Mindful Use: Check emails and social media only at designated times to reduce compulsive scrolling.
4. Prioritize Real Connections: Spend quality time with family and friends through face-to-face interactions.
5. Seek Professional Help: Reach out to therapists or counselors if technology overuse affects your mental well-being.

Moving Forward

Technology is neither inherently harmful nor universally beneficial; its impact depends on how we choose to engage with it. While technology has expanded access to affordable mental health care, increased awareness, and enhanced global connectivity, it has also intensified challenges such as social isolation, stress, misinformation, and disrupted sleep.

On World Mental Health Day 2025, let us remember that sustaining mental well-being depends on steady wisdom and the ethical use of technology. By adopting digital mindfulness and prioritizing real-world connections, we can ensure that technology is a tool for empowerment, support, and personal growth, rather than a source of distress.