We are well and truly deep into the age of technology. Even the simplest of tasks such as reading the news or buying food have now become things that are accomplished through the usage of our mobile devices and computers. Considering this, calling technology an essential component of life is by no means an exaggeration. Although there are many good things that accompany technology, it is not a surprise that over the years, due to our increasing dependence on our phones and other devices, technology has also gained a bad reputation for making us less interactive with the rest of the world.
The increased influence of social media websites, the immersiveness and sometimes even violence of video games, and a whole host of other media content that is available online have all managed to keep even the best of us distant and disconnected. This can obviously have a negative impact on our mental health as our brains get accustomed to these patterns and we eventually end up becoming too set in our ways. But is it all bad? Is the negative impact of technology on mental health too deep to resolve? Are there ways we can use the internet and technology to counter these negative effects? We shall see.
Uses
As we all know, the internet is a vast ocean of information and services. With such a limitless database, there is bound to be something that can help us with our mental problems or at least provide support right? Of Course it’s right. Let us take a look at some ways the internet and technology can help us.
- Better access to mental health services – The internet provides us with a multitude of services. The bandwidth and reach has improved so much that nowadays we can stream content from almost anywhere on the globe. This means that it can be used to provide people with access to mental health professionals right at the convenience of their homes through video streaming services or at the very least through a chat service. This comes especially in handy in rural areas where the people are generally away from top quality medical services.
- Access to different kinds of resources – The internet is a treasure trove of information. Since services of all kinds are being added by people from across the world, a user has the option of searching through limitless data seamlessly using internet search providers such as google. Other services such as online applications and online communities can also help tackle mental issues. For example, a person suffering from depression could use an app that suggests changes by analyzing previous behaviour, communities can come in handy when we are seeking advice from like minded people, etc.
- Consistent access – Easy and convenient access is the internet’s forte. As long as you have a fast, stable connection that most internet providers provide nowadays, useful information relevant to what you need is only a few clicks away. Additionally, a lot of the information you find on the internet is also free, which makes it a cost effective way of attaining knowledge as well.
Conclusion
The internet can actually be quite distracting. This could lead to aloofness, disinterest in real world experiences and could even lead to mental health issues. But that isn’t the entire picture.
The internet has a limitless collection of information and services, out of which some can be good and some bad. What it boils down to, is the perspective of the user. If it is used in the right way, in a productive manner, there is no end to the gains you could extract from the magical network of data that is the internet.