The intersection of mental health and technology is an increasingly important and evolving area of focus. Technology has significantly impacted the mental health field positively and negatively. According to the analysis, the most used social media platforms are YouTube (95%), TikTok (67%), Instagram (62%), Snapchat (59%), and Facebook (32%) via the Health Research. According to studies, half of the lifespan mental disorders start in the mid-teens and three-fourths in the mid-20s. 38% of adults take social media as injurious to their health. 5% of adults think that it’s only positive.

Teens are allowed to have a screen time of one hour approximately. But teens (12–18) usually have screen time of nine hours. The rate of mental illness in children and youngsters has actively increased during the past few years resulting in self-harm behavior and suicidal thoughts. The use of technology for the well-being of mental illness has cordially increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. During Covid-19 when people were limited to their houses, technology played a vital role in the wellbeing of people.

Screen time for more than one-hour results in anxiety and depression in children and young people. The number of mobile phone users has been increased to many billion. According to Statista, the number of mobile phone users in 2023 will increased to 7.33 billion.

Globally, the funding for mental health technologies has been increased to about 5.5 billion $. In England, the availability of digital therapies has already been introduced as a part of increasing access to psychological therapy (IAPT). The NHS plans to further expand access to leverage technology to reduce anxiety and stress in children and young people. According to reports, by 2027 the technologies and other startup companies will be worth $26 billion and in the recent four years, the investment has increased to 15 folds.

With the advancement of technology in the field of medicine, mental health problems have been given huge importance. Many apps and chatbots have been available and many other ways of curing are mentioned below:

1. PREDICTIVE ANALYZING:

Predictive analyzing involves the treatment by keeping an eye on a person’s behavior and social interaction. It involves the usage of different social media apps. Facebook has implemented measures to identify individuals in their feed who may be at risk of suicide or self-harm. Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science have been playing important roles in curing anxiety and depression. Artificial intelligence can assist individuals in conversing and offer recommendations for their mental health recovery. AI and computer science can help overcome methodological and technical limitations to arrive at reliable conclusions.

2. IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY:

In recent years, researchers have explored the use of virtual reality (VR) to treat people through virtual applications or apps, eliminating the need for face-to-face interactions. Virtual Reality is a computer-generated copy of a dimensional environment that can be interacted with by using VR headsets and controllers. Developers have created meditative games to help alleviate anxiety and stress.

3. Teletherapy and Digital Counseling:

Telemedicine and teletherapy have become more prevalent, allowing individuals to receive mental health counseling and support remotely. This is particularly beneficial for those who may have limited access to in-person services or prefer the convenience and privacy of virtual sessions.

4. Wearable Devices and Tracking Apps:

Some wearable devices and apps help users track their mood, sleep patterns, and physical activity. This self-awareness can facilitate better mental health management. These devices and apps offer various features to track and analyze personal data, providing valuable insights into users’ physical activities, social interaction, and mental health.

5. END USER NEUROTECHNOLOGY:

BRAIN RECORDING AND STIMULATION technologies can now be bought by customers to reduce stress and anxiety. During meditation, the use of electroencephalography (EEG) helps in relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. It is done to monitor the brain activity by attaching the electrodes to the scalp and the data is shown on screen.

There are many pros and cons. These are mentioned below:

· Technology and technology-based machines give easy access to cure mental illness.

· Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been an increased demand for guidance and assistance, making it more useful than ever before.

· A lot of the population is living in areas where there is a shortage of mental health professionals so digital therapy benefits them.

· There are about 1000–2000 self-care apps.

· A whopping 90% of app users reported an improvement in their emotional well-being and boosted confidence levels.

· According to recent statistics, 53% of clients who have undergone online treatment report a decrease in the severity of their depression symptoms.

· Digital Overload and Stress:

Constant exposure to screens and online content can lead to information overload, contributing to stress and anxiety. Screen time for more than one hour is injurious to mental health.

· Cyberbullying and Online Harassment:

Social media platforms can become breeding grounds for cyberbullying, which can seriously impact mental well-being, particularly among young users

Social media often leads to unhealthy comparisons with others, creating feelings of inadequacy and impacting self-esteem. This leads to anxiety and depression in young people

The collection and storage of sensitive mental health data raise privacy and security concerns. Safeguarding this data is critical to maintaining trust in digital mental health platforms.

As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to approach its integration with mental health care thoughtfully and ethically. Combining the strengths of technology with the expertise of mental health professionals can lead to improved access to care and better outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential downsides and take steps to mitigate risks, ensuring that technology enhances mental health support rather than replacing human connections and interventions.