Mental Health and Technology Use: What is the Correlation?

Written by: Maia Hernandez | Edited by: Nathan Hahn

In an age where we are increasingly aware of the ever-presence of digital technologies, it is not surprising that several researchers are interested in understanding the correlation between technology use and well-being. 

Studies are limited due to a preference for longitudinal data sets and effective controls on data collection for definitive conclusions. Further limitations include data being influenced by recall bias and other restraints due to self-reported measures. Additionally, current studies have observed differences in the effects of technology use on different age cohorts (i.e. older vs. younger individuals). While there are currently limited findings regarding the potential positive and negative impacts of technology use, research methods are being developed to align with the quickly evolving technological landscape presented to us in the 21st century.  

Among the studies that do exist, they tend to come to alternative findings depending on the age of their participants. For example, a study examining the impacts of digital technology in youth found that those who spent the most time on digital technology tended to exhibit higher levels of mental internalization (this can be characterized by depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns). 

On the other hand, in older adults, who tend to use technology less than younger generations, technology was actually found to have a more positive impact. In a longitudinal study observing older retired adults, technology, such as the Internet or email, was found to reduce the probability of depression. This may be due to the fact that for many older adults, technology is a profound solution in bridging the gaps in their social lives (i.e. to family and friends) which can often be generated by mobility constraints. 

Other research has looked into how the pervasive nature of social media and technology has led to a persistent motivation to stay in contact with others, potentially resulting in increased stress levels. In an article published by MIT, author Ian I. Mitroff confronts the question of this pervasive nature and poses questions to readers about the ways in which we have allowed it to intrude into the intimacy of our human nature. 

“Technology, which has made our lives incomparably better in numerous ways, now constitutes one of our biggest threats… [it poses] some of the most important questions facing the human condition: What is the extent and the depth to which we are willing to allow technology to intrude into our lives? In other words, how pervasive and invasive are we willing to let technology be?” – Ian I. Mitroff, MIT Sloan 

It is important to note that we should not quickly jump into technological determinism, deciding that technology as a whole is for the better or the worse. For one, we have not seen studies that have been able to capture the overall positive or negative effects of technology use. In fact, many acknowledge the nuances involved with research investigating these sorts of topics. Technology is not thus inherently good or bad, and the power of technology lies in how we choose to utilize it and allow it to shape our social environments. 

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Further topics to explore:

  • How technology can amplify the effectiveness of mental healthcare
  • The role of technology in child development
  • Etc.