Emerging Technology- Harnessing the Power of Innovation for Mental Health
- Elaine Krussow, MSW
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
Some thoughts and research findings compiled by Elaine Krussow, MSW.
Anyone reading this likely knows something about the damage that technology can do to mental health. From addiction to screens for children, to body image concerns and cyber bullying among teens, to frequent worrying and checking emails for adults, it’s undeniable that technology has its harms (Nichols, 2017). A recent study from the American Psychology Association on stress in American shows that 99 percent of adults own an electronic device, around 86 percent own a computer, 74 percent own a smartphone, and 55 percent own a tablet (APA, 2017). Getting away from technology is nearly impossible. But, is that all bad?
Emerging technology has incredible capacity for good, just as much as it does for harm. The following shows some of the dangers and helpful tools we’ve gained from our developing use of tech.
Developments in technology have made mental health care more accessible than ever. Apps like How We Feel and Headspace give individuals easy remote access to emotional regulation tools. The Harvard Business Review unveiled that generative AI and, specifically, ChatGPT, is being used more for therapy and companionship than anything else (Zao-Sanders, 2025). Therabot, an AI powered chat bot with high emotional intelligence, was shown to decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and body image concerns by a clinically significant amount (Kelly & Nyhan, 2025). Michael Hienz, a psychiatrist, provided the following consideration on AI powered therapy, “While these results are very promising, no generative AI agent is ready to operate fully autonomously in mental health where there is a very wide range of high-risk scenarios it might encounter” (Kelly & Nyhan, 2025). Tech is certainly not a substitute for professional mental health help, but it has been proven to be an effective supplement to it.
A Friend Asks is an app aimed at providing language to teens who are in crisis or know of someone in crisis. The app provides resources, conversation guides for how to ask for help, and information on how to help a friend who might be feeling suicidal. This software incorporates suicide prevention and intervention protocols used by professionals. This technology, too, provides a disclaimer that it cannot prevent suicide; rather, it encourages users to reach out for professional help.
Of course, we must acknowledge the proven harms of technology too. A study published by the CDC links higher screen time to increased anxiety, poor sleep habits, and fatigue in teens (Zablotsky et al., 2024). Technology also opens doors to new ways to perpetrate sexual harm. Dating apps have been associated with higher odds of non-consensual sex and Facebook has been used to send unsolicited explicit images (Fisico & Harkins, 2021). And, as generative artificial intelligence expands, so does its capacity to be used for harm in these ways and more.
So, what can we do? If technology is now in the hands of everyone and has unknown benefits and risks to mental health, do we panic? Ignore its development and continue with life as it is?
I would suggest cautious moderation. As a society, we will do our best if we can embrace the inevitable changes that come with innovation while remaining aware of the risks that the same innovation will bring. The non-profit Thorn is a helpful resource in this war for moderation, primarily targeting reduction of sexual abuse online. This innovative technology organization provides guidance for parents on how social media platforms function, how privacy is protected, and how to avoid the pitfalls that the internet can bring. Thorn also empowers youth to keep themselves safe online. Finally, Thorn provides helpful research about emerging uses of technology that stays on top of current developments.
The information provided here is only meant to scratch the surface of the goldmine that technology is for mental health. In only a few years, this information will likely all be outdated as we make room for the next wave of inventions. However, the pros and cons are both worth considering as we figure out how to navigate the world in front of us- a world of OpenAI and ChatGPT on top of already pressing concerns about screen time and social media use. My encouragement would be to use technology in such a way that your mental health is better off because of it. This means seeking professional, real-life help when needed and being willing to consider technology as a resource with both risks and potential.
References
Fisico, R., & Harkins, L. (2021, July 19). Technology and sexual offending. Current psychiatry reports. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8287845/
Kelly, M., & Nyhan, B. (2025, March 27). First therapy chatbot trial yields mental health benefits. Dartmouth. https://home.dartmouth.edu/news/2025/03/first-therapy-chatbot-trial-yields-mental-health-benefits
Nichols, H. (2017). How modern life affects our physical and mental health. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318230#Digital-connectivity-and-well-being
Stress in americaTM 2017: - Technology and Social Media. American Psychology Association. (2017). https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2017/technology-social-media.pdf
Who we are. Thorn. (2024, September 27). https://www.thorn.org/about/
Zablotsky, B., Arockiaraj, B., Haile, G., & Ng, A. (2024, October 30). Daily Screen Time Among Teenagers: United States, July 2021–December 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db513.htm#:~:text=During%20July%202021%20through%20December%202023%2C%20about%201%20in%204,Figure%204%2C%20Table%204).
Zao-Sanders, M. (2025, April 9). How people are really using Gen AI in 2025. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2025/04/how-people-are-really-using-gen-ai-in-2025
