How Technology Has Changed Mental Health for the Better

In a previous blog post, I discussed the ways social media can negatively affect mental health. At first glance, it may seem that the growing use of technology only worsens our well-being, with less in-person connection, greater exposure to online negativity, and constant comparisons to the curated lifestyles of influencers. With so much evidence highlighting these downsides, it is easy to place the blame on technology and see it as harmful. However, it is important to remember that the core purpose of technology is to improve our lives. While it does come with challenges, it has also created countless opportunities to strengthen mental health in ways we often overlook. Technological advances now allow us to connect with and support more people than ever before. This blog post will explore how technology has benefitted the field of mental health, showing that while people remain the foundation of care, thoughtful use of technology can enhance support systems and improve the quality of care for those facing mental health challenges.

Increasing Accessability

One of the biggest obstacles people face when seeking mental health treatment is accessibility. Many struggle with long commutes, limited time, or lack of reliable transportation, making in-person therapy difficult to attend. This issue is especially common in rural areas, where most services are concentrated in urban centers. Accessibility is also a concern for people with disabilities who may find it difficult to leave their homes, and for those with demanding schedules who struggle to prioritize therapy. Technology has helped address these barriers through the rise of online therapy. As long as someone has a computer and a stable internet connection, they can connect with a therapist from the comfort of their own home. A study by Wallin et al. (2016) found that clients reported several advantages to online therapy, including flexible scheduling, greater anonymity, and an easier first step into the help-seeking process. These factors significantly reduced delays in pursuing treatment. Some people assume online therapy cannot match in-person care. After all, it seems natural to believe face-to-face interaction would foster stronger connections than video sessions. However, Anderson et al. (2019) found that online cognitive behavioral therapy often produced results comparable to in-person treatment. This indicates that clients can benefit from the convenience of online therapy without sacrificing the quality of care or the empathy provided by their therapist.

Technological Support

Beyond online therapy, technology has expanded the ways mental health support can be delivered. Many people now use mobile apps such as Headspace, Mindshift, and Moodfit to manage their mental well-being. These apps encourage daily mental health maintenance through meditation, sleep tracking, CBT-based activities, mood monitoring, and affirmations. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has also advanced mental health care by analyzing behavior to detect early signs of depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation. AI can also use a person’s history to quickly create tailored treatment plans. Another major contribution of technology has been the creation of crisis support hotlines. Organizations such as Kids Help Phone, 988, and BetterHelp allow people in crisis to immediately connect with someone who can listen and provide guidance. Research by Gould et al. (2007, 2012) found that hotlines significantly reduced suicidal thoughts, psychological distress, and hopelessness among callers, while nearly half of participants followed through with the referrals they were given. Thanks to these technological advancements, therapists now have more ways to provide care, and individuals have greater access to the support they need.

Social Media

One of the most impactful ways technology has improved mental health is through social media, which helps people connect when they might otherwise feel alone. Social media has greatly expanded opportunities to find supportive communities and form meaningful bonds with others worldwide. Knowles and David (2025) found that youth in rural settings and marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ youth, benefited greatly from social media, as it reduced isolation and fostered supportive peer connections. Platforms such as Reddit and Instagram also provide spaces where people can share their experiences, seek support, vent frustrations, and receive encouragement when they may not have supportive peers nearby. Sanger (2020) found that social media made it easier for people to express themselves due to its sense of community and the option of anonymity. She also noted that it plays a major role in spreading education and awareness, helping to normalize conversations about mental health and reduce stigma. Zsila and Reyes (2023) similarly observed that while social media has drawbacks, it also enhances connections, builds self-esteem, creates belonging, and allows people to join communities based on shared experiences.

Overall, technology has created new pathways for support, connection, and awareness, showing that when used thoughtfully, it can play a powerful role in strengthening mental health and well-being.

References

Andersson, G., Carlbring, P., Titov, N., & Lindefors, N. (2019). Internet Interventions for Adults with Anxiety and Mood Disorders: A Narrative Umbrella Review of Recent Meta-Analyses. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 64(7), 070674371983938. 
https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743719839381

Gould, M. S., Kalafat, J., HarrisMunfakh, J. L., & Kleinman, M. (2007). An Evaluation of Crisis Hotline Outcomes Part 2: Suicidal Callers. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 37(3), 338–352.
https://doi.org/10.1521/suli.2007.37.3.338

Gould, M. S., Munfakh, J. L. H., Kleinman, M., & Lake, A. M. (2012). National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Enhancing Mental Health Care for Suicidal Individuals and Other People in Crisis. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 42(1), 22–35.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1943-278x.2011.00068.x

Knowles, E. A., & Danzi, B. A. (2025). The Role of Online Social Support in Mental Health: Comparing Rural and Urban Youth. Children, 12(2), 113.
https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020113

‌Sanger, E. (2020). Social networking in mental health interventions for adolescents. Perspectives in Public Health, 142(5), 175791392092443.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1757913920924431

Wallin, E. E. K., Mattsson, S., & Olsson, E. M. G. (2016). The Preference for Internet-Based Psychological Interventions by Individuals Without Past or Current Use of Mental Health Treatment Delivered Online: A Survey Study With Mixed-Methods Analysis. JMIR Mental Health, 3(2).
https://doi.org/10.2196/mental.5324

Zsila, Á., & Reyes, M. E. S. (2023). Pros & cons: Impacts of social media on mental health. BMC Psychology, 11(1), 1–2.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01243-x