When we hear the term “technology”, we often think first and foremost of the internet and the gadgets in our daily lives. And lately, its association with artificial intelligence has become almost inevitable.
As someone who has benefited from technology all my life, I’ve rarely stopped to ask myself what it actually means and how it came to be. Technology has become so deeply embedded in our lives that we no longer question where it comes from or how it works. It is only when it malfunctions that we are jolted back to reality and realise that it is merely a device, a line of code, a circuit, or a tool.
However, this is only one facet of our relationship with technology. Just as we are concerned with how technology works, we should also ask ourselves how it affects our well-being, including our mental health. Just as a car’s optimal functioning is vital for reaching our destination, our mental health—our ability to function normally (which distinguishes normal from pathological)—is essential for living a fulfilling life. In psychiatry, there are around 600 possible diagnoses, but what matters is not the number of symptoms we have, but rather how much they impact our ability to function within society, our families, at work, and in our personal lives. Therefore, it is essential to explore the extent to which technology affects our mental health, either directly or indirectly. In what ways can technology help us to become more functional, and in what ways can it create dysfunction? This is the core of the issue we face.
First, let’s define technology
To properly understand the subject, it is essential to clearly define the terms used. Etymologically speaking, “technology” derives from the Greek words technē (“art, skill, craftsmanship”) and logia (“science”), and refers to a collection of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services, or in the pursuit of objectives such as scientific research. However, this definition only provides a basic understanding of the technological complexity of the modern world.
In practice, we rely on technology to simplify our lives. We turn to communications technology for more efficient communication, construction technology for easier building, and automotive technology for easier travel. But when it comes to artificial intelligence, what is its purpose? Do we use it to amplify our thinking and deepen our understanding? Is it a tool created to enhance natural intelligence? We will explore these questions together and seek answers.
Convenience killed the cat
The well-known British proverb “curiosity killed the cat”, which is typically used to caution against excessive curiosity or unnecessary investigations, has an intriguing background. The original version, “Care killed the cat,” referred not to curiosity, but to “care” or “concern” for others. Both versions are useful for illustrating the consequences of excess. However, as technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, I have noticed a shift in how we perceive care and curiosity. In the digital world, these virtues have moved from the list of excesses to the list of values to be encouraged and promoted. Conversely, an excess once reserved for the elite has made its way onto the list of popular excesses: excess convenience.
As I mentioned earlier, humanity has developed technology to make our lives more comfortable. However, this comfort comes at a price. The more dependent we become on technology, the more our resilience—the ability to adapt and cope with adversity—can diminish. Our tolerance for discomfort and inconvenience decreases, and when difficulties inevitably arise, we find that we lack the preparation needed to confront them.
For instance, when we want to study for an exam, we prepare our highlighters, take notes, write summaries, and read and reread the material, hoping that something will stick in our memory. But these efforts often give us only the false impression that we’ve been productive, even though, in reality, we struggle to step out of our comfort zones and do what we know we should have done from the outset. True learning involves actively engaging our neurons, testing ourselves, being curious, asking questions, taking responsibility, and successfully integrating and reflecting on the information we have read. Without these actions, we are prisoners of the “illusion of knowledge”, as Mircea Miclea termed it in his lecture “How We Envision Our Own Education for Tomorrow’s World”.
In the digital world, we have outsourced our memory to various storage media. We have access to a wealth of information, but the challenge lies in knowing how and where to access it. In an era where information is overwhelming and difficult to sort, digest, and apply, we have created artificial intelligence (AI) to take on these tasks. We just need to identify a problem and AI will help us solve it. However, the current problem is that we are no longer able to identify problems. Consequently, our solution will soon become the problem itself.[1]
A good analogy is public speaking. Most of us are tempted to avoid public speaking in order to avoid the stress that comes with it. Except for those who are born with this ability, for most of us, giving a speech in front of an audience is a major source of stress. We could argue that this skill isn’t necessary for survival and that it’s not worth exposing ourselves to stress when we can avoid it without facing major consequences. However, this approach means we miss out on the opportunity to develop valuable skills and strengthen our resilience. Gradually exposing ourselves to situations where we must speak in public strengthens us and boosts our confidence in our abilities. Thus, we no longer feel traumatised when participating in a job interview, presenting a school project, or giving a motivational speech to teammates.
Similarly, technology can help us to avoid stress and discomfort, but dependence on technology can negatively affect our resilience and our ability to cope with discomfort. Although AI brings many benefits, it can also have a negative impact if not used with discernment.
Frontal fatigue and mental health disorders
A diminished ability to cope with trauma invariably leads to increased stress levels and heightened vulnerability to mental health disorders. In this context, it is important to ask how technological and social progress, as pillars of modernity, influence our lives in today’s postmodern era.
The prefrontal cortex, an essential component of the brain, struggles in stressful situations. It is susceptible to various mental illnesses when confronted with stress. Despite its many functions, the prefrontal cortex has two major deficiencies. The first, sensitivity to stress, has already been mentioned. The second is the strong correlation between prefrontal cortex dysfunction and psychopathology, as demonstrated by numerous studies. Amy Arnsten, a neuroscience professor at Yale University, argues that all mental disorders typically involve the prefrontal cortex[2].
Today’s hectic lifestyle places intense stress on the prefrontal cortex, exposing many people to the risk of mental health disorders or exacerbating existing conditions. This phenomenon, known as “frontal fatigue” (analysed in detail in Dr Mark Rego’s book Frontal Fatigue, The Impact of Modern Life and Technology on Mental Illness[3]), makes us all more susceptible to mental health disorders. But how can we protect ourselves from this “frontal fatigue”? The first step is recognising moments of stress, which can be manifested by losing your train of thought, frequent memory lapses, unmotivated irritability, needing to reread sentences, or experiencing difficulties with working memory (short-term memory)—for example, walking into a room and forgetting what you were supposed to do. Similar to 12-step recovery programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous, the first and most important step is acknowledging the problem. The next steps then become easier.
Those with a genetic predisposition or a history of stress are more likely to develop mental health disorders. Against the backdrop of increasing dependence on technology in modern life, frontal lobe fatigue is intensifying and contributing to the rising incidence of mental health problems.
Mental health disorders have always been present in society. The most severe of these, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have been the subject of in-depth study. These occur at a relatively constant rate across various cultures, although their impact may vary. Less severe disorders, such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, substance abuse and dependence, personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress, were once considered to be the result of industrialised societies, but research shows that they are found globally.
Dealing with a mental health disorder incurs significant costs for patients and their communities. This cost, known as “morbidity”, encompasses the consequences of mental health disorders, such as difficulties with social functioning and a lack of personal achievement. Mental health conditions affect every aspect of a person’s life, including professional activity, relationships, and health. Depression, for instance, is not merely an issue to be resolved privately with a therapist; it is a condition that permeates nearly all areas of the patient’s life, impacting work, relationships, family life, and health.
Even less severe disorders can cause considerable long-term suffering. The social cost of mental illness is enormous. Job loss, poor performance, absenteeism, and rising medical costs are just some of the factors contributing to an economic cost of nearly $1 trillion in the US alone.
Over the past seven and a half decades, industrialised societies have experienced an increase in the prevalence and severity of mental health conditions, a trend frequently attributed to the pressures of modern life. Even as we enjoy the comforts and benefits of the twenty-first century, we face time pressures and decision-making demands that our grandparents could never have imagined. Thus, although we perceive modern life as stressful, few of us are aware of the resulting health crisis—the alarming rise in mental illness is a trend we have been familiar with for quite some time.
Pros and cons…
We should under no circumstances conclude from this text that technology should be demonised or considered the sole cause of mental health problems. Studies show that technology has a dual effect on our mental health, offering both benefits and drawbacks. On a positive note, technology improves access to mental health services, streamlines the healthcare system, and enables the management and processing of large amounts of data, thereby accelerating research progress.
Another benefit is mental health apps, which provide users with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques, mindfulness exercises, and access to support communities directly on their mobile devices. Telemedicine, particularly telepsychiatry or tele-therapy supported by videoconferencing technology, facilitates access to professional services from a distance, reducing disparities for those who would otherwise face obstacles related to distance or stigma.
Conversely, the negative impact of technology is becoming increasingly apparent. Excessive social media use can trigger feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression, particularly among adolescents. Constant connectivity, facilitated by our devices, can create pressure to be “always on”, thereby leading to burnout. Furthermore, excessive dependence on technology can foster a sense of isolation as people opt for digital interactions over direct human connections. An extreme example of this is the hikikomori phenomenon, which has spread globally.
Hikikomori is a Japanese term referring to the social phenomenon of young people withdrawing from society and preferring to live in isolation for extended periods. Young Hikikomori, who are mostly men, isolate themselves in their rooms for extended periods, avoiding direct contact with the outside world. They would rather spend their time on digital activities such as video games, browsing the internet, or watching movies and anime than build real social relationships. Although hikikomori behaviour is extreme, it is emblematic of some of the unintended effects of technology.
…equal balance
It is essential to maintain a balance in our use of technology to keep our mental health at an optimal level. One effective way to achieve this is to use technology in an informed manner, being aware of the implications. This means approaching its use with a clear plan and purpose, rather than letting it distract us or using it to escape everyday reality. Being grounded in reality is a sign of good mental health.
It is also important to establish clear boundaries between our digital and real lives. This could mean designating certain times of the day as “screen-free hours” or establishing areas of our homes where technology is prohibited. We should also prioritise real-world interactions and activities we enjoy, such as going for a walk, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones.
One effective way to manage technology use is to take regular breaks from it, known as a “digital detox”, to reconnect with the real world. There is no need to disconnect completely for days or weeks at a time, but it is helpful to have daily intervals when we disconnect.
Another useful strategy is to use technology to our advantage when it comes to managing stress rather than amplifying it. There are numerous apps designed to promote relaxation, sleep, and concentration which can serve as effective stress management tools.
Conclusion
The relationship between technology use and mental health is complex and multifaceted. While technology has the potential to greatly improve our lives, it can also pose significant mental health challenges if used carelessly or excessively. It is essential that we continue to research and understand this relationship in order to maximise the benefits of technology while minimising its potential negative effects. As technology continues to evolve, so must our strategies for maintaining mental health in the digital age.
Ovidiu Balaban-Popa argues that a rational and reflective approach to technology use will help create and sustain a healthy society in every respect.