Technology Could Be Good For Mental Health

Don P. Jason III
Dj320306@ohio.edu

I found an article written by Michelle Blanchard and a few other researchers entitled “Rethinking the digital divide.” This article came out in November of 2008. The study looks at Australian Teenagers and measures the correlation between their uses of technology with their mental health.


In Australia internet usage is most popular between those 15 to 24 years of age. The internet appeals to this group because of its accessibility and interactivity. 94 percent of those 16 to 29 years of age have a cell phone and 66 percent of those 18 to 29 years old use social media sites everyday.


The article says that “Knowledge regarding the social and economic determinants of mental health is growing, including a focus on the role of meaningful relationships in promoting connectedness and belonging…The Internet can be viewed as a virtual community that fosters networks and strengthens existing social ties and lends itself to being a health promotion setting.”


The study continues to say that “The internet offers numerous advantages as a health promotion setting, including its cost-effectiveness, reach and capacity to engage geographically and socially isolated or ‘hard to access’ groups.” Technology access also gets young people participating.


It is disheartening to think that the digital divide is depriving a group of people of the access to community and to the outside world that they desperately need to stay sane. While most people would find it a nuisance to go a few days without checking email, updating twitter or logging in to facebook this article shows that there are people that the internet for all intensive purposes is life sustaining.
The study not only stressed that the internet helps those with mental disabilities but it also helps those with physical disabilities as well. For example people with speech and hearing problems prefer email communication over other more traditional types of communication.


The study also found that young people who wanted to come out about heir sexuality, practiced or “rehearsed” online. This made it easier when faced with their real life family and friends.