Some of the apps also have a optional features that can limit internet and phone access to encourage positive behavior. This thoughtful solution could help people with mental disorders overcome their addiction to technology.
Apple’s mental health apps helps people manage emotions by providing practical tools to improve daily life. Users of these apps can access tools designed to assist in daily activities like eating, sleeping, or exercising. These actions promote overall psychological wellness and reduce cravings for tech and social media.
Additionally, some apps offer educational content on topics like neurobiology, psychology, and addiction. This educational material provides useful context for users as they work towards overcoming their addictive tendencies.
Addiction rates for mental disorders tend to be higher for phone and internet addicts because instant access to information fosters escape from reality. Smartphones also serve as a source of mental stress for people since many are so attached to their device, they feel like they can't live without it.
Another problem is overuse of social media platforms, which has negatively impacted mental health in many ways— from anxiety to depression— as users interact with others via apps and websites 247/365. Users tend to self-medicate with tech by regularly engaging with addictive apps, games or other online services in an attempt to alleviate stress caused by everyday life.
While society largely attributes smartphones’ addictive properties to social media use, that may not be entirely accurate. As Professor Brad Hiller noted in his study on smartphone addiction, “the primary driver of problematic behavior is not necessarily the device itself but rather the behavior enforced upon it by constant engagement with apps and online services."
Social media has only fostered greater dependence on smartphones by providing instant gratification at the user’s discretion via apps like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This dependence has led users to seek more stimulation via these services instead of quitting altogether.
Overuse of technology can have negative effects on both physical and mental well being. While technology can help us connect with loved ones far away, and make our lives a lot easier in certain ways, using it excessively can create excessive dependence and lead us deeper into our minds.
To the point where we find online video games, Netflix, social media and television shows to be more appealing and worthy of our time than actually spending time in the real world interacting with friends and family. Sadly, we are already at this point.
While definitely aware of the current situation due to them playing a huge role and being part of the problem, companies like Apple should take note of this when designing future solutions that promote emotional wellness.
Maybe they should provide more information on how many of the big companies and organizations are helping pave the way into a world of mass dependence, the elimination of all forms of privacy and, ultimately, total control via digital enslavement / bio-digital integration. Which, at its absolute core is spiritually motivated. It's spiritual warfare.
Perhaps Apple should be honest and tell the people that all these big companies and corporations do not have their best interests at heart. But then again, if Apple did do this, they would have to include themselves also.
And while doubtful, that could be the catalyst the uninformed need in order to see these companies for what they really are and where they are steering humanity. So I doubt they would do this. It would be like shooting yourself in the foot on purpose. But make no mistake, all these companies are marching to the same tune, working towards the same goals, for what they believe is "the greater good". But that's a topic for another day.
Other mental health Apps that people think are helpful and pretty cool are: MoodKit, Talkspace, Better Stop Suicide, iBreathe, MindShift CBT, Quit That! and Happify.
