Psy 3761 week 2 response | PSY 3761 | Florida Institute of Technology

Instructions:

Peer response should read approximately 200 words in APA format, including any citations.

Peer: Keanna Brown

There are two ways that modern technology affects mental health. On a positive note, it makes mental health tools like online support groups and therapy applications more accessible, which lowers stigma and improves accessibility. Social media sites also let people connect with others, which may reduce loneliness and offer emotional support.

On the other hand, there are negatives to using technology as well. Anxiety, desperation, and low self-esteem have all been related to excessive screen use, especially on social media. Users who are subjected to cyber bullying and are constantly comparing themselves to others may feel undesirable. Prolonged use of technology may contribute to mental health problems by interfering with sleep cycles and reducing in-person social contact.

The risk of addiction associated with social networking is a serious concern. Social networking sites are made to be entertaining and habit-forming, encouraging obsessive use and disregard for real-life interpersonal relationships. This addiction can make mental health issues worse and make it harder to go about normal daily activities. In the digital era, weighing the benefits and pitfalls of technology is essential to protecting mental health.

Reference:

Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study.
Preventive Medicine Reports, pp. 12, 271–283.