TECHNOLOGY IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH: ESTABLISHING BALANCE CONNECTION

Abstract

The rapid integration of technology into daily life has profoundly influenced mental health, offering both benefits and challenges. On one hand, technology enhances accessibility to mental health services, fosters social connections, and supports early detection of psychological issues through innovative tools. On the other hand, excessive use can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and digital fatigue, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents. This chapter explores the dual-edged nature of technology’s impact on mental health, providing evidence-based insights into its positive and negative effects. It emphasizes the importance of adopting strategies such as mindful technology use, time management, and physical activity to establish balance and mitigate adverse outcomes. By fostering intentional interactions with digital tools and promoting societal initiatives to support mental well-being, individuals can harness the advantages of technology while safeguarding their mental health. Achieving this balance is critical for thriving in an increasingly digital world and ensuring a sustainable relationship with technology.