Mental Health and Technology: Exploring Addiction and Solutions

In this episode of Agents of Tech, hosts Stephen Horn and Autria Godfrey explore the intricate relationship between mental health and technology. As social media, gaming, and digital devices become more pervasive, they discuss how these technologies are impacting youth and adults, often leading to addiction and mental health challenges. We hear insights from leading experts: • Dr. Marc Potenza (Yale University) and Dr. Sanya Virani (Indiana University) discuss the intersection of social media, gaming, and gambling addiction. • Dr. Wendi Waits (Talkiatry) explains how digital technology addiction is leading to ADHD-like symptoms in adults. • Darlene King (UT Southwestern) shares how AI chatbots are being used to address mental health needs, and the importance of psychiatrists in their development. • We also discuss the alarming warning from US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who highlights the growing youth mental health crisis caused by social media, and what parents and companies can do to help mitigate the risks. Key topics include: Join us as we explore the solutions and challenges at the intersection of mental health and technology. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insightful episodes on technology, innovation, and society! Program Notes https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/03/11/how-teens-and-parents-approach-screen-time/ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/17/opinion/social-media-health-warning.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8170001/ Striatal dopamine synthesis capacity reflects smartphone social activity https://www.today.com/video/how-screens-and-phones-can-impact-a-child-s-mental-health-196047429741 https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/qa-portal/qa-portal-for-parents/ https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/mental-health-apps/the-app-evaluation-model https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10242473/