The Mental Health Cost of Our Digital Age

Digital transformation, while driving efficiency and innovation, has inadvertently fueled a mental health crisis. The rapid advancement of digital technology, while offering numerous benefits, has also taken a toll on mental health.

The constant connectivity and blurred lines between work and personal life have led to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout.

Speaking at a Mental Health Conference held recently on how digital platforms aggravate mental health cases, Group Director of Digital Transformation at ARM Holdings, Mr. Ina Alogwu, explained the complex relationship between technological advancement and mental health is that while digital transformation streamlines operations and improves efficiency, it also has unintended consequences on well-being, especially in the workplace.

Alogwu highlighted how the pandemic accelerated the digital shift, pushing companies toward remote work and constant virtual connectivity.

He said: “This flexibility blurred the boundaries between personal and professional life, leaving employees in a state of being “always on.” The absence of in-person interaction in virtual meetings has increased feelings of isolation, stress, and burnout.

Alogwu pointed out that beyond the workplace, digital platforms, especially social media, have intensified mental health challenges.

He said: “Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok fuel a culture of comparison and validation, leading users to measure themselves against curated, idealized versions of other people’s lives. This constant comparison fosters anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.” Alogwu shared a story of his barber, whose social media posts depicted a luxurious lifestyle while he struggled financially.

He noted that social media addiction is another dangerous aspect of digital platforms.

He said: “Algorithms designed to maximize engagement result in hours of mindless scrolling, isolating users from meaningful face-to-face interactions. This overreliance on digital platforms erodes attention spans and fosters a demand for instant gratification, contributing to anxiety and depression.

Alogwu emphasized the need for a balanced approach to digital transformation, one that prioritizes mental health alongside innovation. Governments, tech companies, and investors must work together to address the mental health challenges posed by technological advancements. Without significant investment in digital mental health solutions, the growing demand for support will continue to be unmet, especially in regions like Africa where mental health services are underfunded and stigmatized.

As digital transformation advances, it is crucial to address the mental health crisis it has sparked. The tech industry must acknowledge the unintended consequences of its innovations and invest in solutions that promote mental well-being. AI, predictive analytics, and mental health platforms offer vast opportunities to tackle this issue, but success will require focused investment, public awareness, and a commitment to integrating mental health into the digital future.

However, despite its adverse effects, technology also presents opportunities for addressing mental health.

Alogwu explained that advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, AI, can help transition mental health care from reactive to proactive.

He said: “AI-driven platforms provide instant responses to mental health queries, while predictive analytics can detect early signs of issues, enabling timely intervention.

“However, funding remains a challenge, as mental health tech startups often struggle to attract investment compared to fintech or agriculture technologies.”