Mental Health in the Digital Age (2^nd Edition) - Sheri Bauman& Ian Rivers (London, United Kingdom: Palgrave Macmillan), 2023, 220 pages, ISBN: 978-3031321214

Mental Health in the Digital Age, a collaborative effort by Sheri Bauman and Ian Rivers, meticulously delves into the intricate interplay between digital platforms and mental well-being. In the era of digital ubiquity, the impact of these technologies on psychological well-being has garnered significant interest from professionals in fields such as health, education, and research. The book provides a thorough examination of the impact of online environments, such as social media, teletherapy platforms, and online gaming, on mental health, with a particular emphasis on the post-pandemic era. It explores topics including cyberbullying, Zoom fatigue, and the increasing use of technology in therapeutic settings. The authors make a substantial contribution to the discourse on digital health interventions by focusing on artificial intelligence (AI). This critical review assesses the book’s structure, key themes, and its overall contribution to the nascent field of digital mental health. The book’s publication timing is particularly opportune in the post-pandemic era, as it addresses the accelerated integration of digital technologies into daily life. The COVD-19 pandemic has led to a substantial increase in reliance on digital platforms for social interaction, therapy, and work. In addressing these changes, Bauman and Rivers offer valuable insights, rendering their work particularly pertinent for comprehending the dynamics of mental health in a digitally driven world.

The book is organized into ten thematic chapters, each addressing specific aspects of mental health and digital media. Bauman and Rivers commence the book with a thorough introduction to the concept of mental health in the digital age, situating their analysis within the broader context of contemporary psychological practice and research (pp. 1-6). This methodological approach furnishes readers, particularly those uninitiated in the rapidly evolving digital milieu, with a robust foundational framework. The authors adopt an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from psychology, public health, and technology studies. The examination of the multifaceted relationship between digital platforms and mental health is comprehensive, ranging from clinical case studies to broader sociocultural considerations. The book’s structure, which begins with foundational concepts and progresses to more sophisticated topics, such as the impact of social media on youth mental health and the potential role of the Internet in mental health care, assists readers in comprehending the intricacies of the subject matter.

A prominent theme in the book is the rise of online therapy (which they call e-therapy or internet therapy) and its attendant impact on mental health care accessibility and quality (pp. 26-49). Bauman and Rivers’ examination of the growth of online counseling in recent times (which coincided with and followed the period of the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) virus) is particularly noteworthy. A salient benefit of online therapy is its capacity to enhance accessibility for individuals residing in remote or underserved regions, particularly those who are marginalized. The authors offer insightful perspectives on the immediate benefits of mental health treatment. For instance, the contemporary role of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapeutic interventions is designed to provide computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT). However, the book does not delve deeply into the long-term implications for therapeutic relationships. The text briefly addresses the sustained impact on trust, emotional connection, and the therapeutic alliance over time, but it does not delve deeply into these issues. The authors’ primary focus is on achieving an equilibrium between digital and in-person practices rather than on projecting the long-term effects of an increasingly digital therapeutic landscape. This section provides a valuable perspective that will benefit clinicians and policymakers interested in improving the effectiveness of digital mental health services.

In light of the mounting demand for online practices, Bauman and Rivers underscore the significance of health care providers adhering to established guidelines and ethical standards for counselors, social workers, and online therapists (pp. 46-49). The subsequent chapter is dedicated to an examination of research and ethics, with a focus on challenges such as ensuring privacy, informed consent, data security, and addressing cultural sensitivities in digital settings (pp. 51-64). These issues are of paramount importance in online therapy to maintain client trust and protect sensitive information while upholding professional standards. The authors address global dynamics by acknowledging developmental considerations (pp. 67-69) and vulnerable populations (pp. 70-74). For instance, extant research has linked excessive social media use to anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy, often stemming from comparisons to idealized images of others. The text goes on to explore the phenomenon of cyberbullying, acknowledging that this dark side of social media also exerts harmful effects on mental health, particularly that of adolescents. However, the text does not delve deeply into region-specific challenges, such as varying legal standards, technological access disparities, or cultural attitudes towards online therapy. While the study provides a solid foundation, further discussion of these global variations would enhance its relevance and applicability in addressing the complexities of digital mental health worldwide.

Another critical issue examined in this book is the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes (pp. 79-102). In meticulous fashion, Bauman and Rivers undertake a review of extant research, thereby demonstrating how social media platforms have the capacity to exert a positive or negative influence on the mental well-being of users. The authors emphasize the pivotal role of online communities in providing peer support for individuals grappling with conditions such as anxiety and depression (pp. 103-116). This viewpoint is especially salient in light of mounting evidence supporting the efficacy of social support for mental well-being. While the authors meticulously analyze the nexus of social media and mental health, the book leans more toward highlighting existing issues rather than offering actionable solutions. For instance, the text briefly mentions the necessity for ethical and human-centered practices yet does not delve deeply into specific strategies for achieving algorithmic transparency, empowering users, or implementing regulatory measures. In the contemporary digital landscape, algorithms play a pivotal role in shaping the content users encounter, through mechanisms such as content curation and the presentation of idealized images. For readers, particularly policymakers and platform designers, a more detailed exploration of actionable steps—such as implementing digital literacy programs, fostering algorithmic accountability, or encouraging design features that promote positive mental health—would have further impacted contribution to society-wide concerns. Conversely, these mechanisms may also amplify adverse experiences, such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy.

In the final chapters of their work, Bauman and Rivers delve into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and online gaming in the realm of mental healthcare. They explore the mental health implications of immersive digital environments, such as online gaming and virtual reality (VR), on pages 117 to 140. It is evident that gaming and virtual reality can serve as effective tools for fostering social connections and providing stress relief interventions. The authors underscore the significance of striking a balance between the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies, advocating for ethical design and conscientious utilization to promote mental well-being within virtual environments. The chapter underscores the potential pitfalls of these digital platforms, highlighting their capacity to exacerbate negative experiences and drawing attention to the concerns regarding technology’s potential to diminish the time allocated for physical activity, a crucial element for growth across all age groups. This compelling issue is related to “Zoom fatigue,” yet another within the broader phenomenon of digital exhaustion, which became widespread during the pandemic. The authors underscore the imperative for establishing technological boundaries to preserve a healthy equilibrium between digital and offline interactions, particularly in professional contexts. The integration of Zoom fatigue into the discourse serves to underscore the necessity of addressing systemic health challenges in the digital age. These phenomena underscore challenges such as increased cognitive load, reduced physical movement, and blurred boundaries between virtual and real life, all of which contribute to rising stress levels and burnout.

In their examination of the underlying mechanisms of online counseling and therapy sessions, Bauman and Rivers utilize cognitive psychology and attention theory, offering perspectives for individuals and organizations engaged in this practice. While addressing risks such as addiction and social isolation, especially among adolescents and young adults, they call for further research on optimizing game design to promote positive mental health outcomes. The potential for games to serve as therapeutic tools, if managed appropriately, has the capacity to promote transparency, user safety, and balanced engagement. The book primarily aims to raise awareness about the ethical concerns in game design, rather than outlining actionable strategies, leaving room for further exploration in these critical areas. This section is particularly useful for understanding the broader implications of digital media on mental well-being—a timely area of interest given the recent shifts toward virtual reality. For scholars in the field of health communication, these issues underscore the need for organizational strategies that prioritize employee well-being. Such strategies may include the promotion of digital boundaries and the optimization of virtual meeting practices, while incorporating mental health support into workplace policies.

In contrast, Bauman and Rivers explore the concept of identity construction, self-presentation, and the pressures of curating idealized personas on social media (pp. 141-155). Through a meticulous examination of how individuals present themselves in digital spaces and the psychological impacts of these representations, they underscore the potential for both positive self-expression and negative effects, such as self-comparison and insecurity. The analysis of content curation and user engagement strategies offers a deeper understanding of the negative experiences that are often amplified online. While acknowledging the potential of non-human technology, such as animation, to democratize access to mental health care, the authors caution against over-reliance on these technologies. The authors’ argument demonstrates that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot substitute for human therapists, particularly in addressing the intricate dynamics of emotional and relational issues. This balanced perspective is noteworthy for its emphasis on the complementary role of AI in mental health care, rather than its substitution for human therapists.

Mental Health in the Digital Age is a work of significant scholarly merit, contributing substantially to the expanding corpus of literature on digital mental health. The authors, Bauman and Rivers, exhibit a discerning comprehension of the intricacies inherent in digital media and its repercussions. They present a thorough and readily comprehensible exposition on the manner in which digital platforms are profoundly altering the terrain of mental healthcare. The authors adopt an interdisciplinary approach, ensuring that the book appeals to a broad audience, including those interested in the intersection of technology and mental health. In sum, Mental Health in the Digital Age is a meticulously researched and valuable contribution to the expanding literature on digital mental health. The authors demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the intricacies surrounding digital media and its impact, offering a comprehensive and accessible overview of how digital platforms are transforming mental health care. The interdisciplinary nature of the book ensures its appeal to a broad audience, addressing both the benefits and challenges of digital mental health. It is a valuable resource that is certain to stimulate further exploration and serve as an indispensable guide for reshaping the landscape of mental health care.