In an article for Star: Dr. Arnold Gilberg, author of The Myth of Aging, expressed “alarm” at the proliferation of mental health apps, and suggested the trend toward digital detox will continue.
“The mere thought that apps built on generalities can be employed toward successful outcomes in the specific is alarming in itself,” Gilberg said. “Whats even more alarming is the notion that people in crisis, who may be desperately in need of care, click on an app instead of seeking out a trained psychotherapist.”
Gilberg said that while physical-health apps can monitor standardized metrics like steps or pulse rate, “mental health is not a one-size fits all proposition,” and added that “connectivity should be used as a supplement to human interaction, not a replacement for it.”