n 2019, nearly one billion individuals worldwide were affected by a mental health condition—a number which has been steadily rising since. The instances of suicide and self–harm are also on the rise, particularly among young people. Yet debate remains whether we are truly witnessing a decline in global mental health or whether the rising numbers are due to enhanced diagnostic capabilities. Regardless of the answer, prioritizing wellbeing in public health strategies is crucial to improving the quality of life and potentially boosting the economy. Emerging digital technologies could offer tools to do better.
Existing strategies and systems do not adequately address mental wellbeing due to continued stigmas in many countries, with insufficient public health funding allocated for mental care services. This often also means too few qualified professionals and lacking proper infrastructure for treatment.
Advances in healthtech—from AI to VR to data–gathering gadgets and the evolution of social media—digital innovations play huge roles in redefining how we approach wellbeing. No longer niche products, these digital products are increasingly being turned to by younger people as essential aids in managing issues such as sleep patterns, stress levels, and other wellbeing challenges. The extensive data gathered by these tools allows for a degree of care that shifts healthcare towards a more holistic and personalized lifestyle approach.
AI won’t cure our mental health access challenges by replacing therapists—at least not any time soon. However, it's already proving useful in areas such as coaching and emotional tracking, as well as providing session summaries and encouraging healthy habits for individuals. However, we must not forget that real risks persist. For instance, there have been cases where AI models have reinforced destructive behavior patterns.
The same technologies that promise to make healthcare more accessible to everyone also have the potential to exacerbate existing societal disparities. Not everyone has access to devices like wearables, high-speed internet, or reliable health information. And this disparity often mirrors the existing economic gaps. Moreover, the abundance of digital information available online presents its own challenges. Edelman polling found that individuals’ trust in medical professionals is falling, and they’re more likely to turn to family, generative AI, or online sources in place of doctors for advice. While this content may help increase awareness and break down the stigma surrounding health issues, it frequently lacks oversight for accuracy and reliability. For example, the research on clips discussing ADHD revealed that almost half of them were misleading. It included incorrect details that could lead to increased worry or unnecessary trips to the doctor's office. A broken trust system, combined with the spread of misinformation, poses the threat of trading one problem (lack of access) for another (erroneous self–care).
The future of wellbeing requires changes at a structural level. Mental health problems are believed to result in a loss of around $1 trillion in productivity for the world economy every year. This figure is predicted to increase. Progressive governments are beginning to view wellbeing as a key national measure due to its significant impact on society. In this context, AI has the potential to be beneficial by assisting in collecting data and evaluating the impact of policy efforts. To foster innovation effectively requires rebuilding faith in institutions that has been waning lately. We should establish policies that ensure privacy and security while maintaining transparency in algorithms while supporting innovation without undue interference. The future of our health and happiness involves technological advancements alongside cultural aspects to consider on a large–scale reevaluation of well-being; the real query lies in whether we can establish the required structures and protections to utilize these advancements thoughtfully.
a global affairs media network
The double–edged future of wellbeing
Photo by Fahad Bin Kamal Anik on Unsplash
June 19, 2025
The number of people around the world suffering from mental health conditions is on the rise, and it’s clear our existing systems are inadequate. Emerging digital technologies offer tools to do better, writes Olga Kitaina.
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n 2019, nearly one billion individuals worldwide were affected by a mental health condition—a number which has been steadily rising since. The instances of suicide and self–harm are also on the rise, particularly among young people. Yet debate remains whether we are truly witnessing a decline in global mental health or whether the rising numbers are due to enhanced diagnostic capabilities. Regardless of the answer, prioritizing wellbeing in public health strategies is crucial to improving the quality of life and potentially boosting the economy. Emerging digital technologies could offer tools to do better.
Existing strategies and systems do not adequately address mental wellbeing due to continued stigmas in many countries, with insufficient public health funding allocated for mental care services. This often also means too few qualified professionals and lacking proper infrastructure for treatment.
Advances in healthtech—from AI to VR to data–gathering gadgets and the evolution of social media—digital innovations play huge roles in redefining how we approach wellbeing. No longer niche products, these digital products are increasingly being turned to by younger people as essential aids in managing issues such as sleep patterns, stress levels, and other wellbeing challenges. The extensive data gathered by these tools allows for a degree of care that shifts healthcare towards a more holistic and personalized lifestyle approach.
AI won’t cure our mental health access challenges by replacing therapists—at least not any time soon. However, it's already proving useful in areas such as coaching and emotional tracking, as well as providing session summaries and encouraging healthy habits for individuals. However, we must not forget that real risks persist. For instance, there have been cases where AI models have reinforced destructive behavior patterns.
The same technologies that promise to make healthcare more accessible to everyone also have the potential to exacerbate existing societal disparities. Not everyone has access to devices like wearables, high-speed internet, or reliable health information. And this disparity often mirrors the existing economic gaps. Moreover, the abundance of digital information available online presents its own challenges. Edelman polling found that individuals’ trust in medical professionals is falling, and they’re more likely to turn to family, generative AI, or online sources in place of doctors for advice. While this content may help increase awareness and break down the stigma surrounding health issues, it frequently lacks oversight for accuracy and reliability. For example, the research on clips discussing ADHD revealed that almost half of them were misleading. It included incorrect details that could lead to increased worry or unnecessary trips to the doctor's office. A broken trust system, combined with the spread of misinformation, poses the threat of trading one problem (lack of access) for another (erroneous self–care).
The future of wellbeing requires changes at a structural level. Mental health problems are believed to result in a loss of around $1 trillion in productivity for the world economy every year. This figure is predicted to increase. Progressive governments are beginning to view wellbeing as a key national measure due to its significant impact on society. In this context, AI has the potential to be beneficial by assisting in collecting data and evaluating the impact of policy efforts. To foster innovation effectively requires rebuilding faith in institutions that has been waning lately. We should establish policies that ensure privacy and security while maintaining transparency in algorithms while supporting innovation without undue interference. The future of our health and happiness involves technological advancements alongside cultural aspects to consider on a large–scale reevaluation of well-being; the real query lies in whether we can establish the required structures and protections to utilize these advancements thoughtfully.
