Technology’s Impact on Students’ Mental Health: Challenges within Academia

October 2023

The 21st century's fast-paced world, marked by technological advancements, shifts in societal norms, and the ever-evolving education landscape, has brought both invaluable opportunities and unprecedented mental health challenges, particularly for students.

In March of this year, the National Education Association (NEA) reported alarming statistics from a survey of 90,000 students across 133 American campuses.

"44 percent of students reported symptoms of depression; 37 percent said they experienced anxiety; and 15 percent said they were considering suicide—the highest rate in the 15-year history of the survey."

These numbers paint a grim picture of the nationwide mental health crisis, with the NEA also noting that over 60% of students meet the diagnostic criteria for at least one mental health issue.

Accompanying these facts has been the rise of technology, with several pivotal advancements occurring in the last 15 years. In 2008, Google Chrome was launched, now globally the most widely used web browser, and the same year, Apple released the second generation of the iPhone while the Android OS also made its debut.

While these developments have undoubtedly brought progress and innovation, they have also given rise to an alarming increase in stress, anxiety, and depression. Students today can access information from anywhere, reducing the need for traditional practices like tangible books and notes. This shift has led to a more relaxed approach to academic practices, suggesting that students might benefit from a return to the rudimentary.

The Value of Tangible Note-Taking for Focus

According to a research study by Pam Mueller and Daniel Oppenheimer, available through the Association for Psychological Science, “participants who took longhand notes and were able to study them performed significantly better than participants in any of the other conditions.” Students who took handwritten notes wrote fewer words, personalizing what they recorded to their own style of comprehension.

Writing notes on devices may have allowed for more data recording potential via audio or pictures, but it also increased distractions, both in and outside the classroom.

Dedicating oneself to handwritten notes can improve focus and performance, but other external resources are often also provided.

On-Campus Resources

A significant challenge in combating mental health issues has been to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, giving benefit to mental health awareness and education programs. Many colleges and universities have recognized this need.

Institutions implementing mental health education programs aim to teach the importance of mental health, provide coping strategies, workshops, conversational groups, and sometimes even on-campus qualified therapists.

Normalizing mental health care and equipping students with the tools they need to manage could help institutions foster healthier campus environments with confident students, in change improving performance.

Outside Approaches

Environmental factors directly influence physical and mental health meaning institutions could also explore adding healthier reserved spaces to their campuses. Many institutions are shifting their focus from purely academic to a more holistic view of student well-being, promoting fitness programs, encouraging healthy eating habits, and creating spaces for relaxation and mindfulness.

Additionally, colleges are exploring ways to build a sense of community and belonging among students, which can mitigate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Candice Shriver, a human services professor from Massachusetts, noted the realities of many modern students.

“Many of them are taking care of siblings, working part- or full-time jobs, in addition to taking the classes that will help them someday get jobs,” Shriver noted.

Areas for students to separate from the busy world or enjoy nature could prove to greatly aid a positive mentality since these holistic wellness initiatives aim to create a supportive and nurturing campus environment.

Students should also be made aware of other accessible services like telehealth, crisis hotlines, and online therapy services.

The urgency of this multifaceted mental health crisis among college students cannot be overstated. Fortunately, there are innovative solutions on the horizon that show promise in addressing this pressing issue. Statistics show the real impact of the invasion of technology as we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern world, it’s imperative to prioritize mental well-being for coming generations and ensure that they have the tools and support to thrive.