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Need a Break from Social Media and AI Chatbots? Here’s How to Do it
- By John Torous, M.D., and Nicole M. Benson, M.D., MBI
Whether you are a teen or anyone who has ever used social media (more than 80% of the US population (1)) or tried an AI chatbot, you’ve probably noticed two digital forces pulling for your attention at the same time: social media feeds that never end and AI chatbots that always want to answer. Neither is inherently “good” or “bad.” But both can quietly reshape mood, sleep, stress, and how you cope, especially when they become the default way to unwind, vent, or avoid hard feelings. Up to 95% of teenagers are active online (2).
Vocal Biomarkers for Mental Health: Diagnosing Mental Disorders with a Short Voice Recording
Researchers are exploring the use of speech and voice analysis, assisted by artificial intelligence, to help diagnose depression and other mental illnesses. While not yet ready for use in practice, the research on the potential effectiveness and uses of artificial intelligence-driven speech and voice analysis as a biomarker for mental health conditions continues to accumulate.
A Single, Short Training May Improve Coping with Uncertainty and Mental Well-Being
Most adults and young people face a great deal of uncertainty in their lives, which can impact mental health. Previous research has found that young adults may be especially vulnerable to the impacts of uncertainty and experience greater psychological distress. A half-hour training program could help young adults cope with uncertainty and therefore improve mental health and well-being, a recent study found.
Loneliness Across Age Groups: New Guidelines Offer Suggestions for Social Connection
In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory titled Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in America. The report emphasizes the importance of social connections — relationships with friends, family, colleagues, and community members — as a key aspect of public health, and notes that “far too many Americans lack social connection in one or more ways.” Loneliness and isolation can have significant physical and mental health impacts, including increased risk for heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression and dementia.
Narcolepsy: An Overwhelming Need to Sleep
Fatigue and sleepiness are common, especially among people with mental health conditions. However, narcolepsy is more than just being tired. People with narcolepsy experience periods of an irrepressible need to sleep or lapsing into sleep (“sleep attacks”) multiple times within the same day.