The integration of art and technology has the potential to bring about a sea change in the way we think about and provide for our mental health and overall well-being. It is abundantly clear that we need to take a more proactive approach to addressing these challenges given that one in eight people around the world are living with a mental health disorder and that mental health conditions are a major cause of years lived with disabilities. There are new ways to support one’s mental health and overall wellbeing that can be achieved through the use of art and technology, either individually or in combination.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a clear rise in the utilization of digital technologies to improve health care. People from all over the world have the ability to receive advice and care without having to leave their homes thanks to the proliferation of online programs, tele-health services, stress management apps for smartphones, and e-guides to support individuals who are not specialists. Individuals and families now have easier access to physicians and other practitioners thanks to the availability of online health services, which has also helped to alleviate concerns about travel and costs. Even though online care cannot replace the benefits of visiting a doctor in person, it can help to lower some healthcare barriers by providing immediate feedback, reducing the fear and stigma associated with seeking help, and allowing skilled health providers to reach a wider population group.
In addition to the use of digital technology, the value of art as a tool for supporting mental health and overall wellbeing is becoming increasingly recognized. According to the World Health Organization, “Art can help us emotionally navigate the journey of battling an illness or injury, to process difficult emotions in times of emergency and challenging events.” (Art can help us emotionally navigate the journey of battling an illness or injury). The practice of making art and taking pleasure in it is an effective way to promote holistic wellness and can be a driving force in the healing process. It has been demonstrated that incorporating artistic practices into health care delivery can support positive clinical outcomes for patients.
Research is just starting to show that there is a beneficial connection between art, healing, and health, specifically with regard to the use of movement-based creative expressions and visual art therapy. Making art has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the bloodstream, and a survey of college students in China conducted during the pandemic found that art engagement helped them cope with anxiety and build resilience. Art interventions can elicit a physical response in the body. Making art has been shown to lower these levels.
The effects of combining art and technology are the subject of research being conducted by a number of different organizations. While research conducted at the University of Vienna discovered that viewing art online can significantly lower levels of negative mood, anxiety, and loneliness, a review of peer-reviewed literature conducted by institutions in the United Kingdom revealed that art therapists are increasingly using digital technology to provide art-making therapies to people. The HALE Lab and Johns Hopkins University are also conducting systematic research studies to determine how the combination of art therapy and virtual reality can open up new avenues for the treatment of traumatic brain injury, dementia, and stress.
People can feel more empowered and relieved of anxiety when they view works of public art such as murals. In a similar vein, digital arts and therapies present brand-new opportunities for the built environment to support health and well-being. Outside of the realm of traditional medical services, artists, architects, technologists, and medical professionals are shaking up the ways in which art and technology are utilized. These tools are also able to be found in urban areas, as well as in residential and commercial settings.
The hOMe meditative art is a web-based tool that combines art, sound, and breathwork to create meditative experiences for users through the use of online technologies. It is currently available for private use online as well as public display on screens located in public areas. In the near future, it will also be accessible in the metaverse. As a result of a partnership with LinkNYC, hOMe was presented in hundreds of locations across the city of New York in the month of December 2022.
LinkNYC is removing outdated phone booths in New York City and replacing them with modern digital communications infrastructure. This infrastructure provides free public Wi-Fi as well as access to city services and services provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as mental health support. LinkNYC was founded on the belief that access to digital connectivity is a human right. According to estimates provided by LinkNYC, the hOMe guided breathing exercise and meditation was viewed more than 18 million times by members of the general public. This campaign serves as a powerful illustration of how art and technology can be combined to support mental health and overall wellbeing in public spaces.
The merging of art and technology holds a great deal of potential, but there are also a number of obstacles that need to be taken into consideration. Achieving equitable access to these tools and services is one of the primary challenges that must be overcome. People might not have access to the necessary technology or internet connectivity in certain situations, which prevents them from making use of the digital health resources that are available. In addition, there could be a digital divide in terms of age, gender, and socioeconomic status, all of which could have an effect on how effective these interventions are.
Another obstacle to overcome is making certain that the use of art and technology in mental health care is supported by evidence and is beneficial on a clinical level. The research that has been done on the benefits of combining these two fields has shown some promise; however, additional studies of a more rigorous nature are required to understand the specific mechanisms that underlie these benefits and to develop best practices for implementation.
Last but not least, it is essential to acknowledge that the need for professional mental health care can in no way be replaced by the use of art or technology. Although these tools and interventions may be able to provide additional support, they should be viewed as a supplement to conventional medical treatments rather than a replacement for them.
In conclusion, the marriage of art and technology offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to support mental health and wellbeing in ways that are innovative and easily accessible. As we continue to face global challenges related to mental health, we need to look to creative and interdisciplinary approaches if we are going to develop solutions that are effective. We have the ability to shape the future of mental health care to be more preventative, holistic, and welcoming of all people if we tap into the potential of the arts and of technology.