Annabelle Crainic

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Since the impact of physical pain are often more noticeable than mental health problems, the latter is often overlooked or underestimated. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults in the US lives with a mental illness. While the health technology has mostly been focused on treating physical illnesses, considerable improvements are happening in terms of technological support aimed at mental health (Consumer Technology Association, 2020).

Technology has provided support by simply enabling anyone to send a text message to contact a crisis center (Whittle, 2020). There have also been apps which monitor user’s behavioral patterns and can send a signal when an unusual behavior occurs to prevent a crisis (Whittle, 2020). Technology has enabled connected devices and lead to a slowly growing acceptance and acknowledgement of mental health problems. Digital therapeutics decreases the perceived judgement for patients, making them more willing to share their health information (Consumer Technology Association, 2020). Software in health care apps is being standardized which will contribute to telemedicine and substantial improvements have been made in detecting PTSD as well as helping calm the symptoms and anxiety (Consumer Technology Association, 2020).

According to recent research, the effect of corona on mental health depends on people’s socio-economic context, age group and pre-existing issues (Whittle, 2020). Overall, however, mental health has never gotten as much attention and importance as during the current pandemic, especially due to confinement (Vial, 2020). Young people are the most affected and people who had mental health issues prior to the crisis are experiencing considerably more anxiety and loneliness, with suicide rates worryingly increasing (Whittle, 2020). Many of the supports for people with mental health issues (eg therapy, training courses, volunteering) were abruptly interrupted. Especially the lack of support usually provided by peers and communities is affecting the patients (Vial, 2020).

It has been found that VR among others can contribute to fighting mental illnesses as it can aid in diagnosing patients in their own scenario, detecting conditions such as ADHD, autism and schizophrenia (Whittle, 2020). It can also be used as a distraction technique to calm patients and reduce anxiety – known as the escapism treatment. Considering the shortage of qualified doctors and long waiting lists, technology could be a good support. Nevertheless, there are thousands (and growing) mental health apps available and yet there is no clear evidence on their effectiveness. The question is therefore whether these technological contributions may only be providing pseudo treatments which will in the long run worsen the situation…

Sources:

https://www.med-technews.com/features/the-effect-of-lockdown-on-mental-health-and-how-vr-can-help/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/technology-and-the-future-of-mental-health-treatment/index.shtml

https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-new-technologies-can-help-maintain-mental-health-in-times-of-crisis-136576

https://www.ces.tech/Articles/2020/Mindful-Technology-How-Tech-Is-Helping-with-Menta.aspx

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After repeated scandals at big tech companies such as Google and Facebook, ‘Techlash’ became the Financial Times’ Year in a Word 2018. It represents the loss of trust and growing hostility of the public towards large platform technology providers such as the Faangs (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google) and the Chinese Bats (Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent). Issues revolved around privacy violations and election manipulation for instance and the consequence was a drop in share prices.

Word In a Year 2018 - Financial Times — *Word In a Year 2018 – Financial Times*

In 2019 the question was thus how these firms were going to react to regain their customers’ trust. Most companies were dreading more regulations, which would affect their business models and most likely entail a fall in stock prices similar to 2018. The Economist identified some of the most popular ideas that were being considered to control the companies’ influence, including breaking them up and preventing further acquisitions. Additionally, the threat of a trade war became apparent with altercations between the U.S. and China.

Big tech firms were facing a considerable challenge and there was no obvious solution to it. Nevertheless, in 2020 – the covid-19 year – Financial Times published an article claiming the techlash was over. They argued that despite the persistence of bad press and regulations around tech firms, they provide consumers with products they want. The incredible results of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and even Tesla, as well as the success of Disney’s streaming platform have confirmed this shift and lifted any worry of a saturated market. Similarly, Wired sees a turning point and specifically mentions Facebook – which was considered the poster child for techlash – as profiting from corona.

FAANG's unprecedented growth in the crisis year — *FAANG’s unprecedented growth in the crisis year*

It is argued that while the public has not forgotten about their past mistakes, the focus has shifted onto the companies’ current actions. For instance, Facebook has become a comforter during social distancing, Google has greatly contributed in terms of Covid-19 testing and Amazon has become consumers’ personal supply chain. Among the pandemic, it is one of the only industries that did not falter, the firms have helped the economy stay afloat and kept people connected to one another. Rather than facing more regulation, the pressure for antitrust seems to fade compared to fighting the issues, there is even talk of relaxing certain policies.

The question remains however, with unprecedented billion-dollar fines for tech companies in recent years, has the techlash really been solved or is corona simply putting it on hold? Will tech companies take advantage of their current position to better themselves or will they have to face an even more substantial backlash in the future?

Comment down below what you believe will most likely happen and what attitude you have towards the FAANGs and their growing importance. If you are interested and want to dive deeper, here are some interesting sources about the topic.

Sources

https://www.ft.com/content/a49b002a-4997-11ea-aee2-9ddbdc86190d

https://www.ft.com/content/76578fba-fca1-11e8-ac00-57a2a826423e

https://www.economist.com/briefing/2018/01/20/the-techlash-against-amazon-facebook-and-google-and-what-they-can-do

https://www.brookings.edu/techstream/covid-and-the-future-of-techlash/

https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-has-the-coronavirus-killed-the-techlash/

https://www.politico.eu/article/tech-policy-competition-privacy-facebook-europe-techlash/