Thursday 24 September 2015

(4) Social media 'rehab': Is a 24/7 texting helpline really the best method?

Link: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/social-media-rehab-is-a-247-texting-helpline-really-the-best-method-10511772.html





Summarise:

Academic studies have linked apps such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to symptoms of depression, anxiety and general dissatisfaction. Created in 2012, the Talkspace app offers text-based therapy. The launch includes an installation in New York's Flatiron District, where passersby are encouraged to look in a mirror and use the hashtag #reflectreality. "There's a line in therapy: you have to start where they are, if you can't meet your client where they are in the world, you can't help someone. We need to meet them where they are, however they feel comfortable," said Nicole Amesbury

Key data/statistical information:
  • provided by 200 therapists to its current 150,000 registered users
  • Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg reported in the company's 2014 second-quarter results is that the average user in the United States spends 40 minutes per day on Facebook
  • Britons spend one hour and 20 minutes each day managing an average of four social networks
  • the cost of Talkspace's social media-dependency plan is $399 (£250)
  • Unlimited messaging therapy on the app costs $100 (£65) per month – with 24/7 access to a dedicated therapist.

What's my view?

I think that it is a good idea to try and get through to people in that way because you do have start where they are. 

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