LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Apple users can now register and track their emotions using Apple’s new software upgrades for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
Despite the fact that Apple is not the first tech firm to provide this function, it raises worries about the efficacy of mood-tracking applications, particularly in light of the growing mental health issues.
Associate Professor of biostatistics, Jukka-Pekka Onnela, discussed the process of mood tracking. The fact that Apple is addressing mental health is a good step, in Onnela’s opinion.
The software uses a technique that many businesses already employ: self-reporting. Ensuring that consumers continue to self-report over an extended period of time is the problem. It might be a game-changer if Apple manages to do this.
However, mood tracking has its limits. The majority of mental health techniques rely mainly on self-reporting, which can be challenging to maintain over time.
Data collection becomes sporadic for chronic disorders that need self-reporting across years, but it is viable for acute conditions when users self-report daily for a shorter length of time.
The value of self-reporting may also be limited by severe mental diseases like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, since patients may not be aware of their own behaviors and moods.
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Statistical bias can also have an impact on self-reports since people may not want to report on their good or bad days.
While keeping track of one’s mood is a start, the goal of these applications is to gather data and offer practical advice.
Improved assessment is essential for treating mental health, and cellphones have the potential to revolutionize this field.
However, management requires seeking out clinical assistance. Measuring one’s mood may be a useful and informative intervention that aids people in seeing trends or anomalies.
It is crucial to take into account how this data is relayed to consumers. Individuals may be badly affected by viewing continuously poor mood data. It highlights the potential use of such information, though.
Particularly in the area of mental health and mood tracking, there is a fine line between tech businesses aiding individuals and invading personal boundaries.
In conclusion, while mood monitoring applications might be helpful for self-awareness and assessment, getting professional support is necessary for effective management of mental health disorders.