Welcome to the second episode of the MentalUpdate Podcast! On today's episode we talk about Virtual Reality, Social Exclusion, and Empathy. First we discuss how virtual worlds can be used clinically, and then talk more on how they might be used for personal growth. We also get into social exclusion, and how that may be a risk factor for mental health conditions. Lastly, we explore ways new technology can aid in helping people feel genuinely socially connected.

Look out for future episodes on Thursdays from now on! Also if you are interested in joining our mental hack experiments please comment below or on the blog. (We will be exploring digital tricks and solutions that can benefit our wellbeing, and want to get you to join us. This way we can have more data / evidence showing us tips and tricks work best. Helping us spread the best information.) Comment below with interest!

The MentalUpdate Podcast - Episode 2

On this week's episode we talk about how emerging technologies will evolve and reimagine human-machine interactions. Particularity, we get into research on the effectiveness of robot companions for our elderly, how food supply lines may change, and if machine intelligence can ever empathize or demonstrate with the human condition. 

If you are interested in participating in digital wellbeing experiment with us comment below. We plan to begin experimenting with modern hacks for mental wellbeing. To show if these hacks are actually working we are going to take some baseline measure at the beginning of the experiment and one after. If this sounds fun and interesting to you definitely reach out to us in the comments!

Enjoy!

The MentalUpdate Podcast Episode 3 (Human-Machine Interactions)

On the fourth episode of the MentalUpdate Podcast we talk about the current state of digital mental health tools, as well as developing platforms. Right now the healthcare primary relies on electronic medical records to gain new perspectives on patients. However, as we shift from this eHealth period to iHealth (intelligent health) we will need new criteria to judge and choose our clinical / wellness tools. Check out the episode to see how we can navigate this transition.

Episode 4 - Mental Health Apps (Now and the Future)

Today on the MentalUpdate Podcast we discuss a recent study which found that a once a week training about mindfulness techniques was impactful enough to increase participants daily activity. So engaging in mindfulness training and practice was able to make people more willing to be active. (i.e take the stairs, work in their yard, etc) Then we get into how these interventions and increased activity levels can help reduce symptoms of depression. We also get into mainstream thoughts on alternative antidepressants (non-medication), and how technology can be used in these new models of mental health interventions. 

At the end we discuss a few final questions. We would love to hear your input below!

Will people buy into mindfulness if more research supports its ability to increase physical activity?

How seriously does mainstream thought believe exercise / activity works as a genuine antidepressant?

What technological tools and applications can be used now to help with this? And how to can we even track this process's effects?

Episode 5 - Increase Activity and Decrease Depression with Mindfulness (a Study)

Our 6th episode of the MentalUpdate Podcast is also our FIRST episode of a short series we are doing surrounding digital ethics. over the next few weeks we will be discusses the ethical concerns and philosophy of the most prominent emerging technologies. Particularity, how to best integrate these innovations into our society, and also the guidelines we require from these technologies. Tune in each week to listen to episodes around the ethics of:

AI
Smart Homes / Sustainability of Tech
Produce / Live Stock / Lab Grown Meat
Autonomous Cars
Personal Data / Digital Personhood
...

If there is any topics or ideas you have comment below, or check out the blog at thementalupdate.com

Episode 6 - [Digital Ethics Series 1] Autonomous Cars

Today we explore the world of lab grown meat, and even more thought-provoking the ethics behind the industry. What are the requirements to be "meat"? Can you be a vegetarian / vegan and still eat lab grown meats?  Is the impact to those working in the agricultural industry worth the environmental, health, and humane benefits? Are religious institutions going have to consider and redefine what falls under their doctrine? Andrew and I really approach this topic from a lot of unique angles, so check out this episode and let us know what resonated with you! Also don't forget to look out for the last few episodes of the digital ethics series coming the following weeks.

Episode 7 - [Digital Ethics Series 2] Lab Grown Meat

Recently there has been a lot of talk about what information technology companies know about you. While we move about online our behaviors and preferences are tracked and recorded. We often hear that our information is primarily used to find content and products we would like. However, the implications of letting tech companies determine what we see online are drastic. 

On this episode we talk about how a well-intended technological philosophy resulted in the current state of the internet we see today. Then we touch on how our personal data is being tracked, and more importantly how our data may be used to modify our behavior. Additionally, we touch on how our data could actually increase our wellbeing if we just slightly redesign our business models or algorithms. We also get into what platforms and technologies are being created to counteract the negative effects of personal data collection. 

Check this one out we really get into some interesting detail and discussion. As always subscribe to stay update with the Mental Update Podcast. You can find your favorite podcast provider and subscribe here: smarturl.it/MentalUpdatePodcast

Episode 8 - How Your Personal Data is Modifying Your Behavior

The Future, Technology, and Your Mental Well-Being.

Check out the blog below: