Mental Health on the Internet: Opportunity or Danger?

Abstract

The explosion of Internet content relevant to mental health means there are many and varied avenues to obtaining information online about mental health topics. The Internet is always available and has copious amounts of information which can be located easily, anonymously, and generally without cost. Accessibility to the Internet has increased so much that most people in developed countries have either a personal device with Internet connectivity (87% in the US, 90% in the UK) or free access via computers in public spaces, such as a local library. In addition to information, there are online groups that purport to provide help and support to those with particular mental disorders. In this chapter, we explore two major themes: the quality of online information and diagnostic tools, and the value of online group support platforms.