Virtual Communities, Machine Learning and IoT: Opportunities and Challenges in Mental Health Research

Abstract

Mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety and depression are on the rise worldwide. Health virtual communities (VCs) is a rising paradigm that has proven to be efficient and effective in delivering mental health interventions that address self-management, diagnosis and treatment targeting people facing mental health challenges. However, current Health VCs have limited application; they lack the ability to provide access to coordinated services and to continuously collect and integrate data originating from different devices in a streamlined manner. The Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning represent a unique opportunity to expand the Health Virtual Community applications in the mental health domain; however, they represent a unique situation where challenges arise. This article will discuss the opportunities and challenges that virtual communities, machine learning and IoT represent for mental health research.