Digital technologies are increasingly integrated into adult occupational, social and relational life. While these technologies provide opportunities for communication, flexibility and access to information and support, they may also contribute to psychological distress through workplace digital overload, social comparison, identity pressures and digitally mediated interpersonal difficulties.This article examines three areas of clinical relevance: workplace digital overload and burnout, the influence of social media on mood and identity, and the impact of digital communication on relationships and emotional regulation. It adopts a contextual and functional perspective, recognising that the psychological effects of digital technology are shaped not only by individual behaviour but also by workplace cultures, organisational expectations, platform design and wider social influences. From a functional perspective, the clinical significance of digital behaviour is considered in relation to its purpose, emotional meaning, antecedents and consequences, rather than by the behaviour or duration of use alone.The article highlights the importance of incorporating digital history-taking into routine mental health assessment. Rather than focusing solely on time spent online, clinicians should explore the function of digital behaviour, associated emotional responses and its effects on occupational functioning, relationships, sleep and psychological wellbeing. A nomothetic approach, identifying common domains of digital experience, can be complemented by an idiographic formulation examining how particular digital behaviours function within an individual's psychological, social and environmental context. Practical intervention strategies, including psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural approaches, behavioural regulation and workplace or relationship-focused interventions where appropriate, are discussed.A balanced clinical approach is advocated that recognises both the potential harms and benefits of digital technologies while supporting person-centred assessment and intervention. Understanding digital behaviour in context and in relation to its function may help clinicians distinguish adaptive and protective technology use from patterns that contribute to psychological distress or maintain existing difficulties.
Digital technologies are increasingly embedded within the social, healthcare and civic environments of older adults. Smartphones, online communication platforms, video-calling applications, digital health services and internet-based information systems may support social connection, independence and access to essential services. However, unequal access to technology, limited digital confidence, cognitive and sensory difficulties and exposure to online misinformation and fraud may also create new forms of exclusion and vulnerability. This article examines the relationship between digital technology, social isolation and wellbeing in later life, considering the interaction between individual characteristics, social relationships and wider structural inequalities. Evidence suggests that digital communication may support wellbeing when it facilitates meaningful social relationships, although technology alone cannot resolve loneliness or social isolation. Digital exclusion may also function as a social determinant of health, particularly as healthcare and public services increasingly move online. Cognitive changes may create difficulties navigating complex digital environments; though, appropriately designed technologies may support memory, independence and communication. From a clinical perspective, assessment should consider digital access, confidence, social connection, cognitive functioning and online safety alongside conventional psychosocial assessment. An integrated approach involving healthcare professionals, social care, community organisations and digital inclusion services may help older adults participate safely and meaningfully in an increasingly digital society.
Bullying is a major public health issue affecting children and youth worldwide. There are several types of bullying (physical, verbal, relational, and cyberbullying) that can occur across various settings, mostly in spaces of limited adult supervision. Bullying has lasting consequences on emotional health and long-term functioning, which warrants a clinical focus. There are several lasting effects associated with bullying across all participants including anxiety, depression, PTSD, isolation, and increased risk of interpersonal violence and substance use later. Providers play a key role in early screening, identification, and intervention regarding bullying. Harm can be mitigated through a vigilant and thoughtful approach to undercovering the patient's role in bullying and instituting recommended changes and referrals. Advocacy is essential to addressing family, school, and societal promotors of this dynamic. This article aims to provide guidance for providers regarding new information on bullying and recommended practices for screening, detection, and intervention.
Following an exploration of sustainable leadership during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic1, this article takes a fresh look at the challenges facing healthcare leaders in a post-pandemic world and the key role compassionate leadership can play in creating humane, effective, compassionate healthcare systems. The need for a radical shift from the current hegemonic industrialised, mechanistic paradigm to a human centred, systems based paradigm has become even more urgent as healthcare systems are showing signs of extreme stress. Leaders in healthcare need to address the causes of burnout, to repair moral injury, to prioritise healthcare staff wellbeing and to ensure professional values align with those of their organisation. I explore the specific qualities and skills needed for compassionate leadership and the foundations for a systems based approach.
Social media use is now embedded in everyday life and plays a significant role in shaping psychological experience, social interaction and identity formation. While these platforms offer opportunities for connection and support, they also introduce clinically relevant risks that can impact mental health across the lifespan. This article examines key digital phenomena associated with adverse psychological outcomes, including cyberbullying, social comparison, fear of missing out (FoMO), and compulsive engagement. These behaviours are explored through both psychological and sociological frameworks, recognising the interaction between individual vulnerability and structural influences such as platform design and digital inequalities.Evidence indicates that these patterns are associated with increased anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep disruption and functional impairment. From a clinical perspective, structured digital history-taking and assessment of behavioural patterns, emotional responses and functional impact are essential. The article outlines practical, evidence-informed approaches to assessment and intervention, including psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural strategies and digital boundary-setting. A balanced approach is emphasised, enabling clinicians to identify clinically significant distress while avoiding the over-pathologisation of normative digital behaviour.
