THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN ENHANCING MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

This systematic review explores the evolving landscape of mental health advocacy through the lens of technology, investigating its role, impact, and future directions. Tracing historical perspectives, from grassroots movements to digital revolutions, the review analyzes the integration of social media, mobile applications, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence in advocacy efforts. Identified factors influencing effectiveness include accessibility, user engagement, privacy, cultural sensitivity, integration with traditional approaches, and collaborative partnerships. Privacy protection, inclusivity, quality assurance, stigma reduction, and user autonomy are ethical considerations. Future directions emphasize personalized AI interventions, gamification, VR/AR applications, telehealth integration, and community-centric platforms. Balancing innovation with ethical practice is critical for realizing technology's potential in fostering a more connected, informed, and supportive mental health advocacy landscape. Keywords: Mental Health Advocacy, Technology, Digital Innovation, Ethical Considerations, Inclusivity.