Science News
Investing in the Future: Funder Perspectives on Technology and Youth Mental Health
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On November 13, the Child Mind Institute convened a panel of experts to explore how philanthropic, institutional, and venture funders consider the impact of technology on young people’s mental health as they evaluate projects and invest in new solutions.
The panel was moderated by Lauren McLaughlin, MBA, director in the Office of the Chief Scientist at the Child Mind Institute. Panelists included Kana Enomoto, director of brain health at the McKinsey Health Institute; Gaia Brignone, head of community and communications at Kokoro; and Matthew Brown, head of digital technology, discovery research and mental health at Wellcome Trust.
The panelists discussed lessons learned from the rise of social media, the need for preventative education about digital well-being, and the promise of AI and digital tools to enhance mental health interventions and research. But concerns were raised about the possibility of a “digital divide.” Given the disparities in digital literacy across populations, there’s a risk that digital approaches could “miss the same people who are always missed,” Matthew Brown observed. This conversation underscored the importance of allowing researchers to access real-world data — like data tech companies collect on users — to guide future investments.
Turning to current trends, the panelists highlighted a growing focus on participatory and youth-driven designs that reflect the values and lived experiences of users, as well as equity-centered designs, which prioritize accessibility, affordability, and availability. These approaches aim to create mental health care solutions that are inclusive and impactful for a diverse range of people.
This conversation is part of the Child Mind Institute’s webinar series on Technology and Youth Mental Health, which aims to build consensus among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders on how to use tech to improve mental health outcomes for young people — and how to prevent negative effects. The series is made possible by our partner and funder, the California Department of Health Care Services.
