Research Proposal- Alexa Beaubrun

Alexa Beaubrun
19 October 2022
Vinciguerra
Research Proposal

The commodification of mental health is truly undermining the benefits of the movement. Oftentimes– many struggling with their own battles– whether internal or external turn to online resources to get them out of dark times. This new emergence of online psychotherapy and mental health apps was born out of convenience and positively allows most people to access mental health resources, as long as they have access to the internet. The online help industry is incredibly valuable– and it’s almost understandable why the process of commodification occurs.

I am especially interested in this topic because I have been a short time user of many of these resources. Apps such as Calm, and Headspace were meditation apps that I used over the course of my developing teenage years to cope with my surroundings and balance my energy. I used to be particularly fond of the app Headspace for its features, bright colors, and eye-catching user interface. I was appreciative of not only the marketing of the app– but the message that it sold. Founder of Headspace, Andy Puddicome was able to transform the concept of Buddhist Meditation and both break the concept down while also Americanizing it. When integrating another culture into American culture, I always feel like the original culture should be preserved, honored, and respected. I unfortunately do not think that capitalizing off Buddhist cultural ideals to make a profit to mentally distraught people, is appropriate at hand. If meditation apps were not capitalizing off of mentally ill people through expensive subscription plans and in-app purchases. Ultimately, I care about the message and integrity that the mental health industry is sending, and what message is sent when everyone deserves to have access to the best resources, as long as they are able to pay?

Currently, there are four resources right now that are able to adequately support my argument. One of these sources is able to give insight into the cultural aspects of mental health as well as discuss the changes that mindfulness has gone through after being integrated into American society. Incorporating these sources into my paper will not be difficult, as these quotes will be able to enhance and fuel my argument to a stronger level.

There is an urgent need for open access to mental health resources for the public. The strife of everyday, bustling life is enough to weigh on anyone’s mental health— and that isn’t even regarding mental illness. Because of this reason, it does not sit right that meditation apps— a space to escape stress and bills— should be bombarding users with monetarily reminders that they’re plan isn’t good enough. Or that they can have better access to these resources if only they paid more. Mental health resources on the internet should not be something that is profited off of the lives of everyday civilians. People are in need, and deserve to have top tier access even if they cannot pay the full amount.