In the Problem Lies the Solution: How Digital Mindfulness Can Address the College Students’ Mental Health Crisis and Support Holistic Education Authors
Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education August 1, 2026 DOI: 10.25035/jche.04.02.10 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | Argues that digital mindfulness and technology-assisted contemplative practices, including neurofeedback-loop meditation platforms, virtual reality meditation instruction, and artificial intelligence, could help address the mental health crisis among college students and support a holistic education integrating science, spirituality, and whole-person development. |
Abstract
The mental health of today’s college students remains a serious concern. The alarming trend of greater psychological distress among undergraduates shows no signs of slowing. Excessive smartphone usage, screen time, and social media have been attributed as partial factors. However, what if forms of digital mindfulness and technology-assisted contemplative practices are the key to assisting students with stress, anxiety, depression and other problems? In this article, the author posits that innovations, such as neurofeedback-loop meditation platforms that dramatically increase focus, virtual reality platforms featuring in depth-meditation instruction, and Artificial Intelligence have the potential to address the crisis, establishing a refreshed form of holistic education, where science, spirituality, and whole-person education coexist.