Mental Health Apps vs Therapists: PTE Essay Question with Sample Answers - Page 2

Your task

Read the essay question below, then write 200 to 300 words in response.

“Many people now rely on mobile apps for mental health support instead of seeing a therapist.Is this a positive shift or a cause for concern? Support your point of view with reasons and/or examples from your own experience.”

30 community answers with AI feedback

SCORE 26/26

Many people today rely on mobile apps for mental health support instead of visiting a therapist, and this change has both positive aspects and reasons for concern. In my opinion, while these apps are helpful, they should not completely replace professional therapy. On the positive side, mental health apps are easily accessible and affordable. People can use them anytime and anywhere, which is essentially useful for those who live in remote areas or feel uncomfortable talking face-to-face about personal issues. These apps offer features such as mood tracking, meditation, breathing exercises, and self-help guidance, which can help users manage stress and anxiety in daily life. From my own experience, using a meditation app helped me improve my focus and reduce stress during busy periods. However, there are serious concerns about relying only on apps. Mental health issues can be complex, and apps cannot fully understand emotions or provide personalized treatment like a trained therapist. In severe cases such as depression or trauma, lack of professional support may delay proper treatment and worsen the condition. In conclusion, mental health apps are a useful support tool, but they should be seen as a complement rather than a replacement for professional therapy. A balanced approach combining technology and expert care is the best solution.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay fully addresses the prompt, reformulates the issue in own words, and provides convincing arguments with relevant examples.

Grammar:

Consistent grammatical control of complex language is evident with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout according to standard conventions.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire, including idiomatic expressions.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, conveying ideas with ease and precision.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has an effective logical structure with a clear and cohesive argument. Paragraphs are well-organized and logically sequenced.

SCORE 25/26

The surge in mobile apps for mental health, often used in palace of traditional therapy, represents a complex, dual faceted shift offering unprecedented access while raising significant clinical concerns. On one hand, this shift is highly positive, especially in addressing accessibility barriers. For millions, these apps provide on demand support, breaking down stigma and offering affordable, tools for managing anxiety or tracking mood, In my experience, using a cognitive behavioral app like woebot for daily mindfulness exercises provides a sense of control and helps bridge the gap between sessions, reinforcing skills in real time. It acts as a personal therapist when professional help is too expensive or inconvenient. However, there is significant cause for concern, particularly when apps are used as a replacement rather than a supplement to professional care. A major drawback is the lack of evidence based, clinical validation for many of the thousands of available apps. Unlike a trained psychologist, apps cannot provide empathy, nuance, or human connection, which are critical for healing. Furthermore, many apps lack robust data privacy, with some even sharing user data with advertisers, which is deeply unethical. From personal experience, a generic, "one size fits all" app often fails to address the deep rooted, contextual nature of specific personal problems. Ultimately, while mobile apps are fantastic for proactive wellness and symptom tracking, relying solely on them for serious, or complex mental health issues is a dangerous trend that may delay necessary professional intervention. They are best utilized as a supportive tool alongside, not instead of, a licensed human therapist.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay fully addresses the prompt with a balanced view, specific examples, and a nuanced argument.

Grammar:

Consistent grammatical control of complex language with rare errors.

Spelling:

Contains exactly one spelling error.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire with appropriate use of vocabulary.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, conveying ideas with precision throughout.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a clear, logical structure with a well-developed introduction and conclusion, and ideas are cohesively organized.

SCORE 25/26

In recent years, many individuals have begun relying on mobile applications for mental health support instead of consulting professional therapists. While this shift offers certain advantages, it is also a cause for concern due to limitations in quality and personalization. This trend is largely driven by the increasing use of smartphones and the growing awareness of mental health issues, making support more accessible but not necessarily more reliable. One clear benefit of mental health apps is accessibility. These platforms are often affordability, available at any time, and provide immediate support, which can be especially helpful for people in remote areas or those hesitant to seek therapy. For instance, a student experiencing anxiety may use a guided meditation app to manage stress before exams, gaining quick relief without needing an appointment. However, these apps cannot replace the depth and expertise of trained therapist. Mental health conditions are often complex and require personalized diagnosis and treatment, which apps are not equipped to provide. Relying solely on apps may lead to misinterpretation of symptoms or delayed professional help, potentially worsening the condition over time. In conclusion, although mobile apps make mental health support more accessible and convenient, they should be seen as a supplement rather than a replacement for professional therapy, as overdependence on them may pose serious risks.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay fully addresses the prompt with depth, reformulating the issue in own words and expanding on points with specificity. The argument is supported with relevant examples.

Grammar:

Shows consistent grammatical control of complex language. Errors are rare.

Spelling:

Contains exactly one spelling error ('affordability' should be 'affordable').

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire is evident.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, articulating ideas with precision. Errors, if present, are minor.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has an effective logical structure, flows smoothly, and is easy to follow. The argument is clear, cohesive, and ideas are well-organized into paragraphs.

SCORE 25/26

The growing reliance on mobile application for mental health support has sparked debate about whether this trend is beneficial or problematic. In my views, while such apps offer convenience and accessibility, they should not replace professional therapy entirely. On the one hand, mental health apps provides immediate and affordable support to users. Many individuals hesitate to visit therapists due to stigma, cost, or lack of availability. In such cases, apps offering meditation, mood tracking, and self-help techniques can be extremely helpful. For example, a student experiencing stress may use a mindfulness app to manage anxiety effectively without needing immediate professional intervention. On the other hand, these application cannot fully substitute trained therapists. Mental health issues are often complex and require personalized diagnosis and treatment. Apps rely on general algorithms, which may not address deeper psychological conditions. In severe cases, depending solely on apps could delay proper care and worsen the situation. For instance, someone with depression may not receive the emotional understanding and guidance that a therapist can provide. In conclusion, although mobile apps are a useful supplement to mental health care, relying on them entirely is a cause of concern. A balanced approach, combining technology with professional support, is the most effective way to ensure overall well-being.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay fully addresses the prompt, presenting a balanced argument with depth and specificity, supported by relevant examples.

Grammar:

The essay demonstrates consistent grammatical control with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire with appropriate use of vocabulary.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately with minor errors.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a clear, logical structure with well-developed paragraphs and effective use of connective devices.

SCORE 24/26

In today's society, many people now rely on mobile apps for mental health support instead of seeing a therapist. While some people believe that the mental health support apps are better to rely on, others argue that seeing a therapist is much reliable. In this essay, both sides of the topic will be discussed followed by my opinion. Supporters of mental health app argue that it is convenient and self-paced. This means, apps allow users to work on their mental health at their own pace, and also allows people to access support anytime and anywhere. For instance, someone living in a small town with no nearby therapists can use apps like Calm to manage anxiety. Opponents of mental health app contend that there is a risk of misdiagnosis and lack of personalization. This means, users may rely on apps instead of seeking professional help which delays the treatment, and some apps are generalized and cannot always address complex mental health issues. For instance, someone with severe depression or PTSD may need tailored therapy sessions, not a generic app exercise. Additionally, real therapists provide empathy, understanding, and emotional support that apps cannot fully replicate. In conclusion, while mental health apps can have benefits like accessibility, affordability, and convenience, they can also have drawbacks like lack of personalization, limited emotional support, and potential privacy risks. In my opinion, relying solely on apps is concerning, and professional therapy remains essential for serious mental health issues.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay fully addresses the prompt, presenting a balanced view with well-supported arguments and relevant examples.

Grammar:

The essay shows consistent grammatical control of complex language with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire is evident, suitable for the topic.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, with clear communication of ideas and minor language errors.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It uses connective devices effectively, though transitions could be smoother.

SCORE 23/26

Nowadays, it is widely contended that mobile apps can be a positive shift for mild stress, anxiety, or habit building, to have a positive or negative impact on society. But at the same time, there is also a counterargument among some sections of people that mental health data is sensitive, but not all apps have strong protections. However, I would like to subscribe to the notion that some people feel shy or stigmatized about therapy apps offering a private and non-judgmental space to explore mental health. The reason I say that is because it bestows us with numerous benefits, the most remarkable of which is that therapy sessions can be expensive, while many apps are free or much cheaper. For instance, a young professional who can't afford eighteen hundred pounds per therapy session can still track moods and learn coping skills through free apps. Last but by no means least, someone dealing with a mild social anxiety may start with an app before they feel ready to see a therapist face-to-face. On the other hand, the worst possible loss from this is that apps use general programs not tailored to therapy, serious issues like depression, trauma, or suicidal thoughts need a professional. At this juncture, citing an example would be apt for what has been claimed here: a person with PTSD may find meditation apps insufficient and even frustrating when their symptoms don't improve. Considering all of the above, people might delay seeing a therapist, believing the app alone is enough, which could worsen their condition. Saying that, and driven by my personal experiences, I strongly believe the optimum result we should implement apps like Calm or headphones to let people access stress relief techniques anytime any anywhere, but it cannot replace professional therapy for deeper psychological issues.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay adequately addresses the prompt with a persuasive argument and relevant examples, though lacks some depth.

Grammar:

Consistent grammatical control with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, with occasional errors.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a conventional structure with clear arguments, though transitions could be smoother.

SCORE 23/26

In today's world technology is increasing rapidly with now even medication available online. Individuals are now dependent on mobile apps for mental health support rather than consulting a therapist. Many people believe that this is a positive change in our society while others argue that this shift is a cause of concern. My view is that the benefits of these shifts in our society outweigh its disadvantages. This essay will explore the advantages of people shifting to online mode for seeking mental health support and demonstrate why they hold greater significance compared to its disadvantages. To begin with, one prominent advantage is the accessibility to strengthen mental health available all the time. People can have access to mental health support anytime they want according to their time eliminating the need of booking appointments prior to consulting a therapist and having a long waiting period. For instance, if someone is feeling low mentally at midnight they can use the technology and apps available to help improve mental health rather than waiting for the next day to consult a therapist. Despite the benefits the use of technology to help improve mental health offers it also presents several disadvantages too. One notable drawback is that there is an increase in the number of online frauds happening in this field. People are being fooled in the name of improving mental health and are paying huge amounts of money to the third party apps. These disadvantages highlight the need for proactive measures to address these issues. In conclusion, while seeking mental health support online has its disadvantages the advantages it offers are undeniable. Therefore, it is evident that the benefits of these shifts outweigh its drawbacks, reinforcing its importance on modern society.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay adequately addresses the prompt with a persuasive argument and relevant ideas, though it could benefit from more detailed examples.

Grammar:

Demonstrates consistent grammatical control with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire appropriate for the topic.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, with clear expression of ideas and occasional minor errors.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a conventional structure with a clear argument, an introduction, conclusion, and logical paragraphs, though transitions could be smoother.

SCORE 23/26

In the modern world today, many people rely on mobile apps for mental health support instead of seeing a therapist. In my point of view, this is a cause for concern. This essay explores the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile apps for mental health concerns over seeing a therapist. Therapists are trained professionals and they study about the science of treating people. Therapists have experience with dealing with people having all kinds of mental illnesses. For example, a student suffering from depression due to academic pressure can make an appointment with a therapist. He can undergo several sessions of treatments to medically handle the issue in an efficient manner. The doctor may also suggest some medication to help relieve the patient in distress, which a mobile application cannot legally prescribe. Mental health patients, often require human interaction, and it is a part of a right kind of recovery process. Mobile apps fail to provide the human factor. However, not everyone has the resources to gain access to a professional therapist. A mobile phone app is an inexpensive means to get your mental health in order. There are some applications that leverage artificial intelligence technology to understand the patterns in a person and suggest different ways to help an individual undergoing mental health issues. These applications give answers based on data that is fed to them, hence they are not always reliable. Many mobile applications are now responsibly encouraging users to visit a trained medical professional and also giving them the details of a good doctor in their vicinity. In conclusion, it is advisable to visit a therapist than rely on a mobile app.This helps the patient in getting a better and lasting recovery from mental illnesses.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay adequately addresses the prompt, presenting a persuasive argument with relevant ideas and examples, but lacks some depth in exploring the topic.

Grammar:

The essay shows consistent grammatical control with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire, suitable for the topic.

General Linguistic Range:

A variety of expressions and vocabulary are used appropriately, with clear expression of ideas and occasional minor errors.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a conventional structure with clear introduction and conclusion, and uses connective devices effectively, though some transitions could be smoother.

SCORE 23/26

A set of audience is now relying on applications designed to provide mental well-being instead of seeing a trained therapist, and whether this is a positive trend or a cause of concern, I'll try to formulate my points in the further statements. In my humble opinion, the answer weighs towards a negative trend. First, in the age of information technology, people have gotten accustomed to use applications for every need like buying groceries, ordering food, to getting their household chores done, and following the same trend, people have started to believe that applications providing mental health support could help them. In reality, these applications are designed to extract as much data from a user, their answers to questionnaires, the time they spend on the application, etc., so that they could sell this data to advertisers to earn money and call it a day. This is how surveillance capitalism works. In short, these applications are more about data collection terminals than actual supporting apps they claim to help people in their tough times. On the other hand, when one sees a certified therapist, they know their information is safe at trusted hands and their intricacies will not be shared with anyone. Also, when one visits a therapist, they are made to feel comfortable and given an assurance they will be heard thoroughly. Whereas, an application masquerading itself as an mental health support might track each word spoken by an end user to profile them more accurately. This is the difference between an offline and online service. Overall, this is not a positive shift that we are seeing people adopting mobile application for mental health support even though it provides accessibility, and is a growing concern in the society.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay adequately addresses the prompt with a clear stance against mobile apps for mental health, supported by relevant points about data privacy and the difference between apps and therapists.

Grammar:

Shows consistent grammatical control with complex structures and rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

Demonstrates a good command of vocabulary relevant to the topic, with no significant lexical shortcomings.

General Linguistic Range:

Uses a variety of expressions and vocabulary appropriately, with clear communication and minor errors.

Development Structure Coherence:

The essay has a conventional structure with a clear introduction and conclusion, and uses connective devices to link ideas, though transitions could be smoother.

SCORE 23/26

Mobile applications have been getting developed since the advancement of mobile phone technology. Nowadays, we have mobile applications or 'apps' for almost every task a person needs, such as for ordering food to your doorstep, booking flights and hotels, watching movies, listening to music, booking a doctor or any other medical service, booking a cab, banking needs and so on. However, relying on mobile apps for mental health support instead of seeing a therapist is not a positive shift and is a serious cause for concern. For instance, a therapist will have years of experience treating different patients through multiple interactions. Moreover a therapist spent a considerable amount of time and money to receive a degree in the field, therefore they have relevant experience to understand and deal with the needs of a patient and resolve their troubles through calm and collected responses. A mobile app, although very quick to provide resolution to a person's query, cannot respond correctly to emotional needs. For instance, for a person in need of mental support, it may be quick to simply use the application on a mobile phone, ask their query, present their dilemma, and get a quick constructed answer, but it would end up as a theoretical output just like reading a book without understanding the emotions behind it. A patient seeking mental health support doesn't need a theoretical answer to his problems, but they need emotional empathy and guidance through words and gestures. In conclusion, mobile apps should be used for day to day needs and activities which can be performed much faster than manually doing them, but they should not be used for medical reasons and getting medical guidance without an expert's suggestion.

AI Feedback

Form:

Form score is 2

Content:

The essay adequately addresses the prompt with a persuasive argument and relevant ideas, though it could benefit from more examples.

Grammar:

Shows consistent grammatical control of complex language with rare errors.

Spelling:

Spelling is correct throughout the essay.

Vocabulary Range:

Good command of a broad lexical repertoire, appropriate for the topic.

General Linguistic Range: