Issue 3/2025

When risky behaviour meets technology: new challenges for mental health

This issue presents a collection of the research studies focusing on the current challenges in the field of mental health, addictive behaviour, and technological transformations that influence the behaviour of individuals and societies.The common sign running through the contributions is an emphasis on understanding the mechanisms that shape risky behaviour, treatment decisions, and individuals’ adaptation to changing social and digital environments.

The authors of the first study examined people’s knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward addictive substances, as well as how these factors influence treatment decisions. If people do not have sufficient knowledge about substance use disorders, this may influence their decisions about seeking treatment, as well as where to seek medical and therapeutic treatment. The authors call for the need to intensify programs aimed at raising awareness about drug use, its consequences, and treatment.

The authors of the second study assessed the presence of borderline personality organization in individuals with a history of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and examined its relationship to the frequency, dynamics, and form of NSSI. They found that the presence of borderline personality organization in the psychological profiles of most Czech respondents indicates a potential influence on the development or course of NSSI. The study demonstrated gender differences and the need to examine more severe forms of NSSI.

The third study offers readers the results of research in the field of internet gaming. The author draws attention to the global increase in online gaming and the development of diagnoses related to internet gaming. Using a network analysis, she examined symptom patterns, identified central and peripheral criteria, and explored the relationships between internet gaming disorder symptoms and motivational constructs from self-determination theory. The study’s findings are a strong call for the design of prevention and intervention programmes targeting specific motivations.

Mobile phone addiction is also related to Internet addiction. Nomophobia is the fear of losing access to a mobile phone or the Internet. It is increasingly common among students, which can significantly negatively affect their ability to concentrate, the quality of their social relationships, and their academic performance. This important topic is addressed in the fourth research study. Its conclusions point to the need for more methodologically robust longitudinal research based on strong theoretical platforms that would allow for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which nomophobia is related to students’ academic functioning.

The fifth study also remains in the field of technology. In it, the authors provide an overview of the historical development of artificial intelligence applications in the field of mental health, an overview of trends, as well as risks and ethical considerations. The results of the study reveal some interesting facts. For example, it was found that in the field of mental health, the use of artificial intelligence focuses mainly on diagnosis, monitoring, and personalized interventions. It was also important to map risks such as artificial intelligence hallucinations, lack of transparency, and data protection. Based on this, the current position of artificial intelligence in the field of mental health and its main importance in complementing human expertise were also determined.

In conclusion, the studies included in this issue collectively point to the growing complexity of issues in the field of mental health, addiction, and risky behaviour in the context of a  dynamically changing social and digital environment. The research presented emphasizes that effective prevention and intervention require not only a deeper understanding of individual psychological mechanisms, but also systematic awareness-raising, access to professional help, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The integration of traditional psychological and psychiatric approaches with new analytical methods and technological tools, including artificial intelligence, is of particular importance. At the same time, the studies emphasise the need for a critical and responsible approach to the use of digital technologies in the field of mental health, with an emphasis on ethical aspects, transparency, and the protection of sensitive data.

We believe that the published studies will contribute to professional discussion, stimulate further empirical research, and support the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies that respond to current challenges in the field of mental health. At the same time, we hope that this issue will be an inspiring source of knowledge for readers, which they will be able to use in clinical practice, research, and public policy-making.

Prof. Beata Gavurova
Executive Editor of Addictology
beata [dot] gavurova [at] lf1 [dot] cuni [dot] cz