Paper Short Abstract:

Using the specific case of the virtual platforms as a primary mode of delivering mental health services in Romania during the pandemic, my paper calls for an interdisciplinary approach meant also to reevaluate more generally the ethics of digital platforms.

Paper Abstract:

The rapid expansion of digital technologies and platforms, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has fundamentally reshaped how identities are constructed, perceived, and negotiated in virtual spaces. This transformation underscores the need for a critical ethical framework to address the implications of this digital shift. In virtual environments, users engage in dynamic processes of identity formation and storytelling, often transcending traditional societal norms. These interactions raise pressing ethical questions about privacy, authenticity, consent, and the potential for manipulation within these platforms.

In particular, I aim to focus on how the pandemic catalyzed a global shift in psychiatric care, accelerating the adoption of online platforms as a primary mode of delivering mental health services. This transition has redefined therapeutic dynamics, offering accessibility and continuity of care during a period of widespread physical isolation. However, it has also introduced challenges related to privacy, the therapeutic alliance, and equitable access to technology.

My paper will explore the evolution of online psychiatric approaches, focusing on the opportunities and limitations of digital platforms. Key discussions will include: the ethical considerations of virtual care, the impact of technology on patient-provider relationships, and strategies to address disparities in access to online psychiatric services.

Using the specific case of the platforms as a primary mode of delivering mental health services in Romania during the pandemic, my paper calls for an interdisciplinary approach meant also to reevaluate more generally the ethics of digital platforms, emphasizing the responsibility of all the actors involved in the evolving digital world.