Apart of Me

I would rate this app 4 out of 5 stars. My rating is based primarily on the app’s functionality and how accessible it is for teens. Being free and available across multiple platforms makes it especial beneficial, as it is accessible to everyone and not restricted to a specific group. The overall culture of the app is inclusive, which contributes to its strong rating. I also appreciate how intimate and personal the app feels. It provides teens facing grief, loss, or other mental health challenges with a safe space to cope, heal, and explore their emotions, something many teens struggle to do. The app functions like a personal journal that users can access at any time on their phones, which is especially valuable since teens spend much of their time on their devices. It is easily within reach and can serve as an outlet during moments of crisis or when support is needed. Additionally, the app offers educational external resources, which are essential for users who may require further professional help. For example, it connects teens to organizations such as HealGrief.org, the Association for Death Education and Counseling, Jessica’s House, and A Caring Hand, all of which specialize in supporting teens during times of crisis. This makes the app especially beneficial, as it serves as a bridge to mental health services. The app also does a phenomenal job of checking in with users through pop-up messages that ask how they are feeling. By responding to the simple question, “How are you?”, users receive personalized suggestions, such as meditation techniques to help manage their emotions. Additionally, the app breaks down different emotions and explains how they may present, helping teens better identify and understand what they are feeling based on their symptoms.However, it is also important to recognize that many adolescents are reluctant to engage in traditional therapeutic conversations about feelings and may shut down if asked to focus on their emotions without natural, meaningful interaction or support from others, which can limit an app’s ability to fully meet their relational needs (Edgette, 2012) The reason I did not rate this app 5 stars is that I believe it would be more effective if it included a social component that allows teens to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. Human interaction is an important part of healing from grief or loss, and having that connection can help teens feel less alone or different from others. Research on adolescent social networks suggests that social networking behaviors are deeply embedded in teens lives and influence their communication styles, identity development, and relationships, highlighting the developmental importance of peer connections during this stage of life (Murphy et al., 2013). In addition, adolescents use of social networks affects how they interact with family systems and peers, emphasizing the need for supportive social ties in therapeutic contexts (Murphy et al., 2013).  While the app does share personal stories, it does not provide a space for users to form meaningful connections or openly discuss the emotions that may arise from hearing those stories. Without opportunities for real peer interaction whether through moderated groups, shared experiences, or discussions adolescents may miss out on valuable peer support that could reduce isolation and promote healthier emotional processing. Instead lead teens to make unhealthy or unsafe choices. Research on technology use and mental distress highlights that when teens are left alone with only automated bots, they can become more emotionally isolated and reliant on artificial responses rather than real human connection. For example, in a New York Times article about a teenager who communicated suicidal thoughts to an AI chatbot and ultimately died by suicide, people close to him observed that he increasingly turned inward and relied solely on the technology instead of seeking support from friends or family around him (Hill, 2025). Such reports emphasize the risks that lack of human social support and interaction can contribute to worsening emotional outcomes and lead vulnerable teens toward unhealthy or unsafe choices.  Incorporating a social networking aspect would allow teens to build friendships or a support system with peers who share similar experiences. This could create a stronger sense of community and potentially open opportunities for safe, supportive interactions beyond the app when appropriate.

by Ag***** 2026-02-03

Please add circle control for moving the character

by Ha***** 2025-01-01