Can actors use technology to help their mental well being?
It is no secret that actors, singers and other people in the public eye can be negatively affected by intense social and personal pressure.
This, in part, has long been attributed to the widely perceived and accepted notion of the “Mad Genius” hypothesis, which essentially states that creative people, ranging from artists like Van Gogh to actors like Heath Ledger, are more likely to live with some form of mental illness or disorder. Even Plato referred to the creativity–madness link as “divine madness,” explaining that “all the good poets are not in their right mind when they make their beautiful songs.”
Data shows there is no direct correlation between psychological disorders and creative people. While research findings have supported the notion that psychologically healthy, biological relatives of people with schizophrenia have unusually creative jobs and hobbies and tend to show higher levels of schizotypal personality traits compared to the general population, there is no substantial evidence to support the notion that creativity and “madness” are linked.
Actors are certainly not immune from mental illness though, especially when the roles they play leave them struggling with depression, anxiety and PTSD. Whether it’s the volatility of creative expression, the long hours worked, or the intense pressure to maintain a particular image or lifestyle, working center stage in the entertainment industry takes its toll on many.
Actors like Adrien Brody in “The Pianist”, Shelley Duvall in “The Shining” and Heath Ledger in “Batman” are both examples of roles and on-set experiences that took a heavy toll on the professionals.
The question remains: what can actors or other creatives do to help their mental well being while undergoing intense roles?
Innovative solutions are emerging to bolster the mental well-being of people, including those of actors. One of the organizations at the forefront is MetaBrain Labs, an upcoming neurotech company.
MetaBrain Labs has brought together the fusion of wearable tech with a chatbot, providing actors with immersive experiences to improve their mindset. Their platform can help actors work through underlying mental scenarios that they wouldn’t have been able to figure out on their own. Which restructures their mindsets and can help them become their character or wind down after a long day of production.
This is all being done with the help of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology. Their innovative tools interact directly with brain signals, empowering actors with the ability to consciously influence their mental states. Whether it’s transitioning seamlessly between roles, tapping into specific emotions for a scene, or merely seeking a balanced mental space, MetaBrain’s BCIs offer actors an unparalleled path to comprehend and navigate their cognitive realms at their own pace.
Moreover, these cutting-edge devices provide real-time insights into various physiological indicators. Such data-driven feedback is invaluable for actors, allowing them to understand, and subsequently regulate, their stress levels and emotional responses.
In addition to hardware, MetaBrain Labs also boasts its “lie detection” chatbots. Designed to intuitively respond to an actor’s emotional landscape, these chatbots facilitate deep, reflective conversations. By doing so, they aid actors in traversing their complex emotions, offering evidence-based coping techniques tailored to each individual’s needs.
“Mastering a character’s persona requires skill and dedication, but imagine having the ability to tailor your personality to your role effortlessly. That’s precisely what the MetaBrain Chatbot excels at – guiding users to adapt their personalities. While its primary purpose is helping individuals unlearn maladaptive thoughts, it can also facilitate temporary shifts in personality. The Chatbot offers a valuable boost for those seeking personalized personality modifications, and the ability to switch back to their authentic self or transition to the next character is just a tap away,” Alexandrea Day, Founder and CEO of MetaBrain Labs.
In the ever-evolving realm of the performing arts, actors continually push boundaries to authentically convey their characters, often putting their mental well-being at risk. The pressure to immerse oneself deeply into a role, coupled with societal expectations and the occasional myth of the “Mad Genius,” can weigh heavily on their psyche. However, with the fusion of technology and well-being strategies, there’s a glimmer of hope for these professionals. From VR and AR meditations that offer an escape, to BCIs and feedback devices that offer insights, to AI-driven apps that provide immediate emotional support, technology offers a myriad of solutions. Yet, the underlying message is clear: while technology can be a beneficial aid, it’s paramount for those in the limelight to prioritize self-care, seek support, and remember that their well-being is just as significant as their artistry.
