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Google Wants To Monitor Your Mental Health (telegraph.co.uk)

Posted by samzenpus on from the feeling-lucky-and-well-adjusted dept.

New submitter Alypius writes: Dr Tom Insel, the head of the NIH, will be joining Google Life Sciences to research how wearable technology, already used for monitoring physical activity and sleep, can be expanded to cover mental health issues such as depression. Dr. Insel will also be researching how to integrate tech to monitor other aspects of day-to-day living such as calorie and alcohol consumption.

105 comments

  1. Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to monitor by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Here it is:

  2. Hooray! by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I, for one, definitely can't imagine how a plan by one of the world's more prominent advertising and 'consumer analytics' outfits to gather personal information about a heavily stigmatized class of disorders through a channel that will allow them to avoid any restrictions that might have applied to 'protected health information' could possibly go wrong. Seems like a great idea.

    1. Re:Hooray! by bluegutang · · Score: 1

      That was my first thought.

      My second thought is that Google already knows if you have depression from analyzing your email and smartphone usage. So this won't tell them much new.

    2. Re:Hooray! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Don't worry:

      1: The data won't wind up in a ChoicePoint database which will be used by your employer's HR department to find people "at risk" and fire them. Well, with companies having the attitude of "frog-march them out now, let them sue us from a physically safe distance", finding out an employee is feeling depressed won't affect much.

      2: No health insurance company would use that info to raise rates, especially with Obamacare forcing people to pay the $400/month/person premiums or face Federal prison time. Health insurance companies are happy with the profits they are getting and would never jack up someone's premiums

      3: No politician would ever use this data to flag someone as an invalid and force them to hand any guns or other items over.

      4: This data would never be used by an ex-spouse as a way to say that the kids are in mortal danger and kill all rights completely in a divorce.

      5: No DA would ever use this data for arrests so he or she can meet their quota to keep their campaign contributions coming in from the private prison lobby. Remember: 48 states signed an agreement stating they would keep their private jails at 90% or more capacity or else pay fines by the hour. With marijuana being legalized, those bed spaces have to be filled up somehow.

      6: No judge would use this for a sentence in a case. Since mentally ill people tend to not exactly be rich in general, no judge would take advantage of that fact and pass longer sentences to keep the private prison campaign funds rolling in.

      What could possibly go wrong with companies looking for people and if they are mentally ill, then selling that info? Hey, selling stuff on people is the entire lifeblood of Web 2.0 companies, right? /sarcasm

    3. Re:Hooray! by plopez · · Score: 1

      If it increases profits it is the right thing to do.

      --
      putting the 'B' in LGBTQ+
    4. Re:Hooray! by Vasheron · · Score: 2

      Agreed. I suffer from a mental illness, and I would like to tell Google to go fuck themselves, but in all likelihood they've already mined my Gmail account and inferred my diagnosis.

    5. Re:Hooray! by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      6: No judge would use this for a sentence in a case. Since mentally ill people tend to not exactly be rich in general, no judge would take advantage of that fact and pass longer sentences to keep the private prison campaign funds rolling in.

      If someone is mentally ill to the point where they could not, at some time, tell right from wrong, they are not held criminally responsible, and are committed to a hospital until they are deemed to be a lower risk.

      Which brings us to:

      5: No DA would ever use this data for arrests so he or she can meet their quota to keep their campaign contributions coming in from the private prison lobby. Remember: 48 states signed an agreement stating they would keep their private jails at 90% or more capacity or else pay fines by the hour. With marijuana being legalized, those bed spaces have to be filled up somehow.

      DAs wouldn't want any data that a person is mentally ill to be submitted to the court - it will screw up their conviction rate, which means those cells stay empty.

      Now look at this:

      4: This data would never be used by an ex-spouse as a way to say that the kids are in mortal danger and kill all rights completely in a divorce.

      So what happens to all those people who are fighting to keep their kids, plan to drop this bomb, do their research and then find out that the only person in the relationship who is mentally ill is them? Or that they're both mentally ill? The most common form of mental illness is depression, and if it's controlled no judge will use it to decide a custody case.

      I could go on, but why bother? Seems to me that there are to many from the tin-foil hat crowd who need to see a shrink. And give up their guns, before they hurt someone.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    6. Re:Hooray! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If someone is mentally ill to the point where they could not, at some time, tell right from wrong, they are not held criminally responsible, and are committed to a hospital until they are deemed to be a lower risk.

      Which means like NEVER.

    7. Re:Hooray! by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      If someone is mentally ill to the point where they could not, at some time, tell right from wrong, they are not held criminally responsible, and are committed to a hospital until they are deemed to be a lower risk.

      Which means like NEVER.

      Maybe it works like that in the USA, where the crazies are running the show, but you might want to take a trip to your neighbor to the north, or look east to Europe.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    8. Re:Hooray! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes we should look at the pointless north where they have never accomplished anything of note or model the Europeans who go to war with themselves once per generation or more and then whine for us to pay for the repairs and their defense. That is brilliant! Let us emulate them. All of Canada loves the US so much that they're living as close to the border as they can and a huge number already live here illegally. They are perfect examples to follow! No we are not going to take advice from the mentally ill.

    9. Re:Hooray! by quantaman · · Score: 1

      6: No judge would use this for a sentence in a case. Since mentally ill people tend to not exactly be rich in general, no judge would take advantage of that fact and pass longer sentences to keep the private prison campaign funds rolling in.

      If someone is mentally ill to the point where they could not, at some time, tell right from wrong, they are not held criminally responsible, and are committed to a hospital until they are deemed to be a lower risk.

      Which brings us to:

      5: No DA would ever use this data for arrests so he or she can meet their quota to keep their campaign contributions coming in from the private prison lobby. Remember: 48 states signed an agreement stating they would keep their private jails at 90% or more capacity or else pay fines by the hour. With marijuana being legalized, those bed spaces have to be filled up somehow.

      DAs wouldn't want any data that a person is mentally ill to be submitted to the court - it will screw up their conviction rate, which means those cells stay empty.

      Now look at this:

      IANAL but mental illness generally isn't a defense, the only way it helps is if you were so ill that you couldn't control your actions and/or determine right from wrong. Evidence of a mental illness such as depression (or something more serious) is probably going to help the prosecution by stigmatizing the jury against the defendant and making an irrational action (ie a criminal act) seem more likely.

      Either way it's pretty rare:

      Successful NGRI defenses are rare. While rates vary from state to state, on average less than one defendant in 100—0.85 percent— actually raises the insanity defense nationwide. Interestingly, states with higher rates of NGRI defenses tend to have lower success rates for NGRI defenses; the percentage of all defendants found NGRI is fairly constant, at around 0.26 percent.

      4: This data would never be used by an ex-spouse as a way to say that the kids are in mortal danger and kill all rights completely in a divorce.

      So what happens to all those people who are fighting to keep their kids, plan to drop this bomb, do their research and then find out that the only person in the relationship who is mentally ill is them? Or that they're both mentally ill? The most common form of mental illness is depression, and if it's controlled no judge will use it to decide a custody case.

      I could go on, but why bother? Seems to me that there are to many from the tin-foil hat crowd who need to see a shrink. And give up their guns, before they hurt someone.

      Exactly how do you propose to "control" depression? Anti-depressants and therapy can help, but that's a long way from calling them a cure.

      I'm not one of the tinfoil hat crowd but I think these are legitimate concerns. Mental illness is heavily stigmatized and tech companies snooping on your behaviour to determine if you are mentally ill can have serious consequences. I don't think it will happen at this stage but we'll get there eventually.

      That being said mental illness is a serious issue, if Google is somehow able to help people dealing with depression or other issues then that could be a very good thing.

      --
      I stole this Sig
    10. Re:Hooray! by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1
      Never accomplished anything of note? And this doesn't include a LOT of things,from being in WW2 well before the US to the CANDU nuclear reactor. And as global warming makes more of our north habitable, guess who will be loosing habitable areas in the gulf?

      No we are not going to take advice from the mentally ill.

      Looking at all the people who support the current republican candidates (and the candidates themselves), a good portion of your population has some sort of psychosis (disconnect from reality). And it's not just us saying it.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    11. Re:Hooray! by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      Mental illness certainly is a defense, for arguing diminished capacity/extenuating circumstances, and for arguing the inability to distinguish right from wrong at the moment because of their distorted view of reality. Any jury properly instructed by the judge will not view mental illness as stigmatizing. This is not the 20th century - mental illness carries less and less stigma every year,

      Now, since you bring up depression ...

      I freely admit to having both post-traumatic stress and major depressive disorders. I don't feel stigmatized. To the contrary, considering that 1 in 25 people has some sort of mental illness in any particular year, and 20% or more will be mentally ill at some point in their lives, what stigma? All it means is that I'm human and I've been through some terrible things.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  3. Line in the sand by turkeydance · · Score: 1

    hell no

  4. Good thing they don't index this site! by damn_registrars · · Score: 1

    Certainly google's servers would burst into flames with the mental health states routinely on display here. I expect it would come back a lot like this Dilbert strip with Wally.

    --
    Damn_registrars has no butt-hole. Damn_registrars has no use for a butt-hole.
    1. Re:Good thing they don't index this site! by willworkforbeer · · Score: 1

      Certainly google's servers would burst into flames with the mental health states routinely on display here.

      You must be one of those Kenyan-president-supporting Windows-using Uber-critic anarchofacist one world truther slashdot users... and a Mets fan..

      --
      Pretending this is my office full of bitter coworkers..
  5. From Google? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I would rather die than wear one of these.

    1. Re:From Google? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I would rather die than wear one of these.

      Google's working on that.

      You will be assimilated.

    2. Re:From Google? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I would rather die than wear one of these.

      You won't have that luxury if "they" make them mandatory.

  6. and exploit it for profit... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Yeah, I bet our mental health is what google is concerned with, not how to profit on it.

  7. Translation: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Google wants to mine you for data.
    Why spy on people's browsing behaviour when you can can get directly inside their heads? You can bet this data is priceless to the marketing scumbags all over the world. They want you to relinquish control of increasingly larger parts of your life to them until there's nothing left.

    1. Re:Translation: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Google wants to STRIP mine you for data. ...

      FTFY.

      After they strip mine your data, they're going to hang you by the ankles on a huge paint-shaker and shake whatever's left of your privacy out every orifice they can.

      Then Google will break into your home and look under your couch cushions to make sure none of your privacy escaped them.

      After your privacy is all dead, Google will go through your clothes looking for loose change.

      Because they didn't get enough from "monetizing" your literally every last bit of your privacy in the first place.

    2. Re:Translation: by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      They claim people are asking for this. Let the ones who want it wear the wearable data collector, and the rest just won't bother.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  8. looking up spiritual bankruptcy on alphabet.com by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    truth & mercy = justice long held spiritual axioms unchanged... living in the shadow of corepirate nazi deception mayhem & neverending wmd on credit religious franchise genocidal holycosts can be distracting? that's our ask ed snowden your question(s) question today... times to tahrir squared epic story of billions breaking free from centuries of deception & abuse.... thank mom... see you there..

    1. Re:looking up spiritual bankruptcy on alphabet.com by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Man, look what Google turned too. I loved this company at its inception. They looked so nice. Now I see these guys Brin et al, and they really do look like zombies, totally alienated from reality, lost in their dreams of world domination. You can see it in their eyes in any of those pathetic conventions. Nemesis won't be long.

    2. Re:looking up spiritual bankruptcy on alphabet.com by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      truth & mercy = justice long held spiritual axioms unchanged...

      That has never been a spiritual axiom. For example, the old testament was "truth == justice". The new testament was "without mercy, you have nothing." Of course, with the "christian" nutbars out there using the old testament to bash people over the head/control people, it's understandable that many would make this mistake.

      Be more like Jimmy Carter, less like Ben Carson.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    3. Re:looking up spiritual bankruptcy on alphabet.com by KGIII · · Score: 1

      There are more religions than just those from Abraham. You may want to look to the East where such could be wedged in there with little problem. Such an axiom would fit nicely with some of the Hindu folks and with the Buddhists though the latter isn't likely to call it justice.

      --
      "So long and thanks for all the fish."
    4. Re:looking up spiritual bankruptcy on alphabet.com by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      How is the Hindu reincarnation system, (and the caste system) merciful, truthful, or justified? It's not.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    5. Re:looking up spiritual bankruptcy on alphabet.com by KGIII · · Score: 1

      Going by their judicial system, which was based on their beliefs -- not so much any more, truth and mercy did, indeed, equal justice. If one were able to admit their errors then the punitive response was lesser. Truth and mercy went hand in hand and justice was the result. That was the response that I was replying to. The rest is too subjective to determine accurately. We can not say, for example, that reincarnation is wrong. In fact, we can say that our atoms will one day (maybe) even be the parts of stars. We can't say, with any certainty, that the caste system is wrong - we can only equate it with our own ethics. Those are too subjective for me to opine on but I'd say that things like enabling lower castes to work and eat may be interpreted as merciful. Getting another shot at life may too be considered merciful and just.

      You're a bit biased in your views and absolutely certain of your position. Whilst tempting to agree, I'm a bit more pragmatic.

      --
      "So long and thanks for all the fish."
    6. Re:looking up spiritual bankruptcy on alphabet.com by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      The problem is, as even Pontius Pilate allegedly said, "What is truth?" Truth and justice are subjective. Case in point - we are currently seeing a cardiologist named Guy Turcotte going through a second trial for killing his two young children (no double jeopardy laws here). A jury originally determined he was not criminally responsible at the time because of his mental state. But no matter what the outcome, even if we assume he was sane at the time, there's got to be something wrong or broken inside with someone who kills their kids. Doing this is so outside the norms that there's got to be something screwed up with their thinking process for them to believe this is a good course of action.

      The worst part? If he was insane at the time, returning to sanity and realizing the true import of what he has done is the cruelest punishment possible. How does anyone live with that without it driving them insane?

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    7. Re:looking up spiritual bankruptcy on alphabet.com by KGIII · · Score: 1

      We can only go by what they thought at the time. Just as they also felt it was just. What is truth is, well, subjective when it comes to reality. Using India as an example, they had one rules (very early on) who regularly chucked people into a hole in the middle of the city. If you were honest, he'd just chuck you in the hole. If you denied your offense then you got tortured and then chucked into the hole. 'Tis subjective. Just as you said. Which was, kind of, my point. They're not always like Abraham. I'm a Buddhist. (Not a good Buddhist, nor a fucking monk - I like that last part, I feel obligated to make sure that it's obvious.)

      As for your question... Who knows if they're sane now? That's just too damned painful and I don't really have an answer. I'd argue that no sane person could commit such an offense and, if they could, we need to work on the definition of sanity. Also, you can be tried twice? I've Canadian citizenship but don't actually get in any trouble there so I'm entirely unfamiliar with the legal system. Here, you're found not guilty by way of insanity and that includes a caveat - in some cases. In some you're declared not fit enough to stand trial - which means when you are fit that you can be tried. If you're truly not guilty by way of insanity - where the court concludes the case and determines it as so, you're free to go when you're sane again - if you're sane again.

      --
      "So long and thanks for all the fish."
    8. Re:looking up spiritual bankruptcy on alphabet.com by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      Canadian law allows for a a judge to order retrial on appeal by either party. That's what is happening in the Guy Turcotte case even as we speak. And if you weren't sane at the time of the offense, you are free to go. The caveat in both countries is for those who become unfit for trial after, not during, their crimes. Once they are again fit, they will usually be tried.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    9. Re:looking up spiritual bankruptcy on alphabet.com by KGIII · · Score: 1

      Do you have something (some source) that you know of where there's a good, in-depth, review and history of this? Now that we're wildly off-topic, it's piqued my interests quite a bit. I've done some searching but they'll all pretty much about current events/happenings. I'm hoping for something akin to an expose.

      I honestly, well, I don't know how to feel about this. I can say that I empathize with the man but I don't - not fully. I can't possibly understand what it must be like in their head - especially if they were not sane at the time of the offense and full sanity has been had after the fact. That must be terrible. I'd string up or shoot myself. I did mention that I'm not a very good Buddhist. I simply couldn't handle the torment and my desire to be free would be too strong.

      --
      "So long and thanks for all the fish."
    10. Re:looking up spiritual bankruptcy on alphabet.com by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      In the Guy Turcotte case, the retrial is being done because of media attention against the verdict of not criminally responsible whipped up by his ex-wife and given a LOT of media play. In that sense, the retrial is unjust. The appeal should only have been allowed based on the merits of the case for an appeal.

      In the US, in some cases the courts have ordered people to be medicated against their will so that they would be fit to face the death penalty at trial. Their argument is that anyone who is avoiding the death penalty by staying mentally ill is acting rationally. Kind of ignores the true nature of mental illnesses, especially psychosis.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  9. Can Google monitor by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    how many of the "refugees" are unattached single males with radical Islamic views?

  10. Great idea! (NOT!) by rcase5 · · Score: 1

    So, if I were to Google "Dexter Morgan is my hero", will the men in white coats come knocking at my door?

  11. Here's my current mental health status by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Fuck you, Google.

  12. How innovative by Rising+Ape · · Score: 5, Funny

    In the past, believing that powerful global forces were watching your every action would have been evidence of paranoia. So I'd like to commend Google for effectively treating that delusional belief by turning it into a rational fear, and thus no longer a mental illness.

    1. Re:How innovative by DigitalSorceress · · Score: 1

      Yeah, my thought exactly - ... Guess I need a more Faraday Cage-y Faraday Cage ... hmm here's some tinfoil in my kitchen cupboard... that should do nicely....

      In all seriousness though yes. I feel like in retrospect, Orwell was an optimist.

      --

      The Digital Sorceress
    2. Re:How innovative by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In the past, believing that powerful global forces were watching your every action would have been evidence of paranoia. So I'd like to commend Google for effectively treating that delusional belief by turning it into a rational fear, and thus no longer a mental illness.

      The paranoid were just ahead of their time. I wonder how long it will be before tin foil hats become popular head-wear.

    3. Re:How innovative by BlueStrat · · Score: 1

      In the past, believing that powerful global forces were watching your every action would have been evidence of paranoia. So I'd like to commend Google for effectively treating that delusional belief by turning it into a rational fear, and thus no longer a mental illness.

      The paranoid were just ahead of their time. I wonder how long it will be before tin foil hats become popular head-wear.

      A wet towel may temporarily suffice in an emergency.

      Then...

      Get your ass to Mars!

      No, seriously! (Well, sort of.) The people here who are tired of this crap should organize and move to colonize Mars with the eventual goal of declaring independence.

      Strat

      --
      Progressivism (aka US 'Liberalism'): Ideas so good they need a police/surveillance-state to enforce.
    4. Re:How innovative by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Anyone who thinks this is a good idea has no standing to complain about the NSA. More, an argument could be made that this is by far even more invasive

    5. Re:How innovative by ToddInSF · · Score: 1

      This is rated as "Funny". It's not, it's fact.

  13. Obvious diagnostic tool by willworkforbeer · · Score: 1

    If you're using Google, a known privacy invasion vector, on purpose... you're crazy.

    --
    Pretending this is my office full of bitter coworkers..
  14. It looks like you are being depressed! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Would you like to buy:
    - gun
    - rope
    - cyanide pills?

    -- Adsense Sponsored Result

    1. Re:It looks like you are being depressed! by desdinova+216 · · Score: 1

      why am I picturing a version of clippy with that?

  15. mental health by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Google can suck my fat one.

  16. Uncle Goog by ickleberry · · Score: 1

    Google is like a creepy uncle who you regularly catch rooting through your dirty underwear when you come home unexpectedly

    1. Re:Uncle Goog by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Google is like a creepy uncle who you regularly catch rooting through your dirty underwear when you come home unexpectedly

      I was going to say that Google is like a creepy stalker that wants to smell your farts. But yours is close enough.

  17. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by willworkforbeer · · Score: 1

    Headline edit: "Google Wants To Monitor."

    --
    Pretending this is my office full of bitter coworkers..
  18. They already have your email by sinij · · Score: 1

    If you use Gmail, they already have all the information to very accurately determine your state of mental health.

    1. Re:They already have your email by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's only assuming they also have a reasonably complete genetic profile..

  19. Just reading the headline by no-body · · Score: 1

    1984 thought police comes to mind...

    1. Re:Just reading the headline by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Just like the groups that still like to run Nixon's face when they talk about political corruption... 1984 is amateur compared to what we're up against today.

  20. Just because the NSA did it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So just because the NSA does something, Google always feels like it needs to capitalize on the technology a decade or two later. In this case, however, I think it's horribly misguided and something only licensed medical professionals should do with the fully informed consent of those being monitored. Whether we deserve this from the government, when our own tax dollars paid for the monitoring, is a different question entirely. I suppose one could argue that the Chinese are actually the ones paying for it.

  21. Who can drink more by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    just make another social app: "Who can drink more" give badges for every six pack drank and charge people 10$ a month for service they will sign up and drink to win virtual drink badges....

  22. Ring the Bell for Mental Health by TheRealHocusLocus · · Score: 0

    (DISCLAIMER: I don't give a shit if you trample my lawn) Just 'grow up'. And find the right folks to hang around with who you trust to supply honest and direct feedback on your progress. In growing up I mean.

    Growing up means fixing yourself on a 24 hour cycle of basic habit, eating, pooping and sleeping at the same times every day, including 'weekends' because your biology recommends it. The week is an artificial construct and what everyone calls the Monday and Tuesday blahs is usually jet lag from the weekend lack-of-schedule. Be awake the same times of day, every day and if your work schedule is harsh, compensate by taking a brief nap when you get home from work before you do other stuff, and longer afternoon naps on the weekend. No sleeping in late, always rise at the same time every day and give it a go, at least for awhile.

    Growing up means you decide when it is time to sleep and do it, literally stare at the ceiling in a dark room until you either fall asleep or it's time to get up again. No screen watching or phone twiddling when it's time to sleep and then you whine to your friends and doctor, "I just couldn't sleep! Pity me! Medicate me!"

    Never mind the broken childhood or unfulfilled dreams or loony parents or voices in the head. Even collecting weapons is cool, the world is full of armed persons who don't kill people. You're probably not really paralyzed or hung hung up so much by that stuff as you are ready to use it as a stupid excuse for doing stupid things anyway. So just don't do stupid things. Unless you're able and willing to try my simple 24 hour schedule before you seek help you're probably on a narcissistic road of advice dismissal anyway and have a fun time on the way down, hope you can afford the meds and side-effects. If you drink alcohol, well happy day what the fuck --- you drink alcohol. It's your liver. But drink it at the same tie every day and when you lay down set your alarm for three hours and drink a big load of water to flush your body and prevent your waking self from becoming a desiccated science experiment.

    If you are not diagnosed with anything that makes the doctor machines that go 'ping!' start pinging, then fuck you if you're unwilling to try my simple advice. You're a burden to everyone else and the sooner you realize that and grow up the better. You can even pretend it was all your own idea and I'll be just as happy. Because I love you all and we're all Bright Giant Love Balls bouncing around so free!

    I'm like a bright giant love ball, bouncing around so free
    Out of the night that covers me,
    a bright giant love ball, happy to be me
    Black as the pit from pole to pole,
    I'm like a bright giant love ball, shining for all to see
    I thank whatever gods may be
    I AM SPECIAL! I AM SPECIAL! I AM ME!
    For my unconquerable soul.
    So let us dance, oh let us dance,
    In the fell clutch of circumstance
    be happy, be happy let us dance,
    I have not winced nor cried aloud.
    Oh let us dance, oh let us dance,
    Under the bludgeonings of chance
    let us dance and laugh and sing and shout for joy!
    My head is bloody, but unbowed.
    I'm like a seed that I planted, so young and so small
    Beyond this place of wrath and tears
    needing to be watered, so I'll grow strong and tall
    Looms but the Horror of the shade,
    friendship is my water, my sun the warmth of love,
    And yet the menace of the years
    I will grow and grow and grow and grow and grow!
    Finds and shall find me unafraid.
    So let us dance, oh let us dance,
    It matters not how strait the gate,
    be happy, be happy let us dance,
    How charged with punishments the scroll,
    Oh let us dance, oh let us dance,
    I am the master of my fate,
    let us dance and laugh and sing and shout for joy!
    I am the captain of my soul.
    ~The Rev Carey Landry and William Ernest Henley mashup

    --
    <blink>down the rabbit hole</blink>
    1. Re:Ring the Bell for Mental Health by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are sick, you might want to seek a therapist for your empathy issues.

    2. Re:Ring the Bell for Mental Health by TheRealHocusLocus · · Score: 1

      You are sick, you might want to seek a therapist for your empathy issues.

      You are Anonymous, you might want to seek advice from a philosopher as to why some feel comfortable ascribing their identity to positive opinions, but seek anonymity when expressing negative ones.

      Empathy is the basic human currency of civilization and its value has been debased by a 'fiat' system of pop-psychology political correctness, a hive phenomenon. Many ugly hivey things arise from it, like an institutionalized idea of 'mental health' that is little removed from religious judgement and (when it does not work) fervor, and the coddling of people with therapy/drugs/feedback who know damned well what is wrong with them because they are intelligent, and lack only the (mental, figurative) kick in the arse that they can only supply themselves. But now it will all be supervised by an Expert and it will begin, tomorrow. Or when the drugs kick in. Or when my girlfriend stops harassing me. Or when I'm good and ready.

      Perhaps my MOD:FLAMEBAIT stern advice on syncing to the 24 hour clock and forcing yourself into regular habits --- before trying anything else --- would seem very different if it was served up by a Siri-sexy voice on a Google Wearable Device. How creepy is that. All watched over by machines of loving grace.

      --
      <blink>down the rabbit hole</blink>
    3. Re:Ring the Bell for Mental Health by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are Anonymous, you might want to seek advice from a philosopher as to why some feel comfortable ascribing their identity to positive opinions, but seek anonymity when expressing negative ones.

      .

      You need to post your real name here.

      Otherwise, shut your fucking cock-gobbling mouth, you pathetic little piece of shit.

    4. Re:Ring the Bell for Mental Health by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are Anonymous

      You obviously are too, unless your real name is TheRealHocusLocus [which seems pretty retarded to me].

    5. Re:Ring the Bell for Mental Health by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      the coddling of people with therapy/drugs/feedback who know damned well what is wrong with them because they are intelligent, and lack only the (mental, figurative) kick in the arse that they can only supply themselves.

      Hope you never get PTSD or Major Depressive Disorder. But hey, kick yourself in the arse all you want instead of seeking help. If it's serious enough and goes on long enough, you'll find that you can no longer push the dark clouds back no matter how hard you try.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  23. Dear computer nerds by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Just because something can be done *DOES NOT* mean it should be done.

    Take all you tracking, all your so called "helper" technology (which is actually controlling "soft jail", herd management technology)

    AND STICK IT UP YOUR ARSE.

  24. BAD IDEA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yes just use google and you will be diagnosed schizophrenic and thrown into a mental asylum with no rights what so ever to get away or access your fortune.

    1. Re:BAD IDEA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      https://nonpsychiatry.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/psysurvival.pdf

  25. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    My colon? Good.

  26. Enjoy by The-Ixian · · Score: 1

    Your LightSpeed Briefs (TM)

    --
    My eyes reflect the stars and a smile lights up my face.
  27. Yeah, that's a good idea :P by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    When will consumers realize that to Google you are just a guinea pig or a collection of data to be sold? Do a real clinical trial instead and actually at least get paid for it.

  28. Yes, Friend Computer... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I am aware happiness is mandatory at all times, Friend Computer. Anyone who is unhappy is clearly a Communist.

  29. NO! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Mental health is very subjective. It's all mostly opinion.

  30. Monitor and REPORT by mi · · Score: 1

    Even if they don't volunteer to report dangerous deviations, they may be compelled to do so by the future Department of Justice.

    And, given an already existing opinion — not all of it humorous — that certain political convictions are either coincidental to or outright symptomatic of a mental disorder, the future of political dissent is bleak indeed.

    The way Google in particular treats their own workforce may be indicative of what may, one day, be in store for ordinary Internet-users — including "lay-offs", as submitting to the monitoring may become a condition for eligibility for the wonderful Google Fiber service.

    --
    In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
  31. Google can kiss my shiny metal ass... by gestalt_n_pepper · · Score: 1

    Oh, I complained about google! I must be suffering from a mental disorder. Because those are always so easy to define ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... ).

    --
    Please do not read this sig. Thank you.
  32. Same Old Same Old by 14erCleaner · · Score: 1

    I've been hearing big-brother paranoia theories for decades now. It used to be using credit cards - remember how that would allow the evil corporations to track your every move? Well, now everybody uses them for everything, and the world hasn't collapsed into a dystopian police state yet. And what about those threads in $20 bills? Have they rounded up all the cash yet?

    Besides, this story isn't as evil as the headline states anyway - Google doesn't "want" to do anything, they're just doing research at this point. This is no different than using a heartbeat monitor to test for health problems, IMO.

    --
    Have you read my blog lately?
  33. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My colon? Good.

    That's where the Google Monitoring App will be inserted.

    captcha: digits. They're probably large, too.

  34. Could be very useful by david_thornley · · Score: 1

    It's usually not difficult to notice that you've got a physical illness that's affecting you (although some people have managed to do it). It can be a lot more difficult to notice a mental illness, since it can seriously affect your perceptions. The last time I got serious clinical depression, I really didn't notice it, since keeping my mood positive is one of my coping strategies. My wife noticed it, sent me to the doctor, and I'm doing much better now. I'd be in trouble if it wasn't for her.

    People living alone will be more susceptible to depression, and aren't going to have someone to warn them about it. Some sort of monitor could be life-saving.

    --
    "When you have eliminated the unacceptable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truthiness" - Holmes
    1. Re:Could be very useful by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      My wife noticed it, sent me to the doctor, and I'm doing much better now.

      Now we noticed too, dear citizen. You might like to enjoy one of our resorts for citizen's welfare for some time. Please remain calm and wait for our help squad to pick you up.

      Signed M

    2. Re:Could be very useful by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      You might like to enjoy one of our resorts for citizen's welfare for some time. Please remain calm and wait for our help squad to pick you up.

      It's cheaper and usually more effective to give people who are seriously depressed therapy, support, and as a last resort, medication, than it is to throw them in a mental ward. Besides, there are plenty of people who urgently need help, but can't get it because the resources just aren't there. They would love a way to get to the head of the line.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  35. A watch to monitor my drinking by Atrox666 · · Score: 1

    I like the idea but battery technology just isn't there yet.

  36. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by ArmoredDragon · · Score: 1

    I think I'm going to go against the grain here because what Google is planning is exactly what people have been asking for recently. And you know what? I agree, at least, in the context of the US anyways.

    As many are aware, the US has quite a higher number of serial killers than most countries, in addition to mass murderers. Lots of people are suggesting that revoking the second amendment is the solution, but not only is that going to be a wasted effort (you wouldn't even be able to get a portion of congress to be on board, and even then, an act of congress just isn't enough) but it likely won't solve any problems.

    That said, it would be wise if we could better understand what motivates most people to do this when they do it, and address it from that angle. I think this would go a long way towards that end.

  37. potentially good by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This is potentially a good thing, but not for the the suspected reasons.

    If Google starts monitoring mental health, that would bring them under HIPPA regulations which would limit their activities and make them accountable for your data and what happens to your data.

  38. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by OhPlz · · Score: 1

    At least some of those people already had a history of mental health issues. It's how we care for those individuals and how we protect society from them that are the parts that are desperately in need of work.

  39. Seriously? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Diagnosing mental illness with an app?
     
    LOL!!! Stop the world, I want to push everyone else off.

  40. Nope! by nensondubois · · Score: 1

    Let me guess, some Democrat thought this was a good idea who more than likely attended liberal arts and social science school.

    --
    http://gamehacking.org/vb/threads/12747-nensondubois-codes http://twitter.com/nensondubois_
    1. Re:Nope! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      As a liberal I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
      If this becomes a popular subject I'm sure any sensible democratic society would choose to regulate it.

  41. Dr Insel is head of NIMH; not NIH by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Dr Collins would be surprised to hear that he had been fired!

  42. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    How affected have you been by serial killers? The chance of you dieing in a car accident is hugely larger than you getting killed by a serial killer. But hey, sure, spend money on fixing a non-existing/-affecting problem that gets you in the news instead of fixing real issues.

  43. Google Wants to Data-Mine by macs4all · · Score: 1

    Can you imagine the embedded ads now?

    No, and HELL no!

    1. Re:Google Wants to Data-Mine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Can you imagine the embedded ads now?

      Yes, they will be embedded in you

  44. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by dpilot · · Score: 1

    >At least some of those people already had a history of mental health issues.

    And the surprising thing is that it seems we can't keep guns out of their hands, either. I don't think anyone would stand up and argue for the rights of the mentally ill to carry firearms, but that has been the side effect of what we have actually practised.

    --
    The living have better things to do than to continue hating the dead.
  45. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by OhPlz · · Score: 1

    Taking rights away from people with mental issues will encourage those same people to not seek help in the first place. It's a tricky issue.

  46. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by tlhIngan · · Score: 1

    As many are aware, the US has quite a higher number of serial killers than most countries, in addition to mass murderers. Lots of people are suggesting that revoking the second amendment is the solution, but not only is that going to be a wasted effort (you wouldn't even be able to get a portion of congress to be on board, and even then, an act of congress just isn't enough) but it likely won't solve any problems.

    That said, it would be wise if we could better understand what motivates most people to do this when they do it, and address it from that angle. I think this would go a long way towards that end.

    Easy - easy access to guns.

    In other countries, like say, Canada, guns are much harder to get, so you generally get the mentally ill doing oddball things and generally harming only themselves because the only weapon they get access to is a knife, or a stick. Usually also hopped up on some drug or other that you can get easily.

    it's a crisis here too, but instead of them shooting everyone up, they get shot at by police.

    That said, mental illness is a rather large problem (easily 1 in 3 have some form of it), and many cases aren't entirely visible, leading to families always claiming "he was never violent". And really, even if you tried to prevent it, a reasonably intelligent but mentally ill person would be able to acquire the necessary firepower in the US.

    I think that's really the only difference - the reason we don't have mass shootings is because getting a gun is much harder - you either have to illegally obtain them, or if you try legal channels, there are many roadblocks in the way before you're given the gun (i.e., you need a permit).

  47. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

    So people who need help will no longer turn to the Internet for support. Gun control is a much better solution. It works elsewhere.

    --
    "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  48. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by OhPlz · · Score: 1

    You had a guy rampage through parliament a while back and there was what, one good guy with a tiny pistol to stop him? That doesn't sound ideal.

  49. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by OhPlz · · Score: 1

    Gun control is dead-on-arrival unless you plan to amend the Constitution. I don't see it ever happening in the US in our lifetimes. Many people don't want to live in a country where the laws demand that they be defenseless, especially in a nation vast enough that for all practical purposes, there are no authorities to get immediate assistance from. What you're suggesting is no less of a change than suggesting that freedom of speech be taken away.

  50. It's a Sad, Sad World by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's speaks volumes about a person when they want Google to track their mental health.

  51. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by ArmoredDragon · · Score: 1

    Only there isn't any evidence to suggest that it does work elsewhere. There are many countries besides the US with even more liberal freedom for arms, yet the number of crimes involving them isn't anywhere near as high.

    Besides that, serial killers in particular uncommonly use any type of firearm, as they tend to prefer means of execution that are up close and personal. The US also has the highest number of serial killers, with England (where even cooking knives are restricted) being in second place.

    Regardless of whether or not somebody is a mass shooter or a serial killer (these are NOT the same, by the way) they already have to have a mindset that they absolutely hate the people that they are targeting, much in the same as serial rapists have to absolutely hate women (i.e. a regular person isn't normally capable of being a rapist.)

    It would definitely help if we could figure out why people are more inclined to be like this in the US, and take steps to reverse that, rather than spending a crapload of energy trying to do something that's not only impractical, but not likely to solve any problems..

  52. Check your facts... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Dr. Thomas R. Insel, M.D. is not head of NIH, he is (was) head of NIMH, The National Institute of Mental Health (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director/bio/index.shtml). The "head" or Director of NIH is Dr. Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D (http://www.nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director).

  53. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1
    The militia at the time was defined as white male property owners between 18 and 45, and they were to store their rifles in their attics when not in use. Even going back to that standard would be an improvement.

    Also, Canada is larger in area than the US, and people prefer to live here in part because of the lesser gun violence, in part because of universal health care, and in part because we don't let the NRA and right-wing religion into our politics.

    --
    "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  54. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by OhPlz · · Score: 1

    You want to go back to the earlier standard that denied equal rights to non-whites and non-property-owners? That's not going to happen. The attic bit is handled by the states, some require trigger locks, gun safes, or other measures.

    I don't want to get into "my country is better than your country". If you like Canada, you can keep your Canada. I like the government the Constitution lays out and I hope some day the US will return to it. I'm not in favor of denying groups like the NRA or even labor unions from having their voices heard when it comes to politics. That would deny people their right to assemble and their right to free speech. I find it amusing that the supposedly pro-tolerance left always wants to silence everyone on the "evil right". Try honoring your own principles.

  55. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by KGIII · · Score: 1

    Well put. If you do not mind sharing, what is your political affiliation?

    --
    "So long and thanks for all the fish."
  56. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by OhPlz · · Score: 1

    Unaffiliated. Would be conservative if there was such a party.

  57. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by ArmoredDragon · · Score: 1

    How affected have you been by serial killers? The chance of you dieing in a car accident is hugely larger than you getting killed by a serial killer.

    I'm sure it is.

    But hey, sure, spend money on fixing a non-existing/-affecting problem that gets you in the news instead of fixing real issues.

    It's a lot better than spending even more money to not only take the effort to amend the constitution, but assuming it even passes, you're looking at drug war costs times 10 just to round up everybody's firearms, only instead of being able to ignore the violence because it's in Mexico, it's going to be here instead.

  58. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by KGIII · · Score: 1

    You'd probably fit under the Libertarian tent nicely but we've kind of been overrun by a vocal minority that are, truly, idiots so you might not want to. Unaffiliated seems wise.

    --
    "So long and thanks for all the fish."
  59. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yes, that happened, and it was a huge shock to the Canadian public. In the Canadian incident, one person was killed, the security guard at the monument outside of Parliament. The shooter then went inside the building and was shot 31 times by indoor security guards - hardly "one guy with a tiny pistol" as you allege. Very different to the types of situations that happen here. We in the US experience mass shootings about once a month, and the public shakes their collective head and barely gives a shrug as 10, 20 or 30 people die. (Not to mention the once a month or so that some 4-year-old picks up the family pistol and accidentally kills his 2-year-old sister or grandma.) And unlike in Canada, we have here a very vocal, powerful, moneyed minority, misnomered the "National Rifle Association" although they defend everyone's right to have much deadlier weapons than rifles ready to hand. That organization makes sure, by muzzling Congress with generous donations, that we stay ignorant and let this carnage go on. It makes me sick to hear this one isolated incident in Canada used as some kind of "evidence" that problems with guns in Canada are anywhere near as bad as they are here. They are not, and it's because they have some reasonable controls in place.

  60. Re:Shorter list - what Google doesn't want to moni by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

    Hey don't blame me - it was YOUR constitution that started out as a racist, misogynist document to preserve power only in the hands of old white men.

    --
    "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.