3.5 stars – notOK® Review

This writer would rate this app three and one half out of five stars. It is very easy to set up and use, which makes it more likely that adolescents will actually use it; the ease of connecting adolescents with help, specifically, increases the likelihood of utilization. Adolescents yearn for connection, whether it be to feel close with peers or to stave off the very feelings that would make an adolescent think about pushing the notOK button; because the button provides a form of technological/ social media connection, adolescents will likely respond positively to it (Barry et al, 2017). While it is not fun, it is not designed to be so; it is, however colorful and graphically pleasing enough to hold the attention of an adolescent who is setting up their support contacts (Steinberg, 2014). Unfortunately, there are some shortcomings associated with accessibility and usability. First, the app is not very accessible to those with neurocognitive or neurodevelopmental mental disabilities, as it does require some higher order thinking and prioritizing (in the selection of trusted contacts and in the composition of specific messages). Individuals with cognitive deficits may suffer from depression and anxiety at even higher rates than those of the general population; thus, it is not unreasonable to assume that adolescents with one such disability may like to use an app such as this (Hollins, 2018). Additionally, adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder may desire to reach out for help at the touch of a button, but may not find the idea of immediately contacting five people appealing; many adolescents “on the spectrum” do not take consistent comfort in the presence of others, even loved ones. Thus, this app may also inadvertently exclude them from a simple way to seek help. The app could also prove challenging for adolescents with certain physical disabilities; for those with visual impairments, for example, the app itself does not offer modifications of size or brightness. This can be remedied by most smartphones, however. Adolescents with visual processing disorders or a reading-related disability (such as dyslexia) may be unable to gain as much fulfillment from the app as adolescents without these disorders (Barry et al, 2017). This is due to lack of speed when reading or understanding the information presented; as difficulty processing or reading would most likely frustrate the adolescent, they may give up on the app before finishing the set up process. On a whole, though, this writer applauds the app’s generally user-friendly nature, as well as the intent with which the app was developed. This writer thinks it is realistic to expect that adolescents would take advantage of this app for a myriad of reasons; first, it allows the adolescent to take control of their mental health needs in a discrete manner and without having to face the stigma (or perceived stigma) associated with mental health challenges (Laser & Nicotera, 2011). In this app the adolescent is theoretically in control of almost all aspects; they do need parental permission if they are under 18 years of age, but this requirement is easily waived (which would be very problematic if this app had any other content). The control given to the adolescent, though, is key in increasing the likelihood that they will use the notOK button when they are truly not OK (Kenny, Dooley, & Fitzgerald, 2016). The discretion offered coupled with the control afforded users combined with the ease of use (literally one touch is all it takes to ask for help) render this app a viable option for adolescents who are struggling; importantly, the app will most likely never be very far from the adolescent, as most adolescents carry their phones everywhere. This app provides a crucial opportunity for the adolescent brain to slow down for just a moment, as a moment is all it takes to reach out (Steinberg, 2014; J. Singer, Personal Communication, September 4, 2018). By reaching out in a simple, non-threatening manner, the adolescent is ever-so-quickly practicing self-regulation as they choose to ask for help instead of turning to something more sinister to relieve their emotional turmoil (Steinberg, 2014). The app not only provides a creative way to quickly and privately seek help, it also provides a quick and easy opportunity for the adolescent brain to mature ever so slightly.
Review by Myers2ke on notOK®.