The Importance of Trust in a Fast Moving Technological World
Tracks
Monarch
Karrie Webb
Jacaranda
Royal Poinciana
| Thursday, November 5, 2026 |
| 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM |
Overview
Heidi Sturk, Director, eMHPrac (e-Mental Health in Practice), Queensland University of Technology
Presenter
Ms Heidi Sturk
Director
eMHPrac (e-Mental Health in Practice), Queensland University of Technology
The Importance of Trust in a Fast Moving Technological World
Presentation Overview
The Importance of Trust in a Fast-Moving Technological World
Trust has become increasingly important in mental health, particularly as digital technologies rapidly reshape how people seek information, support and care. People can now access an unprecedented range of websites, apps, social media content, peer communities, digital treatment programs and artificial intelligence (AI) tools, often before, between or instead of contact with a health professional.
For rural and remote communities, these technologies offer significant opportunities to overcome distance and improve access to mental health information and support. At the same time, an increasingly complex digital environment raises important questions. What information is credible? Which services are safe and appropriate? What happens when lived experience, professional advice, misinformation and commercial content appear side by side? And what changes when technology no longer simply provides information, but talks back?
This keynote will explore the changing nature of trust in mental health information and what it means for health professionals and the communities they support. It will consider the opportunities and challenges presented by digital mental health services, social media and emerging technologies, particularly generative AI.
As technology continues to evolve, so too does the role of the health professional. Digital mental health literacy is no longer simply about knowing where to find reliable information or which resources to recommend. It increasingly requires the confidence and judgement to navigate a changing information landscape alongside patients and clients.
Audience members will leave with a clearer understanding of how trust is changing in the digital age, what this means for mental health practice in rural and remote settings, and practical ways to help patients and clients navigate digital information, services and emerging technologies with greater confidence.
The challenge ahead is not simply access to information, but knowing what to trust, when to question it, and where professional judgement still matters.
Trust has become increasingly important in mental health, particularly as digital technologies rapidly reshape how people seek information, support and care. People can now access an unprecedented range of websites, apps, social media content, peer communities, digital treatment programs and artificial intelligence (AI) tools, often before, between or instead of contact with a health professional.
For rural and remote communities, these technologies offer significant opportunities to overcome distance and improve access to mental health information and support. At the same time, an increasingly complex digital environment raises important questions. What information is credible? Which services are safe and appropriate? What happens when lived experience, professional advice, misinformation and commercial content appear side by side? And what changes when technology no longer simply provides information, but talks back?
This keynote will explore the changing nature of trust in mental health information and what it means for health professionals and the communities they support. It will consider the opportunities and challenges presented by digital mental health services, social media and emerging technologies, particularly generative AI.
As technology continues to evolve, so too does the role of the health professional. Digital mental health literacy is no longer simply about knowing where to find reliable information or which resources to recommend. It increasingly requires the confidence and judgement to navigate a changing information landscape alongside patients and clients.
Audience members will leave with a clearer understanding of how trust is changing in the digital age, what this means for mental health practice in rural and remote settings, and practical ways to help patients and clients navigate digital information, services and emerging technologies with greater confidence.
The challenge ahead is not simply access to information, but knowing what to trust, when to question it, and where professional judgement still matters.
Biography
Heidi Sturk is the Director of eMHPrac (e-Mental Health in Practice) at Queensland University of Technology. Heidi oversees the development, delivery and evaluation of training and support on digital mental health to health practitioners nationwide. She holds a Master of Organisational Psychology and has worked in applied mental health research and workforce training for the last 30 years. Heidi has an in-depth knowledge of the Australian digital mental health sector and serves on several national advisory groups. She champions the safe and evidence-based integration of technology for mental health treatment, support and connection.
