I think you're misunderstanding the point of these apps, which might very well be intentional on these companies' part to get you to spend money on something that you might not need.
Therapy doesn't "solve" anything by itself, you must see it as a tool to help you put your mind in a better position so that you can solve your problems. Lots of people see these as magical apps that will somehow magically make them better with no effort from their side and then proceed to get disappointed when this obviously doesn't happen.
So to answer your question:
- Will these apps provide "scientific benefits" (whatever that is supposed to be)? No.
- Will these apps assist your own effort of improving mental health? Yes, as long as you're committed to it and keep going.
I feel like this is rephrasing the issue in an unhelpful way. Sure the app isn’t going to do the work for you but it’s still valuable to know what the average marginal benefit is relative to not using one or using a different one, especially considering these are paid services and therefore need to be considered for value.
> Therapy doesn't "solve" anything by itself, you must see it as a tool to help you put your mind in a better position so that you can solve your problems.
One part of mediation is resisting the temptation to try and solve anything. You improve being able to notice each thought, acknowledge in a non-judgemental way and then allow it to continue moving through the station. The next thought will be arriving shortly. Mind the gap please.
Therapy doesn't "solve" anything by itself, you must see it as a tool to help you put your mind in a better position so that you can solve your problems. Lots of people see these as magical apps that will somehow magically make them better with no effort from their side and then proceed to get disappointed when this obviously doesn't happen.
So to answer your question:
- Will these apps provide "scientific benefits" (whatever that is supposed to be)? No.
- Will these apps assist your own effort of improving mental health? Yes, as long as you're committed to it and keep going.