The meditation app revolution is here, and it’s backed by science

Do you have a meditation app on your smartphone, computer, or wearable device? You’re not alone. Thousands of meditation apps are now available worldwide, with the top 10 having been collectively downloaded more than 300 million times. Early research on these digital meditation platforms has shown that even brief usage can lead to benefits such as reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as improved insomnia symptoms.

“Meditation apps, such as Calm and Headspace, have become incredibly popular in the commercial market,” said J. David Creswell, a health psychologist at Carnegie Mellon University and lead author of a review paper on meditation apps published in the journal American Psychologist. “They are not only engaging millions of users daily but also creating new scientific opportunities and challenges.”

One significant advantage of meditation apps is accessibility. “A farmer in rural Nebraska who may not have access to traditional group-based meditation programs can now have an app in their pocket available 24/7,” explained Creswell, who is the William S. Dietrich II Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience.

Furthermore, meditation apps offer researchers the opportunity to scale up their studies. “Instead of studying 300 patients in my lab, I can now use meditation apps and wearable health sensors to study 30,000 patients worldwide,” Creswell added.

With the ability to incorporate biometrics from devices like Fitbit and Apple Watch, meditation apps are revolutionizing how these practices are distributed to the general public. Studies have shown that meditation apps account for 96% of overall users in the mental health app marketplace.

Meditation apps challenge users to train their minds in small doses

Similar to in-person meditation training, meditation apps start by meeting users where they are. Introductory courses may focus on breathing or mindfulness in small doses, with just 10 to 21 minutes of practice three times a week showing measurable results.

“While this may differ from daily in-person meditation practices, which can be 30 to 45 minutes long, the flexibility of app-based meditation appeals to those with time constraints or budget limitations,” Creswell noted.

As meditation apps evolve, the integration of AI, such as meditation-guiding chatbots, is becoming more common, offering users more personalized experiences. This shift towards individualized training could significantly impact the adoption of meditation practices.

The engagement challenge

Despite the benefits, engagement remains a challenge for meditation apps. “Ninety-five percent of participants who download a meditation app stop using it after 30 days,” Creswell revealed.

To succeed, the meditation app industry must find ways to keep users engaged. However, the demand for such tools is evident, as they have the potential to help alleviate stress and loneliness in a world with high levels of emotional distress.

“While in-person meditation groups will always have their place, meditation apps provide a great starting point for individuals to develop mindfulness skills,” Creswell concluded. “Studies show that these apps can help with symptom relief and reduce stress biomarkers.”