The annual trek to Austin Texas by geeks from around the country begins tomorrow. I started attending SXSW Interactive (read: South by Southwest) in 1999 and did my first presentation there a year later (yes, 11 years ago!).

Despite the Interactive portion being mainly about web development and technology, SXSW has always recognized the importance that technology plays in our health and mental health. And it’s this recognition and interesting discussions that keep people like me coming back year after year.

Sure, SXSW is about the many parties, the great keynotes, and wandering the vast air-conditioned desert expanses that are the Austin Convention Center. But it’s mostly about the great, creative people you meet at SXSW, and connecting with them to think of new ways you can deliver helpful information and tools to people. In my world, those tools are to better help people with their health, their mental health, and ultimately their lives.

Psychologists are well-represented at SXSW this year. Dr. Keely Kolmes will be on the panel Sunday morning talking about Patients/Caregivers on Facebook: Establishing Boundaries Without Barriers. Dr. Susan Giurleo will be leading a core conversation about Improving Mental Health Through Engaged Communities Monday afternoon, after my core conversation talking about Internet, Video Games & Mental Health — specifically how to deal with their over-use in our lives. And Dr. Pamela Rutledge will be on the panel Can The Internet Make Us Happy? (which, I think we all know, the answer is both yes and no).

Say “Hi!” if you see me, and if you’re in Austin this weekend, let us know what you’re up to in the comments below!

Dr. John Grohol is the founder & CEO of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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Why South by Southwest matters – CNN | Festival Chicks (3/10/2011)

Return from SXSW Interactive 2011 | Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, Relationship & Sexual Problems | Dr. Keely Kolmes (3/19/2011)

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 10 Mar 2011
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.