The movie shows three case studies in which measurement and data collection are used to predict and prevent mental health problems. In the Netherlands, questionnaire data and other measures are used to prevent a relapse into a psychotic episode. In Norway, primary school children are made to fill out questionnaires to identify which children are at risk of mental health problems in order to have them participate in a program to prevent anxiety later in life. The third case study presents the ultimate prevention case: in Florida, US, a town has been designed in which all friction has been eliminated, and residents monitor themselves and others, with the goal of creating an environment without stress to optimize happiness.

A discussion after the movie screening will cover several questions: What are the benefits and problems of doing so? When does risk analysis become the diagnosis itself? What kind of responsibility do we researchers carry for bringing such technologies into society and for the ways these are subsequently used in society?

About Marc Schmidt

Marc Schmidt studied Film and Television Studies in Utrecht and Media Art in Tilburg. He works as a director, sound engineer, coach and teacher. With 'The Rules of Matthijs' (2012) he won the Dutch 'Golden Calf' prize for Best Long Documentary.

Program