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The Last Seeds of Hope
In the year 2224, the world had grown eerily silent.
Cities that once teemed with life now stood as grand monuments to a bygone era, their towering structures casting long shadows over empty streets.
The hum of machinery persisted, but it only served to underscore the absence of human voices. T
he birth rate had plummeted to an all-time low, and with it, the vibrancy of human society had faded into a hushed whisper.
Girlsober: Navigating Commitment in the Era of MGTOW, the Red Pill Movement, and AI
In 2024, commitment among young professionals has become a complex issue influenced by various factors, including emerging movements like Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW) and the Red Pill community.
These ideologies, emphasizing male independence and skepticism toward traditional relationships, have contributed to a broader hesitancy to commit.
This shift has profound implications, particularly regarding declining birth rates and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping these trends.
Social Media and Attention Fragmentation
In today's digital age, attention fragmentation has become increasingly relevant as our lives become more intertwined with technology.
Constant digital distractions significantly challenge the ability to maintain focus and bestow attention, which has profound implications for children's cognitive and emotional development.
Jonathan Haidt, a renowned social psychologist, has extensively explored these implications, mainly focusing on the perilous effects on teenagers, especially young girls.
The emotional and cognitive deficits of a phone-based childhood
In the age of smartphones and social media, the landscape of childhood has undergone a seismic shift since 2012.
No longer is the playground the central hub of social interaction for children; instead, screens and virtual connections dominate their time.
This shift has brought with it a host of concerns about the developmental impacts of a phone-based childhood.
Central to this discussion is the research of Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist who has extensively studied the effects of social media and smartphones on child development.
Haidt's findings highlight the profound and often detrimental effects that pervasive technology use can have on young minds.
The surge in digital self-harm among teens: understanding this alarming trend
What is the rising phenomenon of digital self-harm?
In today's digital era, where social media shapes teenage lives, a troubling trend has emerged, catching the attention of parents and educators alike.
Digital self-harm, where teens anonymously post harmful content about themselves online, has seen a dramatic rise.
Since 2016, there's been an alarming 88% increase in this behavior among American teenagers. What’s going on?
Harnessing the power of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) for nervous system regulation and well-being
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an innovative therapeutic intervention designed to support nervous system regulation and enhance overall well-being through specially filtered music.
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the researcher behind Polyvagal Theory, SSP has garnered significant attention for its potential benefits in addressing trauma, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and emotional dysregulation.
How not to be a narcissist
You’ve had a moment of self-awareness and realized that the world doesn’t revolve around you.
Congratulations!
You've taken the first step in grappling with the age-old question: “How not to be a narcissist.”
This is more relevant now than ever, thanks to the forces of Cultural Narcissism that have infected our society.
From social media to reality TV, we live in a world that often glorifies self-centered behavior. But don’t worry; as a curious human, you can understand how to intentionally avoid the narcissistic reflex. Let’s jump in.
Overcoming the hesitation to revive old friendships
Therapists often witness the deep longing people have for connection.
It's a paradox of our time: despite the myriad ways we can communicate, many of us feel more isolated than ever.
This paradox extends to our friendships, where people are often hesitant to revive old connections, despite the clear benefits of doing so.
A recent study by Dr. Gillian Sandstrom and Professor Lara Aknin sheds light on why this is the case and offers some insights into how we might overcome these barriers.
Is your Instagram making you sad? How your photos could be telling on you
Ever wondered if your social media habits might be revealing a bit too much about your mental health?
It turns out that your Instagram photos might be doing just that.
According to research, a whopping 70% of the time, people can identify if someone is depressed just by looking at their photos.
Yup, those darker, moodier pics aren’t just artsy—they could be a sign of something deeper.
How to balance internet use and maintain your mental well-being
Excessive internet use is linked to depression, a review of research finds.
Spending too much time online can lead to depression partly because it leaves less time for activities that promote mental health.
Adolescents who use the internet excessively tend to skip beneficial activities like exercise and face-to-face socializing because they're too tired. Without these mentally beneficial activities, those who overuse the internet experience higher levels of depression.
Why do I let things piss me off?
Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the center cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
The Second Coming W. B. Yeats
Teen internet use and depression
Excessive internet use is increasingly linked to depression, according to a comprehensive review of recent research.
As a marriage and family therapist, I’ll explore the impacts of internet overuse on adolescent mental health, and best practices for achieving a healthier balance.