Technology Use May Slow Cognitive Decline

The baby boomers are the first generation that has navigated adulthood using digital technology. The oldest baby boomers were around 25 when the first e-mail was sent; they were the first generation to have home computers and personal smartphones. [Read more…]

Does Social Class Influence Generosity?

For decades, researchers have debated how social class affects a person’s likelihood of helping others.

There are two main schools of thought on the topic. One hypothesizes that because lower-income individuals rely more on social networks, they are more likely to be generous. The other hypothesizes that because higher-income individuals have more resources, they are more likely to be generous. [Read more…]

Yoga Supports Wellness at the Molecular Level

Yoga is growing in popularity. In 2022, nearly 17 percent of adults in America reported practicing yoga, a significant increase compared to 10 years earlier, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Read more…]

Does Online Therapy Work For Kids?

Approximately 20% of teens in the U.S. experience depression by age 17. And data shows that among youth across the globe, the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. [Read more…]

How Social Media Impacts Psychiatric Symptoms

Social media has transformed the way people interact with each other and the world. Across the globe, researchers have documented political, social, emotional, and even health implications related to these ever-evolving platforms.

A new systematic review seeks to better understand how social media use affects people with pre-existing mental health disorders, specifically psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, narcissistic personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder. [Read more…]

Men’s Social Networks Decline Significantly as They Age

Researchers have known for several decades that a robust social support network improves overall well-being for people of all ages.

Those with stronger support networks tend to experience a positive mood more often, recover more quickly from health issues, and even live longer. And there is evidence that loneliness and isolation are linked to many health issues: sleep problems, inflammation, pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, addiction, suicide, and self-harm and dementia. [Read more…]

The Gender Gap in Online Reviews

Americans are shopping online in record numbers this holiday season, according to an analysis by Adobe Analytics. Online shopping certainly comes with added convenience: No traffic, no long lines, and a larger selection of available items—not to mention you can shop while wearing pajamas from the comfort of your sofa. But it can also be tricky to figure out exactly what you’re getting: How will that sweater fit? What do those sheets actually feel like? And do those sneakers really run small? [Read more…]

Use The Holidays To Promote Social Connection

Millions of people will gather with family and friends this week to celebrate what may be one of the most quintessential American holidays, Thanksgiving. For most people, the holiday revolves around turkey, football, and the start of the holiday shopping season. More Americans are also focusing on gratitude – the “thanks” part of Thanksgiving – which is demonstrated to promote physical, mental, and social well-being.

But there’s another aspect of Thanksgiving that is worth focusing on: gathering. [Read more…]

Humans and AI: Do They Work Better Together or Alone?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous in modern society. While it may seem like a brand-new technology to many, computer scientists have been building and testing AI models—albeit simple ones initially—since the 1950s. You likely have been using AI in your daily life for much longer than you realize—it’s used in chatbots on websites, robotic vacuums that learn floorplans, digital assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa, and much more. [Read more…]

Pickleball Could Extend Your Life

If you haven’t played it yet, you certainly know someone who has! Pickleball, the paddle sport that combines elements of ping pong, badminton, and tennis, has taken the U.S. by storm. [Read more…]

The Gender Divide in Imposter Syndrome

Maybe you feel unprepared for your new job, even though your resume fits the job description perfectly. Or maybe you joined a workout class and believe the other participants are more fit than you, even though that’s not the case. [Read more…]

Research Confirms That Loneliness Is Bad for Your Health

The data are clear: Americans are experiencing unprecedented levels of loneliness. In a new poll last month by the American Psychiatric Association, 30 percent of adults reported feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year; 10 percent said they felt lonely every day. [Read more…]

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