Effects of the Shutdown on Adolescent Brains

I have been reading a lot in the science news about all the research going on related to the 2 year shutdown and its effects on us.  This article below talks about how a study was done on teenagers before and after the shutdown, and the results are very alarming to me. These teenagers are the future of our society and damage done to them will affect us all eventually.

So, here is this article for you to check out. This should alarm you also. The study size is more than adequate to show that the findings, though not verified by other studies yet, are valid.  I will be looking for more or future studies on this to see how these results stand up. 

It really doesn't need to be validated to cause you some alarm.  If just a small number of adolescents globally were affected so negatively, then the potential for a serious problem exists.

Here is the synopsis:

 Recent studies, including those presented at a major neuroscience conference, reveal alarming changes in the brain development of adolescents due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This period, marked by school closures and social isolation, has intensified the pre-existing decline in the psychological health of American teenagers. 

 Key findings from the University of Washington show an unusual acceleration in the thinning of the cerebral cortex among teenagers during the pandemic. This research, led by Patricia Kuhl, involved 124 adolescents and highlighted a more pronounced effect in female participants. The thinning of the cortex, a normal part of growth, appeared to be fast-tracked during the lockdown, with some teenagers' brains resembling those of older adolescents. 

 The implications of this accelerated brain aging are profound, potentially affecting learning capabilities, emotional well-being, and cognitive functions. The research team is also exploring the role of social media during this critical period. 

 Another perspective comes from Harvard Medical School's Caterina Stamoulis, who examined how adolescent brains were prepared to handle such a crisis. Using data from the largest U.S. study on brain development and child health, Stamoulis' team assessed the organization and efficiency of brain networks in adolescents. They found that weaker brain circuits were linked to increased sadness and stress during the pandemic years. 

 These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to support the mental health of youth during extraordinary events like the COVID-19 pandemic. They also highlight the importance of understanding brain development as a factor in adolescents' emotional and mental resilience.

Whew! That is a mouthful, but the information presented is interesting and engaging.  I for one look forward to learning more about this topic and I hope you are also moved to watch out for more news about it. I know I am a science geek and most are not, but some topics should be interesting to anyone.  I think this is one.

The TikTok Phenomenon: Why it Appeals So Much to Young Adults

TikTok, the short-form video platform that has taken the world by storm, has become an integral part of the lives of young adults around the globe. With its addictive content and user-friendly interface, TikTok has managed to captivate the hearts and minds of this demographic like no other social media platform before. In this blog post, we'll explore the various reasons why TikTok appeals so much to young adults.

• Bite-Sized Content: One of the most compelling aspects of TikTok is its commitment to short-form video content, with videos typically ranging from 15 seconds to one minute. This format aligns perfectly with the short attention spans of young adults who are constantly on the move and have limited time to spare. The brevity of TikTok videos allows for quick and easy consumption, making it ideal for a generation constantly bombarded with information.
• Endless Creativity: TikTok encourages creativity like no other platform. The app provides users with a variety of tools, including music, filters, effects, and editing capabilities, enabling them to produce engaging and entertaining content effortlessly. Young adults love the freedom to express themselves creatively and experiment with different styles and formats, which TikTok readily offers.
• Viral Challenges and Trends: TikTok's viral challenges and trends have become a cultural phenomenon. Participating in these challenges not only fosters a sense of community but also allows users to showcase their creativity and uniqueness. The allure of being part of a trend or challenge that millions of others are also participating in can be irresistible to young adults seeking connection and recognition.
• Algorithmic Magic: TikTok's recommendation algorithm is nothing short of magic. By analyzing a user's interactions and preferences, TikTok curates a personalized feed filled with content tailored to their interests. This keeps users engaged and entertained, as they are constantly discovering new content that resonates with them. The more you use TikTok, the better it understands your tastes, making it a highly addictive experience.
• Authenticity and Relatability: Unlike some other social media platforms where users curate a highly polished and filtered version of their lives, TikTok thrives on authenticity. Young adults appreciate the raw, unfiltered content that they can relate to. Many TikTok creators share their daily experiences, struggles, and achievements, creating a sense of connection and empathy among users.
• Diverse Content: TikTok is a platform for everyone, and its content reflects this diversity. Users can find content spanning a wide range of topics, from humor and dance to education and activism. This diversity ensures that young adults can always find something that piques their interest, no matter their background or preferences.
• Entertainment Value: Ultimately, TikTok is simply entertaining. Its vast array of content keeps users coming back for more. Whether it's watching hilarious skits, learning new dance moves, or discovering life hacks, TikTok offers a constant stream of amusement and entertainment, providing young adults with a much-needed escape from their daily routines.
  
  
  

While TikTok can be a fun and engaging platform, it's important to recognize that, like any social media platform, it can have potential negative effects on developing minds and character. Here are some of the possible negative impacts:

• Addictive Behavior: TikTok is designed to be addictive. Its endless scrolling and personalized content recommendations can lead to excessive screen time, which can be detrimental to physical and mental health, especially for young adults who are still developing self-regulation skills.
• Time Wasting: Spending too much time on TikTok can lead to procrastination and reduced productivity. Young adults may find themselves neglecting important responsibilities like schoolwork, work, or personal relationships.
• Social Comparison: Social media platforms often encourage users to compare themselves to others. On TikTok, this can manifest as comparing one's appearance, talent, or lifestyle to the influencers and creators on the platform. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, especially in young, impressionable minds.
• Cyberbullying: TikTok, like any social media platform, can be a space for cyberbullying. Young adults may experience hurtful comments, online harassment, or even the sharing of embarrassing videos. This can have severe psychological consequences.
• Privacy Concerns: Users, especially young adults, may not fully understand the implications of sharing personal information and videos on TikTok. There's a risk of personal data being exploited or misused by third parties.
• Mental Health: Excessive use of TikTok has been linked to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. The constant exposure to curated and often idealized content can create unrealistic expectations and a sense of disconnection from reality.
• Negative Influences: While TikTok offers diverse content, it also exposes young adults to content that may be inappropriate, harmful, or promote unhealthy behaviors. This could include content related to self-harm, substance abuse, or dangerous challenges.
• Reduced Attention Span: Constantly switching between short videos on TikTok may contribute to a reduced attention span, making it difficult for young adults to focus on longer, more complex tasks such as reading, studying, or problem-solving.
• Body Image Issues: TikTok's emphasis on appearance and aesthetics can contribute to body image issues, leading young adults to feel pressure to conform to certain beauty standards or engage in unhealthy behaviors to achieve those standards.
• Loss of Real-World Interactions: Spending too much time on TikTok can lead to a decrease in face-to-face social interactions. This can hinder the development of crucial social skills and create feelings of loneliness and isolation.

To mitigate these negative effects, it's essential for young adults, their parents, and educators to promote responsible and balanced use of TikTok and other social media platforms. Encouraging digital literacy, open communication, and setting healthy boundaries for screen time can help young adults enjoy the benefits of TikTok while minimizing its potential harms. Additionally, platforms themselves can take steps to address these concerns through better content moderation, privacy protection, and user education.

TikTok's meteoric rise among young adults can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its short-form content, creative opportunities, viral trends, personalized recommendations, authenticity, diversity, and sheer entertainment value. The platform has not only become a source of entertainment but also a medium for self-expression, connection, and cultural exchange. With its unique blend of features and content, TikTok continues to captivate and engage young adults in ways that no other social media platform has managed to do.

I'm still here

I've been reading my blog and I realized (1) that I had not done much in the way of art for quite some time and (2) I had not posted to this blog for too long.  So, to fix problem #2, here is a new post.  I'm still working on problem #1.

I really don't know why I have not done much "art" lately.  I do know that my artisitc endeavors go in "spurts" and I don't really like that.  Usually I work on crafts or drawing to jump-start my desire to become more involved artistically.  However, I have recently gotten interested in two venues that seem to keep me at the computer instead of at the drawing table.  I love blogging!  I now have four different blogs and I like to work on them often.  I have discovered that once you become a blogger, you automatically become a blog reader!  I can lose hours each day reading other people's blogs about things that interest me.

The other venue I have gotten myself into is Squidoo.  I am trying to learn how to use this format to make money online.  I know, I know.  Everyone and his dog are trying internet marketing.  Well, I don't want to make a gazillion dollars and live in mansions all over the globe.  I just want to know how to do it and maybe make extra money to spend on my family.

So, in a blatant attempt at self promotion, I am inviting you to visit my blogs and leave me any comment you like.  I have one blog called The Mental Health Minute where I post useful articles and information I find about mental health issues.  Since I am a psychiatric nurse and have been for 20 years, you might say that this is a topic near and dear to my heart, and you would be right.  Feel free to visit the blog and learn more about this area.  We all are touched by mental illness in some way, whether because of stress, loss, or just family dynamics.

My next blog is called Nursing Notes and is about issues facing nursing today.  Here I talk about the changes I have seen in my 20 years as a psych nurse; I post articles I find about nursing in the news.  I try to give honest information about the profession of nursing and what that entails.  Please, visit my blog and leave me some feedback.  With the current nursing shortage, we all know someone who is thinking about going to nursing school.  Send them to my blog for current information all in one place.  I sometimes come across as jaded and biased, and I have to admit I am at times, but nursing is a great profession and one I love.  I do think we need some changes, but overall nursing is what I want to do.

In addition to this blog you are currently reading, I also have another Blogger blog about my life with my dog, Satchmo.  He is the love of my life and has been my constant companion for the last ten years.  He has driven across the country when I was doing my travel nursing.  We drove back and forth to California from Oklahoma not once, but twice.  He is a rat terrier and he is absolutely the "poster child" for that breed.  He is stubborn, energetic, loving, funny, and an escape artist.  Read all about his exploits and learn about the breed at Life with Satchmo.

Now, to talk about my Squidoo lenses, I have one about..ta...dah...........Rat Terriers!!  You can visit by clicking here Rat Terriers.  As you can probably see, I love this breed of dog.  I never knew there was such a wonderful type of dog until I had one.  I only got mine on a fluke.  A nurse I worked with had a litter and was desperate to get rid of the last puppies and I said, "Okay, I'll take one."  I told her I wanted a girl and I wanted one that was mostly brown.  I got a boy who is white with black and tan spots.  Go figure!

I've run off at the mouth long enough.  I will try to tell you about the other lenses next time.  Until then, stay safe and stay healthy!