Understanding Socialization in Young Adults During COVID-19

By: Sean Toutant

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Image by MaximeUtopix from Pixabay

In our rapidly evolving digital age, daily usage of digital media and the internet has become the norm. Covid 19 changed our lives with social media being our main priority in life and creating everyone to be less social than we would think. However, as college students, it’s essential to strike a balance between online interactions and real-life connections for personal growth and overall well-being. Let’s actively engage in offline activities, foster meaningful relationships, and make the most out of our college experience. However, as college students, it’s essential to strike a balance between online interactions and real-life connections for personal growth and overall well-being. Let’s actively engage in offline activities, foster meaningful relationships, and make the most out of our college experience. However, as technology continues to advance, the time young people spend connected to digital devices is increasing, and this trend carries significant health risks and behavioral dependence implications. This issue has gained heightened relevance in the context of the ongoing pandemic, which has drastically transformed the way we socialize, study, and work. In this blog A Communication Study of Young Adults and Online Dependency during the COVID-19 Pandemic, we explore the findings of a quantitative research study involving 407 young university adults in Portugal. The study aimed to investigate their digital media practices, particularly during the pandemic, and assess the consequences of their constant connection to the internet, with a focus on the development of internet addiction.

The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new era where our lives have been reshaped to adapt to a predominantly virtual existence. Young adults, already deeply immersed in the digital world, experienced profound implications as their digital reliance increased. To delve into these implications, their research employed comprehensive surveys and questionnaires, collecting data from a representative sample of 407 young university adults in Portugal. There research uncovered a significant increase in internet dependence during the pandemic. While academic obligations played a role in this escalation, a notable portion of respondents turned to the online world as an escape from their daily routines and a way to pass the time. The internet became a sanctuary where the boundaries between work, leisure, and social interactions blurred.

Several factors drove the desire to seek refuge in the digital realm during the pandemic. Firstly, strict social distancing measures led to isolation and limited physical social interactions. In this context, the internet became a lifeline for connecting with friends and family. Video calls, social media platforms, and online gaming became indispensable tools for maintaining social bonds.Moreover, the pandemic’s unsettling and often distressing news cycle prompted many to turn to the curated online world for solace. Entertainment platforms, ranging from streaming services to YouTube, offered a respite from the grim realities of the outside world.

Perhaps the most concerning revelation from there research was the self-reported consequences of excessive internet use. Many respondents reported experiencing sleep disturbances, ranging from insomnia to disrupted sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens, combined with constant online engagement, disrupted their circadian rhythms, making it challenging to unwind and fall asleep. Additionally, negative emotional reactions, such as mood swings, depression, and nervousness, were commonly reported when respondents were offline. This heightened emotional sensitivity can be attributed to several factors, including the addictive nature of social media and the pressure to curate a perfect online persona. The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the anxiety stemming from constant social comparisons played a substantial role in exacerbating these emotions.A Communication Study of Young Adults and Online Dependency during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In summary, their research unequivocally demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified internet dependence among young adults, especially those belonging to Generation Z. While the internet has served as a lifeline for staying connected, continuing education, and remote work, it has also become a double-edged sword. Its ease of use for escape and distraction has led to a concerning rise in internet addiction.Recognizing the severity of this issue, it is crucial for individuals, educational institutions, and policymakers to prioritize digital literacy and responsible digital media consumption. Encouraging regular digital detox periods, during which individuals disconnect from screens and engage in offline activities, can help mitigate the negative effects of internet addiction.

Furthermore, parents, educators, and mental health professionals should be equipped with the knowledge and tools to identify and address internet addiction in young adults. This includes fostering open dialogues about healthy internet use and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced life that encompasses both online and offline experiences. In this brave new digital era, it is our responsibility to recognize the signs of internet addiction, both in ourselves and in the young adults of Generation Z. By doing so, we can take proactive steps to promote a healthier, more balanced relationship with the digital realm, ensuring that our plugged-in lives do not come at the cost of our overall well-being.

What is the power of non-verbal communication?

What is the power of non-verbal communication?

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Written By: Ava Adiletti

There are many different forms of communication. We use communication on a daily basis and it is a vital part of our lives. Communication is used to let others know how we are feeling and what we want or need. Communication comes in so many forms. Verbal, non-verbal, visual, oral, interpersonal, listening, and written. No matter what type of communication we use, it is our way of connecting with people. The most popular types of communication we use is verbal and non-verbal. We use verbal communication with others by using our words and speaking. We use non-verbal communication through our facial expressions and body language.

Non-verbal communication is defined as the transfer of information from one person to another without the use of words or spoken language. Nonverbal communication can occur in a variety of ways, including through facial expressions, gestures, and body posture or position. We use facial expressions by moving our eyes, mouth, eyebrows, and nose. For example, a form of non-verbal communication using facial expressions is someone smiling which indicates they are happy. A gesture someone may use as a form of non-verbal communication is waving which is a form of saying hello. Body posture or position someone may use to show they are upset is by crossing their arms which shows they are angry.

A research study was conducted by the English Department at the University of Kuningan (https://knepublishing.com/index.php/KnE-Social/article/view/12979/20911). This study examines non-verbal communication in student’s speaking performance. The importance of having the ability to use non-verbal communication is echoed throughout the article. The most common used form of non-verbal communication used by students in the study was gestures. The least used form of non-verbal communication used by students in the study was eye contact. The five main types of non-verbal communication used in the study were facial expressions, eye movement, gestures, posture, and eye contact.

As someone who constantly uses non-verbal communication, most of the time I find myself using facial expressions to express my feelings. Facial expressions are an easy and often non-complicated way we can let others know how we are feeling.

The way data was collected in this study was by using observation and interview tactics. The observation was intended to find out the types of non-verbal communication in students’ speaking performance. The observer evaluated by using the five forms of non-verbal communication which are facial expression, eye movement, gestures, and eye contact. Based on the data collected, it was found that most of the students (43%) used gestures when delivering speech. Second, eye movement (27%) was also often used by the students. Third, eye contact used only (20%). Fourth is facial expression (6%). Lastly, posture was used only (4%) by the participants. This data supports that gestures were the most popular form of non-verbal communication used by students while delivering a speech. Students used gestures to convey their excitement while speaking.

Another aspect of the study looked at how aware we are of our use of how we use non-verbal communication. It was valid to say that the participants of the study were aware of the types of nonverbal communication during the speech and they were able to use the non-verbal communication properly. Most of the students agreed that they often used gestures in their speech. This also supported the data collected in the study.

This study showed that students felt more comfortable using non-verbal communication while delivering speeches and their preferred form of non-verbal communication was to use gestures. Non-verbal communication helped students deliver their message to the audience in an effective way.

Overall, non-verbal communication is a key aspect of our lives. We can enhance our non-verbal communication skills by putting them into practice and finding what skills help us get our message across to others. Non-verbal communication allows us to express our feelings in a way words sometimes can’t. Non-verbal communication has the power to engage others with a clear message.

Hug it Out: 30 Seconds Changes Everything

Hug it Out: The More the Merrier

Image by GLady from Pixabay

Written by: Annie Coghlan

If you had to guess, how many hugs do you receive in one day? Now, with that number in mind, think about how meaningful those hugs are; are they just simple greetings towards friends or do they allow you to feel comfort and endearment? If your answer is little to none, let me persuade you to increase that number.

First, let’s try to define what a hug means to you. Do your hugs last longer than 6 seconds or do your hugs end almost as soon as they began? In order for a hug to be of any benefit to you, it must be at least 6 seconds but ideally 20 seconds or longer. A common theme you will see throughout this topic is “the more the merrier”. For example, the more time you spend hugging someone, the more benefits you will encounter.  Another example could be the more hugs you give and receive, the more you will see a difference in your life.

There are so many benefits to increasing the number and length of hugs you receive in your day to day life. For example, when individuals hug someone, their body produces endorphins. Endorphins can better be described as chemicals in the body that relieve feelings of pain and stress. Endorphins are also known to produce feelings of euphoria, happiness and calmness. So the more hugs you complete, the more endorphins released. The more the merrier.

In looking a little deeper into the neuroscience behind hugs, it was also noted that hugging releases the hormone oxytocin. This elevation in oxytocin can support not only heart health but its also known to create feelings of happiness. Some research even suggests that hugs can act as a natural pain reliever for physical pain.

Having meaningful hugs throughout your day is also said to reduce stress, improve relationships and even improve your mental well-being. Stress does nothing good for the body, it causes individuals to become less motivated, it negatively impacts physical health, and it causes changes in attitudes and behaviors. Reducing stress can offer an entire list of its own filled with benefits that can improve your life, including better sleep, better moods and better relationships. Hugs can provide instant relief to your stress and can positively impact you physically and emotionally.

As an extremely stressed and anxious individual, I will do just about anything it takes to reduce my stress throughout my daily activities. So what does that mean? The short answer would be to hug more and hug longer, but what does that really entail?

In an article by Sukhman Rekhi, titled “Hugs: Benefits, Research & Quotes” Rekhi talks about the importance of how many hugs you receive in a day. Although there is no one specific number, there is proof in the benefits of receiving hugs. Family therapist Virginia Satir suggests, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth”. So the more the merrier, right? Even in multiple psychological studies it is suggested that partaking in hugs GENEROUSLY, has significantly better health outcomes than those who do not partake in physical touch.

The only problem with this research is that it is not more well known. This could be an incredibly beneficial change in many individual’s lives.  College students, children, animals, parents, elders, anyone and everyone who experiences hugs on the daily, experiences the benefit. Spread the love and spread the word that hugs can make the difference.

All of the research proves this idea that hugs are nothing but beneficial to those who partake in them daily. So what are you waiting for? Go find a friend, a family member, a significant other, a dog, whoever you want, and hug them. Not only are you benefitting yourself, but you are also benefitting the recipient of your hug. You and your new hug buddy can take a leap together towards a better and healthier lifestyle.

How Much Sleep Are You Really Getting?

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Written by: Edas Chiume

Getting an efficient amount of sleep as a college student or young adult can be tough. With numerous amounts of assignments or full-time job responsibilities, it is hard to find time for yourself. Those are not the only factors decreasing our sleep. Social media and television are said to be a couple of the reasons why college students and young adults don’t get enough sleep.

A study called “All Night Long: Problematic Media Use Is Differentially Associated with Sleep Quality and Depression by Medium” discusses these reasons. The researchers focused on the consumption of video-on-demand (VOD) television and social media to view if they are detrimental to sleep and mental help. In the study, it was found that “problematic viewing of VOD television and problematic social media use were both associated with a greater incidence of sleep disruption while problematic viewing broadcast television was not”.

As college students and young adults social media and television are part of our everyday lives. For example, when winding down for bed you might promise yourself 30 minutes on social media and then you go to bed. Those 30 minutes end up being 45 minutes, then an hour, and maybe even two hours. Now you’ve only slept for 6 or 5 hours before your 9 a.m. class or shift the next morning.

Although we do not watch as much cable television anymore, streaming services are more prevalent. As someone who puts on a show on Netflix or Hulu as “background” noise while I work on schoolwork, it does not always work well. The majority of my focus is on the new show that I am binge-watching or the childhood movie I found. This delays the time I have to do my schoolwork or other things. This results in me sleeping later than intended to finish my work.

In these occasions lack of sleep can be detrimental to your mental health. Not getting enough sleep can be related to depression especially when social media is involved. In Eden, Ellithorpe, Meshi Ulusoy, and Grady’s study it was found that “for depression; problematic social media use was significantly associated with higher reporting of depression symptoms, while problematic viewing of broadcast and VOD television were not, although VOD was marginally significant. Sleep disruption and depression were positively correlated”.

This is a reminder to put the electronics down when you intend to sleep. Try not to prolong your time on social media before bed because the video you saw was funny and you want to wait until it is over. “I’ll be on TikTok for another 5 minutes and go to bed” never ends up being just 5 minutes. You do not need to add stress to your daily life due to lack of sleep.

Studies have shown mental health issues such as depression arise due to social media and television. This may be from the way people view others and themselves or late-night viewing. Many people tend to compare themselves to others on social media. Whether it may be because of the way someone looks or the way they perceive themselves on social media. People can also compare themselves to TV characters as well. Comments on social media are harsh sometimes which can bring people down mentally.

Lastly, I would recommend taking a detox from either social media or television. This should be done if you have noticed that one of these kinds of entertainment has affected you. The detox can take place for one to two weeks, it is your choice. The purpose is to not think about social media or television and live your life as if it never existed. Some people say that it is freeing, relaxing, and less stressful. You will find that you do not need to be attached to your phone or the apps that you are constantly on. Hopefully, this will help with your mental health and better sleep journey.

All night long: problematic media use is differentially associated with sle…

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A non substance addiction: Gaming and Gambling

By:Theo Vela

https://web.s.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=8&sid=c1f23be2-ef3c-47e3-8fc3-478196c3830f%40redis

Gambling or online gambling to be exact has grown exponentially in the last 10 years. As digital media grows and grows so will online advertising, online advertising plays a huge role in problem gaming and gambling. Problem gaming is known as addictive video gaming. The same can be said about problem gambling, the two share similarities because they are both vey addictive and can ruin lives and brains. Recent data suggest that Canada has a problem gambling prevalence rate of 0.9% with an additional 2.6% of gamblers being at risk of developing problem gambling (Responsible Gambling Council, 2015). Problem gambling has become an epidemic among the America people.  Problem gambling is often associated with a higher prevalence of mood disorder, depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity (Blaszczynski & Nower, 2002), and these factors are frequently considered in models for behavioral addictions, problem video gaming among them. Furthermore, motivational factors, such as the desire for fun, to escape from reality or to cope with one’s mood disorder are seen as factors that contribute to both problem gambling and other behavioral addictions such as problem video gaming.

There is a growing body of research that seeks to understand the heightened prevalence of online video gaming by focusing on how it satisfies certain “human needs” (Przybylski et al., 2010, p. 155). Human satisfaction is the main driver of online gaming and gambling, a significant force that attracts individuals to online video games. Motivations drive behaviors by tying certain acts or activities with “emotional preferences”. Once an individual gains a certain stimulus called “short term well being” they will be attracted to come back to that short term well being. The more popular the online game is the more capacity it has to satisfy a wide range of psychosocial needs. The same thing can be said about gambling, the greater the risk and reward it has the more capacity it has in your brain to satisfy your psychosocial needs. Compensatory satisfaction of psychosocial needs, therefore, plays a significant role in motivating individuals to play online games.Online video gaming has become an epicenter for online social interaction this is known as social gaming. Some people who play online games on end 10-12 hours a day may be referred to as someone who is in social isolation. These people tend to develop relationships online,  digital worlds make social interaction possible for individuals who, for various reasons, may find it difficult to interact with others in the physical world. Many video-game addicted individuals may prefer digital social interaction rather than in-person interaction, this is due to the fact that they can control the nature of the interaction while minimizing the potential for rejection or social rejection.

SO WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM??

Photo by :  Healing Hearts Counseling Center

This is a big issue in todays world because individuals are becoming more reliant on these “short term well being” games as an escape from real world problems or conflicts. There are 7 reasons why people online game or gambling; escape, coping, social, fantasy, skill development, competition, and recreation. All of these factors contribute to problem gaming and gambling vice versa. Problem gaming can lead to social isolation and  social rejection as some may not have social skills for the real world. They prefer online social interaction which may lead to problem gamers avoiding any social in person interaction. This causes these people to avoid applying for jobs, finding love ones in the future and a decrease in motivation for in person social interaction. As for problem gambling the tables turn, problem gambling may lead to the worst of the effects. Problem gambling cause families to be ruined and mental health to be shattered. The need for “short term well being” is highly addictive and it is what keeps gamblers coming back for more. Problem gambling can lead to bankruptcy which can tear a person apart mentally and physically. While not paying bills, rent, and mortgages, problem gamblers will always look for ways to increase their bank accounts without knowing the full extent of their actions.

Here’s Why You Should Spend Time Socializing

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Written By: Sara Hedglin

After you graduate high school, life moves quickly and you tend to typically feel like you have less time to socialize with friends. Especially when you are busy with college classes, working, or starting a family. Next thing you know, three years go by and you haven’t seen your best friends in months. You prioritized school or work so much, that the friends around you started to fade. It is important to keep those friendships around you constantly growing and it’s not too late.

As a young adult, starting your own life and building your own path, it can be challenging to keep friends around when your life is so busy. Yet, at the end of the day, when you spend time with those friends you love going out and grabbing coffee with, shopping with, or just casually hanging out, it always feels like a breath of fresh air with them.

So, what does socializing or in other words “social connectedness” even mean? Based off of the CDC, it is the numbers or types of relationships that surround you, meaningful and memorable social exchanges, feeling a sense of support or belonging from friends and family, sharing a close bond with others, feeling loved, cared for, appreciated, and valued, and having someone to turn to when you are going through a tough time.

An article called Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy, establishes the link between social relationships and health outcomes, specifically “identifying the explanations for this link, and discovering social variation at the population level.”  In the article, they talk about studies that revealed individuals with the lowest level of involvement in socializing were more likely to die than those with greater involvement. Specifically, a study conducted by Lisa Berkman and Leonard Syme, showed the results of death among men and women with less social ties were more than twice as the risk for adults with more social ties. The study then shares the benefits of social relationships such as positive health behaviors and habits, social support and personal control, mental health, and physical health.

Image by u_uf78c121 from Pixabay
Image by u_uf78c121 from Pixabay

According to the CDC, socializing with friends and family can help prevent serious illnesses and outcomes such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, anxiety, and depression. It was also noted that socializing can help recover from stress, anxiety, and depression, promote healthy eating habits, encourage physical activity, improve sleep and well-being, reduce the risk of violent and suicidal behaviors, and prevent deaths from chronic diseases from occurring.

With COVID, it has also created a block between physical interaction and the virtual world. It may feel like you are social as you text others, scroll through social media, and interact with others online, but these benefits do not occur without the physical interaction of others. An article that focuses on the Health Benefits of Social Interaction states that”we still need physical in-person connections for our own mental health.”

As a full-time college student in my senior year and working 15 hours a week, it can be very challenging to find times to socialize with my friends. Every minute of the day that goes by feels like less and less time to work on my schoolwork. It feels like I am always trying to be ahead of the next assignment and find myself constantly overwhelming myself. I have seen my friends beg me to take a one-hour break just to grab food with them and give myself a mental break, and as soon as I do I am back to being calm and refreshed.

So, how can you balance everything going on in your life and still find ways to make room for socializing? One way that can help make room for friends is to plan ahead. I find it works best for me as I try to balance time for school, work, clubs, family, and friends to find a time when we are all free and save the date. Whether that is two days away, two weeks away, or two months away. Reach out to your friends, connect your calendars, and find a day that works best for you. Another way is to incorporate both work and socializing together. If you and a friend both have a huge workload, make a library date or a coffee date. Do that work together and socialize at the same time! Or find a hobby you and a friend both enjoy or create goals together such as working out every Monday together. Not only does this create bonding time that improves your health, but you both are keeping your bodies healthy.

Although it may feel tough at times to make room to socialize, focus on how important that relationship is in your life, and how it makes you feel when you spend time with them. There is always room for love and comfort in your life, even if it feels like there’s no time.

The Decrease in Test Anxiety with Online Learning During the Pandemic  

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Written By: Marissa Sweger

Did you feel stressed, anxious, or hopeless the last time you took an exam before, during, or after it? If you answered yes, then you might have test anxiety. Test anxiety is a severe version of these feelings when taking an exam. It is very common among college students. As college students, we take multiple classes while having other obligations that take up our time. These things can stop you from properly studying or adding extra stress. You or someone you know will probably face anxiety over taking an exam in your collegiate career.

I’ve always had severe test anxiety. From elementary school to now, as a junior in college, I find myself afraid of taking exams. When I take an exam, I feel like I jumped into ice water. I feel frozen. My mind goes blank, my heart races, and my palms sweat. I get nervous just at the thought of taking a test. These are the feelings I went through when I had to take an in-person exam, but during the pandemic, I noticed that my test anxiety decreased when taking exams online.

The study “Why Did Students Report Lower Test Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic?” by Ewell Sharday, Chloe Josefson, and Cissy Ballen collected data from 691 students to examine how test anxiety affected college students’ scores when taking exams online during the pandemic. Quantitative analyses revealed trait and state (post-exam) test anxiety was lower in the Spring of 2020 (during Covid) than in the Spring of 2019. It also revealed while test anxiety was going down, priorities shifted away from coursework.

So why did we see decreased test anxiety during the pandemic? The study hypothesized that anxiety levels dropped due to how students prepared for exams during the pandemic. The results showed that some students struggled with their learning due to the sudden switch to the online environment and a lack of in-person communication, while others improved by these new methods. It found that anxiety dropped quite a bit after the second exam, but by the third exam, it went back up. These results are because of two things: competence beliefs and competing priorities.

Lower beliefs of one’s competence can cause higher levels of test anxiety, and higher beliefs can cause lower test anxiety. If students believe they are well prepared for an exam, they are likelier to do better than someone with a negative belief in their competence.

The change to online learning was a big one for most people. Along with learning how to navigate online courses, they also had to worry about financial security and family matters. This competition of priorities leads to time being taken away from their coursework, thus leading to unpreparedness and test anxiety.

While the way I studied changed during the pandemic, I was used to doing school online classes. I had taken some virtual courses at community college. Those virtual classes prepared me for the transition during the pandemic and helped me understand what study methods worked for me. Another thing that helped was taking my exams in a room by myself. Knowing that everyone around me is finishing their exam makes me think I should finish mine faster so I’m not the last one done. Research has taught me some good coping skills to help with my test anxiety.

There are many resources available to help cope with test anxiety. Whether that be learning efficient study habits, getting help from a tutor or professor, or even getting more sleep. You could try focusing on positive thoughts and affirmations before you take your exam. I eat sour candy before an exam because my therapist told me that eating something sour is a good distraction technique for anxiety. Refrain from exhausting yourself with studying. Take a break occasionally, and do something fun like phone a friend or watch an episode of your favorite show. You might never completely get rid of your test anxiety, but you can manage it.

 

 

TikTok: A Cycle of Comparison

TikTok: A Cycle of Comparison

Written by: Kayla Mitchell

The saying “comparison is the thief of joy” is more prominent than ever with the increased use of social media apps, one of them being TikTok.

Ever since TikToks release in 2016, young adults have been consumed with the addictive nature of the app. From dances to “get ready with me videos” to people demonstrating what they do in their daily life, TikTok seemingly has something for everyone. For me personally, I cannot remember a day where I didn’t go on TikTok at least twice a day, as well as going on it for longer than I had intended. However, when looking at popular creators on the app, constant comparison is an inevitable issue to be faced by many.

An issue specifically related to comparison that has become prominent is TikTok use and comparison as it relates to negative body image/body dissatisfaction. There have been many times that I have found myself watching videos on TikTok of young women and comparing my body to theirs, feeling inadequate due to the imperfections I see on myself. Even in groups with my friends, there are often comments such as “I wish I looked like that” or “I’m so jealous of her.”

Danielle Bissonette Mink and Dawn M. Szymanski from the Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, conducted a study (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S174014452200167X#preview-section-snippets) in which they sought out to examine the direct and indirect relations between the use of TikTok and overall body dissatisfaction. It is within this study that they measured TikTok use and its effect on body dissatisfaction by utilizing 778 female college students ranging from 18-29 years old.

The study concluded that “TikTok use is likely to be related to body dissatisfaction indirectly through upward appearance comparison and body surveillance operating in serial.” Something important to note is that it was found that women who are on TikTok more, are seeing popular users usually with unrealistic body standards, and by seeing this portrayed so often causes insecurities and feeling malcontent with yourself.

Another factor in looking at body dissatisfaction and TikTok use is in creating the videos themselves. After young women specifically viewing what the study calls “sexualized dance videos” and the amount of popularity those videos receive, there is an increase in intense analysis of one’s body. Many young adults crave validation and popularity and oftentimes recreate popular videos or use popular sounds they see on their “For You” page. If their videos do not gain traction or popularity like another video, this has proven to make body dissatisfaction more prominent in their daily life.

You are probably thinking is there any way to stop or slow down this cycle? Well, the answer is kind of. One way that the study has shown you can reduce this cycle of negative comparison is by increasing your media literacy. By having knowledge and understanding that social media is a “highlight reel” and more often than not showcases content that has been photoshopped and edited before posting, you are allowing yourself to build what they call “a protective factor” in the inevitable comparison cycle. With greater knowledge and awareness, you are allowing yourself to be more in tune with reality and not focus so much on the ideals that dominate the media.

On social media it is more common than not to see edited/photoshopped content, an algorithm of popular videos filled with people that fit a certain image of “beauty”, and to be caught in a loop of measuring your inherent worth as a person. By increasing social media literacy, limiting your screen time on TikTok, and being in tune with your personal values, we can reduce the amount of body dissatisfaction we experience as young women.

To increase social media literacy, begin to increase your overall awareness to some “warning signs” of edited content.If you view a video on TikTok, many times if any sort of filter was used it will be in the bottom left corner. Remind yourself that videos can be edited to be in any order or trim any unwanted clips out. Videos take multiple takes; if someone doesn’t like how they naturally look, they can easily wear different clothes or otherwise alter their appearance and record as many times as they desire.

Limit your screen time by putting a time limit on the TikTok app in your settings. Don’t be afraid to put your phone on, do not disturb so you are able to focus on other tasks. When with a group of people, hang up to hang out!!

Remind yourself that you are a collection of your personal values and passions. Spend more time doing things you love with people you care about than you do scrolling through TikTok. These are skills that will help you have a well rounded mindset throughout your life!

TikTok can be an addictive and seemingly negative place when caught in the cycle of comparison. If we as a society work together to increase our social media literacy and begin to post real, unedited content with no shame, we can reduce the overall body dissatisfaction occurring for all young women!

Are Young Adults Novels Fake?

Written By: Tania Randazzo

What do you think of when you hear classic novels? Books like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Lord of the Flies, and To Kill a MockingbirdThese are many books that most students have had to read in high school and that have been intertwined within the English curriculum for years. As a middle and high school student, I remember reading the books I was assigned in English class and thinking that they were the most boring things ever and it made me hate reading. Once I got older and began exploring the library and different books, I realized just how much I love to read.

I know more people who hate reading then people who enjoy it. I know even less people who read for pleasure. I was one of those people. It was only until I began reading different books where I started realizing that I did like to read, I just wasn’t reading the right novels. The world of the Young Adult genre completely changed my perspective of reading.

In an article written by Susan P. Santolini titled Promoting Young Adult Literature: The Other “Real” Literature, Santolini states, “Young adult literature can be a vehicle that allows teachers to present the same literary elements found in the classics while engaging adolescents in stimulating classroom discussions and assignments. Unlike literature, it can foster a desire to read.”

I have always believed that most people would like to read if they found the correct books. Although classic books are classics for a reason, there is a only a certain and small amount of people that enjoy them. Therefore, to make those the only books pushed in a classroom setting is not a good way to promote reading. By allowing different genres into the classroom, it can allow for students to open up their mind and try to find different books that pique their interest and increase their want to read.

I remember having an assignment in my middle school English class where we had to go to to the library, pick out one book, and write a review about it. Dread. That is what I remember feeling in my stomach when I thought about having to read one of the books at school. I went to the library and stumbled upon the young adult section and I picked out a book. I still remember the title, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins. I began reading the book for the class and I was hooked. I was reading it at any possible free-time I had and once I finished it, I went back to the library to immediately check out the second book. And then the third one. What once began as a forced project for class, opened up me up to this whole other world. The world of books.

Not only was the book fun, entertaining, and easy to understand but it was also teaching me things about myself and about my life. As Santolini states in her article, “Good-quality novels written for teenagers contain the elements of literature found in the classics: character and characterization, setting, conflict, theme, point-of-view, plot, style, crisis, climax, foreshadowing, flashbacks, figurative language, and so forth.”

If young adult novels are seen as holding some of the major qualities of the classics, then why shouldn’t they be encouraged in the classroom? Why are they considered not real novels or real literature? If I had been introduced to these kinds of novels when I was younger, I would have enjoyed overall reading so much more. If it wasn’t for the fact that I managed to stumble across Hex Hall I wonder if I would still be under the impression that I did not like to read.

If these kinds of novels had more of an importance, or even an introduction in high school classrooms, I believe the amount of students that would read for pleasure would be drastically higher. Young adult novels should not be considered fake novels or a separate entity from real and classic novels but instead, but instead be put out as options for all students to read. Books are an amazing and powerful tool that everyone should have the pleasure of experiencing. Overall, if you consider yourself a non-reader, I urge you to explore your local library and try books that sound somewhat interesting to you. I specifically, urge in the young adult section. If you are a teacher, I also strongly urge you to read some of these books and promote them to your students and just see if this is something your students could be interested in.

Santoli, Susan P., and Mary Elaine Wagner. “Promoting Young Adult Literature: The Other ‘Real’ Literature.” American Secondary Education, vol. 33, no. 1, 2004, pp. 65–75. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41064624. Accessed 25 Sept. 2023.
https://pixabay.com/illustrations/book-read-lesson-primary-2814026/

When Are Social Media Comments Too Much?

Image by Stock Snap from Pixabay

Written By: Emily Brubaker

The impact of social media in our society cannot be ignored, particularly concerning how it affects our perception of body image. It is common for young individuals, especially women, to be constantly bombarded with images of bodies that are perfect and idealized on various social media platforms. This content exposure can effect one’s own body image. Instagram is definitely one of the most popular social media platforms out there. With every post, comes the potential for likes and comments, which has its effects.  

Comments provide positive and negative feedback on oneself, which can significantly impact self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, viewing other people’s statements makes it easy to compare oneself to others and rely on them to form an opinion about oneself. Studies have shown that comments can encourage a particular message, that ultimately wasn’t its main intent. There comes a point when all the comments can become overwhelming, and it’s important to know when to take a break.

The research conducted by Hye Min Kim  (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/1461444820956368) delves into the influence of comments on body images, putting forward three hypotheses that examine how viewers respond to both positive and negative comments on social media. The study highlights the impact that comments can have on our perception of our own bodies. In Kim’s study, participants were randomly assigned to one of three Instagram body postings: “(1) with comments that are favorable or (2) unfavorable to the depicted body, or (3) without any comment.” 

As a frequent user of Instagram, I find myself often scrolling through the comments of the people I follow. It’s almost like a reflex at this point. But then I stop and wonder, how do these comments shape my perception of myself and my experience on Instagram? Do they make me feel better or worse about myself?

Through the research, comments are shown to be more impactful when users can see other comments, relating those pictures to their own ideals. Social media’s impact on body image is often perceived as unfavorable, but personal identification with our bodies is the true determinant.     

The research identifies that the type of comments one looks at can ultimately affect the viewer’s body perception. Positive feedback on body postings may have the power to mitigate body image concerns by helping viewers adopt a broader conceptualization of beauty standards and fostering body appreciation. On the contrary, negative comments dealing with a similar body type can damage one’s body image. 

As a woman in my twenties, I frequently engage in conversations with my peers regarding the negative impact of social media on our self-image. Given my active use of various social media platforms, discussions often revolve around removing pictures due to feelings of shame or turning off likes and comments. These conversations reflect a broader trend among women in my age group and underscore how social media can impact our perceptions of our bodies. 

I want you to think back to scrolling on social media, whether that was yesterday, two days ago, or three minutes ago. And if you looked at any comments on either your own or someone’s else how did it make you feel? Did it make you think about yourself differently? Do you want those comments to be about you? It is normal for you to feel different about your body image on social media because that is what we have trained our minds to do. 

Overall, it’s essential to set boundaries to avoid negative body idealization. One suggestion is to turn off likes and comments, especially if they make you have a negative impact on your body. It’s also a good idea to unfollow accounts that constantly make you feel like you are comparing yourself to them, and viewing their comments negatively yourself. You can take control of when Instagram comments are too much for you.