Latest news with #PewResearchCenter
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why Doctors Say Doomscrolling Is ‘Terrible' For Your Skin
We're living in an age where information from across the world is easily accessible, at our fingertips in a heartbeat—just a tap and swipe away on news apps and social media feeds, all day every day. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that over 54% of U.S. adults now get their news via social media, a figure that has nearly doubled since 2020. It's no surprise that the all-too-addictive behavior known as doomscrolling can impact your mental health, but excessive screen time can also affect your skin. It's important to stay up-to-date on current events (hey, that's what we're here for), but it's just as important to take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. Getting nonstop push notifications about the worst of humanity or constantly refreshing your newsfeed, unable to resist clicking on the latest awful thing—well, those habits probably won't be conducive to the well-being of your mind and body. Here's what you need to know about the effects of doomscrolling on your skin and how to fix it—you know, beyond chucking your cellphone out of a window. What is doomscrolling, and why do we do it? Doomscrolling happens when an individual struggles to refrain from endlessly engaging with bad news stories or social media content, often leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, or sadness. 'Doomscrolling has a built-in biology to it,' said Gail Saltz, an associate professor of Psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine. 'You get a hit of your fight-or-flight response where your brain is telling you, 'you better look, because if you don't scan for danger, you're going to be a victim.'' That wiring is reinforced by dopamine, the feel-good chemical linked to reward. When we feel more informed or prepared, our brains give us a slight boost of satisfaction. But when we consume disturbing content, the stress hormone norepinephrine is released, triggering a jittery, high-alert reaction. This not only affects individuals' happiness but also impairs their ability to function and focus on other key routines, such as work, sleep, and self-care. 'Engaging with this material is a constant trigger for stress,' Dr. Saltz told The Daily Beast. 'If you're chronically stressed, then you are chronically producing more circulating cortisol, which has many different effects on physical and mental health.' How does emotional stress translate to breakouts and inflammation? The main function of cortisol, also known as the 'stress hormone,' is to help regulate blood pressure and glucose levels while also combating inflammation during moments when our bodies enter 'fight or flight' mode. But issues arise when cortisol levels become elevated too frequently as a result of stress. Engaging with this material is a constant trigger for stress. 'If [doomscrolling] is something that causes chronic stress in a person, it can have a negative impact on the cosmetic appearance of the skin,' said Jeremy Fenton, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. 'Cortisol in excess can [harm] the skin in the long term, causing it to become thinner or weaker.' While it may be challenging to look at a person and assume that they spend too much time on social media based on their face, Dr. Fenton said patients can usually recognize the connection themselves. Patients with inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, and eczema often realize that their symptoms progressively worsen not only when their stress levels are high but also when they are sleep-deprived. How does nighttime scrolling hurt your skin? Like the rest of your body, your skin needs a chance to heal itself. Unfortunately, endlessly thumbing through terrifying news stories can mess with its ability to do that. 'Doomscrolling is a terrible thing to do before going to bed because you're revving up your system,' Dr. Saltz said. 'To sleep, you have to bring on board your parasympathetic nervous system, which is the side that is relaxing.' Binging the news or your Insta feed before bed not only impacts falling asleep, but the body's ability to fall back asleep if one were to wake up in the middle of the night due to anxiety. 'Your body needs sleep for regeneration, your brain needs sleep, and all of your tissues need sleep in order to trigger the appropriate regeneration and recuperation,' added Dr. Fenton. Doomscrolling is a terrible thing to do before going to bed. Sleep deprivation can also lead to increased cortisol and other hormone changes, such as a reduction in the production of melatonin, which may impair the skin's ability to repair itself. When the body is unable to get the rest it needs to replenish itself, inflammation occurs, which can cause an increase in breakouts, skin sensitivity, redness, irritation, and puffy eyes. 'Sleep is a critical component of your overall health across many different facets,' says Dr. Fenton. 'There's no doubt that sleep deprivation is going to have a negative impact on overall skin health.' Does blue light really mess with your complexion, or is the issue more complicated than that? Digital and LED screens emit blue light, a high-energy, short-wavelength visible light. Extended blue light exposure, similar to excessive sun UV rays, can harm the body, causing issues like eye strain and, yes, sleep problems. Some studies suggest blue light may do a number on your skin, but Dr. Fenton noted that these claims remain debated. 'You can find some evidence of the negative effect of blue light on the skin, potentially increasing DNA damage, breakdown of some of the supporting tissue in the skin,' Dr. Fenton says. 'But you can also find evidence where blue light is also used therapeutically—it's used sometimes to help treat, treat acne, and other things.' Dr. Fenton recommends daily sunscreen and antioxidant serums for anyone who spends a significant amount of time behind a screen and is concerned about the long-term effects it might have on their skin. 'If you use sunscreen, a physical sunscreen with a tint is ideal as the iron oxide in tinted sunscreens offers protection against visible light in addition to UV light,' he said. In other words, next time you notice the moon peeking through your blinds while you're caught up in a TikTok session, put down your phone and pick up a book instead.
Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Newsweek
Number of Students Using AI for Schoolwork Surges by Double-Digits
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in U.S. classrooms has accelerated rapidly over the past year, with double-digit growth in the number of students using AI tools for schoolwork, according to a new report from Quizlet. "With the support of AI tools, students can reclaim time and streamline tasks, making their value immediately clear, Quizlet's CEO told Newsweek in part. Why It Matters Artificial intelligence has surged in popularity across the United States and worldwide. While some companies are integrating the tools to improve productivity, students are using the technology to their own advantage, whether by helping them conduct research for papers, creating baseline drafts for essays or as a tutor-like service on an unclear topic. What to Know Quizlet's 2025 How America Learns report revealed that 85 percent of teachers and students (age 14-22) now use AI in some capacity, marking a substantial increase from 66 percent in 2024. Among students, 89 percent reported using AI for schoolwork, compared to just 77 percent in the previous year. "We also know that students today are juggling more than ever. In particular, college students are significantly more likely than high school students (82 percent vs. 73 percent) to have sacrificed sleep, personal time, or extracurricular activities because of homework," Kurt Beidler, CEO of Quizlet, told Newsweek. "With the support of AI tools, students can reclaim time and streamline tasks, making their value immediately clear." The Pew Research Center's January 2025 survey echoes this trend, finding that 26 percent of U.S. teens had used ChatGPT for schoolwork—double the 13 percent observed in 2023. Usage is highest among older students, Black and Hispanic teens, and those most familiar with AI tools. Students are leveraging AI for a variety of academic tasks. Quizlet's survey found the most common uses are: Summarizing or synthesizing information (56 percent) Conducting research (46 percent) Generating study guides or materials (45 percent) Teens support using AI tools like ChatGPT primarily for researching new topics (54 percent find it acceptable), though fewer approve of its use for math problems (29 percent) or essay writing (18 percent), according to Pew. Stock image of a child using a smartphone while doing homework. Stock image of a child using a smartphone while doing homework."The growing adoption of AI in education signals a lasting trend toward greater use of these new technologies to enhance the learning journey by making it more efficient and effective," Beidler said. "Just as the adoption of AI continues to increase, we anticipate the future of education to become more personalized. We're already seeing how AI can adapt in real time—identifying knowledge gaps, adjusting difficulty levels, and delivering the right content at the right moment to help students master material more efficiently." Despite rapid adoption, opinion on AI's impact on education remains mixed. According to Quizlet's findings, only 40 percent of respondents believe AI is used ethically and effectively in classrooms, with students less likely to agree (29 percent) compared to parents (46 percent) and teachers (57 percent). "While privacy and security are vital concerns, we also need to address the deeper cognitive and developmental risks posed by AI in education," Leyla Bilge, Global Head of Scam Research for Norton, told Newsweek. "Easy access to instant answers and AI-generated content can lead to intellectual passivity—undermining curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Overreliance on AI shortcuts means students may miss essential learning processes, weakening foundational skills like reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and writing." Demographic differences also persist: Pew's data shows awareness and usage of ChatGPT is higher among white teens and those from wealthier households, while Black and Hispanic teens are more likely than their white peers to use it for schoolwork. K-12 educators remain cautious. A 2023 Pew survey reported that 25 percent of public K-12 teachers believe AI tools do more harm than good, with more pessimism among high school staff. Still, many see benefits—especially in supporting research and personalized learning—if managed responsibly. What People Are Saying Kurt Beidler, CEO of Quizlet, said in the release: "As we drive the next era of AI-powered learning, it's our mission to give every student and lifelong learner the tools and confidence to succeed, no matter their motivation or what they're striving to achieve. As we've seen in the data, there's immense opportunity when it comes to career-connected learning, from life skills development to improving job readiness, that goes well beyond the classroom and addresses what we're hearing from students and teachers alike." Leyla Bilge, Global Head of Scam Research for Norton, told Newsweek: "The sharp rise in AI adoption across classrooms tells us that what was once considered cutting-edge is now becoming second nature. This isn't just students experimenting, but it's educators and parents recognizing AI as a legitimate tool for learning and support. Whether it's drafting essays, solving math problems, or translating concepts into simpler terms, AI is making education more accessible and adaptive." What Happens Next As digital learning expands, Quizlet's report notes that over 60 percent of respondents want digital methods to be equal to or greater than traditional learning, citing flexibility and accessibility. However, gaps persist: only 43 percent affirm equal access for students with learning differences. Looking ahead, the top skills students, parents, and educators want schools to develop include critical thinking, financial literacy, mental health management, and creativity—areas where AI-powered tools could play a growing role. "Digital literacy must evolve. Students need to critically evaluate AI outputs, understand their limitations, and learn how to protect their personal data. Most importantly, children should engage with developmentally appropriate AI tools, those that encourage exploration and responsible use, not just efficiency," Bilge said. "Like age-appropriate books, AI systems for kids should align with educational and cognitive developmental goals."
New York Post
10 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Support for phone bans in school ticks up in the US, Pew study reveals
People increasingly support school phone bans — and New York got the message. As New York bans cellphone use during the school day, a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that support for phone bans in school is increasing. 3 The majority of U.S. adults support prohibiting students from using their phones during class time. Getty Images About 74% of US adults say they would support banning middle and high school students from using cellphones during class — that's up from 68% last fall. Only a small portion — fewer than 19% — oppose classroom bans and even fewer — 7% — are unsure. But a growing number of people don't just think students should be banned from using their phones during class time, but support the devices being banned during the entire school day. More than four-in-ten Americans — 44% — back school day bans. That's up from 36% last fall. Those 50 years and older are more likely to support these bans, but support among all age groups is growing. It's one issue that both Republicans and Democrats can agree on — 78% vs. 71% for class time bans. About two-thirds of adults support all-day cellphone bans, believing it would improve students' social skills, grades and behavior in class. Far fewer say this of physical safety. 3 About 74% of U.S. adults say they would support banning middle and high school students from using cellphones during class — that's up from 68% last fall. CarlosBarquero – Some opponents worry that children won't be able to contact their parents in case of an emergency, such as a school shooting — but most adults believe the benefits outweigh this increasingly possible scenario. The push for cellphone bans has largely been spurred by growing concerns about the negative impact screen time has on children's mental health. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy — who has called for the implementation of a tobacco-style 'warning label' for social media platforms about their effects on young people's lives — has said schools need to provide phone-free times. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 77% of U.S. schools say they prohibit cellphones at school for non-academic use. 3 More than four-in-ten Americans — 44% — back school day bans. That's up from 36% last fall. Getty Images/iStockphoto However, experts note that while schools may have phone restrictions, they may not be enforced or followed. Kim Whitman, co-founder of the Phone Free Schools Movement, said the issue is catching on because parents and teachers are struggling with the consequences of kids on mobile devices. 'It doesn't matter if you live in a big city or a rural town, urban or suburban, all children are struggling and need that seven-hour break from the pressures of phones and social media during the school day,' she said. Florida was the first state to crack down on phones in school, passing a 2023 law that requires all public schools to ban cellphone use during class time and block access to social media on district Wi-Fi. Several other states have followed suit, including New York. Earlier this year, Governor Hochul signed the Distraction-Free Schools law into practice. The new law requires bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in K-12 school districts statewide, starting this upcoming 2025 to 2026 school year. The state's powerful teachers' union — New York State United Teachers — backs a 'phone-free' school policy. All New York public school districts must publish their policy, which must provide parents with a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary, for approval by August 1. 'As Governor, my priority is ensuring every New York student receives a high-quality education, free from constant clicking and scrolling – that's why I've directed my team to commit every available resource for school districts to develop their distraction-free learning policies by the August 1 deadline,' Gov. Hochul said in a statement. 'I'm encouraged by my discussion with Capital Region school districts that have already implemented their distraction-free policy, and I am confident that New York will be ready to implement bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions on the first day of school.'
L'Orient-Le Jour
14 hours ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
'Erosion of American support for Israel evident for 15 years': American policy expert
The war in Gaza appears to have catalyzed this phenomenon. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center poll, more than half of American adults — that's 53 percent — now hold a negative opinion of Israel, up from 42 percent in 2022, confirming a trend that began years course, there are differences in terms of age, religion and party affiliation. While the number of Americans with a negative opinion of Israel increased to 37 percent among Republicans (up from 27 percent in 2022), it reached 69 percent among Democrats, up from 53 percent in 2022 — a more marked situation puts Israel well behind Cuba in terms of popularity and only slightly ahead of China. Other surveys also indicate that sympathy among all American voters for the Palestinians is at its highest: 33 percent in February 2025, according to Gallup, compared to...
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Focus Malaysia
AI and ethics can help stop online harassment
Letter to Editor FROM school halls to digital spaces, moral and civic education teaches us to be helpful, considerate, and kind members of society. Yet, despite these teachings, various forms of harm continue to plague both physical and online worlds. One such issue is online harassment—also commonly referred to as cyberbullying. Online harassment has become a distressingly common experience for many internet users. It involves acts of aggression, intimidation, or abuse carried out across digital platforms. According to researchers like Leduc and colleagues in Computers in Human Behavior, it can take many forms—disinformation, name-calling, threats, sexual harassment, and public humiliation. This digital abuse can affect people from all walks of life, although certain demographic factors such as ethnicity, age, and gender may influence how likely someone is to experience it. Pew Research Center reports by Monica Anderson in 2018 and more recent updates by Atske in 2024 highlight how widespread and persistent the issue is, particularly among teens. Similarly, a Malaysian-based study published in BMJ Open by Samsudin and colleagues in 2023 found that young adults experiencing cyberbullying often also report psychological distress and strained family dynamics. In Malaysia, researchers Kee, Anwar, and Vranjes pointed out in 2024 that online harassment is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts among youth. Often, the abuse stems from prejudice—negative stereotypes based on religion, ethnicity, gender, or even personal interests can quickly snowball into digital attacks. Victims may receive a barrage of cruel messages, mockery, or hate comments targeting their identity. Cultural norms can also fuel the problem. When mocking or humiliating others is treated as entertainment, especially in online communities, abusers feel emboldened. The anonymity of the internet offers a protective mask that emboldens people to say what they would never say face-to-face. Combined with the misuse of free speech, this creates a digital culture that tolerates—even encourages—harmful behaviour. The effects of online harassment are not limited to bruised egos. Victims often face serious mental health challenges. Studies by Dr Cheryl Nixon in 2014 reveal how victims may suffer from depression, anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, appetite loss, and even suicidal ideation. These psychological effects can lead to social withdrawal, strained relationships, and a deep sense of helplessness. Embarrassment, fear, and self-blame are common emotional responses. Many victims, especially teens and young adults, avoid telling friends or family about their experiences, which only amplifies their isolation. A landmark case in Canada, R. v. Elliott in 2016, highlighted the legal implications of online abuse. The case was connected to Rehtaeh Parsons, a 17-year-old girl who took her life after a photo of her sexual assault was widely shared online, followed by relentless digital harassment. Although initial investigations failed to yield justice, public outcry prompted a renewed effort that led to charges under Canada's Cyberbullying Prevention Act—also known as Bill C-13. This tragic case led to legislative reform. Nova Scotia passed 'Rehtaeh's Law,' the first of its kind in Canada, which broadened the legal definition of cyberbullying and provided new tools for law enforcement to act. Writing in Crime, Media, Culture, researcher Alice Dodge in 2023 emphasised how the case shifted public perception of cyberbullying—from a social issue to a serious crime requiring legal intervention. Can ethics and AI offer solutions? As technology evolves, so do our opportunities to address online harassment in smarter ways. Media ethics plays a key role here. Researchers like Milosevic and colleagues in 2022, writing in the International Journal of Bullying Prevention, argue that media platforms must uphold ethical standards that prioritise harm reduction. This includes creating clear content guidelines, efficient reporting mechanisms, and psychological support systems for those affected. Media outlets should portray victims with dignity and avoid sensationalising abuse, while ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, could also help stem the tide. AI-powered moderation tools, if designed ethically, can assist in identifying abusive content and preventing its spread. But these systems must prioritise fairness, transparency, and accountability. Many current algorithms are geared toward boosting engagement—even if that means promoting provocative or harmful content. Instead, platforms need to redesign algorithms to avoid amplifying negativity. As highlighted by Zubiaga in the International Review of Information Ethics in 2021, tech companies must also be transparent about how moderation decisions are made and offer clear ways for users to report abuse. Ultimately, it's not just up to lawmakers, media companies, or AI developers. All internet users share the responsibility to create a culture of empathy, respect, and mutual accountability. By standing against online harassment, speaking up for victims, and supporting efforts for ethical technology, we can help make digital spaces safer for everyone. —July 20, 2025 The authors are from the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Kaspersky
