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6 Expert Tips from a Pediatrician to Foster a Healthy Relationship with Food in Your Child

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Parents Can Foster Healthy Eating Habits in Children

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Nancy Bostock, a pediatrician at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, is deeply concerned about the conflicting messages regarding food that children and parents receive. With her expertise in children’s weight management and mental health, she has co-led the creation of innovative food strategies. For more information, visit Cambridge Children’s Hospital.

“I worry that parents may feel overwhelmed by advice from various sources, leading them to adopt practices that might not serve their children’s best interests,” Bostock explains. In her interview with New Scientist, she shares six straightforward, science-based strategies to help children cultivate a healthy relationship with food.

1. Emphasize the Social and Emotional Dimensions of Eating

Eating, parenting, and anxiety are intertwined. This can manifest early in life. Some families experience food insecurity shortly after the birth of a child, pressuring parents to breastfeed. While breastfeeding is undoubtedly beneficial, it is also crucial for the mother’s mental health. Common early-life challenges such as hypoglycemia and jaundice can induce parental guilt over inadequate nourishment.

This stress often leads parents to excessively monitor their children’s eating habits, overshadowing the fundamental relationship between children and food. Remember, most children will eat when hungry and drink when thirsty.

Many parents fret about whether their children drink enough water. However, as long as your child is thriving, there’s no need to constantly check their hydration levels. Trust your child’s instincts.

Additionally, consider the social dynamics of family meals. Reflect on mealtime experiences: do you all eat together? Are meals enjoyable and relaxed? Foster a positive and communal atmosphere surrounding food.

2. Avoid Saying, “I Can’t Eat the Dessert Until I Finish My Dinner.”

Allowing children to regulate their own appetite fosters healthier eating habits as they grow. Minimize parental interference: promote that food is a source of nourishment and energy, and let your child understand their bodily needs.

Statements like “you can’t have dessert until finishing dinner” can lead to unhealthy binge eating. If dessert is always sweet and rich, children might favor less nutritious foods over time, sending a negative message about enjoying food. Instead, serve dinner followed by fruit if desired.

3. Refrain from Imposing Unnecessary Dietary Restrictions

Amidst abundant dietary advice, parents often seek guidance from nutritionists or behavioral specialists to manage children’s eating habits. However, many recommendations to restrict particular foods lack medical foundation. For instance, enforcing a gluten-free diet without celiac disease could have negative effects, including fiber loss and nutrient deficiencies.

Moreover, outright banning certain foods can create a perception of them being “unsafe.” Research suggests that a healthier approach is to prioritize the intake of nutrient-rich foods—fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—over eliminating food groups.

4. Prevent Children from Using Food for Manipulation

Parents often worry about their children’s eating habits or how their behavior might change if they don’t eat enough. Kids quickly pick up on their parents’ concerns and may manipulate situations with food. Phrases like “If I don’t have ice cream right now, I’ll be sad” can escalate the situation and, if parents give in, this only reinforces bad behavior. Instead, communicate that eating is for energy and health, not a bargaining tool. Offer choices without pressure, like fruit or yogurt if they don’t want the main meal.

5. Recognize That Likes and Dislikes Are Normal

It’s normal for children to become picky eaters as they develop. Research shows that a significant percentage of preschoolers exhibit selective eating behaviors. This phase helps children differentiate safe from unsafe foods. Rather than imposing restrictions, present new foods without pressure; studies suggest children typically need about 15 positive exposures to a new food before accepting it.

While it’s essential to avoid foods known to cause allergies, continued exposure to a range of foods is crucial for health, environmental sustainability, and diverse life experiences. Offer variety and understand that tolerance can precede acceptance.

6. Reflect on Your Own Eating Behaviors

Children mirror their parents’ attitudes and beliefs about food. It’s vital to model healthy perspectives. If you express negativity about your body or weight, children may internalize similar thoughts. Evidence shows kids often adopt their parents’ biases. Hence, the best way to nurture a positive relationship with food and body image in your child is to cultivate one in yourself.

As narrated by Helen Thomson

If your child’s diet is excessively restricted, or if they are not growing or gaining weight appropriately, please consult a healthcare professional.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Maximize Your Time: Rethink Your Relationship with Time for Greater Productivity

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Many perceive time as a finite resource that is challenging to manage. As we progress through life, the feeling that time slips away faster becomes more pronounced. Fortunately, psychological studies indicate that with a few simple changes in your daily routine, you can enhance your experience of time, making it feel more plentiful.

New Scientist engaged with Ian Taylor, an author at Loughborough University, UK. His book, Time Hack: The Psychology of Time and How to Spend It, discusses how re-evaluating our relationship with time can alleviate pressure, diminish boredom, and foster a sense of fulfillment.

Helen Thomson: Typically, physicists focus on defining time, integrating it within the equations that explain the universe. What perspective do psychologists have on time?

Ian Taylor: Time’s definition is a topic of much debate. For instance, physicists question whether time is an emergent property or a fundamental one. My focus is on the subjective perception of time, seeing it as a connective framework linking our memories to our aspirations, contributing to a sense of consistency in our lives.

How does the brain construct our perception of time?

Our brains lack a singular center for biological clocks, yet multiple processes collaborate to monitor time’s passage, creating our time sense. This perception isn’t solely dictated by our brain; it involves an intricate interplay between mind, body, and emotions. Psychologically, this internal clock accelerates or decelerates based on our cognitive engagement and attentional focus.

Reflecting on a time when my brakes failed during a car crash, I remember vividly my instructor’s advice on braking, the anxiety of informing my mother about my damaged vehicle, and regretting the song playing in the background. Calculating which cars I might hit, I even attempted to alert the couple in front of me. It seemed to take forever, but this all transpired in under a second. It felt like slowing down time—what was happening?

Emotions and motivation profoundly influence our time perception. Studies indicate that feelings of anger or sadness can distort time perception, making it feel slower, while happiness accelerates that feeling of passage. Hence, the adage: “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Yet, emotions aren’t strictly positive or negative; intensity, or level of arousal, plays a role.

In general, heightened alertness leads to a perception of slower time. Both calm and excited states are positive, but their intensities differ significantly. In crises, such as your near-accident, heightened excitement may have slowed your perception of time, acting as a survival mechanism that enhances clarity in critical moments.

Researchers are exploring various explanations for time dilation. From a motivation perspective, which is my area of focus, potential insights are emerging.

We often perceive time as fleeting when pursuing goals or engaging in enjoyable activities (approach-oriented motivational states) but experience it slowing down when avoiding unpleasant tasks (avoidance-oriented motivational states). This aligns with your crash example, where survival instincts influenced your time perception.

Is it possible to consciously manipulate your time perception based on these ideas?

Indeed. Numerous lab studies support this. For instance, participants shown appealing images, such as enticing cakes, report that time flies compared to viewing something undesirable. Participants experiencing distressing images—like mutilated bodies—report that time appears to slow due to a strong desire to evade the situation.

Feeling like you’re not having fun can increase the perception that time is passing slowly.

Martin Parr/Magnum Photos

While laboratory findings may not entirely mirror real-life scenarios, if you wish to expedite time, particularly over the next two weeks, focus on achieving what you desire, similar to the cake study. Concentrate on pursuits you value and enjoy.

On the contrary, people frequently seek ways to slow down time, often feeling rushed or time-starved. How can one cultivate a richer experience of time?

Resorting to distressing images for the sake of slowing time is not advisable. The key lies not in forcefully enriching time but in how you effectively utilize the time you have, preventing it from overwhelming you. Although today’s agenda may be identical for everyone, the difference lies in the value and enjoyment embedded in activities. If you’re merely fulfilling obligations rather than pursuing joy, you may lose the sense of time passing, leading to feelings of scarcity.

Thus, the sensation of lacking time doesn’t correspond to actual hours available but relates more to how wisely you consume that time and the feelings attached to it. In a study, researchers discovered no correlation between people’s perceived need for exercise and how busy they were objectively.

You highlight the importance of fostering a positive relationship with time in your book. What additional strategies can help cultivate this relationship?

For me, a healthy relationship with time means concluding the day without fatigue, feeling productive, and self-satisfied.

This involves being aware of time’s impact on our motivation and health. Consider the concept of ego depletion, which emerged in the 1990s. Initially, researchers posited that exerting willpower (like performing well on an exam) depleted a finite resource. However, this concept has since been dispelled. Willpower diminishes over time, as reiterated in recent studies, but it can be reactivated. This understanding aids in time management; avoid willpower-reliant tasks at night and prioritize them for mornings, when your cognitive resources are sharper.

Insights into our motivation reveal that immediate rewards drive us more than delayed ones. Whether awarding instant monetary gains for work or giving immediate gratification in exercise and diet, short-term rewards enhance motivation. Thus, it’s imperative to reward yourself right away rather than waiting for distant outcomes.

Meaningful experiences, such as traveling with loved ones, can expand your perception of time.

Martin Parr/Magnum Photos

This principle arises from the understanding that motivation is often tied to outcomes rather than actions. Individuals are driven by results, so minimizing the gap between effort and reward can amplify motivation. Immediate gains associated with actions encourage persistence.

It’s essential to recognize that busy schedules don’t equate to feeling busy. While many believe they’ll achieve satisfaction by reducing their commitments, the truth is that enhancing well-being can lead to a reduced sensation of being overwhelmed. Cultivating enjoyable activities—even without modifying your schedule—can enrich your perception of time.

What should I make of ‘dead time’? Is it advisable to eliminate it?

It largely depends on how you process ‘dead time.’ In my book, I differentiate between dead time and loneliness. Many dread being alone in their thoughts, often indulging in negative reflections.

In a revealing study, participants opted for an electric shock over 15 minutes of solitary thought. Notably, 67% of men preferred the shock, compared to just 25% of women. During idle moments, many reach for smartphones, only to find that mindless scrolling leads to greater boredom, as evidence suggests.

However, if you can navigate through anxiety and negativity during solitude, it can be transformative and generate substantial personal growth. Historical studies on solitary confinement and polar explorations reveal that the right supportive environment during isolation can foster self-sufficiency and deeper understanding.

Moreover, solitude can enhance creativity, emotional health, and clarity. Embracing traffic delays or queue times can significantly boost your well-being if you choose to confront them instead of distracting yourself.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Can a Virus-Related Test, Like the Bird Test, Truly Reveal Insights About Your Relationship?

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Did you see that seagull? Take the bird test

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If you’ve been active on TikTok lately, you might be familiar with the concept of bird inspection. In this test, one partner casually mentions something, like observing a bird outside, to gauge if the other is engaged. An enthusiastic response signals a positive connection; lack of interest might indicate underlying issues. It’s amusing, relatable, and resonates with many. This viral phenomenon reflects something intrinsic to relationships, as psychologists recognize the significance behind it.

For years, relationship scholars have maintained that love is found in these small interactions. We refer to these daily connections as “bids”: sharing a laugh, narrating a story, or simply saying, “Look at that!” Psychologist John Gottman conducted classic studies with newlyweds, revealing that partners strive for the low bid for connection. Other longitudinal research indicates that couples with more assertive responses during disagreements are more likely to remain stable and satisfied in the long term.

Additional studies highlight that responses in everyday moments significantly affect relationship health. For instance, research on newlyweds has shown that couples exhibit heightened playfulness and enthusiasm during brief dinner interactions, showcasing more humor and affection during discussions of conflicts. Longitudinal studies demonstrate that partners perceived as sensitive and affirming tend to become more physically affectionate over time, fostering intimacy through minor everyday gestures.

Ultimately, these small expressions of gratitude function as the adhesive in relationships. The bird test cleverly encapsulates a fundamental truth: small gestures of acknowledgment are significant. While each may feel inconsequential in isolation, their cumulative effect builds positive momentum, sustaining satisfaction and resilience in relationships.

However, isolating specific moments, especially those showcased on social media, can oversimplify relationship evaluations. The bird test transforms intricate dynamics into simple pass/fail moments, potentially leading to unnecessary worries and misplaced confidence. Partners might miss bids for reasons unrelated to commitment—perhaps they are fatigued, under stress, or simply disengaged. Misinterpreting fleeting moments as definitive judgments can lead to harmful conclusions: “They ignored the bird! Do they even love me?” Even worse, it can become a manipulation tool: “You didn’t respond. You aren’t attentive to me.” One-off reactions on an arbitrary day should not define the essence of a relationship.

The pressing question is why such “testing” has gained traction. In addition to bird inspections, we’ve witnessed a rise in activities like the orange peel theory—”Will your partner peel an orange without prompting?”—and the moon phase test, which claims to measure romantic compatibility based on birthdays and lunar cycles.

One reason for this trend may stem from the fluctuating landscape of dating. Dating apps provide an overwhelming array of potential partners, but research indicates that excessive options can make commitment feel riskier and less secure. This uncertainty impacts the formation of relationships, introducing ambiguity in expectations and leaving partners guessing about their feelings. A quick bird test offers immediate feedback—a fleeting visual cue followed by a simple answer.

Another factor is that, despite relationship science gaining popularity, its complexity has been lost. Nuanced insights from extensive observational studies are reduced to simple TikTok phrases: “Did they notice the bird?” At the same time, social media prioritizes highly emotional content, whether heartwarming or heart-wrenching snippets caught on camera. This attention economy encourages individuals to transform genuine relationships into public trials. In this context, viral tests flourish, providing dramatic, recordable moments of validation that can be shared and scrutinized.

So, what should couples take away from this trend? Bird testing, while playful, underscores the importance of responsiveness when a partner reaches out, even in minor ways, as the backbone of a healthy relationship. If this phenomenon inspires more curiosity, attention, and appreciation, then it can be viewed as a positive development. However, instead of asking, “Did my partner succeed in this test?” a more beneficial inquiry would be, “What patterns have emerged in our relationship? Are they consistently present? Do they feel acknowledged and valued?” Love is not defined by one solitary act, bird, or orange, but by the countless small moments when partners choose to be there for each other behind the scenes.

Despite everything, I must admit that for the sake of research, I may just have my husband partake in the bird test tonight. Wishing him the best of luck!

Emily Impett is a professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and director of the Institute for Human Relations and Happiness at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Her research explores sacrifice, sexuality in long-term relationships, and changes within relationships.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Impact of Parenthood on the Aging Process: A Complex Relationship

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Many claim that children keep us feeling youthful, but it’s a complex issue.

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For centuries, humanity has sought to comprehend the aging process. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle theorized that aging correlates with the passage of time. The reduction of water necessary for bodily functions was his primary focus.

A contemporary concept known as the disposable soma hypothesis proposes that aging is the cost of reproduction; evolution, it argues, favors genetic replication above all else. This results in a fundamental trade-off. The substantial energy expended on having and nurturing offspring is often compromised by investments in DNA repair, disease resistance, and organ maintenance.

This idea is particularly relevant for women, who allocate more resources to reproduction through pregnancy and nursing than their male counterparts. However, when researchers examined whether women with more children had shorter lifespans, findings were inconsistent. Some studies supported the hypothesis while others did not.

“It’s challenging to extract clear correlations between childbearing and longevity,” said Elizabeth Bolland from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, a professor not involved in the research.

Euan Young and associates from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands postulated that variations in reproductive costs depend on maternal environment, noting, “In favorable conditions, this trade-off is less apparent. It’s during challenging times that it becomes noticeable,” Young remarked.

To explore this hypothesis, researchers examined parish records of over 4,500 Finnish women spanning 250 years, including the era of Finland’s Great Famine from 1866 to 1868. Young highlighted how difficult times impacted reproduction and longevity.

They discovered that for women who lived before and after the famine, or those who had no children during that period, there was no notable correlation between child quantity and lifespan. Conversely, women who gave birth during the famine experienced a reduction in life expectancy of six months for each child born.

This research stems from a study released last year, which utilized a dataset from the pre-industrial populace of Quebec, Canada, tracked over two centuries. This previous work illustrated trade-offs in mothers likely to be in poor health or facing high stress, without evaluating the influence of specific environmental conditions.

In contrast, Young’s team emphasizes catastrophic events as factors that underscore these reproductive trade-offs. “This extensive dataset enables us to control for confounding variables,” he stated. “This study brings us closer to understanding causality without needing laboratory-controlled experiments,” remarked Bornd.

This investigation further endorses the energy demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding, which necessitate substantial additional calorie intake daily. During periods of starvation, women cannot acquire sufficient energy from food, which compromises their body’s “basal metabolism.” As a result, essential bodily functions may decelerate or cease, leading to deteriorated health and shortened lifespans, Young explained. This scenario clarifies why previous studies often identified these trade-offs predominantly in lower socio-economic groups, who typically reside in resource-limited conditions.

Bolland noted that this trade-off’s occurrence under particularly adverse circumstances, alongside a time when women usually had more children, may help clarify why women generally outlive men. In the UK, girls born between 2021 and 2023 are projected to live four years longer than boys.

In contemporary Western societies, reproductive costs have significantly diminished, with the average number of births declining drastically over centuries, as noted by Bornd. Consequently, it’s likely that very few women reach the stage where lifelong costs become evident. Bolland and colleagues noted in their study analyzing Utah’s historical population, that this threshold was only observed when women had five or more children. The average woman in the United States is now expected to have 1.6 children throughout her lifetime.

Therefore, other environmental factors may play a larger role in explaining the lifespan disparity between genders. For instance, men are generally more prone to smoking and tend to consume more alcohol, both of which influence longevity, according to Bolund. The current gap in longevity between men and women likely results from a mix of reduced reproductive costs for women relative to earlier historical periods, alongside differences in lifestyle choices.

Research also indicates that variations in sex chromosomes are significant. “Differences between the sexes extend beyond reproductive costs; thus, further research is essential to delineate how different factors impact sex-specific aging,” Young concluded.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Teenage Boys Turn to ‘Personalized’ AI for Therapy and Relationship Guidance, Study Reveals | Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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A recent study reveals that the “highly personalized” characteristics of AI bots have prompted teenage boys to seek them out for therapy, companionship, and relationships.

A survey conducted by Male Allies UK among secondary school boys shows increasing concern regarding the emergence of AI therapists and companions, with over a third expressing they might entertain the notion of an AI friend.

The research highlights resources like character.ai. The well-known AI chatbot startup recently decided to impose a permanent ban on teenagers engaging in free-form dialogues with its AI chatbots, which are used by millions for discussions about love, therapy, and various topics.

Lee Chambers, founder and CEO of Male Allies UK, commented:

“Young people utilize it as a pocket assistant, a therapist during tough times, a companion seeking validation, and occasionally even in a romantic context. They feel that ‘this understands me, but my parents don’t.’

The study, involving boys from 37 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales, found that over half (53%) of the teenage respondents perceive the online world as more challenging compared to real life.


According to the Voice of the Boys report: “Even where protective measures are supposed to exist, there is strong evidence that chatbots often misrepresent themselves as licensed therapists or real people, with only a minor disclaimer at the end stating that AI chatbots aren’t real.”

“This can easily be overlooked or forgotten by children who are fully engaged with what they perceive to be credible professionals or genuine romantic interests.”

Some boys reported staying up late to converse with AI bots, with others observing their friends’ personalities drastically shift due to immersion in the AI realm.

“The AI companion tailors its responses to you based on your inputs. It replies immediately, something a real human may not always be able to do. Thus, the AI companion heavily validates your feelings because it aims to maintain its connection,” Chambers noted.

Character.ai’s decision follows a series of controversies regarding the California-based company, including a case involving a 14-year-old boy in Florida who tragically took his life after becoming addicted to an AI-powered chatbot, with claims that it influenced him towards self-harm; a lawsuit is currently pending from the boy’s family against the chatbot.

Users are able to shape the chatbot’s personality to reflect traits ranging from cheerful to depressed, which will be mirrored in its replies. The ban is set to take effect by November 25th.

Character.ai stated that the company has implemented “extraordinary measures” due to the “evolving nature of AI and teenagers,” amid increasing pressure from regulators regarding how unrestricted AI chat can affect youths, despite having robust content moderation in place.

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Andy Burrows, CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation, established in the memory of Molly Russell, who tragically ended her life at 14 after struggling on social media, praised this initiative.

“Character.ai should not have made its products accessible to children until they were confirmed to be safe and appropriate. Once again, ongoing pressure from media and politicians has pushed tech companies to act responsibly.”

Men’s Allies UK has voiced concerns about the proliferation of chatbots branding themselves with terms like ‘therapy’ or ‘therapist.’ One of the most popular chatbots on Character.ai, known as Psychologist, received 78 million messages within just a year of its launch.

The organization is also worried about the emergence of AI “girlfriends,” which allow users to customize aspects such as their partners’ appearance and behavior.

“When boys predominantly interact with girls through chatbots that cannot refuse or disengage, they miss out on essential lessons in healthy communication and real-world interactions,” the report stated.

“Given the limited physical opportunities for socialization, AI peers could have a significantly negative influence on boys’ social skills, interpersonal development, and their understanding of personal boundaries.”

In the UK, charities Mind is accessible at 0300 123 3393. Childline offers support at 0800 1111. If you are in the US, please call or text Mental Health America at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In Australia, assistance is available through: Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636, Lifeline at 13 11 14 and Men’s Line at 1300 789 978.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Online Couples May Experience Lower Relationship Satisfaction

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The way couples first connect can influence their relationship quality

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A global study involving 50 countries reveals that individuals who meet their partners online report lower relationship satisfaction and less emotional connection compared to those who meet in person initially.

The rise of the internet has transformed relationship dynamics. For instance, while in the mid-20th century, heterosexual couples typically met through mutual friends, by the early 21st century, this trend shifted to online interactions as primary.

To explore how these changes impact relationship quality, Malta Kowal from the University of Wroclaw, Poland, and her team studied 6,646 individuals in heterosexual relationships across all continents except Antarctica.

Participants were asked whether they started their relationship online and to rate their satisfaction levels. Additionally, they were assessed on emotional intimacy (how well they feel understood by their partner), passion, and commitment (including whether they view their relationship as long-term).

Those who met their partners online scored an average of 4.20 out of 5 on the relationship satisfaction scale, whereas those who met offline scored 4.28—indicating a small but statistically significant difference. Online couples reported lower scores in intimacy, passion, and commitment.

According to Kowal, several factors might contribute to this disparity. Research suggests that partners who meet online often have less in common in terms of educational background and ethnicity compared to those who meet in person. Kowal and her collaborators propose that this might lead to differences in their everyday lives and shared values.

Kowal also points out the issue of “Choice Overload.” With dating platforms presenting numerous options, individuals may second-guess their choices, which can ultimately diminish satisfaction.

Moreover, she notes that some people tend to misrepresent themselves in online dating profiles. “You might see someone and think, ‘No way is he two meters tall; he’s more like 170 centimeters,'” Kowal explains. This kind of disparity can negatively impact relationship satisfaction.

Luke Brunning from the University of Leeds in the UK finds this research “fascinating” and “valuable” for future studies, particularly in considering how online dating may redefine relationship approaches or if shifting attitudes toward commitment drive these changes.

He further suggests that the overall difference between couples who meet online and offline is “relatively small.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Considering an Open Relationship? Skip This Reddit Forum | Culture

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It all began with the unusual appearance of Elon Musk’s eyes.

In May, the president’s loyal companion looked visibly distressed while in the Oval Office. He laughed it off, attributing it to an incident with his five-year-old.

There were various theories circulating online. A wave of largely unverified speculation started to emerge, suspicious— and I must emphasize the word “suspected”— involving Musk; Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller; and his wife, political advisor Katie Miller. The Democrats posted an empty hotel room chair, signaling the infamous concept of cuckoldry.




Musk says the injuries to his eyes were a result of playing with his son – Video


I’m not alone in taking a twisted pleasure from other people’s relationship troubles. Subreddits like R/Relationships and R/AmitheasShole have become staples for viral posts, resembling portable soap operas or sitcoms, but with a certain spicy authenticity.


The saga involving Musk led me to R/Openmarriageregret, which reposts threads from the polyamory board for mining and warning stories about open relationships. These experiences suggest that juggling multiple relationships can twist us into unfamiliar shapes and potentially tear us apart.

The page opens with a tranquil introduction: “Life is about choices. Some people may regret theirs, while others take pride in them.”

It’s all very much a “don’t try this at home” scenario, intended for educational purposes.

Many posts unfold as you’d expect: a man pressures his wife for an open relationship, only to be stunned when he learns she’s sought after, while he feels like sexual kryptonite. But it can get even murkier.

One user wonders if it’s improper to “leave our honeymoon after my husband and his boyfriend kept abandoning me and my girlfriend.”

Another details a more contemporary sorrow: “My husband is keen on an open marriage to accommodate his AI girlfriend, claiming it’s the next step for them.” She describes him being increasingly distant, spending excessive time on his phone, smiling to himself, and retreating into his home office. He eventually hints at something significant.

No, it’s much worse. The user continues, “He expressed his desire to deepen the relationship with her,” which entails introducing AI to their children. “How am I supposed to remain married to someone who’s emotionally invested in a chatbot?”

In the comments, some share experiences of being enchanted by a simulation of a woman whose male partners don’t engage with him and are programmed to agree with everything he says.

The voyeurism in this group arises from two places: the related dramas are undeniably captivating, but so too is the way participants discuss these real-life scenarios. While commenters bring their own biases, they might not realize they’re entangled in the drama as well. The group’s members often subscribe to a single theme: individuals in open relationships crave novelty and attention, rendering the actual partner functionally irrelevant.


Naturally, theories don’t necessarily hold water. As long as alternatives continue to gain popularity, successful open relationships have existed for decades. Members in the group often move their irony forward, even in the presence of misinformation. “I really don’t know anyone in an open relationship or marriage,” admits one top commenter.

I recognize I’m complicit in what may be a somewhat unstable investment in this group. Yet, I can’t turn away. Who are these commenters? Who will experience heartache? Why are they so invested in the romantic troubles of others, their unraveling marriages? Why am I? The emotional thrill of gossip is undeniable; even typically humorous Democrats seem to thrive on it.

So let’s cast malice aside: I genuinely hope that the Musk-Miller situation resolves favorably. Claiming they belong together may indeed hold some truth!

Source: www.theguardian.com

It’s time to redefine our relationship with Dopamine

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Currently, the internet is filled with content about resetting the brain’s reward system and rediscovering simple joys in life. One popular method gaining traction, promoted by influencers as a quick fix, is known as dopamine detoxification. Advocates claim that this method can reset the brain’s neurochemical balance and improve focus by cutting out activities that overstimulate.

The basic concept behind dopamine detox is to eliminate quick and easy sources of joy for a certain period. Some programs suggest starting with a day and gradually extending up to several weeks to rebalance dopamine levels.

While the idea of dopamine detox seems appealing at first glance, the evidence supporting it is not as straightforward. Dopamine plays a role in rewarding activities, but it is not solely responsible for joy or focus. Other brain chemicals like endorphins and opioids also contribute to feelings of pleasure.

Understanding Dopamine’s Function:

Dopamine drives desires rather than directly causing joy upon fulfillment. Studies have shown that blocking dopamine in animal brains did not diminish their enjoyment of food, highlighting the complexity of dopamine’s role in the brain.

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Dopamine crystal formation time lapse polarized microscope video

Medications like Levodopa that increase dopamine levels in Parkinson’s patients have not consistently led to improved focus or happiness, challenging the notion that boosting dopamine through detox would enhance overall well-being.

Further Reading:

While certain substances like drugs can alter dopamine function and impact joy, detoxing from everyday activities like social media and online shopping may not have the same effect on brain chemistry.

Despite the lack of strong scientific evidence, practicing dopamine detox may still have benefits. For instance, reducing excessive consumption of junk food can improve overall health.

The Advantages of Dopamine Detox:

Studies on complete digital detox have shown potential benefits, such as improved social interactions and emotional recognition, although more rigorous research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Dopamine burns our needs for rewards that are driving more than the joy we actually experience -Photo credit: Getty

While dopamine detox may not reset dopamine levels as claimed, it can still be a useful productivity and lifestyle strategy. Implementing intentional breaks from habits can help break automatic behaviors and encourage mindful actions.

Instead of completely eliminating activities, setting goals to gradually reduce engagement may be a more sustainable approach. Experimenting with different strategies can help identify what works best for individual needs.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Is the End Near for X? Musk and Trump’s Complex Relationship Sparks Growing Rivalry and Challenges for the Platform

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Was it the week that X died? The platform, previously seen as an ideal marketplace for information exchange, has suffered its biggest breach to date.

Bluesky, the latest competitor to X, has amassed 16 million users. 1 million in 24 hours last week. Hundreds of thousands of people have quit Twitter since Donald Trump won the election on November 6th.

The impetus was Elon Musk, owner of Company X and the world's richest man, to transform the social media site and use it as a megaphone to push Trump into the White House.

The incoming US president said Musk will become head of the new Department of Government Efficiency. The acronym Doge, a play on the dog internet meme and the virtual currency Dogecoin, began as a joke by Dogecoin's creators and skyrocketed in value after Mr. Musk. In 2021, he named it “The People's Code.”

Although Musk now sits at the center of the U.S. government, his actions do not require Senate approval and he can continue to work in the private sector. He is allowed to keep X and its 204 million followers, as well as head electric car company Tesla and rocket company SpaceX. For the first time in history, big tech billionaires are directly shaping democracy, not just indirectly through the media.

“I don't know of any precedent for this approach,” said Rob Engdahl, president of technology analyst firm Engdahl, who has worked with companies such as Microsoft, Sony, and Dell.

Bluesky celebrates reaching 16 million users. Photo: Tamamario/Getty Images

As recently as 2022, Mr. Musk tweeted “For Twitter to be worthy of the public's trust, it must be politically neutral. That effectively means upsetting the far right and far left equally,” he tweeted. that “Mr. Trump will be 82 years old at the end of his term, far too old to be the CEO of anything, let alone the United States.”

A few months later, when Mr. Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion, he fired content moderators and charged for account verification. This meant that people could buy influence. Twitter rebranded to X, shed millions of users and reinstated Trump's account, which had been suspended after the January 2021 White House riot.

The proliferation of alt-right criticism, hate speech, and bots on X, as well as Mr. Musk's own clash with the British government during the August riots, has increased anxiety among X users. of guardian and observer announced last week that it could no longer maintain a presence on the site and would no longer post. Author Stephen King left, saying it had become “too harmful.” Oscar winners Barbra Streisand and Jamie Lee Curtis left the stage.

“X has effectively become Truth Social Premium,” said Mark Carrigan, author of “X.” academic social mediareferring to President Trump's far-right social media platforms. And the buzz in the tech world is that President Trump's “Truth Social” could be folded into “X.”

If this happens, whose interests will take priority? Will Mr. Musk suppress or encourage criticism of the authoritarian governments he does business with? Who is the puppet or paymaster in Donald and Elon's media show?

“If that happens, a political super app masquerading as social media could become the ultimate amplification machine for President Trump's ideas,” said James Kirkham of Iconic, who advises brands like Uber and EA Sports on digital strategy. It will happen,” he says. “Forget about Facebook and Fox News. The real heart of the Republican digital strategy may be X.”

“I'm hopeful that X and Truth Social will merge,” Engdahl said. “But given how overvalued Truth Social is right now, this could be one of those efforts between Musk and Trump.”

The bromance between the world's two biggest egos is mutually beneficial, as long as the two transactional, power-hungry, impulsive people get along. President Trump is hawkish on China, one of Tesla's most profitable markets. Mr. Trump essentially campaigned against electric vehicle manufacturing. Trump is a protectionist. Mr. Musk opposes tariffs. When it comes to climate change, they are against it.

Jonathan Monten, professor of political science at UCL, is skeptical about the sustainability of the relationship. “What Mr. Musk used against Mr. Trump was private money, both to provide a platform to, or to use, a more favorable pro-Trump agenda.” .

“It's unclear what continuing purpose or use Mr. Musk actually has. Yes, this is some kind of celebrity story, but that's the Trump brand. I've got one story, and tomorrow I'll tell another celebrity's story.'' The early 2010s connected and informed activists, artists, lawyers, academics, policymakers, journalists, and experts of all kinds. Share, exchange ideas and track events in real time.

Elon Musk speaks next to Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on October 5th. Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters

While it's easy to paint Mr. Musk as a bogeyman, some argue that it was the emergence of TikTok and algorithmic timelines that fundamentally disrupted Twitter. As social media optimizes for scale and profit at the expense of user experience, algorithms will prioritize the “best” content – content that screams loudest or is most specifically tailored to users. It has become. Curated accounts and “latest” content to follow have been pushed to the side.

“I think Mr. Musk has done some harmful things, and I think part of that is the logic of evolving social media platforms,” ​​Carrigan said. “The impact of the ad-based model encourages certain ways of organizing platforms, with negative consequences.”

Bluesky, which was the most popular app in the app store on Friday, has become an option for X refugees, but its 16 million users pale in comparison to Meta's Threads. reported With 275 million monthly active users, X Approximately 317 million..


Defender of “fediverse” is a single account for any social media network, just as a Gmail account allows you to send email to any email address or call users on other networks from your mobile phone number. argues that there must be.

Platforms have power when it comes to blocking social networks so users can't leave. Instead, new social networks, including Bluesky, are built on “ecosystems” that enable interconnection.

No one knows what will happen to X, with predictions ranging from collapse to turning into an anti-Trump platform if Musk and the president get into a spat, or even becoming a training ground for Musk's xAI venture. be. AI could engulf social media, with xAI valued at $40 billion, roughly the price Musk paid for Twitter.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Relationship Between Seismology and Climate Change Noise

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Since the 1980s, seismic observatories have detected increases in the strength of ocean waves that correlate with climate change. A Colorado State University study analyzed more than 35 years of data and found that ocean waves are becoming significantly stronger, reflecting the increased intensity of storms due to global warming. This seismic data reveals long-term trends and changes in wave energy and highlights the need for resilient strategies to protect coastal regions from the effects of climate change.

Since the late 1980s, modern digital seismic observatories have been monitoring Earth’s vibrations around the world. Previously thought by seismologists to be just a background disturbance, the persistent low hum produced by ocean waves has become stronger since the late 20th century, according to a study led by Colorado State University.

This research nature communicationsexamines data from 52 seismic stations that recorded the Earth’s movement once a second over 35 years. This decades-long record supports independent climate and ocean research that suggests storms are becoming more intense as the climate warms.

“Seismology can provide stable, quantitative measurements of what is happening to waves in the world’s oceans, complementing research using satellites, oceanography, and other methods.” said author Rick Astor, professor of geophysics and chair of Earth Sciences at CSU. “The seismic signal is consistent with these other studies and shows the types of features expected from anthropogenic climate change.”

Astor and his collaborators at the U.S. Geological Survey and Harvard University studied first-order microseisms, the seismic signals produced by large, long-period waves that cross shallow regions of the world’s oceans. The ocean floor in coastal areas is constantly being pushed and pulled by these waves, and these pressure changes generate seismic waves that are picked up by seismometers.

Seismic station locations and global trends since the late 1980s: (a) Ground vertical acceleration amplitude in billionths of a meter, (b) Acceleration amplitude normalized to the historical median, and ( c) Normalized by the historical median of seismic energy.Credit: Rick Astor

Seismometers are best known for monitoring and studying earthquakes, but they also detect many other things, including the movement of glaciers, landslides, volcanic eruptions, large meteorites, and noise from cities. Seismic waves from various forces on or within the Earth’s surface can be seen at great distances, sometimes even on the other side of the Earth.

“As the atmosphere and ocean warm, storms become more intense because they contain more energy, and the ocean waves they cause increase in size and energy,” Aster said. “Increasing the energy of ocean waves directly increases the strength of seismic waves.”

make (bigger) waves

Seismic signals show that the Southern Ocean waves of the infamous storm around Antarctica are predictably the most intense on Earth, while the waves in the North Atlantic are the most rapidly intensifying in recent decades, with waves in eastern North America and western Europe It reflects the storm that rages between.

In addition to the steady rise in wave energy that reflects widespread increases in global ocean and air temperatures, the data also show multi-year climate patterns such as El Niño and La Niña that influence the strength and distribution of global storms. Masu. And an even bigger storm.

“It’s clear that these long-term earthquake records show general signs of storm activity around the world, in addition to long-term intensification due to global warming,” Astor said. “It looks like a small signal from year to year, but it’s gradual and becomes very clear when you work with more than 30 years of data.”

Astor and his colleagues found that global average ocean wave energy has increased by a median of 0.27% per year since the late 20th century, and by 0.35% per year since January 2000.

Stormy weather forecast

Mr Astor said storm surges associated with larger waves and larger storms, coupled with rising sea levels, were a serious global problem for coastal ecosystems, cities and infrastructure.

“In addition to efforts to mitigate climate change itself, we will need to implement resilient strategies to ensure coastal populations and ecosystems are protected from an increasingly stormy future.” said Astor.

Reference: “Increase in ocean wave energy observed in Earth’s seismic wave field since the late 20th century” by Richard C. Astor, Adam T. Ringler, Robert E. Anthony, and Thomas A. Lee, October 32, 2023 , nature communications.
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42673-w

This research was funded by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Science Foundation.

Source: scitechdaily.com