Although people often turn to social media, online shopping, or mobile games to relax after a long day, new research suggests that such activities may cause additional stress.
}, {Although people often turn to social media, online shopping, or mobile games to relax after a long day, new research suggests that such activities may cause additional stress.
}, {The study, published in PLOS One on Wednesday, found that internet users with 'problematic' use experience greater stress, have lower moods, and are more likely to continue using the network compared to others.
Researchers define problematic internet use as that which causes significant anxiety or leads a person to neglect important areas of life, such as work or relationships.
Andreas Oelker, a graduate student at the University of Duisburg-Essen Psychology Department and one of the authors of the study conducted in Germany, noted that there is a 'vicious cycle': 'If you are in a bad mood, you try to lift it using the internet, but it doesn't help enough. So you use it more and more.'
It is possible that a person expects watching funny videos to improve their mood, but they also see a lot of other content.
The internet is full of temptations, and apps are designed to hold users' attention. An analysis by The Washington Post showed how TikTok attracts users by providing an endless stream of personalized video clips. Although some of these videos may be educational or entertaining, users often spend much more time in the app than they would like, and it is difficult for them to stop due to the constant availability of new content.
Silke Müller, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Duisburg-Essen and co-author of the study, stated that initially, it might seem like watching funny videos helps in the short term. However, the problem is that besides humorous clips, social media contains a lot of other material.
Users may encounter stressful news or posts from acquaintances that provoke painful social comparison. Researchers also noted that the more time a person spends online, the more opportunities they miss for sleep, hobbies, socializing, or work.
The study surveyed 900 people about their habits regarding gaming, pornography viewing, shopping, and social media use. Their internet use was classified as 'non-problematic,' 'risky,' or 'pathological.' Problematic users were those who spent so much time online that they neglected relationships or other matters, had difficulty controlling their behavior, or continued doing so despite negative consequences.
For the next 14 days, participants answered daily surveys about their day, mood, stress level, and time spent online. Non-problematic users might spend about an hour on a social media app or gaming site, while problematic users might spend two to four hours or even more. Nevertheless, researchers emphasized that the time spent online is not necessarily a problem if the person feels in control of their behavior and it does not interfere with other activities.
The results showed that problematic users had lower moods, and their internet use led to neglecting activities such as work, studying, or even hygiene. One limitation of the study is its reliance on self-reported data, which requires people to accurately remember their state throughout the day and their methods of using the internet.
Another important finding is that researchers discovered that the temptation to check the internet proved stronger than the pleasure derived from time spent online; sometimes it improved well-being, and sometimes it worsened it.
Oelker advised: 'I would not recommend this as the best way to lift your spirits.'
Part of the appeal of online games and social media lies in the unpredictability of rewards. Sometimes the user wins (e.g., sees a funny video), and sometimes they don't (e.g., gets immersed in endless negative content viewing or sees images that cause low mood).
Ailet Fishbach, a professor of behavioral science at the Chicago Business School, noted that 'uncertainty is captivating.' In her research, she and her colleagues found that people find uncertain rewards more motivating because, despite a general aversion to uncertainty, they want to see the situation resolved.
In games, uncertainty is part of the appeal, and social media also uses this factor, relying on the human need for connection. Fishbach added: 'There is a fear of missing out. And there are no signals telling you to stop. Social media is designed to create addiction in us with every feature displayed on the screen.'
Fishbach and researchers in a new study pointed out several effective strategies that can be tried if a person wishes to spend less time online.
It is important to think about what one can do instead. If a person spends three or four hours a day on games or social media, they should decide what they would prefer to fill that time with. They need to plan a meeting with a friend, attend a sports class, or watch a long-planned movie. Moving towards the desired outcome will be more motivating than just trying not to pick up the phone.
It is also recommended to physically distance oneself from the device. Fishbach emphasized that we underestimate the influence of the environment on our behavior. She gave an example: 'Checking a phone that is already on the table is much more likely than checking a phone that is in a purse. If the phone is in another room, the cost of going there increases sharply compared to if it is just in a pocket.'
It is also useful to delete apps or use app blockers. Many tools are available today for those who want to spend less time online. Some apps require stating a reason to open a blocked application. Any excuse will do, but the goal is to slow down the automatic urge to check social media out of boredom and force oneself to consciously decide whether it is necessary to do so. Other devices, such as Brick, can be used to block access to specific applications on the phone.
Oelker concluded: 'If you don't have a problem, it is simply recreational activity that can be viewed as any other hobby, and you can enjoy it. But if you have problematic use and you neglect other activities, it might be worth reconsidering your attitude.'
Patches intended for pimple treatment have gained great popularity in both pharmacies and social media, presenting various variations in colors and shapes. However, the question arises whether these items truly help combat acne.
The effectiveness of these products is directly linked to the type of lesion. The most common patches, made with hydrocolloid, have the ability to accelerate healing and reduce inflammatory signs of certain pimples, although they cannot replace complete dermatological treatment nor work in all situations.
According to dermatologist Glauce Eiko from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), these patches work by absorbing the secretion of the pimple and maintaining a moist and controlled environment, which is ideal for healing. They act as a physical barrier, preventing the lesion from coming into contact with friction, manipulation, or contamination, which could result in secondary infections and scarring.
The indication and success level of the patch change according to the stage of the pimple's development. The best performance is observed when the lesion already has a pustule with a white head. In this scenario, hydrocolloid is highly effective at actively sucking out pus and exudate, resulting in reduced swelling, volume, and redness.
Patches are also recommended when the pimple has already ruptured, functioning as a dressing that protects the area from dirt and ultraviolet radiation, preserving the skin's natural moisture and promoting healing.
In early stages of inflammation, characterized only by a sensitive papule without a white head, the benefit is smaller, restricted mainly to the function of a barrier against manipulating the lesion. For internal pimples, such as deep nodules and cysts, as well as for comedones (open or closed blackheads), patches offer no advantages.
There are also patches that incorporate active substances such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, and microneedles; the latter being small soluble structures that release components directly into the lesion. However, dermatologist Barbara Miguel from Einstein Israelite Hospital points out that scientific evidence regarding the extra benefit of these substances is still limited.
To ensure safety, it is essential to purchase only products registered by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). Good application practices include ensuring that the skin is clean and completely dry, avoiding the application of creams, serums, or oils on the pimple, as these decrease the material's adhesion.
The patch must cover the lesion entirely and be gently pressed for ten to twenty seconds to ensure proper fixation. The ideal duration of wear is between six and twenty-four hours, or until the hydrocolloid becomes opaque and whitish, indicating maximum secretion absorption.
Users of retinoids or benzoyl peroxide should be cautious when applying these products under the patch. If they are part of the routine, acids should only be applied to the areas adjacent to the lesion, as the occlusion generated by the patch can intensify the penetration of substances and cause severe irritation. When removing the patch, the guidance is to do so slowly along the edges and lightly moisturize the area to aid in restoring the skin barrier.
Barbara Miguel emphasizes that none of these procedures replaces the advice of a dermatologist, warning that such products do not treat the origin of acne. People with moderate to severe or recurrent acne need specialized evaluation to treat the inflammatory process and prevent scars.
Singapore is employing an unusual strategy to combat dengue fever by releasing ten million mosquitoes every week. These insects are not ordinary; they are specially bred male mosquitoes of the Aedes genus carrying the naturally occurring Wolbachia bacterium.
When these males mate with wild females, their eggs do not hatch, which helps reduce the mosquito population. This approach aims not just to eliminate insects but to use biological methods to disrupt their reproduction and decrease disease transmission.
This strategy is already showing promising results. In some areas of Singapore, the Aedes mosquito population has decreased by 90%, and a recent trial showed about 71% protection against dengue infection.
In the context of the situation in India, where 2.33 lakh cases of dengue were registered in 2024, the question arises about the possibility of applying this unconventional tactic to solve the dengue problem in India.
During the first six months of this year, 27 individuals were identified in Qatar who submitted fraudulent experience certificates to obtain a license in the healthcare sector. These individuals are permanently barred from working in the country's healthcare sector.
Dr. Saad Al Kaabi, Director of Professions in Healthcare (DHP) at the Ministry of Public Health, stated that qualification data is verified during the initial stages of registration and licensing. This preliminary screening helps detect fraudulent applications early on.
The Ministry of Public Health emphasized its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in licensing international medical professionals, ensuring that only highly qualified specialists are authorized to provide safe and quality medical services in Qatar. This verification process is conducted in collaboration with specialized institutions to confirm the authenticity of the information provided.
Furthermore, the country recently centralized its healthcare system, meaning residents no longer need a medical record to receive medical care. Their medical number will now be accessible alongside their Qatar ID (QID). This decision was made by the Minister of Public Health, Mansour bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, in April of this year.
