#It has exacerbated echo chambers

[silverskull]

Nobody asked me (i.e. the one Anon that has been going around asking EVERYONE "why Tim disrespected Lucy"), but yo. Show me you are emotionally immature, plotline inexperienced and have low critical thinking skills, without etc., etc.

Tiktok and IG are POISON. Like, neither of them are a community. Just rampant rumour mills and toxic takes. I miss the old days of boards and yahoo groups, where you had threads and categories and actual discussion.

I want the show to be popular. But the more people that have joined the fandom (however temporary they might be - and please, if you say you're going to go, then JUST. GO. I don't want you here.) the more awful the space has become. It's just anger, self centeredness and panic. And not even the fun kind.

I know I can mute and block, and I do - trust me. But it's not enough. The psychotic or infantile takes from one-line tiktok comments always makes its untraceable way back to my curated feed.

I used to be a baby in a fandom of elders. I had stupid ideas and childish notions. But I wasn't in an echo chamber and I had to read through threads and the wiser opinions of adults who had life experience (of life, of shows, of relationships - just experience) and I listened. I threw tantrums ("ugh, she's got boyfriends other than the one I ship her with, she's A WHORE") that were SO. BAD. Like, of their time, but so bad. But I couldn't help encountering reasonable opinions all the time, because of the nature of the group/board. And it not only developed my critical thinking skills far better than almost any theory I was studying at school, it calmed me and educated me on plotlines AND real life.

One line comments in a race to the bottom on IG or TT will never compare to that, and it's exacerbating the eternal panic element that exists in large fandoms. Those platforms are NOT designed for discussion or interaction, only for gathering numbers. The worst things will always get to the top and more people will see them

And then we all live with this constant edge of worry or fear, because where did that one weird thing I heard about come from??? What if it's right? Why does this stupid thought have to live in my brain now and how do I stop the nosedive?

And you can't. You can't find the original post and add your considered opinion. There is no room for that. TT and IG do not want your opinion. They want high-view content, and reasoned fandom discussion is NOT that.

Also, these phrases are IRRITATING AS FUCK:

-called it/calling it now

-just as I predicted!

-(actor) told me...

-"terrible writing"

-[the show creators] didn't expect this kind of fan reaction!

-if not X then I'm leaving! (doesn't leave)

Okay, peace.

[lewisinho]

tbf what annoys me the most about the massa case, is not even the case itself (it doesn't have much to stand on in the first place), it's more about how it exacerbated the journalistic problem f1 has...no one seems to be asking the right questions nor are even willing to actively challenge what is being said; they have many opportunities to interview him (massa is practically begging to be heard) but they are not actually getting anything of value out of him nor willing to discuss and question what he is saying (they don't even need massa for that, they can go do some investigating themselves, check the regulations etc.); the pretext of not engaging due to confusing legalese doesn't apply either when it's the one and only thing the case can be argued upon (or rather entirely dismantled); buzzwords like 'manipulation' or 'justice' fall flat when they are not backed up with actual facts and journalism fails when it engages in pointless false-balancing and creates a farcical echo chamber in which nothing is being challenged; but then again, i guess that can be said for journalism in general these days

[wicofe]

The digital age has revolutionized how information is created, shared, and consumed, with crowdsourcing emerging as a powerful tool for problem-solving and knowledge dissemination. Crowdsourcing, which relies on collective intelligence and the active participation of individuals, has driven innovation in fields ranging from disaster response to product development. However, the rise of fake news—false or misleading information presented as fact—poses a significant threat to the integrity and reliability of crowdsourced data. The widespread dissemination of misinformation can erode trust, distort collective understanding, and undermine the very principles that make crowdsourcing effective.

One of the most profound effects of fake news on crowdsourced information is its ability to undermine trust and credibility.

Crowdsourcing depends on participants’ willingness to contribute accurate data, ideas, or solutions. However, in an environment where fake news is pervasive, participants may grow skeptical about the validity of the information shared. This skepticism can deter people from engaging with crowdsourced platforms, fearing their contributions will be misused or overshadowed by false narratives. In cases where misinformation infiltrates these systems, the credibility of the entire project is jeopardized. For example, during crises like natural disasters or public health emergencies, crowdsourced data is often used to coordinate responses or allocate resources. If fake news contaminates this data, it can lead to harmful delays or misdirected efforts, putting lives at risk.

The rapid and viral nature of fake news further exacerbates its impact on crowdsourcing. Open-access platforms, where contributions are often unverified, can unintentionally amplify misinformation. When users unknowingly or carelessly share inaccurate information, it can quickly become entrenched in the collective dataset. Algorithms and social media dynamics exacerbate this problem, as sensational or emotionally charged content tends to spread faster than accurate, measured information. A common example is crowdsourced reviews on platforms like Amazon or Yelp, where fake reviews can manipulate consumer perceptions, distort market competition, and mislead potential buyers. Similarly, in knowledge repositories like Wikipedia, misinformation introduced into articles can spread globally, perpetuating inaccuracies until detected and corrected.

Beyond misinforming the public, fake news can also deepen divisions and foster polarization. Crowdsourced platforms are designed to pool diverse perspectives and foster collaboration, but when misinformation infiltrates these spaces, it can create echo chambers where users reinforce biased narratives. This polarization undermines the collective wisdom that crowdsourcing aims to harness, as dialogue becomes fragmented and contentious rather than constructive. In politically or socially sensitive contexts, misinformation campaigns can turn collaborative platforms into battlegrounds, derailing efforts to solve pressing issues and driving participants further apart.

Despite these challenges, there are strategies to mitigate the impact of fake news on crowdsourced information. One essential approach is implementing robust verification mechanisms. Crowdsourced platforms can employ AI tools to detect and flag suspicious contributions or identify patterns indicative of misinformation. For instance, Wikipedia’s community-driven editorial model effectively maintains accuracy by engaging volunteers to verify edits and ensure that citations are reliable. These mechanisms not only enhance the quality of data but also rebuild trust in the system.

Educating contributors about media literacy is another critical safeguard. By equipping participants with the skills to evaluate sources critically and verify information before sharing, platforms can significantly reduce the likelihood of misinformation infiltrating their datasets. This education must go hand-in-hand with transparency. Platforms should clearly outline their processes for moderating content and correcting errors, as well as visibly acknowledge and address inaccuracies when they occur. Transparency fosters accountability and reassures users that the platform is committed to accuracy and reliability.

Community involvement is another powerful tool in maintaining the integrity of crowdsourced information. Trusted contributors or subject-matter experts can play an active role in moderating and validating user-generated content. Platforms like Reddit demonstrate the effectiveness of community-driven moderation in maintaining the quality and authenticity of discussions. Similarly, collaboration with independent fact-checking organizations can bolster the credibility of crowdsourced platforms. Fact-checkers provide third-party validation for contentious claims, ensuring that misinformation is identified and corrected swiftly.

Technology also offers solutions to the challenges posed by fake news. Advanced machine learning algorithms can analyze content for indicators of misinformation, such as a lack of credible sources or emotionally manipulative language. These tools can flag questionable contributions in real-time, preventing their spread before they become entrenched in the dataset. Combining these technologies with human oversight ensures a balanced approach to maintaining accuracy.

In conclusion, the rise of fake news presents significant challenges to the reliability of crowdsourced information in the digital age. Misinformation can erode trust, amplify inaccuracies, and polarize participants, threatening the effectiveness of crowdsourcing initiatives. However, by adopting proactive measures such as verification mechanisms, media literacy education, transparency, and community engagement, the integrity of crowdsourced platforms can be preserved. As digital technologies continue to evolve, fostering a culture of critical thinking and accountability will be essential to maintaining the power of collective intelligence. By addressing the impact of fake news head-on, crowdsourced information can remain a valuable tool for innovation, collaboration, and progress in the digital era.

[dont-let-me-live]

They blocked me after this interaction so of course my reblogs won't show in the notes. They're just rallying up all the pretentious people and creating an echo chamber that accomplishes nothing. Reading CAN make smarter and a better person, but that is not a guarantee.

I keep saying posts like these are not helping because while people like these love whining and complaining about "low reading levels" of adults, they do nothing but exacerbate the problem by pushing people away with their elitist and pretentious attitudes. If they were actually concerned about the state of reading and critical thinking, they wouldn't be villainizing people in the reblogs while blocking and silencing people that dared to argue that hey, maybe DON'T shame readers from reading things you don't like. A book always has something to offer even if you don't like them.

This goes to both OP and people that "exclusively" read this and that. You know, like in the book given as an example? Ultimately, the decision to go out of one's comfort zone lies with the person but being condescending to someone is going to make a person remain in their comfort zone even more.

Don't be afraid of adult or complex books, they're not that hard or scary, I promise. You will enjoy them a lot especially if you're in the age range of the target demographic. Don't be ashamed of reading children's books, fantasy, sci-fi etc., they still have something to offer that you might like and they can be quite healing.

I remember when I was in grade school when reading was less accessible because of how expensive it was (thank you globalization and piracy) and most people I knew didn't even consider reading for their free time. But now, reading is the one hobby you can partake in that you can enjoy without having to "put out". Honestly, it all comes down to this. Diversify your reading collection, it will be fun, trust me.

Reading is amazing. I love reading, especially as someone in the engineering field. I can't go a single day without it. So I am NOT going to be the person that will push you away from reading. Just keep reading, you're doing fine. Read more. Read more books. Read more variety. Read more different genres. Read niche authors. Read classics. Read anything, you'll like like it.

[ngdrb]

The Political Polarization of Democracy: A Comprehensive Analysis

In contemporary democratic societies, political polarization has emerged as a critical issue influencing governance, public discourse, and societal cohesion. This essay seeks to explore the multifaceted nature of political polarization within democracies, examining its causes, manifestations, and consequences.

Understanding Political Polarization

Political polarization can be defined as the divergence of political attitudes to ideological extremes. Within democratic frameworks, polarization often manifests in heightened partisan conflicts, ideological rigidity, and a breakdown of consensus-building mechanisms. It fundamentally alters the dynamics of democratic governance by exacerbating divisions among citizens, politicians, and institutions.

Causes of Political Polarization

Several factors contribute to political polarization in democracies. Firstly, socio-economic disparities and inequality can amplify political divisions, as differing economic interests lead to contrasting policy preferences. Secondly, media fragmentation and the rise of digital platforms have facilitated echo chambers and filter bubbles, reinforcing pre-existing beliefs and reducing exposure to diverse viewpoints. Thirdly, identity politics, characterized by the mobilization of groups based on shared identities such as race, ethnicity, or religion, has intensified political cleavages.

Manifestations in Democratic Processes

Political polarization manifests prominently in democratic processes. It impedes legislative efficacy as partisan gridlock obstructs consensus on policy-making. Moreover, polarization influences electoral behavior, with voters increasingly aligning along ideological lines rather than evaluating candidates based on policy outcomes or qualifications. This trend erodes trust in democratic institutions and electoral integrity, thereby undermining the legitimacy of elected governments.

Consequences for Governance and Society

The consequences of political polarization are far-reaching. In governance, polarization hinders effective policymaking and compromises the ability of governments to address pressing societal challenges. It fosters a climate of hostility and distrust among political adversaries, limiting opportunities for bipartisan cooperation. Socially, polarization contributes to societal fragmentation, diminishing social cohesion and fostering animosity between different segments of the population. Furthermore, it can lead to the erosion of democratic norms and values, as political actors prioritize partisan interests over democratic principles.

Addressing Political Polarization

Addressing political polarization requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders. Firstly, promoting civic education and media literacy can equip citizens with critical thinking skills necessary to navigate diverse sources of information and engage in constructive dialogue. Secondly, fostering inclusive political discourse that emphasizes shared values and common goals can mitigate divisive rhetoric and promote mutual understanding. Additionally, electoral reforms aimed at reducing the influence of money in politics and enhancing transparency can mitigate polarization's impact on democratic processes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, political polarization poses significant challenges to the health and vitality of democracies worldwide. By understanding its causes, manifestations, and consequences, policymakers and citizens alike can work towards mitigating its adverse effects. Upholding democratic principles of tolerance, inclusivity, and deliberation remains essential in fostering a political climate conducive to consensus-building and effective governance. Ultimately, combating political polarization is integral to safeguarding the democratic ideals of representation, accountability, and the pursuit of the common good.

Polarization and Democracy:

Definition: Political polarization refers to the increasing divergence of political views and attitudes between different groups or individuals within a society.

Effects on Democracy:

Positive Aspects:

Vigorous Debate: Some level of polarization can lead to robust debates, diverse perspectives, and creative problem-solving.

Clear Choices: It helps voters differentiate between parties and candidates, making electoral choices more distinct.

Negative Aspects:

Gridlock: Extreme polarization can lead to legislative gridlock, hindering effective governance.

Erosion of Trust: When parties demonize each other, public trust in institutions declines.

Us vs. Them Mentality: Polarization fosters an “us vs. them” mentality, undermining cooperation.

Threats to Democratic Norms: Extreme polarization can weaken democratic norms, such as respect for the rule of law and peaceful transitions of power.

Mitigation Strategies:

Intergroup Contact: Encourage interactions between opposing groups to reduce prejudice.

Perspective Taking: Foster empathy by encouraging people to see issues from others’ viewpoints.

Superordinate Goals: Emphasize shared goals that transcend partisan divisions.

Ranked Choice Voting: Implement electoral reforms that encourage moderation and positive elections.

Media Literacy: Promote critical thinking and media literacy to combat misinformation.

Social Media Kindness: Encourage respectful online discourse and defuse hateful speech.

Institutional Reforms: Strengthen democratic institutions to withstand polarization12.

Historical Impact:

19th Century: The 19th century witnessed transformative changes in democracy. Industrialization, abolitionism, and women’s suffrage contributed to expanding democratic ideals3.

Renaissance Humanism: The Renaissance shifted focus from monarchs and the Church to individual potential, laying the groundwork for democratic development4.

Recent Examples:

United States: A resurgence of civil society movements impacted democratic attitudes. Even failed movements leave enduring effects on participants and bystanders5.

Global Spread: Polarization affects democracies worldwide, from Brazil and India to Poland and Turkey6.

Long-Term Effects of Social Movements:

Case Study: China’s democracy movement.

Findings: Exposure to the movement during college led to significant attitudinal differences, especially among alumni of universities closely connected to the movement7.

In summary, while polarization can have both positive and negative effects, addressing it through informed strategies is crucial for maintaining healthy democracies.

[unguidedgentleman]

The Orwellian Nightmare: How Modern Media Contributes to the New World Order**

George Orwell's works, particularly "1984" and "Animal Farm," have become almost prophetic in describing the potential dangers of unchecked governmental power and the erasure of individual freedoms. Today, his cautionary tales resonate more than ever as the convergence of media, technology, and governance increasingly resembles the dystopian visions he warned us about. The pervasive influence of contemporary media may not just mirror Orwell's warnings but exacerbate a push towards a one-world totalitarian government.

In "Animal Farm," Orwell illustrates how propaganda can manipulate and control a population. The pigs on the farm, who gradually assume totalitarian control, use constant propaganda to justify their actions and maintain power. In the current era, traditional media and social platforms have a similar power. News outlets often present information in a manner designed to generate specific emotional responses, leading to polarized populations that are more easily manipulated.

The line between news and propaganda has blurred, making it challenging for individuals to discern objective truths from manipulative narratives. The omnipresent nature of media ensures that particular ideologies reach mass audiences swiftly, influencing public opinion and shaping societal norms. When critical analysis is replaced with echo chambers and bias confirmation, societies drift closer to the totalitarian control described in Orwell’s works.

Orwell's "1984" introduces us to Big Brother, the omnipresent surveillance state that monitors every facet of individual life. Today, tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon collect vast amounts of data on every user. While marketed as tools for convenience and connectivity, these technologies also enable unprecedented levels of surveillance.

Every click, search, and location is logged, creating detailed profiles that can be used for targeted advertising, but also potentially for social control. Governments can and do access these troves of data, ostensibly for national security purposes. The merging of government oversight with corporate data collection creates a surveillance state far more sophisticated and intrusive than Orwell could have anticipated. This relentless monitoring facilitates control over populations, ensuring compliance and limiting dissent.

In Orwell's dystopian world, the past is constantly rewritten to serve the present narrative. This manipulation of history is complemented by stringent censorship. Today, the control of information is often more subtle but no less effective. Algorithms on social media platforms can suppress or promote content, subtly shaping what information is seen and what is hidden. Governments and corporations can collaborate to remove or censor undesirable information, often under the guise of combatting "fake news" or protecting public safety.

Moreover, the rise of "cancel culture" acts as a societal enforcement mechanism, where individuals are ostracized and silenced for expressing contrarian views. This peer-enforced censorship ensures that only a narrow range of acceptable opinions is publicly shared, pushing societies towards homogenized thought and Orwellian conformity.

Orwell’s warnings about power coalescing into an omnipotent state resonate with contemporary movements toward global governance. Organizations like the United Nations and the World Economic Forum are increasingly influential in shaping international policy, transcending national sovereignty. While global cooperation can address transnational issues like climate change and pandemics, it also risks concentrating power in unaccountable bureaucratic entities.

When media, technology, and governance intertwine at a global level, the risk of creating a one-world totalitarian government becomes palpable. Centralized control over information, coupled with global surveillance networks, could lead to a scenario where dissent is virtually impossible, echoing the most terrifying aspects of Orwell's dystopias.

Orwell's texts are not just stories but warnings. It is time we recognize and react to the signs of creeping totalitarianism in modern media and governance. The balance between security and freedom, between global cooperation and local autonomy, must be vigilantly maintained. Individuals must demand transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual liberties in the face of ever-expanding state and corporate power.

The Orwellian nightmare need not become our reality, but avoiding it requires awareness, critical thinking, and active resistance to the seductive allure of total control. By understanding the parallels between Orwell’s world and our own, we can strive to safeguard the freedoms that are easily lost but so difficult to reclaim.

[engagepro-social]

The Dark Side of Social Media: Unveiling the Dangers of Homophily

In today's digital age, social media platforms have become integral parts of our lives, connecting us with others around the world. However, amidst the allure of connectivity, there lies a darker side to social media—one that perpetuates homophily, or the tendency for individuals to associate with others who share similar traits or interests. In this blog post, we'll explore the negative aspects of homophily in social media and its potential risks.

Factors Contributing to Homophily:

Homophily, the phenomenon where individuals with similar characteristics are drawn to one another, has long been a subject of study in social network research. As McPherson, Smith-Lovin, and Cook (2001) elucidate, "the idea that similarity breeds connection has been a major theme in research on social networks, both formally and informally, for almost half a century."

The Role of Social Network Services:

In their analysis of social network services, Lee and Ahn (2012) dive into the homophily effect, noting that "individuals with similar characteristics tend to be attracted to one another and form connections." This underscores the pervasive nature of homophily in shaping social interactions online.

Risks of Homophily in Social Media:

While homophily may seem innocuous at first glance, it can exacerbate existing societal divisions and perpetuate echo chambers, where individuals are only exposed to viewpoints that mirror their own. This can lead to polarization, as individuals become increasingly isolated within their ideological bubbles.

Preventing the Negative Effects:

To mitigate the negative effects of homophily, it's crucial to actively seek out diverse perspectives, engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold different viewpoints, and critically evaluate the information we encounter online. By cultivating a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness, we can combat the harmful consequences of homophily in social media.

In conclusion, while social media has the power to connect us in unprecedented ways, we must be cognizant of its potential pitfalls. By understanding and addressing the negative aspects of homophily, we can foster a more inclusive and diverse online community.

References:

Lee, E., & Ahn, J. (2012). An analysis of homophily effect on social network service. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 7235, 245-252.

McPherson, M., Smith-Lovin, L., & Cook, J. M. (2001). Birds of a feather: Homophily in social networks. Annual Review of Sociology, 27(1), 415-444.

[phanchester]

Congrats, Biden wins the election. What are you doing next to ensure trump 2.0 doesn't win? Voting harder? The Democratic Party has a responsibility to elect a reasonable candidate that they think can win. If Biden is truly electable, he'll win! He'll adopt policies that will be popular, and people will respond. If he isn't, then people regardless of whatever the fuck is happening with Republicans have a right to voice their discontent. That's how politics works, whether you think that's pragmatic or not.

The primaries literally just ended. It's June. Bodies are actively dropping in Palestine. It's not that leftists think they're better than you, you're just acting wildly unempathetic to try to draw the conversation to Voting when people are DYING!!! Like actively being bombed and having their bodies blown apart while you talk about elections.

And like, it's almost ironic because literal US citizens are dying in Palestine! You realize Palestinian and American are not two seperate paths that can't intersect right? People who could exercise their holy right to vote in Palestine are dying because American bombs are dropping on them.

Anyways this is a long rant to say maybe just don't be an asshole? Cause you and 22,000 thousand people who reblogged that weird post sound like massive fucking assholes. And xenophobic with the annoying ass Russian bot myth. Surprise!!! there's commies in America, how terrifying. Born and bred in the US of A.

look - i'm australian so all the american election content i am consuming is purely from that perspective. however, here's my general understanding of what's happening -

both trump and biden are going to have the same foreign policy. this is not only because of voting but because of lobby groups and international relations. i know this from an australian perspective because our prime minister was once upon a time very pro-palestinian - he even started a "friends of palestine" group - but that all went out the window when he became prime minister simply because of the grip international relations (particularly with you guys, the us) has on us. realistically, no one is going to rise to power and change the general us foreign policy perspective. however - i do think trump will further exacerbate it and not work under the guise of a ceasefire

trump has significantly worse domestic policies. i know biden hasn't done a lot either, but trump will 100% make worse things happen even faster. trump will take steps to make transitioning harder and even illegal for minors, he will only recognise two genders, he will keep trans women out of sports, he will deport non-white citizens based on their 'ideology' or parents, and he will completely surround himself with an echo chamber in the white house. why do i care? america is the hegemony. every government looks at you guys.

i'm not a biden supporter at all - from an australian pov, most people i talk to, even the hardcore liberal party members (liberal party is our right wing party) think the choices you have for this election is ridiculous. honestly i don't completely know what i would do in your position, and i am also not in a position to dictate anything.

but right now everyone i know thinks that trump will win. most people i talk to are certain of it. yes, both are or will be assisting a genocide. america is inherently pro-israel and every candidate the democratic party will choose will be funding a genocide. it's horrific, but realistic.

i think you shouldn't minimise the us election by comparing to the genocide in palestine. us is still the hegemony - china is the only competitor, and it is has nowhere near the amount of pull that the us has. every country has its eyes on the us. when a domestic policy is passed, the world reacts. discussion about the election should be held - not in replacement of, but beside discussion and awareness of the atrocities in palestine.

i don't have the certainty or the position to tell others to vote for biden. because i truly get it - i think people have the right to be upset, and that will be reflected in the elections this year. but only one is an openly white supremacist climate denier convincted felon who has committed sexual assault - and that is why the rest of the world is scared

[shanewright]

Is there a lesson in the middle of all of this? Can there actually be a lesson?

The easy answer that will make us all nod in agreement and move forward without thinking about it is probably “Social media is bad and we should return to grunts, gestures, smoke signals and semaphore to communicate.”

The more nuanced answer is that while social media can allow for millions to see something and be part of a larger conversation, our general inclinations towards feeling part of the in-group have only created further atomization of the 21st century person. Algorithmic based content platforms like Tiktok combined with a low-media literacy environment which has been fostered over the past 20 years by uh…just about everything…can exacerbate that to the point that can see hyper-focused niche communities create echo chambers so filled with information and noise that whatever falls out of it can actively negatively affect a person’s worldview of pretty much anything if they engage with it too frequently. People become things. Complex, messy events become flattened and over-simple. The boundaries we set for ourselves and others can be ignored.

The boundaries we set in daily life should be honored, even as the lines we keep between meatspace and the internet become blurred.

Of course, this whole thing can best be summed up through this tweet from a fanfiction writer:

this kraken drama is why we never ever cross the fourth wall! interacting with official accounts and people connected to players is always dicey, even if they seem interested in catering to fandom. if you want to survive as a sicko you must maintain these boundaries— isozyme (parody) (@isocrime) July 29, 2023

We at DJLR support Alex and Felicia during this time, and sincerely hope that you support them too.

They have been through enough as it is.

[mentalmindsetmatters]

Depression's Impact on Medical Conditions

In a society where the dialogue about health often segregates mental and physical well-being into distinct categories, there lies a profound, yet often unspoken life thread between depression and chronic medical conditions. Understanding and addressing this intersection is not only crucial for the individual's holistic health but is also at the forefront of a revolution in healthcare — one that redefines 'health' to include emotional, psychological, and social components.

The Harmonic Discord of Depression and Disease

Depression manifests more than just the intangible feelings of sadness or detachment. It has a profound bi-directional relationship with several chronic medical ailments, serving both as a precursor and a consequence of conditions that can mar one's health for life. The science behind this harmony, though unsettling, is necessary for deeper comprehension and effective care provision.

Cardiotoxic Cocktails

There's a rhythm to heart health that depression disrupts. Studies have long established that individuals with depression have a higher risk of developing heart disease and are more likely to experience a heart attack. It’s a cocktail of stress hormones, inflammation, and lifestyle factors, which in tandem with a depleted psychological state, set the stage for cardiovascular disorders.

Diabetes: The Bitter Aftertaste of Depression

Depression and diabetes often coexist, each exacerbating the other's symptoms. The psychological toll of managing a life-altering condition like diabetes can give rise to or worsen existing depressive episodes. In the shadows of this complex health web, self-care can become a casualty, leading to poor glycemic control.

Chronic Pain: The Echo Chamber of Depression

For those fighting chronic pain conditions, each day can seem like an unending battle. What amplifies this fight is the shadow of depression, a condition that often shares neural pathways with the perception of pain. Managing one without addressing the other is a futile exercise, and the patient pays the price.

Raising the Mental Health Banner in Healthcare

An essential armament in the fight against the paired foes of depression and disease is to raise the banner of mental health awareness high. This initiative is not just for the benefit of individuals but for the collective consciousness, laying the groundwork for comprehensive healthcare reform.

Casting Light on Mental Health

To fight a battle, we must first know the enemy, and establishing a public understanding of the intricate links between mental and physical health is paramount. Public health campaigns, educational programs, and open dialogues serve not only to inform but to destigmatize, making the path to care less daunting.

Building a Community of Support

No man or woman is an island, and when mental illness thrums in the heart of another condition, the need for support is undeniable. Communities that cater to individuals navigating the dual challenges of depression and a chronic disease can be an invaluable lifeline, offering empathy, shared experiences, and practical help.

Insights for the Guardians of Health

From the seasoned physician to the zealous intern, insights into recognizing and addressing depression in patients grappling with medical conditions are crucial. Only with such awareness can healthcare providers become pragmatic guardians of their patients' complete health.

Recognizing the Silent Screams

The signs of depression are often subtle, hidden beneath the more apparent symptoms of a chronic medical condition. But by listening to patients, by being attuned to the nuances of their language, healthcare providers can discern the silent screams for help that depression carries.

Integrative Care: A Model for the Future

Medical care models of the future must be integrative, merging the diverse disciplines of mental health and medicine into a seamless approach to patient care. By doing so, healthcare providers can serve their patients more effectively, holistically, and humanely.

The United States Frontlines of Awareness

In the United States, the battleground for holistic healthcare rages on, with various initiatives seeking to increase awareness and support for those grappling with depression and medical ailments. It's a multifaceted campaign that touches every level of society, from individual efforts to governmental policies.

Legislated Liberation

Legal frameworks that ensure mental health parity in insurance coverage and healthcare accessibility are crucial cornerstones of the United States' campaign against the conjoined twins of malaise. By legislating support, the country takes a significant step toward recognizing the vital link between mental and physical health.

Public Campaigns and Awareness Events

From local support groups to nationwide campaigns, the United States is a variegated canvas of efforts to elevate mental health to its rightful position within our health discourse. National awareness events such as Mental Health Awareness Month and public campaigns shed light on the profound impact of depression on physical well-being.

Mind over Malady: A Treatment Paradigm

In conclusion, the narrative of depression must no longer be an aside in the script of medical conditions. By recognizing its pervasive impact on chronic diseases and cultivating integrated care approaches, we can reshape the treatment paradigm to be more comprehensive, compassionate, and ultimately more caring. When we start addressing the mind, not as an auxiliary to our physical health but as a critical organ in tandem, we take a step closer to achieving true well-being.

[ukrainenews]

Daily Wrap Up March 2, 2023

Under the cut:

Russian forces continue to press their offensive in the Bakhmut area as Ukrainian forces try to repel ongoing attacks near the key eastern town and nearby areas in the Donetsk region, the Ukrainian military’s General Staff said in an evening update on Thursday.

The US is announcing three new partnerships Thursday in an effort to boost Ukraine’s agricultural sector and help supply the country’s grain to the world

A network of at least 20 torture chambers in the recently liberated southern Ukrainian region of Kherson was "planned and directly financed by the Russian State," war crimes investigators said on Thursday, citing new evidence. The Mobile Justice Team, funded by Britain, the EU and the United States, has been working with Ukrainian war crimes prosecutors across Ukraine and in Kherson since it was reclaimed from Russian forces in November after more than eight months of occupation.

The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, and Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, spoke for less than 10 minutes on the margins of the G20 meeting in New Delhi today, according to a US state department official. Blinken reiterated to Lavrov that Washington was prepared to support Ukraine’s defence for as long as it takes, the official said, in what is believed to be their first one-on-one conversation in person since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russian attacks were reported in Donetsk, Kherson, Poltava, Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Luhansk oblasts in the east, south, center, and north of Ukraine. According to local authorities, five people were killed, and 24 were wounded in the past 24 hours. Russia conducted an air strike on Zaporizhzhia overnight on March 2, heavily damaging a residential building, Acting Mayor of Zaporizhzhia Anatoly Kurtev wrote on Telegram.

“Russian forces continue to press their offensive in the Bakhmut area as Ukrainian forces try to repel ongoing attacks near the key eastern town and nearby areas in the Donetsk region, the Ukrainian military’s General Staff said in an evening update on Thursday.

“They are assaulting the town of Bakhmut,” the General Staff said, echoing an earlier update suggesting Russian presence within the city and not just on the outskirts. CNN reported earlier Thursday that an assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) also says Russian forces “advanced within Bakhmut and continued ground attacks around the city.”

Over the last 24 hours, Russian forces launched rocket attacks on the cities of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region, located just five kilometers (about three miles) west of Bakhmut, and Zaporizhzhia, the General Staff said.

“The threat of further missile strikes remains high throughout Ukraine,” the Ukrainian military said.

There were unsuccessful Russian offensive attempts in the Kupyansk and Lyman directions, it added.

In the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson directions, Russian forces continue “to try to create conditions for an offensive” and have fired artillery at more than 40 settlement areas, it said.

Ukraine also responded with 13 strikes over the past day in areas where Russia has personnel and military equipment, the General Staff said, adding that the missile and artillery units hit one Russian ammunition depot.”-via CNN

~

“The US is announcing three new partnerships Thursday in an effort to boost Ukraine’s agricultural sector and help supply the country’s grain to the world, USAID officials told CNN.

The announcement is part of a deliberate effort by the Biden administration to build up Ukraine’s economy and alleviate the global food security crisis which has been exacerbated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine is regarded as a key bread-basket for much of the world, and the country relies on agriculture to generates more than 40% of total export revenues. The country’s economy shrank by more than 30% in 2022 after Russia’s brutal invasion destroyed infrastructure, hurt businesses and disrupted daily life, according to Kyiv’s economic ministry.

USAID’s new partnerships with Grain Alliance, Kernel, and Nibulon are projected to increase Ukraine’s grain shipping capacity by more than 3 million tons annually, the officials said. Each company has a long history of working in Ukraine.

Working together USAID and these organizations are planning to invest $44 million to support storage and infrastructure expansion in Ukraine’s agriculture sector.

This comes after USAID has announced multiple different initiatives to support Ukraine’s agriculture sector, including programs to specifically target Ukrainian farmers.

A Black Sea Grain deal has also enabled the passage of Ukrainian ships carrying the agriculture products to depart the country, which was a challenge in the early days of the war with Russia preventing the ships from leaving.

The new investments that USAID and its partners are announcing this week will target multiple terminals — Izmail and Reni in Ukraine, both on the Danube, and Čierna nad Tisou in Slovakia— where they expect to see an increase in grain exports. The operations will involve construction to renovate the areas where vessels are loaded.”-via CNN

~

WARNING: Discussion and description of torture.

“A network of at least 20 torture chambers in the recently liberated southern Ukrainian region of Kherson was "planned and directly financed by the Russian State," war crimes investigators said on Thursday, citing new evidence.

The Mobile Justice Team, funded by Britain, the EU and the United States, has been working with Ukrainian war crimes prosecutors across Ukraine and in Kherson since it was reclaimed from Russian forces in November after more than eight months of occupation.

The Kremlin press office did not respond to a request for comment.

Reuters reported on the scale of torture chambers in Kherson in January, when Ukrainian authorities said around 200 people had allegedly been tortured at 10 locations. Survivors told Reuters about being tortured, including electric shocks and suffocation techniques.

Moscow, which has said it is conducting a "special military operation" in Ukraine, has denied committing war crimes or targeting civilians.

The mobile team, established in May 2022 by the Global Rights Compliance humanitarian law firm and backed by international experts, is supporting Ukraine's Office of the Prosecutor General as it reviews more than 71,000 reports of war crimes nationwide since the Feb. 24, 2022, invasion.

"New evidence collected from recently liberated Kherson reveals torture chambers were planned and directly financed by the Russian State," the team, established by British attorney Wayne Jordash, said in a statement.

Witnesses described the use of electric shock torture and waterboarding by Russian forces. At least 1,000 torture chamber survivors have submitted evidence to investigators and more than 400 people had been reported as missing from Kherson, it said.

Funding a network of torture facilities was part of a Russian state plan to "subjugate, re-educate or kill Ukrainian civic leaders and ordinary dissenters," the team said.

Torture centres were operated by different Russian security agencies, including the Russian Federal Security Services (FSB), local Kherson FSB and the Russian Prison Service, it said.

Reuters was unable to verify the allegations.

An investigation is also underway by the International Criminal Court, part of a both domestic and international efforts to hold those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide across Ukraine to account.”-via Reuters

Here’s an article from CNN as well, with first hand accounts from people who were captured and put in the torture chambers. 

~

“The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, and Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, spoke for less than 10 minutes on the margins of the G20 meeting in New Delhi today, according to a US state department official.

Blinken reiterated to Lavrov that Washington was prepared to support Ukraine’s defence for as long as it takes, the official said, in what is believed to be their first one-on-one conversation in person since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Blinken also called for Moscow to reverse its decision to suspend participation in the New Start nuclear treaty and to release detained US citizen, Paul Whelan.

The official said:

The secretary saw the purpose of this was to deliver these three direct messages, which we see as advancing our interests.

We always remain hopeful that the Russians will reverse their decision and be prepared to engage in a diplomatic process that can lead to a just and durable peace, but I wouldn’t say that coming out of this encounter there was any expectation that things will change in the near term.

Lavrov did not mention the meeting during a news conference he gave after Thursday’s G20 foreign ministers’ meeting.

Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, confirmed the meeting took place, telling CNN:

“Blinken asked for contact with Lavrov. On the go, as part of the second session of the [G20], Sergey Viktorovich [Lavrov] talked. There were no negotiations, meetings, etc.”-via The Guardian

~

“Russian attacks were reported in Donetsk, Kherson, Poltava, Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Luhansk oblasts in the east, south, center, and north of Ukraine.

According to local authorities, five people were killed, and 24 were wounded in the past 24 hours.

Russia conducted an air strike on Zaporizhzhia overnight on March 2, heavily damaging a residential building, Acting Mayor of Zaporizhzhia Anatoly Kurtev wrote on Telegram.

Four people were killed in the attack, and at least eight were injured, according to Prosecutor General's Office. The rescue operation is still ongoing.

Zaporizhzhia regional state administration reported that civilian infrastructure in 14 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast was under Russian fire. Local authorities received 27 reports about damage to citizens' households and infrastructure sites due to Russian attacks.

Russian attacks killed one civilian in Bakhmut and injured five more in Donetsk Oblast, said Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko.

Russia hit 18 settlements and two communities in the region, damaging houses, an administrative building, a shop, and a church, according to Kyrylenko.

Russian troops fired almost 500 projectiles on Kherson Oblast using multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), mortars, tanks, drones, and artillery, according to Kherson Oblast Military Administration.

The attacks wounded 11 civilians in the region, including a 1-year-old child, and damaged houses and apartment buildings in the city of Kherson, the administration wrote.

A Russian missile strike hit civilian areas, including critical infrastructure, in the city of Kremenchuk, Ukraine's central Poltava Oblast, on March 1, the oblast governor Dmytro Lunin reported. There were no casualties, he confirmed later.

Russian troops hit more than seven settlements in Kharkiv Oblast with artillery, MLRS, mortars, and drones, said Oleh Syniehubov, the oblast governor. The attacks damaged houses, outbuildings, and an administrative building, but there were no casualties.

In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russian forces attacked the communities of Nikopol and Chervonohryhorivka overnight, damaging power lines, private enterprises, eight high-rises, a few shops, and other infrastructure. No casualties were reported, according to Governor Serhii Lysak.

Russian troops shelled the Kutsurub community on the Black Sea coast in Mykolaiv Oblast with MLRS on March 1, said Vitalii Kim, the oblast governor. No casualties were reported.

Overnight and earlier on March 1, Russian troops used artillery and mortars to strike nine communities in Sumy Oblast bordering Russia, the regional military administration reported. The attacks damaged a residential building and a power line, according to the administration.

Russia struck eight settlements in Luhansk Oblast with artillery over the past 24 hours, the regional state administration wrote. It didn't provide information on casualties or damage.

In Chernihiv Oblast, Russian troops hit the settlements of Yeline and Berylivka close to the Russsia-Ukraine border, according to the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces. It didn't provide information on casualties or damage.”-via Kyiv Independent

[phx-stf07]

NEGATIVE EFFECTS Of SOCIAL MEDIA ON SOCIETY

Social media has become an essential part of everyday life, changing the way that people communicate, network, and share information. But below the surface is a region characterized by several detrimental effects on society. Social media has a significant and wide-ranging impact on our communities, ranging from addiction and poor mental health outcomes to spreading false information and cyberbullying. This blog post examines the intricate web of harmful consequences that social media can have and draws attention to the difficulties we encounter when using the internet.

Furthermore, social media serves as a fertile ground for the rapid dissemination of misinformation and fake news, exacerbating societal distrust and sowing discord among individuals. The unchecked spread of false information can have far-reaching consequences, undermining public confidence in institutions, distorting public discourse, and even posing risks to public health and safety. Additionally, the anonymity and detachment offered by social media platforms often embolden individuals to engage in harmful behaviors such as cyberbullying, perpetuating harm and contributing to mental health issues such as depression and low self-esteem among victims.

Overall, social media has brought many benefits to society, such as increased connectivity and access to information. However, it has also brought several negative effects that cannot be ignored. These negative effects include cyberbullying, the spread of misinformation, addiction, the decline in face-to-face communication, self-esteem issues, social isolation, polarization, and echo chambers, cyber stalking and harassment, a decrease in privacy, and comparison and envy. It is essential to understand these negative effects and take steps to mitigate them, ensuring a healthier and more balanced use of social media. We should strive to use social media positively, promoting mental health and well-being, and creating a safe and healthy society.

[suomeen]

Chapter 5: Finnishing the Year

As the year was coming to an end, we finally moved into our new apartment in a 5-story municipal building. The house is rather simple, though it has all one might need, with a storage space outside and a laundry room in the basement. There are Finns living there but a lot of the apartments are owned by the city to house refugees or immigrants so there are a lot of Ukrainians, as well as people from Arabic countries and South East Asia.

The apartment is spacious, has 2 bedrooms and a larger living room. When we first arrived, there was basically nothing in it. Just beds and closets and a starter kit of cheap cutlery, plastic plate and glass, and a few pans. A bit later we also got a few chairs and bedside tables, as well as a kitchen table. The beds are very uncomfortable but it’s better than sleeping in the corridor and waking up from explosions. It was almost strange to feel so safe.

Sharing a tiny room with your mother in your 30s is not exactly ideal. Having my own room is probably what I miss the most. In a situation like that, you soon realize that privacy is a luxury. The inherent lack of privacy was exacerbated by the fact that without much furniture, carpets or curtains, the acoustics were way too good. You couldn’t make a sound without the whole apartment knowing. The bathroom is a fucking echo chamber. To make a private call, people go outside. You can always see someone hanging out in the yard with their phones. And its not great when it’s cold as fuck outside.

The city itself has a population of just 60k. But then Finland is not a big country with only 5 million people overall. So, a city of over 50k is sizeable. It’s not exactly small in terms of area either, as most of the houses have just 1 floor and the buildings are rather sparse. It looks like a forest anywhere you go. The problem is our block is quite far from the city center so to get literally anywhere you need to walk at least 40 minutes. You can take the bus but it costs 3e and doesn’t go everywhere and only at certain hours. No buses after 6 pm and on Sundays. The city is designed for cars. Or, at the very least, bikes. If you walk to a shop through an industrial zone, you’re probably not gonna meet a single person for miles. At least our house has a big supermarket right next to it.

When we arrived to settle in, there was already another dweller. A young woman named Lina who took the other bedroom. She was a German teacher, polite but sociable. We hit it off surprisingly well.  Our first order of business was to try and make this place feel at least a little bit like home the best we could and navigate this wondrous new territory.

The NY eve was wild. Sure, we used to have fireworks in Kyiv, but they went off at midnight and only lasted for about 5 minutes. We don’t have them since the war started. Fireworks sound just like explosions, you know.  Here, the fireworks began at 6 PM and went on till after midnight. There were hundreds of them going off all around us. they never stopped. It was insane. As the day wrapped up, the 3 of us sat down in the kitchen. We didn’t even have proper drinks because we learned too late that you can’t just buy alcohol in Finland. The supermarkets don’t sell anything over 5%. For that you have to go to one of the Alko shops and there are just 4 of them in town. Besides, the alcohol is also very expensive. We drank a few cans of cheap beer and called it a night.

[rollercoasterwords]

i was reading your post about tags and CWs and - the increased popularity of fanfics on tik tok ruined everything. tik tok in general ruined a lot of things. ppl have insane expectations of writers, cancel literally everyone and wish you death when you have a different opinion.

that’s why i spend most of my time on tumblr lol

mmm yeah i mean. to be fair tiktok is the reason that i personally got into the marauders fandom so i feel like i am obligated to acknowledge that it's not all bad and there are some ways in which people are using it to build community that i do think are neat!

but in general.....yeah i do think tiktok is kind of evil lol. like. i mean a big part of the problem is that the format of the app lends itself to shittiness. like it prioritizes short-form content and makes it difficult/practically impossible to actually have any sort of longer or more nuanced conversation. it's algorithm driven which basically either puts people into echo chambers or purposely shows things that'll upset u to evoke strong emotion + get more interaction. it exists in this weird liminal capitalist space where "content" is treated like a product and the goal is always to get more and more views. and it has this tendency to like....simulate a panopticon where everyone feels as though they're constantly being Observed and, simultaneously, feels as though they have the right to Observe other people (thinking abt that genre of video where people post random strangers just living their lives to make fun of them for Content).

anyway when u apply any of that culture that's been....not necessarily created but. extremely exacerbated by platforms like tiktok to stuff like fanfiction it generally just makes it a bad time for everyone!! i have already ranted and raved about this many times on my blog lol i have a whole post abt the tiktokification of ao3 so. yeah. i mean tumblr isn't perfect either of course but i much prefer it 2 any other social media site these days <3

[reflections-in-a-critical-eye]

Don't know if you ever felt like this but once you leave the online sphere for a while and then come back here... the way people talk about things on the internet feels so silly, like everyone takes the smallest things so seriously and everything is so performative, specially in the fanbase like wow ya'll can't be real speaking like this. 'Stanning spaces' are so odd, and the whole idea of stanning is so weird too, just feels very unhealthy to have this person you've never met have this much control over you

The fact that not too long ago I also let small things bother me like everything was a personal attack, the internet is a weird place and nowadays I'm just glad I've been able to sort of understand how damaging it is to see everyting through the lens of overwhelming virtual acceptance instead of actual self fulfillment

Yes, anon, I have felt this way and I'm trying to understand how we've ended up in this situation. Which is quite complex, but among the reasons behind it is this dependency we have on the online medium that is growing stronger by the day.

Lately there's talk again about the lack of third spaces and how we feel more and more alienated. It's even worse when the home and working spaces become one and we're trapped in one environment and our connection to the outside world is connected to more consumption than leisure or social activities. In turn, we spend time on our phone and I think that on one hand, we become desensitized (because our contact with other people is artificial, the lack of face to face conversation, we don't care about the person's feelings because we don't see the effects), and on the other hand, our echo chambers that we all inhabit to some degree, are able to turn every minor issue into a bigger problem. Of course, since we inhabit virtual spaces that have a singular focus. For example, the more time we spend in one fandom and it occupies a significant part of our free time during the day, the more we believe that any inconvenience is important. We exacerbate what would usually be brushed off. And it's even more dangerous because it's usually focused in fandoms surrounding real life people that end up being worshipped.

There's not a lot going on in people's lives sometimes. We've also been through a global pandemic (still ongoing actually) that contributed to our isolation. We consume products and content. It's a contemporary curse and as much as it has to do with individual choice, it is also generational, societal and a result of late stage capitalism.

[insertsyscoursehere]

Leveret has spent enough of his life doing his best to avoid manipulating people.

His BPD program, known as STEPPS, made it clear from the outset that one of the important factors in recovery was a friend group or safety net of family and friends to call him out when he’s being dysfunctional.

He was not saying that people don’t have a right to say no. He was saying that his experience with BPD was exacerbated by his lack of an entire social network, that his system had to come out of dormancy to at as one in lieu of physical people, and that because of that, he knows how miserable and painful isolation is.

That he wouldn’t wish isolation on his worst enemy.

But apparently being honest about his experience with BPD and how what was said online has adverse effects on those who went through extreme isolation is “manipulative”. Is a suicidal person telling someone “hey please don’t tell me to kys” manipulation as well?

As for the people watching this blog just to tattle on us like children— get a goddamn life. You and your “patron goddess” sent our host into a tailspin and now I’m handling the fallout. Go back to your cult and enjoy the echo chamber of stupidity.

— Peregrine