Tag: #mentalhealth

How is technology affecting students?

Technology has had a profound impact on students. It has changed the way they learn, the way they communicate and the way they think. It has also changed the way they socialize, the way they interact with their peers and the way they interact with their teachers.

How is technology affecting students’ ability to concentrate?

With the constant beep of notifications and the never-ending stream of information, it’s no wonder that students have difficulty concentrating. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with noise and stimulation, it can be hard to focus on anything for more than a few minutes. The constant interruptions make it difficult to maintain focus and concentration.It’s not just the constant distractions that are affecting students’ ability to concentrate. The way we consume information has changed as well. We now read less and scroll through more. Our attention spans have shortened and we are used to getting information in small bite-sized pieces.

This is having an impact on students’ ability to read and comprehend long texts.The way we learn has also changed. We are now used to learning in short bursts through videos and podcasts instead of lengthy lectures. This has made it harder for students to sit still and concentrate for extended periods of time.All of these factors are having a negative impact on students’ ability to concentrate. To be successful in school, students need to be able to focus and pay attention. However, with the constant distractions and the way information is now consumed, it can be a challenge to stay focused.

The Impact of Technology on Racial Profiling

Racial profiling is the discriminatory practice by law enforcement officials of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on the individual’s race, ethnicity, nationality or religion. This practice is controversial and is considered by many to be a form of racism.

In the past, racial profiling was often based on the belief that certain minority groups were more likely to commit certain types of crimes. This belief was often based on stereotypes and biased information. With the advent of new technology, racial profiling has become more sophisticated and sometimes more difficult to detect.

Law enforcement officials now have access to a variety of tools that allow them to target individuals for suspicion of crime based on race, ethnicity, nationality or religion. These tools include databases that contain information on individuals’ race, ethnicity, nationality or religion. They also have access to technology that can be used to target individuals based on their physical characteristics.

Students in conversation

Racial profiling is a controversial practice and its impact is still being debated. Some believe that it is a necessary tool for law enforcement officials to target individuals who may be involved in criminal activity. Others believe that it is a form of racism that should be eliminated. This is still a subject of heated debate in many media from newspapers to classrooms, research papers and free essays on racial profiling. 

The impact of technology on racial profiling is still being determined. However, it is clear that technology has made it easier for law enforcement officials to target individuals for suspicion of crime based on their race, ethnicity, nationality or religion.

How is technology affecting students’ ability to socialize?

In the past, students would have to socialize face-to-face in order to maintain friendships and communicate. However, with the advent of technology, students are now able to socialize through the use of social media, texting, and other forms of communication. While this has its benefits, there are also some drawbacks.One of the benefits of technology is that it has made it easier for students to communicate with each other. They can connect with friends and family members who live far away, and they can stay in touch with friends who they don’t see on a regular basis. Technology has also allowed students to connect with people who share their interests and passions.

For example, there are many online forums and groups that cater to specific interests, and this can be a great way for students to find others who they can connect with. However, there are also some drawbacks to the way that technology is affecting students’ ability to socialize. One of the biggest concerns is that students are spending more time on their devices and less time interacting with people face-to-face. This can lead to students feeling isolated and alone, and it can also make it difficult for them to develop and maintain friendships. Additionally, some students are so reliant on technology that they have trouble communicating and interacting with people in person.

This can be a problem when they need to network or interview for jobs.Overall, technology has both its benefits and its drawbacks when it comes to students’ ability to socialize. While it has made it easier for students to connect with each other, it has also created some challenges. It is important for students to find a balance between using technology and interacting with people in person in order to maintain healthy social lives.

How is technology affecting students’ physical health?

Technology is having a profound effect on the physical health of college students. The most obvious way is through the increase in sedentary lifestyle behaviors such as sitting in front of a computer or playing video games. This lack of physical activity can lead to obesity and other chronic health problems. In addition, technology is also affecting students’ sleep patterns. The use of electronic devices such as phones and laptops in the evening can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue during the day. This can impact students’ ability to focus and learn in class.

There are also mental health implications of technology use. Intense use of social media can lead to anxiety and depression. It’s important to be aware of the ways technology is impacting your health, both physically and mentally. Taking steps to limit your screen time, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help offset some of the negative effects of technology.

How is technology affecting students’ mental health?

Technology is drastically affecting students’ mental health. The heavy use of social media, along with the easy accessibility of the internet, has created a generation of students that are constantly plugged in. While there are some benefits to this, such as staying connected with friends and family, the constant connection can also have negative consequences. Studies have shown that the more time people spend on social media, the more likely they are to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The constant flow of information can also be overwhelming for students. They are constantly bombarded with news and updates, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and paranoia. In addition, the pressure to be constantly available and responsive to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. It’s important for students to develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with the negative effects of technology. Taking breaks from social media and the internet, spending time in nature, and exercise are all great ways to reduce stress and improve mental health. In addition, talking to someone about the negative impact technology is having on your life can be helpful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope, reach out to a mental health professional for help.

How is technology affecting students’ academic performance?

Technology has had a profound impact on students’ academic performance. On the one hand, it has made research and communication easier and more efficient. On the other hand, it has also made cheating and plagiarism more prevalent. In order to ensure that technology is used in a way that enhances students’ academic performance, educators need to be aware of its potential pitfalls and take steps to prevent them. One of the most positive ways that technology has impacted students’ academic performance is by making research more efficient. In the past, students had to spend hours in the library looking for information. Now, they can simply use the internet to find the information they need. This has saved students a lot of time and has made research more convenient.

However, technology has also made cheating and plagiarism more prevalent. With the availability of essay mills and other online resources, students can easily purchase or copy essays and papers. This has led to an increase in cases of plagiarism. To combat this, educators need to be aware of the resources available to students and make sure that they are using them appropriately. Overall, technology has had both positive and negative impacts on students’ academic performance. However, educators should make sure that technology is used in a way that enhances students’ learning and academic success.

Conclusion

Technology is widely seen as having the potential to greatly improve educational outcomes for students. By providing students with easy access to educational resources and tools, technology can help students learn more effectively and efficiently. Additionally, technology can help students stay engaged and motivated in their learning, as well as connect with other students and educators more easily.

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Tech Review – Punkt MP02 phone Light Blue

The Punkt MP02 phone has been in my pocket the last while, whilst not using it constantly I have used it in the evenings and weekends to get away from all the fuss, this meant I had to schedule lots of stuff and come to my laptop once a day to catch up on emails and all that kind of stuff this phone is meant to take me away from. From someone who carries two expensive high end devices most of the time it was a break I would go back to again having this device, my business phone was turned off at 5pm every day and I swapped out my sim into this device in the evenings and weekends and it was great.

Why I say it is great you might ask, NO social media NO emails and more no pinging noises and whatsmore better for your mental health too. The right to switch off is another matter that we have recently posted on site about and this phone does that, if someone wants you they can text or phone you like we all did in the old days or again just turn the phone off.. The phone runs with Pidgeon and the MP02 is the first voice phone to offer a downloadable privacy feature that uses the Signal protocol to provide free, encrypted Internet-based calls and texts worldwide via Wi Fi or mobile data (subject to data charges). We believe Signal provides vastly greater security compared to the widely-used encrypted alternatives, which exist primarily as tools for harvesting and selling valuable metadata (contacts lists, who communicated with whom, when it happened, etc.). In the Signal system, all metadata is encrypted. By using the Signal-protocol, it is possible to add group messaging and voice messages to the MP02.

Unboxing the MP02 phone

 

The phone itself caused a still anytime I was out having lunch etc people came up and asked what it was, it does stand out in the nice colour we got the device in and does not have that candybar finish but an angled approach on the rear, it does stand out and it does feel good in the hand and comfortable to use too given the size of the device in comparison to the normal phones I have on me which are big.

MP02 phone back techbuzzireland

What does this device do was another question asked and how much does it cost, well the price first of all threw everyone away but that was expected but when the few sat down I explained the pros and cons and it is a niche market for now this device is for but I can see this growing over the next few years as people are sick and tired of the hustle and bustle of a smartphone where everything is at your fingertips and you are easily contactable.

OK so you have a 4g sim card slot but no apps no music no app store and has storage you can’t access but you can take calls and messages and use the device as a hotspot so if your mate runs out of credit for example that cant go without you are there to the rescue but it is a slow connection, so people then said well I can buy a cheap nokia that does the same thing which is right but the cheap and cheerful 20 euro phones are piles of trash and one drop on the ground they are done, this phone is solid and the same thing will not happen.

MP02 phone side view techbuzzireland

The device has a nice keypad on front and it is also backlight so it is fine for using in the dark, you have two quick launch buttons for messaging and your phone book and the rest you can see in the video review below, there is more than meets the eye here with secure messaging and calls for those who might be worried they do not get their WhatsApp experience however you can use SIGNAL if you wish, I did not avail of it as the phone as is was enough for me and one less way someone could contact me. Which for me is the point of having the device.

You have a two inch monochrome screen which works fine no matter where you look at it and it is all kept so simple, and that is what is great with this, no apps, no massive endless sub menu lists, no long list of settings no hassle and for all that to keep your mental health in order and get away from the real world for a while it is worth it. See the video review for more below.

The MP02 offers an alternative to mass-produced, old-tech handsets. It’s not just a thin-as-possible pixel platform; it’s a solid, comfortable piece of equipment that is easy to pick up, feels great in the hand, and is never, ever going to bend. Its sleek elegance is matched by top-quality materials, producing a phone that provides a concrete reminder of why the physical world is the world that matters even before it is switched on.

Video Link

Buy

Safe In Our World Announces First Ever Winter Blues Bundle to support Gamers and their Mental Health

Video Games Mental Health Charity, Safe In Our World in partnership with Fanatical, are proud to announce the upcoming Winter Blues Bundle, featuring a total of thirteen games and two DLCs with all proceeds going towards further supporting the charities endeavours. Available exclusively via the dedicated partner Fanatical the bundle, worth over £200 / $250, will be available to purchase on February 4, 2022.

At its core, Safe In Our World believes that video games can provide an excellent medium to improving mental health, whether this is through personal adventures, group missions, or everything in between. This is of significant importance throughout the winter months where, in the UK alone, around 13 in 100 people experience the Winter Blues, up to 6 in 100 people are thought to have Seasonal Affective Disorder, and the effects of reduced sunlight throughout the post-festive season are particularly detrimental to our overall mental health and wellbeing. Therefore, each unique game within the bundle has been meticulously selected to inspire and support gamers throughout this challenging season.

The upcoming Safe In Our World Winter Blues Bundle features thirteen games and two DLCs kindly provided by the charities Level Up Partners. The bundle offers players a welcome escape from reality during this difficult time of the year for mental health and wellbeing:

  • Dragons: Dawn of New Riders by Outright Games
  • Adventure Time: Pirates of Enchiridion by Outright Games
  • Payday 2 by Starbreeze
  • GRIP: Combat Racing by Caged Element / Wired Productions
  • E.R.O.: Nothing Ever Remains Obscure by Storm in a Teacup
  • Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure by Curve Games
  • Red Faction: Geurrilla Re-Mars-tered by Deep Silver
  • Eastside Hockey Manager by SEGA x Sports Interactive
  • Titan Quest: Anniversary Edition by THQ Nordic
  • Pure Pool by Ripstone
  • The Persistence by Firesprite Ltd
  • The Ship: Remasted by Blazing Griffin
  • Portal Knights by 505 Games
  • DLC Fall Guys: Collector’s Pack by Mediatonic
  • DLC Fall Guys: Popstar’s by Mediatonic

Proceeds from the Winter Blues Bundle will go towards providing Mental Health training, supporting future initiatives from Safe In Our World, and extending the charities Level Up Mental Health Programme, which seeks to challenge all companies within the video games industry to unite and commit to positive change, ensuring safe and supporting work environments in regards to employees mental health, and eliminating the stigma surrounding those living with mental health conditions.

“We are enormously thankful to our Level Up partners for their contribution to this bundle, the support for Safe In Our World from the videogame industry has been huge.” Said Sarah Sorrell, Charity Manager of Safe In Our World. “We hope that this bundle can offer players a true escape from reality throughout the winter season where so many people struggle with their mental health. We truly believe that video games can be force for good, a positive light in the darker days, and this selection of games helps to prove that.”

The Winter Blues Bundle launches on Fanatical on February 4, 2022, with thirteen games and two DLCs for $8.99 with all proceeds supporting Safe In Our World.

Olive Group launches ‘emotional first-aid’ online course to ease strain on mental health services. #beingthere #mentalhealth #olivegroup

Olive Group, the Irish-founded EdTech company, today announces the official launch of a new online training course, Being There, to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to support colleagues, friends and family who may be experiencing emotional distress. The course content has been adapted from the popular workshop series of Dr Derek Smyth, the esteemed international psychologist and co-author of anger management programme, Defusing the Bomb.

A separate version of the Being There course geared towards professionals is in the process of being approved as a Continuous Professional Development aid for the healthcare and legal sectors.

Recent research carried out by Mental Health Reform and the COVID-19 Psychological Research Consortium* has found that one-third of the population in Ireland has experienced mental health difficulties as a result of the pandemic. A further 75% of the population are concerned that social distancing measures and restrictions will have a long-term impact on the mental health and welfare of society more broadly.

 

The research also found that 80% of the population believe that mental health charities and voluntary mental health services should receive extra supports and funding to deal with the heightened strain on these services in recent months. Being There is designed to empower individuals nationwide to play their part in the mental health recovery of society.

The course has been divided into nine modules, with core strands including active listening, self-awareness and crisis intervention. Being There has already been successfully trialed by a sports club, trade union and a nursing organisation, as well as individual participants.

 

Simon Harris TD. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science speaking at the launch of ‘Being There’ an Interactive Programme from Olive Group.
Photo: John Ohle Photography.

Course creator, Dr Derek Smyth has a rich history delivering a range of highly coveted in-person workshops on human growth and development to organisations, institutions and individuals across Europe and the US for the last 30 years. Commenting on the launch of Being There, he said: “During these unprecedented times, it is vital that people are prioritising not just their own mental health, but that of their friends, colleagues and loved ones. Many of us have been experiencing feelings of confusion and apprehension due to the ongoing pandemic, and that is totally normal. The importance of knowing how to express our feelings, and to support those who may be having a difficult time has never been more pronounced. However, the reality is that the majority of us are not trained in these critical listening and development skills.

 

“Olive Group’s ‘Being There’ platform teaches essential counselling skills for everyday life and empowers individuals to become agents of support for each other. I’m proud that my work has been adapted into this new interactive learning medium, extending the benefits to a global audience online.”

Speaking at the launch of Being There, the Minister for Higher Education and Innovation Simon Harris, said: “Technological progress has touched all our lives and reshaped the way we socialise, communicate and interact with society. The ‘Global Village’ has brought huge benefits to our world. However, these changes have also come at a cost.

 

“We must recognise that for many in our society, there is a profound sense of loneliness, isolation and anxiety that they must live with each day. In recent months, the changes to our lives as a result of COVID-19 have created additional challenges and brought mental health and wellbeing into very sharp focus.

 

“Whether it be at home, in a work or community environment, or as a professional, ‘Being There’ will provide both professionals and non-professionals alike with the skills and techniques they will need to be present in a supportive capacity.”

 

Brendan Kavanagh, CEO, Olive Group, said, “The pandemic has had a profound impact on people’s mental health, and it has also resulted in a discontinuation of crucial in-person mental health services. Being There has been carefully crafted to provide all the benefits of face-to-face support so that anyone can learn to be a source of strength for those who need it.

 

“People who have previously completed Dr Smyth’s programme have noted major improvements in the way they navigate their personal and professional lives. The course content also gives them the tools to help others in their time of need, expanding their interpersonal skills and strengthening personal relationships.”

 

Information is available at https://olivegroup.io/being-there/.

Synctuition launches mindfulness app for free worldwide as mental health crisis looms #MentalHealth #Synctuition

Research commissioned by Synctuition indicates the Republic of Ireland is on the verge of a mental health crisis as they make their mindfulness and relaxation app free for everyone in the country

With the world on the brink of a mental health crisis due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Synctuition, the most advanced mindfulness and mind relaxation app backed by 106 scientific studies, today announces that their platform will be made free to people in 14 countries, in June and July 2020. The announcement comes as new research from Synctuition indicates that over three quarters (76%) of adults in the Republic of Ireland have experienced severe anxiety since the start of the pandemic, whilst the company reports a surge in demand and usage over the past few months, becoming one of the top three highest grossing mindfulness apps globally.

This new offering comes at an important crossroads in the way society examines  how various global events, such as COVID-19, mass unemployment and global riots, has affected the mental health of people worldwide. With psychiatrists and psychologists calling for research into the impact of COVID-19 on our mental health, Synctuition polled 1,011 adults aged 18+ from across the Republic of Ireland between 12-22 May 2020, and found that 18-35 year-olds are experiencing greater anxiety than over 55s (84% vs. 65%). Three out of five Irish adults (58%) are most concerned about the economy, followed very closely by the health of their family (57%). Three in 10 (30%) cited concern for the Government to be able to get us through the pandemic. This is felt more strongly by older respondents (aged 55+) where 40% said this, compared to only 27% of those aged 18-34.

With a responsibility for us all to support those in need, today’s research also paints a poor picture for employers. Only two in five workers (40%) feel supported by their employer with younger workers struggling more with isolation than their older counterparts. More than two fifths (40%) cited lack of socialising as one of the most stressful parts of working remotely, compared to 32% of those aged 55+. 21% say their employer is more concerned about their bottom line than their employees’ wellbeing, 11% say their employer is making more demands on employees and 10% think their employer has treated their employees poorly.

The research also indicated that:

  • When it comes to how employers could be doing more to support their employees’ mental well-being at work, over a third (34%) want more communication with their teammates and nearly a third (29%) would like access to well-being solutions like mindfulness apps.
  • Interestingly demand for wellbeing solutions such as mindfulness apps outstripped demand for access to financial advice (18%) and this is despite that two fifths (41%) of workers are fearful that they will lose their jobs.
  • Despite high levels of anxiety throughout the population, there are rays of sunlight, with the majority of people feeling productive (96%) and feeling optimistic about the future (95%).

Developed over 10 years, Synctuition is the world’s most advanced audio relaxation program. Backed by 106 scientific studies, Synctuition has already reached 4 million users. Whilst being entirely self-funded, the platform has become the third biggest mindfulness app in the US since launching 18 months ago. Dr. Prudence Hall, an author,  and Synctuition mental health advisor said:“Being a part of the development of Synctuition was such a unique experience — incorporating so many disciplines and striking a balance of scientific studies and mindfulness modalities. For listeners to be completely transported to a different world in just 25 minutes could truly transform their state of mind and improve mental health. Personally, integrating the program’s journeys into my own self-care regimen has brought me peace and serenity throughout the current lockdown on numerous occasions.”

Urmas Reinsalu, the Estonian Minister for Foreign Affairs, sees Synctuition as a vital tool for the current time. He said: “I’m proud that Estonia is leading the way in developing so many different technologies to combat the challenges of the current time, and one of the most pressing of these challenges is the mental health crisis. People are struggling to cope with the effects of staying indoors, and people are worried about spreading the virus if they do go out, and their recent research has shown that people are very concerned about their loved ones and their friends. It is vital that people are given all the available materials to help them deal with the stress and anxiety they are currently feeling, which is why Synctuition’s global announcement today is so important.”

Michael Burich, the Co-Founder and COO of Synctuition, said: “Increased loneliness, isolation, anxiety, stress and worry about an economic recession are creating significant dangers to people’s mental health and wellbeing. We are very worried about the future and the mental health crisis that is emerging. Unemployment in the Republic of Ireland has already jumped to record rates over the pandemic period, and unemployment has a direct increase in mental health crises, suicide rates and drug overdose death rates. It is deeply concerning that millions of people’s mental health could be affected for years to come due to the pandemic, and we want to save the lives of those that may be experiencing severe mental hardship due to the current situation. This is why we’re offering our platform for free, with no strings attached.  I’ve been touched by how the international community has come together to offer their support for those in need, but there is almost nothing being offered by the government to support mental health. We want to raise awareness around this neglected issue and offer a helping hand to those in need.”

He added: “Neurological studies over the past decade have shown the positive impact mindfulness can have on helping combat stress and anxiety, giving people a new perspective on stressful situations; building skills to manage stress; focusing on the present; and increasing patience, tolerance, and imagination. As our research shows, the majority of people in the Republic of Ireland are feeling optimistic about the future. We would like to use this as a platform to build on to keep people feeling safe, supported and happy.”

“2020 has been a challenging year for many reasons, with anxiety heightened, loss, pain and injustice all afoot. It’s clear that community and connection is more vital than ever. It’s great to see that Synctuition are working to help others during this time of uncertainty and I am so pleased they are in partnership with the Happy Place Virtual Festival,” Fearne Cotton, Synctuition User.

The app has now been made available for free from the now until 31st July 2020 to the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Canada, Amsterdam, Australia, Belgium, Dubai, Israel, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

You can find out how to download the app for free here: https://synctuition.com/24hpositivity/ireland

OR Android HERE or iOS HERE 

Safe In Our World launches Covid-19 Hub To Share Resources, Information and Advice for Players and Creators. #Gaming #Creators #MentalHealth

Videogames Mental Health Charity, Safe In Our World (www.safeinourworld.org), today announces the launch of a dedicated hub for Covid-19 resources, information, and advice.

With the advent of lockdowns across Europe and the US, Safe in our World, the videogames mental health charity has launched a new hub for those in need of support, advice and information in these unprecedented times. The Covid-19 hub is available online, and will be updated regularly: https://safeinourworld.org/covid-19/

Launching today, the hub offers advice on managing stress, coping with isolation, relaxation and excise techniques, as well as highlighting videogames that may aid those suffering, or finding it hard to cope with the changes in daily life.

Leo Zullo, Chairman of Safe in our World said, “As a charity, we’re doing our best to support those around us, and the wider industry. Whether working from home within the industry, or our players, everyone will be adjusting to a new normal. This dedicated hub is designed to signpost techniques to help deal with the challenge of isolation. We’ll continue to do everything we can to help.”

Officially unveiled in 2019 on World Mental Health Day, Safe in Our World is an accredited charity supported by industry luminaries, veterans and ambassadors across the world, and its mission is to create an online destination where people can seek help, gain access to resources and information, and discover stories from real people within and surrounding the games industry. Safe in Our World aims to enable conversations by destigmatizing the mental health conditions; helping a generation of creators, professionals and players come together in support of each other.

In 2020, Safe In Our World will continue to make more announcements and share updates on its efforts and impact to the global gaming community.

Safe In Our World is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 1183344 but its objectives and mission is global.