Compulsive use is probably a better word for it than addiction. What constitutes “too much” pornography is anyone’s guess: 25% of all search engine requests are pornography related, 35% of all downloads are pornographic, and “sex” is the number one searched term on the internet. In America, 40 million people are regular visitors to porn sites. Continue reading “Can You Be Addicted to Pornography?”
Category: Psychology
Are You Ugly?
Being ugly carries with it some serious disadvantages. Physically attractive people can expect to make an average of 10%-15% more money over the course of their lives. They are less likely to be convicted of crimes and are given shorter sentences. Physically attractive political candidates receive about 2.5 times as many votes. All of this stems from the “halo effect”: we automatically attribute positive characteristics to physical beauty. Continue reading “Are You Ugly?”
Anxious America
Everyone has had that feeling in the pit of their stomach. Did I remember to lock the door? Am I going to be able to pay the bills on time? Will I get sick before the big presentation? Is something bad about to happen? These questions are the result of uncertainty which transforms into anxiety. Unlike fear, it is a general state that follows you day in and day out. Anxiety can change behavior and destroy lives. Continue reading “Anxious America”
ADHD Diagnoses are on the Rise
A recent analysis of CDC data by The New York Times found that 11% of school age children are diagnosed with some form of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Boys are more likely to receive the diagnosis than girls (15% to 7%), and one out of five high school boys diagnosed with ADHD. The amount of children diagnosed with ADHD has increased 16% since 2007 and 53% in the past decade. Considering the diagnostic changes proposed for the DSM-V, that number is only going up. Continue reading “ADHD Diagnoses are on the Rise”
What is Joy?
There is a subtle difference between joy and happiness. While happiness is tied to the material reality, joy transcends the world. Happiness is an emotion, a response to something good happening. Joy is greater. Joy can be present in times of sorrow. Joy changes a person in a lasting way, while happiness is more fleeting. Continue reading “What is Joy?”
Just Frustrating
Frustration is a double edged sword. If ignored or treated with carelessness, it can destroy you. If taken seriously, it can propel you to make the necessary changes in your life. That is what frustration is: the pre-tremor before the earthquake of change. Continue reading “Just Frustrating”
Forgive and Forget
Forgiveness is the art of letting go. Without it, the wounds incurred by a wrong never fully heal. Actions past continue to guide our current actions, unless we let them go. Continue reading “Forgive and Forget”
Dying of Embarrassment
Have you ever felt so embarrassed that you would rather be dead than be in the situation another second? Most of us have. However, embarrassment isn’t exactly what we think it is. In fact, feeling embarrassed generally evokes sympathy and positive emotions from the crowd who sees our foibles. Continue reading “Dying of Embarrassment”
Getting It off Your Chest
Carrying around a secret shame will weigh you down. Let’s face it: we all have our faults and we all screw up. Confessing our shortcomings helps the body, mind and soul. By admitting, out loud, that we have at times failed to measure up to our own standards, we can realize the universal nature of failing and free ourselves from the weight of guilt. Continue reading “Getting It off Your Chest”
Can’t or Won’t?
When you say “I can’t,” what are you really saying? Well, that depends on if you are saying cannot or can not. Continue reading “Can’t or Won’t?”
Ronin Pen 