Author: engeladmin

Reading fiction and reading minds: the role of simulation in the default network

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Author: Tamir, Diana I.; Bricker, Andrew B.; Dodell-Feder, David; Mitchell, Jason P. Description: Research in psychology has suggested that reading fiction can improve individuals’ social-cognitive abilities. Findings from neuroscience show that reading and social cognition both recruit the default network, a network which is known to support our capacity to simulate hypothetical scenes, spaces and mental states. The current research tests the hypothesis that fiction reading enhances social cognition because it serves to exercise the default subnetwork involved in theory of mind. While undergoing functional neuroimaging, participants read literary passages…

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Mindfulness training reduces loneliness and increases social contact in a randomized controlled trial

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Author: Lindsay, Emily K.; Young, Shinzen; Brown, Kirk Warren; Smyth, Joshua M.; Creswell, J. David Description: Loneliness and social isolation are a growing public health concern, yet there are few evidence-based interventions for mitigating these social risk factors. Accumulating evidence suggests that mindfulness interventions can improve social-relationship processes. However, the active ingredients of mindfulness training underlying these improvements are unclear. Developing mindfulness-specific skills-namely, (i) monitoring present-moment experiences with (ii) an orientation of acceptance-may change the way people perceive and relate toward others. We predicted that developing openness and acceptance toward…

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Active-constructive-interactive: a conceptual framework for differentiating learning activities

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Author: Chi, Michelene T. H. Description: Active, constructive, and interactive are terms that are commonly used in the cognitive and learning sciences. They describe activities that can be undertaken by learners. However, the literature is actually not explicit about how these terms can be defined; whether they are distinct; and whether they refer to overt manifestations, learning processes, or learning outcomes. Thus, a framework is provided here that offers a way to differentiate active, constructive, and interactive in terms of observable overt activities and underlying learning processes. The framework generates…

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The unpleasantness of thinking: A meta-analytic review of the association between mental effort and negative affect

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Author: David, Louise; Vassena, Eliana; Bijleveld, Erik Description: Influential theories in psychology, neuroscience, and economics assume that the exertion of mental effort should feel aversive. Yet, this assumption is usually untested, and it is challenged by casual observations and previous studies. Here, we meta-analyze (a) whether mental effort is generally experienced as aversive and (b) whether the association between mental effort and aversive feelings depends on population and task characteristics. We meta-analyzed a set of 170 studies (from 125 articles published in 2019-2020; 358 different tasks; 4,670 unique subjects). These…

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The impact of digital technology, social media, and artificial intelligence on cognitive functions: a review

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Author: Shanmugasundaram, Mathura; Tamilarasu, Arunkumar Description: In our modern society, digital devices, social media platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become integral components of our daily lives, profoundly intertwined with our daily activities. These technologies have undoubtedly brought convenience, connectivity, and speed, making our lives easier and more efficient. However, their influence on our brain function and cognitive abilities cannot be ignored. This review aims to explore both the positive and negative impacts of these technologies on crucial cognitive functions, including attention, memory, addiction, novelty-seeking and perception, decision-making, and…

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Pausing to consider why a headline is true or false can help reduce the sharing of false news

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Author: Fazio, Lisa Description: In an online experiment, participants who paused to explain why a headline was true or false indicated that they were less likely to share false information compared to control participants. Their intention to share accurate news stories was unchanged. These results indicate that adding “friction” (i.e., pausing to think) before sharing can improve the quality of information shared on social media.  Subject headings: Disinformation; Fake news; Psychology; Social media Publication year: 2020 Journal or book title: Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Find…

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For the love of reading: Recreational reading reduces psychological distress in college students and autonomous motivation is the key

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Author: Levine, S. L.; Cherrier, S.; Holding, A. C.; Koestner, R. Description: OBJECTIVE: Reading is often cited as beneficial for one’s mental health, but the research on this topic is limited. The goal of the present research was to examine whether recreational reading is beneficial for mental health during college, and to determine what motivates recreational reading. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 231 university students from a large Canadian University. METHODS: A longitudinal design was employed and students completed online surveys on recreational reading, motivation, psychological distress and need frustration at the…

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Shared reading interventions to promote psychosocial well-being in older adults: a systematic review

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Author: Milani, Chiara; Biagi, Claudia; Palmieri, Ester; Rosi, Claudia; Buresta, Diletta; Iocca, Francesco; Wetzell Cabrera, Fiorenza; Zanobini, Patrizio; Lorini, Chiara; Bonaccorsi, Guglielmo Description: Participatory interventions, such as art therapy and group activities, have been shown to promote healthy aging. However, the effectiveness of shared reading among older adults requires further evidence. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the impact and effectiveness of shared reading groups in slowing cognitive impairment, improving social interaction, promoting psychosocial well-being, and enhancing functional aspects among older adults living in the community. The…

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Motivations for Active and Passive Social Media Use and Their Relation to Wellbeing

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Author: Seidman, Gwendolyn; Hudak, Lauren M.; Langlais, Michael Description: The present research examined if active and passive social media uses are determined by different motivations and the extent to which these uses and motivations predict wellbeing. Two online surveys (total N = 480), one using a sample of adults and the other using an undergraduate sample, showed that active use has two components: self-presentational and other-oriented. In both studies, active self-presentational use was primarily motivated by attention seeking, whereas boredom and fear of missing out (FoMO) were the main motivators…

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People are increasingly bored in our digital age

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Author: Tam, Katy Y. Y.; Inzlicht, Michael Description: In an era where entertainment is effortlessly at our fingertips, one would assume that people are less bored than ever. Yet, reports of boredom are higher now than compared to the past. This rising trend is concerning because chronic boredom can undermine well-being, learning, and behaviour. Understanding why this is happening is crucial to prevent further negative impacts. In this Perspective, we explore one possible reason-digital media use makes people more bored. We propose that digital media increases boredom through dividing attention,…

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