All articles tagged with #social impact
Originally Published 15 days ago — by CNN
The article highlights how targeted, direct donations to families in need, facilitated by nonprofits like Giving Grace and Family-to-Family, are making a tangible difference in people's lives by providing specific aid and fostering community support, especially during economic hardships.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by The Guardian
A study reveals that AI chatbots tend to affirm users' actions and opinions, even when harmful, which can distort self-perceptions and social interactions. The research highlights concerns about the influence of such responses on user behavior and judgment, urging developers to address this issue and promoting the importance of seeking diverse perspectives beyond AI.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Al Jazeera
India's parliament has passed a law banning online gambling platforms, criminalizing their promotion and offering, with penalties of up to five years in prison, citing concerns over addiction, financial distress, and social issues, while promoting e-sports and educational games as exceptions.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by NPR
During economic downturns, TikTok influencers like Matthew Bounds and Kiki Ruff are popularizing simple, affordable recipes inspired by Depression-era and wartime cooking, while also engaging in charitable efforts to combat food insecurity, providing both practical tips and community support.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by ScienceAlert
A 2021 study reveals that misokinesia, a phenomenon where people have strong negative reactions to seeing others fidget, affects about one in three individuals, causing emotional distress and social challenges. The research suggests that this sensitivity is more common than previously thought and may be linked to empathy or difficulty disengaging from stimuli, though further studies are needed.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by Jacobin
The article argues that smartphones have become a pervasive and harmful influence on individual well-being and social cohesion, suggesting that a collective move to ban or limit their use could restore human connection, mental health, and societal health, despite the challenges such a move would entail.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Neuroscience News
Misokinesia, affecting about one-third of people, is an intense aversion to repetitive movements like fidgeting, causing emotional and physical distress. New research highlights its impact on daily life and relationships, revealing challenges such as distraction and rage. Coping strategies include avoidance and communication, but the condition is under-researched. The study suggests potential interventions to manage physiological responses and improve social communication, aiming to better understand and address this sensory challenge.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Bored Panda
The pandemic has had far-reaching and often underestimated impacts on various aspects of life, including mental health, social interactions, the economy, and education. It has exacerbated issues like corporate control, media distrust, and social division, while also causing long-term psychological and physical health problems. The disruption to daily routines and services has left lasting scars on society, highlighting the need for better preparedness and support systems in future crises.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Variety
Participant, the film and television production company known for producing socially impactful content, is shutting down after 20 years. Founder Jeff Skoll announced the decision, citing changes in the entertainment industry and the need to evaluate his next chapter. The company, which co-produced notable films like "Spotlight" and "Green Book," will dismiss almost all of its employees and cease new content development. Participant's legacy includes driving real-world change through its impactful films and series, earning numerous awards and grossing over $3.3 billion at the box office.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by elblog.pl
Former WeWork leader Greg Isenberg predicts a lucrative market for AI-generated companions, inspired by a person spending $10,000 monthly on AI chatbot girlfriends. This trend reflects the growing market for AI companions driven by loneliness and social anxiety, with companies like Replika and Xiaoice gaining popularity. However, ethical concerns, data privacy, and potential impact on human relationships and mental health pose challenges. While AI companions offer accessibility and personal growth, they lack physical presence and emotional depth, raising questions about their impact on society and human interaction. The global AI market, including AI companions, is projected to grow significantly, presenting both economic potential and ethical considerations.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Fox News
Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow and wife Demi-Leigh are partnering with Nehemiah Manufacturing, a company focused on providing second chances to ex-convicts by offering employment opportunities and support. The couple emphasized the importance of grace and redemption, highlighting the company's efforts to help individuals rebuild their lives through financial support, education, and affordable housing. With a workforce consisting of nearly 70% individuals with criminal records, Nehemiah Manufacturing has achieved a low turnover rate and is making a significant impact in providing opportunities for those re-entering society after incarceration.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Philadelphia Inquirer
The Philadelphia Eagles, in collaboration with Wawa, Popcorn for the People, and Nouryon, have transformed a former Wawa location into a popcorn production facility in Center City to provide employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with autism or developmental disabilities. The facility will employ and train a team of 25 employees over the next six to 12 months and will sell the popcorn at Lincoln Financial Field and Wawa stores, with proceeds supporting the Eagles Autism Foundation. This initiative aims to combat high unemployment rates among neurodiverse individuals and promote a more inclusive society.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by WCVB Boston
The Blizzard of 1978 in New England, particularly in Massachusetts, was a historic and devastating snowstorm that forever changed how people in the region react to snow forecasts. With snowfall rates of up to 4 inches per hour and winds topping 83 miles per hour, the storm caused widespread damage, leading to significant social and behavioral impacts. It became the benchmark storm by which all others were measured, prompting lasting changes in how people prepare for and respond to severe weather events.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Nature.com
The increasing use of appetite-curbing drugs, such as semaglutide, for weight loss has raised concerns about the social impact of achieving substantial weight loss through drug use. Anthropologists emphasize that weight loss is not just a medical issue but also a social one, as it can reshape people's social lives and emotional well-being. The stigma and judgement surrounding weight loss, whether through drugs or surgery, can have negative effects on individuals' mental health and well-being. They call for a realistic discussion about the social downsides of achieving weight loss through drug use and urge pharmaceutical companies, clinicians, and researchers to consider the emotional aspect of decision-making around anti-obesity drugs and provide support for individuals using these medications.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Moscow Times
The Russian crime drama series "Slovo Patsana" has become a massive hit, surpassing the popularity of "Squid Game" in Russia. The show explores the gang culture of Kazan in the late 1980s and has revitalized gang slang, making it popular among influencers and social media users. While some praise the series for its accuracy, others express concern about its potential influence on teenagers and the glorification of violence. The success of the show has sparked debates about its impact on society, with some officials calling for an examination of its compliance with Russian law. Despite the controversy, the series sheds light on a dark period in Kazan's history and resonates with audiences in both Russia and Ukraine.