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How do social media affect mental health?

Humans are social beings. We need the company of others to thrive in life, and the strength of our connections has a tremendous impact on our mental health and happiness. Being socially connected with others can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, boost self-esteem, provide comfort and joy, prevent loneliness, and even add years to your life. On the other hand, a lack of strong social connections can pose a serious risk to your mental and emotional well-being.

Given that it is a relatively new technology, there is little research to establish the long-term consequences, good or bad, of social media use. However, several studies have found a strong link between excessive social media use and an increased risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts .

Social media platforms are designed to grab your attention, keep you online, and make you repeatedly check your screen for updates. That's how companies make money. But, like compulsive gambling or addiction to nicotine, alcohol, or drugs, social media use can create intense psychological cravings. When you receive a like, a share, or a positive reaction to a post, it can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain—the same “reward” chemical that follows winning on a slot machine, eating a piece of chocolate, or lighting a cigarette, for example. The more you are rewarded, the more time you'll want to spend on social media, even if it becomes detrimental to other aspects of your life.

By Lawrence Robinson

The information rights belongs to HELPGUIDE. ORG

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How much time do we spend on the internet each day?

While other data collected in this report, such as the volume of internet users, the reasons for using the internet, or the access devices, do show notable variations, the time spent connecting to the network has remained fairly stable over the last decade.

In 2024 the average usage time was 6 hours and 38 minutes, very much in line with the 6 hours and 40 minutes of 2023 or the 6 hours and 36 minutes of 2022.

The analysis of the last ten years started from 6 hours and 23 minutes in 2014, a figure that dropped - being the lowest in the series - to 6 hours and 20 minutes in 2015.

These numbers are slightly upward and fluctuate, reaching their peak in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic: in those years, the time spent browsing the internet rose to 6:54 and 6:58 respectively.

Although we have seen that the evolution in the last ten years has fluctuated up and down, but without major changes and with an increase of barely a quarter of an hour in this entire analyzed period, where we do find more than notable differences is in the scrutiny of data by countries.

The three countries with the highest internet usage times belong to three different continents, with South Africa in first place (9 hours and 37 minutes), followed by Brazil (9 hours and 9 minutes) and the Philippines in third place (8 hours and 52 minutes).

At the bottom of the list, Japan stands out with 4 hours and 9 minutes, one hour less than the country preceding it, Denmark, with 5 hours and 10 minutes. Greece follows with 5 hours and 21 minutes.

Other countries to highlight are Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany, all of them below the average, since their usage time is 5 hours and 40 minutes in the first, 5 hours and 36 minutes in the second, and 5 hours and 28 minutes in the third.

The information rights belongs to Telefónica.

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Communication through the World

Global communication builds bridges that transcend national borders, connects people from very diverse sociocultural systems, and unites organizations, companies, and states in pursuit of strategic objectives of innovation and development.

Global communication is the specialized area of communication sciences dedicated to the study and strategic development of relationships between people or groups in different parts of the world. This includes communication between individuals, companies, and organizations, and typically takes place between interlocutors from different countries and cultures.

This is a professional area that is currently experiencing constant growth and improvement, thanks to the continuous development of information technologies, media and social networks, which allow people to communicate quickly and easily through the internet, no matter where they are in the world.

The information rights belongs to UNIVERSIDAD ORT URUGUAY (FACULTAD DE COMUNICACIÓN)

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Search and found!

Research is a meticulous process that requires a solid foundation to arrive at valid and reliable conclusions. One of the most important pillars of this process is the selection and proper use of information sources. Reliable sources not only support your arguments but also lend credibility to your research, ensuring that the results are interpreted accurately and rigorously. But why is choosing the right sources so important? In this blog, we'll explore the relevance of information sources in research and how they can make the difference between a sound study and a questionable one.

Information sources in research are the materials from which evidence is obtained to support a thesis or argument. These can be primary (such as interviews, field studies, or original documents) or secondary (such as analyses, books, and scholarly articles that interpret primary sources). Using appropriate sources is essential for academic rigor and for providing an objective interpretation of the data.

The information rights belongs to IFADESA.

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Examples of hacking in online videos

One of the most common recent examples of unauthorized access to calls is " Zoom bombing ." This occurs when hackers enter chat rooms to shout racist slurs or violent threats. Although the term "Zoom bombing" originated with the Zoom application, similar incidents have occurred on other video conferencing platforms, including WebEx and Skype. On March 30, 2020, the FBI announced it was investigating the increasing number of unauthorized accesses to video calls.

On forums like Reddit and Discord, there were coordinated attempts to disrupt Zoom sessions. On Twitter, several accounts shared videoconference passwords that were vulnerable to unauthorized access. At some educational institutions, students encouraged unauthorized access as a way to disrupt online classes.

The affected Zoom meetings (which uninvited users enter to disrupt the session with obscene, racist, or anti-Semitic insults, leading the host to end the session) are later shared on video platforms such as TikTok or YouTube.

The information rights belongs to KASPERSKY.

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How to prevent digital identity theft?

First of all, you should know the practices that criminals use to steal digital identity and private user information — such as spam, phishing or pharming — so that you can recognize when you are facing these types of situations and avoid them.

The actions we recommend to avoid identity theft or the theft of valuable information are to report spam emails every time they arrive, and consult websites that are secure and that you know.

On the other hand, avoid sharing your personal information on any online platform at all costs. If it doesn't come from a reliable source—such as official websites of banks, governments, institutions, or companies—it's best not to provide your personal data.

Another highly recommended practice is to avoid using the same password for all your online accounts. If someone steals one of your passwords, they could access all the sites where you use that password.

Finally, one of the most effective measures to prevent digital identity theft is to implement the use of electronic signatures on relevant documents that we access through the internet or any other digital means.

This way, only you will have access to them and the people involved will be able to authenticate that it is you who signs them.

The information rights belongs to DOCUSING.

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How the world had changed because technology

Cutting-edge innovations are transforming how we protect ourselves, our businesses, and our communities, making security more accessible and effective for everyone. One notable advancement in this field is the development of smart home security systems. Companies like Ring and Nest are leading the way with solutions that offer real-time video surveillance, motion detection, and remote access, all controlled through easy-to-use mobile apps.

But innovation doesn't stop at home! In the realm of public safety, AI-powered facial recognition is improving surveillance and identification processes, helping law enforcement keep the streets safer. Cybersecurity has also taken a leap forward with the introduction of quantum encryption, which promises virtually unbreakable security for sensitive data transmissions. This cutting-edge technology, employed by companies like IBM and Google, paves the way for a future where our digital information is as secure as a locked vault.

In addition, personal safety devices, such as portable panic buttons and smart GPS trackers, are becoming increasingly widespread, ensuring that people can send immediate alerts in emergency situations.

This technology-centric approach to security creates a more inclusive environment, offering peace of mind and a proactive stance in crime prevention. All these advancements collectively point to a future where technology not only enhances our convenience but also becomes a robust shield protecting our daily lives. With these innovations, we are building a world where everyone can feel safer and more secure.

Written by Juliette Carreiro

The information rights belongs to IRONHACK.

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AI VS REAL ARTISTS:THE MODERM DILEMMA

Looking back, we discover that the fear of technology is almost as old as art itself. From the printing press to photography, and later digital video, every technical innovation has sparked doubts and resistance among artists.

Now, artificial intelligence is perceived , often in an exaggerated way, as a threat capable of replacing the artist, automating creation, and putting jobs at risk in fields such as digital illustration, graphic design, music, or literature.

Not everything in the landscape of artificial intelligence applied to art is simple. Its rapid advancement has brought with it new ethical and legal dilemmas , especially regarding intellectual property and the authenticity of the works.

Inevitable questions arise: who can be considered the legitimate author of a creation partially generated by AI? Where does human intervention end and algorithmic authorship begin?

Current copyright legal frameworks are not yet fully prepared for these challenges. In most countries, only individuals can be recognized as authors, creating a legal gap regarding works produced with the support of intelligent systems. Furthermore, debates persist about the use of copyrighted materials to train models and about who actually owns the rights to the resulting data.

The dilemma , however, is not only legal but also ethical: Is it legitimate for AI to feed on the work of human artists without their consent? To what extent can a work created with algorithms be considered authentic? These questions invite us to reflect on responsibility, transparency, and the value of human creativity in an era where technology no longer just assists but also creates.

The information rights belongs to PONS ESCULA DE NEGOCIOS.

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Psychological Therapy vs Artificial Intelligence

It is important to recognize that Artificial Intelligence can be a complementary tool for learning about and disseminating information on mental health . It can help raise awareness of certain topics, offer general self-care strategies, and motivate people to reflect on their well-being. However, it should never be seen as a replacement for professional psychological therapy.

Going to a psychologist involves establishing a safe space where the patient can express themselves freely, be listened to without judgment, and receive treatment tailored to their needs. Psychologists use techniques based on scientific evidence and are trained to support people in their process of self-discovery, emotional management, and conflict resolution. This type of support cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence .

In times of vulnerability, it's understandable to seek quick and easy solutions, but it's essential to be aware of the limitations of AI. Mental health deserves professional attention and a genuine commitment to personal well-being . If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, the best course of action is to consult a psychologist who can offer effective and safe support.

January 31, 2025

The information rights belongs to UPAD psicología & Coaching

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What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is defined as harassment between users of a similar age and social background, using digital media , from mobile phones to the internet or online video games, to name a few examples.

The characteristics of cyberbullying are usually common in almost all cases:

- It is carried out between users of similar age, as well as from an equivalent social context.

- There is no intervention by adults nor explicitly sexual harassment, since we would be talking about another type of crime.

- One or more digital media are always used.

- The objective is the psychological harassment of third parties, although the objectives may be different in each situation.

Support and accompaniment for victims

The first step is to create a safe space for the victim. It is in this space that they can express themselves, explain what is happening to them, and share their feelings.

For the other person, the one who welcomes and listens, it is essential to validate the victim's feelings, offer empathy and reassurance, and encourage communication.

Seeking professional psychological support is also highly recommended, as those experiencing this harassment are going through a difficult time and may not know how to manage this type of situation on their own.

Noemí García Cabezas

The information rights belongs to AYUDA EN ACCIÓN (Fundación Ayuda en Acción).

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How are fake news stories created?

There are websites that allow you to create fake news stories and share them on social media as if they were real. You can add images, a title, and a website description. Then you choose a fake URL, which in many cases has a name similar to that of a well-known news outlet.

How can I prevent the spread of fake news?

If you're going to share a news story, check the sources first.

Report posts you believe to be false, as well as the users who promote them, on social media platforms.

If your contacts accidentally share false content, let them know so they can delete the post.

The information rights belongs to Argentina.gob.ar

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The Dangers of A.I

Current AI-generated videos exist in an uncanny valley, often betraying their artificial nature through subtle errors in physics, unnatural movements or inconsistencies that alert viewers that something isn’t quite right. Even OpenAI has acknowledged the limitations of their current systems. Up until now, these technical barriers have provided a thin layer of protection against complete digital impersonation.

But these protections are eroding rapidly. AI-generated videos are becoming more realistic, capable of longer-form outputs and improved physics. In December 2024, Google gave a sneak peek of its new model Veo to show how well it is already performing on short videos. The demo provided a glimpse of a near future where distinguishing between authentic and artificial videos will become nearly impossible for the average person.

The potential consequences go far beyond mere technological disruption. They have the potential to expand the infringement on individual autonomy already witnessed from crude or static deepfakes.

3 April 2025

Julia Smakman

The information rights belongs to Ada Lovelace Institute

(Part of Nuffield Foundation)

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What is the internet?

The Internet is an information and communication network technology consisting of computer devices connected by communication channels to receive and transmit information between users.

In technical terms, the Internet is a complex of software and hardware for processing, storing, and transferring information, whose components exchange data through a variety of communication channels.

For society, the Internet is a unique information space where a communication environment is organized between individuals and groups of people.

Why is the Internet important in the modern world?

The Internet is fundamental in the modern world because it facilitates instant communication on a global scale. It allows people to connect through various platforms such as social media, email, and video calls, eliminating geographical barriers and fostering real-time collaboration. This has transformed the way societies interact and stay informed.

Furthermore, access to unlimited information has revolutionized education and knowledge. Thanks to online resources such as digital libraries, virtual courses, and interactive tools, learning has become more accessible and flexible. This has allowed millions of people to acquire new skills and knowledge regardless of their location or economic status.

The information rights belongs WIN.

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The dangers of talking to strangers on internet

Grooming, and its digital evolution, online grooming (online harassment and sexual abuse), are criminal forms of harassment involving an adult who contacts a child or adolescent to gradually gain their trust and then involve them in sexual activity.

This practice has different levels of interaction and danger: from talking about sex and obtaining intimate material, to having a sexual encounter.

It is a process in which a bond of trust develops between the victim and the groomer. The groomer tries to gradually isolate the minor, achieving this by cutting them off from their support network (family, teachers, friends, etc.) and creating an atmosphere of secrecy and intimacy.

In the case of online grooming, the abuser sends sexual material to the child through technological means. Furthermore, they often pose as a minor and adapt their language to the victim's age. It is a form of violence just as real as physical violence, but one from which there is no escape.

What to and how to help?

Faced with such a complex phenomenon, the response must be comprehensive, and the most effective way to combat online violence is through prevention. The best approach is to focus on positive education for children and adolescents.

First, comprehensive sex education is essential, educating young people about sexuality. At the same time, training in the safe and responsible use of digital tools is also crucial.

It is essential to remember that, especially in online grooming, the deception is slow and the child does not consent. They are unaware of what is happening to them and lack the necessary tools to defend themselves. It can never be their fault.

Ultimately, communication and comprehensive sex education, along with the support of the child's immediate environment, are the most effective tools, both for preventing violence and for avoiding perpetuating its long-term consequences.

01 Julio 2019

The information rights belongs to SAVE THE CHILDREN.

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What are scam websites?

Scam websites are any illegitimate website on the internet used to deceive users with the goal of committing fraud or carrying out malicious attacks. Scammers abuse the anonymity that the internet provides to hide their true identity and intentions behind various disguises. These can include fake security alerts or giveaways, and other deceptive formats to give the impression of legitimacy.

While the internet has many useful purposes, not everything is as it seems. Among the millions of legitimate websites vying for attention are websites created for a variety of malicious purposes. These websites have all sorts of objectives, from identity theft to credit card fraud.

How does a scam website work?

These scam websites operate in various ways, from publishing misleading information to promising incredible rewards through financial transactions. However, their goal is almost always the same: to extract personal and financial information.

A website of this nature can be a standalone site, a pop-up window, or an unauthorized overlay on legitimate websites through a technique known as clickjacking. Regardless of its appearance, these sites systematically work to attract and deceive users.

The information rights belongs KASPERSKY.

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What is safe internet browsing?

Safe internet browsing refers to the need for users to access the web with the guarantee that their right to privacy and information security is respected. Therefore, it implies the need for website creators to develop secure software.

Safe browsing also includes good cybersecurity practices employed when visiting pages from a web browser, such as using antimalware or antivirus software, avoiding sharing personal data on suspicious websites, and other similar measures.

The purpose of safe browsing is to allow users to interact with websites without encountering cybercriminals or security breaches that expose personal information or damage their IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

In this sense, browsing the internet safely is similar to driving carefully on a busy road. It requires the user to be aware of potential threats and, as far as possible, take the necessary steps to avoid or reduce them.

The benefit of browsing the internet safely is, therefore, a reduced likelihood of suffering cyberattacks from hackers seeking to obtain confidential information for malicious purposes.

Juan Armando Gómez

The information rights belongs to DELTA EXPONENTIAL.

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Hackers

In the field of computer science, a hacker is someone with in-depth knowledge of technology who uses these skills to exploit systems, networks, and devices. Initially, the term "hacker" was used to describe programming and networking experts who could find creative solutions to technical problems. These individuals used their expertise to improve system security and develop technological innovations.

The hacker community consists of tech-savvy individuals who enjoy understanding the inner workings of systems, disassembling and reassembling components, and exploring the limits of what is possible. This curiosity and dedication often lead to significant advancements in technology and information security.

The difference between a hacker and a cracker

As mentioned, the distinction between a hacker and a cracker is crucial. A hacker, in the traditional and ethical sense, is someone who uses their skills to discover new ways to use systems and solve problems. A cracker, on the other hand, is an individual who breaks into security systems, usually with malicious intent. Crackers are responsible for activities such as network intrusions, data theft, and malware distribution.

The fundamental difference lies in the intention and ethics behind their actions. Ethical hackers follow a code of conduct that includes obtaining permission before exploiting systems and always working to improve security. Crackers, on the other hand, are driven by illicit motivations, such as financial gain or the desire to cause harm.

Written by Luiza Pires

06/06/2024

The information rights belongs to ESTE Cybersecurity Progress. Protected.

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