In 2013, the term “affluenza” hit pop culture after a notorious manslaughter trial against a drunk-driving teenager, whose defense argued that the teen was a product of dysfunctional parenting. Parents who gave him too much and never taught him the consequences of his actions. The defense claimed that he suffered from “affluenza”.[1] Affluenza, a portmanteau…
Author: Marjorie N. Gomez
The trend of Mental Disorders on Social Media
Social media has transformed how people share experiences, opinions, and information. While these benefits are widely acknowledged, the burgeoning use of social media has also raised concerns about its impact on mental health. Research suggests there is a complex relationship between social media use and mental health disorders. Although a lot has been said about…
Workism and Identity
Over the years, the idea of work has evolved into something more than just a means of earning a livelihood; it has transformed into a widespread philosophy that permeates various aspects of life, including people’s identity. This phenomenon of work taking over people’s lives is commonly referred to as “workism,” which entails the prioritization of…
The Identifiable Victim Effect: The Power of Individual Stories
“A single death is a tragedy; a million deaths are a statistic”—this line attributed to Stalin reflects our psychological tendency to focus our attention on the tragedy of a single person, overshadowing the tragedy of millions. The effect of centering on an individual’s stories has a significant impact on our lives, which is worth discussing,…
Technology and Organized Crime: A Modern Menace
Introduction: In the ever-evolving landscape of crime, technology has become a powerful tool for both law enforcement and criminals alike. Organized crime, once confined to traditional methods, has adapted, and thrived in the digital age, leveraging technology to expand its reach, sophistication, and profitability. Since technology permeates all aspects of people’s lives and is here…
The Powerful Benefits of Friendship among Women
Friendships are an important part of people’s lives. They bring all kinds of benefits, including those related to health. Researchers have found that people with no friends increase their risk of death over 6 months. Friends do not only help us live longer, but they also help us live better. Results in some research concluded…
The Deception of Alternative Medicine: An Analysis
The allure of alternative medicine has captivated many individuals seeking holistic approaches to health and wellness. Promising natural remedies, ancient wisdom, and a departure from conventional medical practices, alternative medicine has garnered a dedicated following. However, beneath its appealing façade may lie a web of deception, exploitation, and pseudo-science. Consequently, many have discussed the scam…
An Examination of Universities’ Decline in Public Support
Universities, once heralded as bastions of knowledge and enlightenment, are facing a current crisis of identity and efficacy in the modern era. Historically, universities have been perceived as pillars of intellectual growth and societal progress. However, many are now faltering under the weight of numerous challenges. From academic standards to ideological indoctrination, universities find themselves…
The Paradox of Luxury Beliefs
The term “luxury beliefs” was popularized by social psychologist Rob Henderson in a 2019 article called Luxury beliefs’ are the latest status symbol for rich Americans. The concept highlights how individuals may adopt certain beliefs or behaviors not for their intrinsic value or personal conviction, but as a means to signal their social status or…
Is Language Sexist?
Some people claim that language has become over time an instrument to convey powerful ideas. Language is in service of the people and changes as people use it on a daily basis. As a result, marked and unmarked terms treat men and women differently, drawing people’s attention in academia and their professional lives. This gender…