Emily Kitazawa, Author at Shortform Books

Online Mental Health Care: What Are the Risks & Benefits?

Wondering if you should try online mental health care? What are the risks and benefits of using “telepsychology”? The recent boom of online mental health care has led to widely accessible online prescriptions. While there are notable benefits of accessible prescription medication, some worry about the potential for medication abuse and unnecessary over-prescription. Read on for a brief overview of the risks and benefits of online mental health care in 2022.

Behavioral Patterns in Psychology: Learn to Accept Yourself

What is the psychology behind toxic behavioral patterns? How can accepting your patterns lead to change and healing? In her book Dopamine Nation, Stanford University psychiatrist and addiction treatment expert Anna Lembke explains why you develop unwanted behavioral patterns, the psychology of self-awareness, and how to take back control of your life. According to her, acceptance and self-honesty lead to healing. Read on to learn more about behavioral patterns in psychology and how to change them, according to Lembke.

What a Connected Society Will Be Like in the Future

What is a digitally connected society? How is society becoming more connected? What will it be like when we’re fully connected? According to author Shoshana Zuboff’s book, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, big tech companies have incentives to develop a digitally connected society. Zuboff explains that, by creating a world where we are always connected to and dependent on technology, these companies will reap the most profits. Read on to find out what Zuboff says a fully connected society would be like and what social issues arise.

ADHD and Drug Abuse: Are We Facing a New Crisis?

What’s the link between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and drug abuse? How serious is this issue? Research shows that those who suffer from ADHD respond well to treatment using medications like Adderall. However, the overprescription of these potentially addictive medications evokes unsettling echoes of the Opioid Crisis. Keep reading to learn the link between ADHD and drug abuse and if society is facing an “Adderall crisis.”

Why Practicing Delayed Gratification Is Hard but Vital

What is delayed gratification? What are some ways to practice delaying gratification? Why does your brain thrive on instant gratification? Author Anna Lembke discusses practicing delayed gratification in her self-help book, Dopamine Nation. According to her, overindulgence is fueled by the pursuit of instant gratification, and learning how to delay gratification leads to a happier and more satisfying life. Keep reading to learn Lembke’s ways to practice delayed gratification by pursuing long-term rewards.

Strongman Leaders: A Dangerous Trend We Shouldn’t Ignore

What does “strongman leader” mean? What makes citizens vote for them? And what does this mean for democracy? Strongman leaders are authoritarian leaders who mask their dictator-like actions behind a facade of democracy. From Russia’s Vladimir Putin to India’s Narendra Modi, these apparent autocrats have gained widespread appeal and are increasingly shaping global politics. Read on to learn more about strongman leaders, their characteristics, and why they pose a threat to freedom.

Ethical Issues in Information Technology: 3 Big Tech Secrets

What are the biggest ethical issues in information technology right now? What risks do they pose to society? According to author Shoshana Zuboff, Google and other tech giants have been able to mine user data with little regard for ethical data collection. She claims that there are three secret factors that have allowed big tech to carry on this way. Keep reading to find out the three ways information technology companies exploit users, according to Zuboff.

Should You Invest in Cryptocurrency? Consider These Risks

Should you invest in cryptocurrency in 2022? Which currencies are outperforming the others? What are the risks and benefits of investing? The cryptocurrency industry is large enough now that major investors take it seriously. But, before it becomes truly mainstream, it’ll need to address some basic problems that pose risks to the industry. Keep reading for an overview of the industry to help you decide if it’s worth investing in cryptocurrency.

How to Increase Your Willpower: 5 Effective Strategies

Want to know how to increase your willpower? What causes a lack of willpower? What strategies do experts recommend? According to author and addiction expert Anna Lembke’s book, Dopamine Nation, you’re wired to seek out pleasurable activities. The dopamine produced by pleasurable activities can lead to a vicious cycle of overindulgence and a chronic lack of willpower, according to Lembke. Keep reading to learn how to increase your willpower, according to Lembke’s five strategies.

Going Back to the Office: 3 Tips for Employers

How can employers help with workers going back to the office? What are the best tips for easing the transition? As the pandemic draws to a close, businesses are eager to bring employees back into the office. Most employers recognize, however, that hybrid models are likely here to stay in some capacity. Read on for three practical tips for employers facing a transition period as workers begin going back to the office.