Category: In The Media
The challenges teens face on social media seem inescapable. Here’s how to moderate their use
Teens on social media is a problem many parents and guardians have lost sleep over, but for which few feel there are real, practical solutions. Don’t worry, there are, experts say. … Read more
‘You get stuck.’ Parents, students react to advisory on social media use, mental health impact
The potential harms of social media use is in the national spotlight as symptoms like depression and anxiety soar among young people. … Mitch Prinstein, who’s a professor of psychology … Read more
Masada: From Jewish Revolt to Modern Myth – Professor Jodi Magness
Jodi Magness, Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism in the department of religious studies, is interviewed in this Sparks of History video and podcast about Masada. Sparks … Read more
Durham Housing Authority moves to mixed-income housing model; experts say children will benefit most
On Friday morning, the Durham Housing Authority and Bull City leaders gathered to break ground on the Elizabeth Street Apartments, which will be a 72-unit mixed income housing community. DHA … Read more
Three UNC-Chapel Hill Air Force cadets make history as first to be selected for U.S. Space Force
Three sophomore cadets will be the first from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Air Force ROTC to be selected as officers into the U.S. Space Force. The selection process for the Space Force changes every year. … Read more
Mysterious rumblings were recorded in Earth’s stratosphere
Giant solar balloons were sent 70,000 feet up in the air to record sounds of Earth’s stratosphere — and the microphones picked up some unexpected sounds. Daniel Bowman, principal scientist … Read more
We know so little about how social media affects kids’ brains
The American Psychological Association has issued its first advisory on social media use in adolescence. What’s most striking in its data-based recommendations is how little we really know about how … Read more
With detailed race question, Census may end ancestry ask
Is ancestry history? The U.S. Census Bureau is contemplating getting rid of a question about a person’s ancestry on its most comprehensive survey, saying it may duplicate a newly-revised race … Read more
Super easy ways to help the planet this Earth Day
Frank Leibfarth, an associate professor of chemistry, shared six simple things families can do to reduce their environmental impact, as we celebrate Earth Day. WRAL
Why It’s Important to Show Gratitude at Work — and What’s the Best Way to Do It
There are two simple words that can increase productivity, enhance collaboration among employees, make managers more effective and improve corporate performance. “Thank you.” I have studied gratitude for more than … Read more
Focus on wellbeing: Can one be ‘too positive?’
Life can be hard. Humans are not always kind. We face challenges every day. Some are manageable and we move through them without a thought; others are more burdensome and … Read more
UNC researchers dive into ethics, implications of AI chatbots
ChatGPT, an artificial-intelligence chatbot, can write a poem about spring and even turn that poem into a 1970s sitcom. While AI projects like this are fun to interact with, researchers … Read more
Apple CEO Tim Cook doesn’t want people using phones too much, urges parents to limit their kids’ screen time
It is no secret that smartphone addiction is slowly catching hold of people and is a serious issue that needs to be talked about more. There have been ample studies … Read more
Strong, steady friendships may be an asset to your physiological health, study shows
Researchers discovered that positive social experiences impact not only a person’s stress level and ability to cope, but also markers of physical health, according to a study published Monday in … Read more
For Black Motorists, Traffic Stops Are Often Far From Routine
Over the last three decades, Jay Pearson, a professor of public policy at Duke University, has endured more than 65 traffic stops. The stops resulted in four tickets total, and … Read more
How to tackle political polarization — the researchers trying to bridge divides
Animosity is running high in America right now. In a survey conducted last year by the Pew Research Center, 72% of Republicans said that Democrats are “more immoral” than members … Read more
How Deadly Was China’s COVID Wave?
After China relaxed the world’s most stringent COVID-19 restrictions in December, the virus exploded. Hints of the surge were everywhere: Hospitals turned away patients. Crematories were overwhelmed with bodies. A … Read more
‘A very strong product’ or ‘Sharing a wall with a hotel room’? Perspectives on short-term rentals differ in Greensboro
While short-term housing rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo have soared in popularity in recent years, opinions as to whether they help or hinder a community vary. In Greensboro, officials … Read more
UNC’s THRIVE Program using new home to help more veterans
The Matthew Gfeller Center at UNC is known for its leading research on head trauma and injuries for athletes. But the center is now building up a new program to help out … Read more
Expressing gratitude keeps our romantic love alive
UNC psychology professor Sara Algoe writes about gratitude in this piece for CNN: “Recently my research collaborators and I tried an approach to helping people get more moments with the … Read more