Spend time in any public place — except maybe places of worship — and you’ll notice that everyone is on a mobile device and probably using social media.

But why are social media sites like Facebook so addicting? Researchers at Michigan State University and in The Netherlands recently conducted two studies to find out; results were published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking.

The studies involved frequent and less frequent Facebook users. What researchers discovered: Social media makes us feel good. Even brief exposure to a Facebook-related image — a logo or screenshot, for example — causes a positive emotional response in frequent social media users, and this response may trigger cravings that are difficult to resist.

The problem is that social media addiction is a hard habit to break. One first step: remove cues like icons from your phone, tablet, and computer, so you’ll be less likely to go to your favorite social media sites as often.

Sourced from: Michigan State University

Several studies suggest a strong link between mood disorders like depression and a diet high in processed foods and sugar — a link scientists don’t yet fully understand. A number of studies — including one conducted by researchers at University College London Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health — disprove the theory that disorders like depression lead to increased sugar consumption and instead suggest it’s the other way around.

Sugars are simple carbohydrates, and their role in mental health may be related to their effects on neurons — specialized cells in the brain that transmit information to other cells in the body. Although the body needs carbohydrates to function properly, it is designed to break down complex carbohydrates — whole grains, vegetables and fruits, nuts, beans, and seeds — into simple sugars and doesn’t need added sugar.

The body doesn’t differentiate among sugars from different sources and uses all sugars in the same way. So, instead of reaching for that carton of ice cream after a particularly stressful day, give yourself a mental health boost by opting for a low-sugar choice instead.

Sourced from: MNT

Loneliness and social isolation are growing problems in the United States and may be an even larger threat to health than obesity, say researchers at Brigham Young University in Utah, who presented their findings at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.

According to AARP’s Loneliness Study, about 42.6 million U.S. adults over 45 suffer from chronic loneliness. Recent census data indicates that more than 25 percent of the population now lives alone. One meta-analysis involving more than 300,000 participants suggests that greater social connection is associated with a 50 percent lower risk of early death.

Another analysis examined the association between social isolation, loneliness, living alone, and mortality. Researchers discovered that all three of these factors have an effect on early death risk — an effect equal to or exceeding that of risk factors like obesity.

Sourced from: ScienceDaily