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(https://www.psypost.org/emotionally-intelligent-women-use-more-emojis-when-communicating-with-friends/) Emotionally intelligent women use more emojis when communicating with friends
Dec 27th 2024, 08:00

A recent study found that women, but not men, with higher emotional intelligence tend to use more emojis when communicating with friends. Conversely, men with higher emotional intelligence are more likely to use emojis when communicating with their romantic partners. The research was published in (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308880) PLOS ONE.
Emojis are small digital images or icons used to express emotions, ideas, or concepts in electronic communication. Originating in Japan, they have since become a global phenomenon, enriching text-based conversations with visual cues. Emojis encompass a wide range of categories, including smiley faces, animals, food, weather, and activities.
Their use helps convey tone and emotion, often clarifying the intent behind messages that might otherwise be misinterpreted. Studies indicate that people use emojis to reduce uncertainty, modulate the tone of a message, or make it more precise. Emojis are supported by most digital platforms and are standardized by the Unicode Consortium to ensure consistency across devices. They continue to evolve, with new emojis introduced annually to reflect cultural and technological shifts.
Study author Simon Dubé and his colleagues aimed to examine the associations between emotional attachment styles, emotional intelligence, and the use of emojis. They hypothesized that individuals with anxious and avoidant attachment styles would use emojis less frequently, while individuals with higher emotional intelligence would use them more frequently. They also hypothesized that women would use emojis more often than men across all social contexts.
The researchers conducted an online survey using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk), an online platform that connects businesses and researchers with workers who perform microtasks, such as completing surveys for compensation.
The study included 320 adult participants, with an average age of 35 years. Sixty percent of the participants were women. They completed an online survey that included assessments of attachment style (using the 12-item Experiences in Close Relationships–Short Form), emotional intelligence (using the 30-item Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire–Short Form), and an emoji use questionnaire designed by the study authors.
The assessment of emotional attachment used in the study measured attachment styles based on two dimensions: attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Attachment anxiety reflects fears of rejection and abandonment, while attachment avoidance relates to discomfort with closeness and dependency on others. Individuals scoring low on both dimensions are considered securely attached, characterized by comfort with intimacy and trust in relationships. Emotional intelligence, on the other hand, is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence one’s own emotions and those of others. It plays a crucial role in navigating social interactions, fostering relationships, and making thoughtful decisions in personal and professional contexts.
The results revealed that women scoring high on avoidant attachment were less likely to send or receive emojis from friends or romantic partners and were also less likely to receive emojis from family members or romantic partners. Men with pronounced avoidant attachment were less likely to send emojis to their romantic partners. Women with higher emotional intelligence scores tended to send and receive emojis from their friends more frequently, while men with higher emotional intelligence scores were more likely to send emojis to their romantic partners.
In general, women tended to send more emojis to friends and family compared to men and were also more likely to receive emojis from friends.
“Findings suggest that individuals higher on emotional intelligence with secure attachment may employ emojis more frequently across contexts where more conventional non-verbal cues are lacking. These findings are important given the prevalence of virtual communications in our everyday lives,” the study authors concluded.
The study sheds light on the psychological underpinnings of emoji use. However, it should be noted that all the observed associations were weak. Additionally, the data are completely based on self-reported recall of emoji use practices. This means that reporting bias could have affected the results.
The paper, “(https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308880) Beyond words: Relationships between emoji use, attachment style, and emotional intelligence,” was authored by Simon Dube, Amanda N. Gesselman, Ellen M. Kaufman, Margaret Bennett Brown, Vivian P. Ta-Johnson, and Justin R. Garcia.

(https://www.psypost.org/mindfulness-meditation-reduces-gaming-addiction-by-reshaping-brain-connections/) Mindfulness meditation reduces gaming addiction by reshaping brain connections
Dec 27th 2024, 06:00

A new study published in (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.04.011) Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging has found that mindfulness meditation can reduce gaming cravings in individuals with internet gaming disorder. This effect is achieved by altering brain connectivity patterns, particularly between the default mode network and executive control-related brain regions. The findings highlight mindfulness as a promising intervention for managing addictive behaviors, with evidence showing its impact on both psychological symptoms and underlying neural mechanisms.
Internet gaming disorder, characterized by excessive gaming that disrupts daily life, has become a growing concern worldwide. Individuals with this disorder often experience mental health issues such as depression and social isolation. Traditional treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological interventions, have shown mixed results, with limited exploration of the neural mechanisms driving these outcomes.
Previous research has linked internet gaming disorder to abnormal functional connectivity in brain regions associated with reward processing, executive control, and the default mode network. These abnormalities impair cognitive control and reinforce addictive behaviors. Given the limitations of existing treatments and the potential of mindfulness meditation to improve mental health, researchers in China sought to investigate whether mindfulness could address the neural and psychological aspects of gaming addiction.
The study involved 80 participants diagnosed with internet gaming disorder, recruited through advertisements and screened using diagnostic interviews and tests. Participants were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness meditation group or a control group practicing progressive muscle relaxation. Both groups underwent eight training sessions over four weeks, led by certified trainers. While mindfulness meditation emphasized present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental observation, progressive muscle relaxation focused on systematic body relaxation techniques.
Before and after the training period, participants completed assessments measuring gaming addiction severity, gaming cravings, and mindfulness levels. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were used to evaluate changes in brain connectivity. The researchers focused on three brain regions: the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the left precuneus, and the posterior cingulate cortex, which are key nodes in the executive control and default mode networks.
The researchers found that mindfulness meditation reduced gaming cravings and the severity of internet gaming disorder compared to the control intervention. Participants in the mindfulness group showed marked improvements in mindfulness levels, which correlated with reductions in gaming addiction symptoms. The progressive muscle relaxation group also exhibited slight improvements, likely reflecting a minor placebo effect.
Participants practicing mindfulness showed increased connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and other regions involved in decision-making and impulse control, such as the orbitofrontal cortex and superior frontal gyrus. These changes likely improved participants’ ability to regulate their cravings and resist gaming cues.
One of the most notable results was the enhancement of functional connectivity within the executive control network. This network, anchored by regions such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex, plays a crucial role in decision-making and impulse control. Participants who engaged in mindfulness meditation exhibited stronger connections within this network, suggesting an improved ability to resist gaming-related urges and exercise better self-control.
The study also found that mindfulness meditation improved connectivity between the executive control network and the default mode network. The default mode network, which includes the precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex, is typically active during self-referential thinking and mind-wandering. Strengthened connections between these two networks suggest that mindfulness fosters greater integration between systems responsible for managing external impulses and internal self-awareness.
In addition, mindfulness meditation strengthened connectivity between the executive control network and reward-related brain areas, such as the parahippocampal gyrus. The parahippocampal gyrus is involved in processing reward-related memories and motivations, which are often heightened in individuals with gaming addiction. By enhancing connectivity in these regions, mindfulness appears to dampen the brain’s sensitivity to gaming-related rewards, making it easier for participants to resist cravings and engage in healthier behaviors.
Another intriguing finding was the association between brain connectivity changes and neurotransmitter systems, particularly those involving dopamine and serotonin. The study showed that increased connectivity in specific brain regions correlated with changes in the activity of dopamine and serotonin receptors. Since these neurotransmitters are central to reward processing and mood regulation, the findings suggest that mindfulness meditation may have a stabilizing effect on the neurochemical imbalances often seen in addictive behaviors.
While the study provides evidence for the benefits of mindfulness meditation in treating internet gaming disorder, it has some limitations. First, the research focused solely on resting-state functional connectivity, which does not reveal the direction of changes in brain activity. Future studies could use effective connectivity analyses to determine causal relationships between brain regions.
Second, the control group practicing progressive muscle relaxation experienced slight improvements, indicating a potential placebo effect. Incorporating additional control groups in future studies could clarify the specific effects of mindfulness meditation. Lastly, while the study demonstrated correlations between brain connectivity changes and neurotransmitter systems, further research is needed to explore these relationships in more depth.
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.04.011) Mindfulness Meditation Training Reduces Gaming Cravings by Reshaping the Functional Connectivity Between the Default Mode Network and Executive Control–Related Brain Regions,” was authored by Xuefeng Xu, Xuefeng Ma, Haosen Ni, Huabin Wang, Tongtong Wang, Chang Liu, Xiaolan Song, and Guang-Heng Dong.

(https://www.psypost.org/your-personality-might-determine-if-music-helps-or-hinders-your-productivity/) Your personality might determine if music helps or hinders your productivity
Dec 26th 2024, 18:00

Listening to music can enhance our lives in all kinds of ways – many of us use it during exercise, to regulate our mood, or in the workplace.
But can listening to background music while you work really make you more productive?
It’s a controversial topic. Some people swear by it, others find it painfully distracting. The research agrees there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
The best way to use music in the workplace depends on several factors, including your personality traits, what you’re doing, and what kind of music you’re listening to.
Here’s how to find out what works best for you.
Who you are
Your personality has a key influence on whether background music can boost productivity or be distracting in the workplace, which relates to your unique optimal level of arousal.
Arousal in this context relates to mental alertness, and the readiness of the brain to process new information. Background music can increase it.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022103114000109?casa_token=IHZ1zm3Zrk8AAAAA:Rqo45Kj9UUfvKF1LFKuVuh98TJ6eERs-nyVxFb-CsCht8s3GzOsr-Jk1PmqbL3oPQdiiDFVS) Research suggests that being at an optimal level of arousal facilitates a state of “flow”, enhancing performance and productivity.
Introverts already have a high baseline level of internal (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6730115/#:~:text=Eysenck's%20model%20of%20personality%20(Eysenck,cortically%20more%20aroused%20than%20extraverts)) arousal.
Adding background music might push them over their optimal level, likely reducing productivity.
Extroverts, on the other hand, have lower baseline levels of internal arousal, so need more external stimulation to perform at their optimal level.
This is why introverts may (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/acp.1692) perform worse than extroverts with background music, especially when the music is highly arousing.
What you’re doing
Research has shown the nature of the task you’re doing can also have an important effect.
Because of (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-36076-x) connections between music and language in the brain, trying to read and write at the same time as listening to complex music – (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2010-19467-004) especially music with lyrics – can be particularly difficult.
However, if you’re doing a simple or repetitive task such as data entry or a manual task, having music on in the background can help with performance – particularly (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-03876-001) upbeat and complex music.
These findings could be related to music’s effects on (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20592043231214085) motivation and maintaining attention, as well as activating reward networks in the brain.

The type of music itself
One important and often overlooked influence is what kind of music you choose to listen to.
Research has shown that (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-28777-002) fast and loud music can be more detrimental to complex tasks, such as reading comprehension, than soft and slow music.
Other research found that listening to calming music can have (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2002-15091-002) benefits for memory, while aggressive and unpleasant music can have the opposite effect.
However, these effects also depend on your personality, your familiarity with the music, and your musical preferences, so the type of music that works best will be different for everyone.
Music can be very (https://academic.oup.com/book/55154/chapter-abstract/424072521?redirectedFrom=fulltext) rewarding and can benefit attention, mood and motivation.
Choosing music that is meaningful, rewarding and makes you feel good will likely help boost your performance, especially when performing simple tasks.
What about complex tasks?
It largely seems that the more complex or demanding the task is, the more distracting background music can be.
One way to harness the motivational and mood-boosting effects of music to help with your workplace productivity is to play music before doing your work.
Using music to (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/1467-9280.00345?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed) boost your mood and enhance attention before starting a work task could help you be more productive in that task.
Playing music before a demanding task has been shown to (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41539-023-00170-1) boost language abilities in particular.
So if you’re about to do a cognitively demanding task involving reading and writing, and you feel that music might distract you if played at the same time, try listening to it just before doing the task.
Find what works for you
Music can be both helpful and detrimental for workplace productivity – the best advice is to experiment with different tasks and different types of music, to find out what works best for you.
Try to experiment with your favourite music first, while doing a simple task.
Does the music help you engage with the task? Or do you get distracted and start to become more absorbed in the music? Listening to music without lyrics and with a strong beat might help you focus on the task at hand.
If you find music is distracting to your work, try scheduling in some music breaks throughout the day. Listening to music during breaks could boost your mood and increase your motivation, thereby enhancing productivity.
Moving along with music is suggested to (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37019245/) increase reward processing, especially in social situations.
Dancing has the added bonus of getting you out of your chair and moving along in time, so bonus points if you are able to make it a dance break! 
 
This article is republished from (https://theconversation.com) The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the (https://theconversation.com/can-listening-to-music-make-you-more-productive-at-work-241123) original article.

(https://www.psypost.org/a-young-bodybuilders-tragic-end-highlights-the-dangers-of-performance-enhancing-substances/) A young bodybuilder’s tragic end highlights the dangers of performance-enhancing substances
Dec 26th 2024, 16:00

A 21-year-old bodybuilder consumed a dangerous chemical known as 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) over several months, leading to his untimely death from multi-organ failure. His chronic use of the substance, combined with anabolic steroids, underscored a preoccupation with physical appearance and suggested a psychiatric condition called muscle dysmorphia. This case study, published in (https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1452196) Frontiers in Public Health, sheds light on the extreme risks of unregulated appearance and performance-enhancing drugs, highlighting the challenges healthcare providers face in addressing such cases.
Muscle dysmorphia, sometimes referred to as “reverse anorexia,” is a psychological condition where individuals obsessively believe their bodies are not muscular or lean enough. This disorder can lead to extreme behaviors, including excessive exercise, restrictive diets, and the use of dangerous substances to achieve an idealized physique.
Those with muscle dysmorphia may disregard their health and well-being, prioritizing their body image over medical advice or visible health deterioration. The condition disproportionately affects male bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, often driving them to consume substances like anabolic steroids and other performance enhancers, despite knowing the risks.
2,4-dinitrophenol, or 2,4-DNP, is a chemical originally developed in the early 20th century for industrial use. It gained notoriety in the 1930s as a weight-loss drug because it accelerates metabolism by disrupting energy production at the cellular level. However, its use was quickly discontinued due to severe side effects, including hyperthermia, rapid heart rate, profuse sweating, and organ failure.
Today, 2,4-DNP is considered highly toxic and unsuitable for human consumption. Despite these warnings, the substance remains available through illicit online markets, where it is marketed to bodybuilders as a fast-acting “fat burner.” The lack of an antidote and its narrow safety margin make 2,4-DNP particularly dangerous, with lethal doses often resulting in death within hours.
The new case report recounts the story of a 21-year-old bodybuilder who regularly consumed 2,4-DNP over six months. His first symptoms appeared during this time, including rapid heartbeat, labored breathing, and excessive sweating—hallmark signs of 2,4-DNP intoxication. Despite these symptoms, he continued using the chemical, likely driven by a desire to maintain a lean and muscular physique.
Four months before his death, the man was hospitalized with multi-organ failure. While he disclosed his 2,4-DNP use during this hospitalization, he later denied ongoing consumption to his general practitioner. This denial complicated his treatment and delayed accurate diagnosis. Over the following months, his symptoms persisted, and his health deteriorated. Despite multiple consultations and investigations, his condition worsened, culminating in a fatal episode after ingesting a high dose of 2,4-DNP.
An autopsy revealed signs of both acute and chronic intoxication. His blood concentration of 2,4-DNP was found to be at lethal levels, and segmental hair analysis confirmed long-term use. The autopsy also identified chronic abuse of anabolic steroids, further highlighting the risks of combining dangerous substances. The bodybuilder’s preoccupation with his appearance, coupled with his disregard for the health consequences, supported a suspected diagnosis of muscle dysmorphia.
Case studies provide detailed insights into rare or unusual events, offering a glimpse into conditions and behaviors that larger studies might overlook. In this instance, the case study sheds light on the dangerous intersection of muscle dysmorphia, performance-enhancing substances, and toxic chemicals like 2,4-DNP. These detailed narratives can help medical professionals recognize similar cases and develop strategies for early intervention.
However, case studies have limitations. They focus on a single individual, which means their findings cannot be generalized to broader populations. Additionally, they rely on retrospective analysis, which can introduce biases or gaps in information. Despite these challenges, case studies remain invaluable for raising awareness and prompting further research.
This case underscores the urgent need for increased awareness of the dangers of substances like 2,4-DNP. Education for healthcare providers, particularly those in primary care and emergency medicine, is critical to improving the detection and management of intoxication cases. Recognizing the signs of muscle dysmorphia and addressing its underlying psychological factors could also help prevent such tragedies. Ultimately, the death of this young bodybuilder highlights the devastating consequences of prioritizing appearance over health.
The case report, “(https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1452196/full) Fatal long-term intoxication by 2,4-dinitrophenol and anabolic steroids in a young bodybuilder with muscle dysmorphia,” was authored by was authored by Coralie Hermetet, Marine Jourdan, Alain Baert, Laurie Gheddar, Alice Ameline, Pascal Kintz, and Renaud Bouvet.

(https://www.psypost.org/women-who-masturbate-more-frequently-tend-to-have-better-sexual-health-literacy-and-sexual-functioning-study-finds/) Women who masturbate more frequently tend to have better sexual health literacy and sexual functioning, study finds
Dec 26th 2024, 14:00

A study of sexually active Turkish Muslim women found that those who masturbate more frequently have better sexual health literacy and sexual functioning. On average, this sample of women reported masturbating five times per month. The study was published in the (https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae059) Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Sexual desire is a natural human instinct characterized by a longing or drive for sexual intimacy and connection. It varies greatly among individuals and can fluctuate over time due to personal, health-related, or situational factors. Sexual desire is influenced by hormones, emotions, stress, and social or relationship dynamics. It is a core component of sexuality, which encompasses sexual orientation, a wide range of behaviors, and emotional connections.
Humans satisfy their sexual desires in various ways, including intimate relationships with partners and self-stimulation, such as masturbation. Masturbation involves self-stimulation of the genitals for pleasure or sexual release. It is a common behavior among people of all genders, ages, and sexual orientations. While generally considered healthy and safe, cultural, religious, and societal attitudes toward masturbation can influence how individuals perceive and feel about the practice.
Study authors Aysu Yıldız Karaahmet and Fatma Sule Bilgiç sought to examine the frequency and duration of masturbation among Turkish Muslim women and its relationship with sexual function and sexual health literacy.
The study included 921 sexually active young Muslim women from western Turkey, aged 18 to 25. Participants were unmarried, not taking medication that could affect sexual function, and free of any diagnosed sexual dysfunction.
Participants completed assessments measuring sexual health literacy (using the Sexual Health Literacy Scale – SHLS) and sexual functioning (using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale). They also reported the frequency and duration of their masturbation habits.
On average, participants reported masturbating five times per month, with sessions lasting 3–4 minutes. Overall, women who reported masturbating more frequently demonstrated better sexual health literacy and sexual functioning.
Additional findings included:

46% of women watched pornographic content while masturbating.
62% did not use a vibrator.
53% reported masturbating in bed.
59% said they masturbated between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
77% felt no regret after masturbation.
74% stated they experienced satisfaction after masturbation and reported better sleep.
66% reported reaching orgasm during masturbation.
69% said they did not masturbate after engaging in sexual intercourse.

“The study found that the higher the duration and frequency of masturbation in young women, the better their sexual function and higher their sexual literacy. Appropriate touch and knowledge of the female body and regular masturbation may affect sexual health and orgasm in women. Programs can be designed, implemented, and evaluated to promote women’s sexual health literacy. Sexual health literacy education should be one of the goals of health centers,” the study authors concluded.
The study sheds light on the masturbation practices of young women in Western Turkey. However, it should be noted that all study participants were young Turkish Muslim women. Results on other demographic and age groups might not be identical.
The paper, “(https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae059) Relationship between the frequency and duration of masturbation and the sexual health literacy and sexual function of women in western Turkey: a cross-sectional study,” was authored by Aysu Yıldız Karaahmet and Fatma Sule Bilgiç.

(https://www.psypost.org/neuroimaging-uncovers-brain-connectivity-patterns-linked-to-online-shopping-addiction/) Neuroimaging uncovers brain connectivity patterns linked to online shopping addiction
Dec 26th 2024, 12:00

A recent study published in (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028393224001829) Neuropsychologia has identified specific patterns of brain connectivity that can predict an individual’s tendency toward online shopping addiction. Using advanced brain imaging and predictive modeling techniques, researchers found that certain connections between key brain networks, such as the frontal-parietal network and default mode network, played significant roles. These findings provide insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of this growing behavioral addiction.
As online shopping becomes increasingly ingrained in modern life, especially following the surge in e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic, some individuals exhibit problematic behaviors described as online shopping addiction. This behavioral addiction is characterized by excessive and compulsive online shopping that disrupts daily life and social functioning. Despite its growing prevalence, the neural mechanisms underlying this addiction have remained largely unexplored.
The researchers aimed to address this gap by identifying brain connectivity patterns, or a “connectome,” specific to online shopping addiction. Such findings could help differentiate online shopping addiction from other related behavioral disorders, such as generalized internet addiction, and guide the development of clinical diagnostic tools and interventions.
The study involved 218 college students aged 16 to 26, all of whom were recruited from Southwest University in China. Participants underwent an assessment of their online shopping addiction tendencies using a validated questionnaire that included items like “I always spend a lot of time on shopping sites every day.” This scale reliably measures the risk of addiction based on behaviors and attitudes toward online shopping.
In addition to this, participants completed scales measuring generalized internet addiction and impulsivity. These measures allowed the researchers to account for overlapping traits and behaviors while isolating those unique to online shopping addiction.
Participants also underwent an eight-minute resting-state functional MRI scan. This imaging technique measures spontaneous brain activity and functional connectivity between different brain regions while the individual is not engaged in any specific task. The researchers used a machine learning framework called connectome-based predictive modeling to analyze the data. This approach identifies brain connectivity patterns associated with behavioral tendencies—in this case, online shopping addiction.
The researchers found that specific patterns of brain connectivity could reliably predict individual tendencies toward online shopping addiction. These patterns were referred to as the “online shopping addiction connectome.” The connectome included two distinct types of networks: a positive network, where stronger connectivity correlated with higher addiction tendencies, and a negative network, where stronger connectivity correlated with lower addiction tendencies.
In the positive network, key connections were identified between the frontal-parietal network and the cingulo-opercular network. The frontal-parietal network is associated with cognitive control and decision-making, while the cingulo-opercular network plays a role in sustained attention and monitoring errors. Notable regions within this network included the middle frontal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus, which are critical for regulating self-control and impulsivity.
The researchers proposed that individuals with a higher risk of online shopping addiction might rely more on these brain regions to exert cognitive control over their behaviors. This reliance may reflect an ongoing internal struggle to manage compulsive shopping impulses.
Conversely, the negative network included connections within the default mode network and between the default mode network and other regions, such as the frontal-parietal network and visual networks. The default mode network is central to self-referential thinking, emotion regulation, and attention. Stronger connectivity within and between these regions was associated with lower online shopping addiction tendencies.
Key areas of the negative network included the anterior cingulate cortex and inferior temporal gyrus, which are linked to emotional processing and the capacity to manage distractions effectively. These findings suggest that individuals with stronger connectivity in the negative network may have better emotional regulation and cognitive control, reducing their vulnerability to addiction.
Importantly, the study demonstrated that these connectivity patterns were specific to online shopping addiction and distinct from generalized internet addiction.
Another finding was the role of impulsivity in mediating the relationship between the negative network and online shopping addiction. Individuals with weaker connectivity within the default mode network exhibited higher levels of impulsivity, which, in turn, increased their susceptibility to compulsive shopping behaviors. This mediation effect highlights the interplay between brain connectivity and personality traits in influencing addiction tendencies. Impulsivity appears to act as a pathway through which weaker neural connectivity predisposes individuals to problematic behaviors.
While the study provides valuable insights, it has several limitations. First, the sample consisted exclusively of college students, limiting the generalizability of the findings to other age groups or populations. Future research should investigate whether these brain connectivity patterns apply to older adults or individuals with more severe clinical symptoms of online shopping addiction.
Second, the study relied on resting-state functional connectivity, which captures baseline brain activity. While informative, this approach does not establish causal relationships between brain connectivity and addiction behaviors. Experimental studies using interventions such as brain stimulation could help clarify these causal links.
Lastly, the study focused on identifying predictive brain patterns but did not address potential treatment implications. Future research could explore how these findings might inform therapeutic strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or non-invasive brain stimulation, to improve self-control and reduce compulsive shopping behaviors.
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108967) Individualized prediction of online shopping addiction from whole-brain functional connectivity,” was authored by Liang Shi, Zhiting Ren, Qiuyang Feng, and Jiang Qiu.

(https://www.psypost.org/study-reveals-the-brains-uncanny-ability-to-recognize-faces-under-suppressed-awareness/) Study reveals the brain’s uncanny ability to recognize faces under suppressed awareness
Dec 26th 2024, 10:00

A new study published in the (https://jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2800843) Journal of Vision has unveiled how our brains detect faces even when presented with limited and ambiguous visual information. Using a specialized technique to suppress conscious awareness, the researchers found that stimuli resembling faces are processed more quickly, even when visual details are minimal. These findings suggest that the human brain is particularly sensitive to facial features, responding rapidly even under conditions where conscious perception is absent.
Faces play a pivotal role in human communication and social interaction, making face perception an essential cognitive skill. Our brains have specialized mechanisms for detecting and processing faces, allowing us to recognize individuals and interpret emotions with remarkable speed and accuracy. However, much of what is known about face perception comes from studies conducted under conscious viewing conditions. Less is understood about how the brain processes incomplete or ambiguous visual information when we are unaware of it. The researchers sought to address this gap, particularly how the brain identifies face-like stimuli under unconscious conditions.
“Facial recognition is essential to human interaction, and we were curious about how the brain processes ambiguous or incomplete facial images—especially when they’re hidden from conscious awareness. We believe understanding these mechanisms can shed light on subconscious visual processing,” said study author (https://sites.google.com/view/michaelmakoto/about) Makoto Michael Martinsen, a PhD student conducting research under the (https://www.vpac.cs.tut.ac.jp/en/home/) Visual Perception and Cognition Laboratory and the (https://sites.google.com/site/nantetsu/) Cognitive Neurotechnology Laboratory at the Toyohashi University of Technology.
To investigate how the brain processes face-like stimuli unconsciously, the researchers used a method called Continuous Flash Suppression (CFS). In this technique, participants were presented with a dynamic series of high-contrast masking images in one eye while a target image—such as a face-like stimulus—was shown to the other eye. The rapid flashing of the mask suppressed the perception of the target image, rendering it temporarily invisible to the participant. By measuring the time it took for the target image to “break through” the suppression and reach conscious awareness, the researchers could infer how efficiently the brain processed the image.
The study included 24 participants, all university students aged 20 to 24, with normal or corrected-to-normal vision. They were exposed to two types of visual stimuli: grayscale images of faces and binary images resembling faces. These binary images were created using black-and-white contrasts to simulate minimal facial features, such as contours and the general arrangement of facial elements. Each image was presented in both upright and inverted orientations to assess the impact of orientation on recognition.
During each trial, participants were tasked with identifying the location (left or right) of the target image as soon as it became visible. Following the main experiment, participants also rated the “face-likeness” and “object-likeness” of the binary images on a scale, providing additional data on how the visual system categorized these ambiguous stimuli.
The results showed that the brain responds more rapidly to face-like stimuli, even when they are presented unconsciously. For grayscale images of faces, upright stimuli were detected significantly faster than inverted ones, confirming the “inversion effect,” a well-established phenomenon in face perception research.
“The inversion effect in face perception is the difficulty people have recognizing upside-down faces compared to upright ones,” Martinsen explained. “This happens because our brains are wired to process faces holistically, and flipping them disrupts this ability.”
Interestingly, the inversion effect was not observed for the binary face-like stimuli. The researchers hypothesized that the lack of detailed facial information in these images might have hindered the brain’s ability to process them holistically.
“We didn’t see the expected ‘inversion effect’ with binary face images, which was surprising because it’s a common result with grayscale faces,” Martinsen told PsyPost. “This suggests that binary images don’t provide enough visual detail for the brain to fully engage in holistic facial processing.”
However, the study found a significant correlation between the perceived “face-likeness” of the binary images and the speed at which they were detected. Binary images judged to be more face-like broke through suppression more quickly, suggesting that even minimal facial cues are sufficient to activate the brain’s face-processing mechanisms.
In contrast, no significant relationship was found between the perceived “object-likeness” of the stimuli and detection speed. This indicates that the brain’s sensitivity to facial features is distinct from its response to other types of visual information. The study also ruled out low-level visual factors, such as pixel density, as a confounding influence on the results.
“Our study shows that even vague, face-like images can trigger subconscious processing in the brain, demonstrating how deeply rooted facial recognition is in our visual system,” Martinsen said. “This ability likely evolved to help us prioritize faces, which are critical for social interaction, even when visual information is scarce.”
But as with all research, there are some caveats to consider. “We didn’t consider factors like emotion or attractiveness, which can affect facial perception,” Martinsen noted. “Additionally, participants might have interpreted inverted faces inconsistently, and the masking method we used could have influenced results.”
Despite this, “our study highlights the brain’s incredible ability to extract important information from minimal cues, especially when it comes to faces,” Martinsen said. “It emphasizes the importance of facial features in both conscious and subconscious perception and raises interesting questions about how this mechanism evolved.”
“Our next step is to incorporate techniques like eye-tracking to help identify which facial features participants focus on during unconscious processing, which could potentially provide further insights into how attention is distributed across different face parts. Additionally, we hope to better understand how the brain identifies faces under challenging conditions and how minimal visual cues can activate specific brain areas.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1167/jov.24.9.18) Facial ambiguity and perception: How face-likeness affects breaking time in continuous flash suppression,” was authored by Michael Makoto Martinsen, Kairi Yoshino, Yuya Kinzuka, Fumiaki Sato, Hideki Tamura, Tetsuto Minami, and Shigeki Nakauchi.

Forwarded by:
Michael Reeder LCPC
Baltimore, MD

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