Overloading

 

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Di na makaisip nan malayom.

Oxford University Press of the Oxford Dictionary announced the Word of the Year for 2024 is ‘brain rot’. This was released after a public vote. The term's usage increased by 230% between 2023 and 2024.

"Brain rot" is a term that refers to the supposed decline of a person's mental or intellectual state, often due to consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content. It can also refer to content that is likely to cause such deterioration.

The constant engagement with digital devices and social media amplifies this issue, leading to reduced attention spans and difficulty processing complex information (Carr, 2020). Moreover, researchers suggest that the quality of consumed information plays a significant role, as exposure to irrelevant or conflicting data can heighten stress and hinder decision-making (Bawden & Robinson, 2009).

People consume excessive amounts of insignificant information on social media for several reasons. Social media platforms are designed with algorithms that prioritize engagement, often promoting sensational or attention-grabbing content over substantive information.

This fosters a cycle of mindless scrolling, known as "doomscrolling," where users consume vast amounts of trivial or emotionally charged content.

Additionally, the dopamine-driven feedback loops created by likes, comments, and shares encourage users to stay engaged with the platform, often at the expense of discerning the quality of information (Montag et al., 2021).

Social and psychological factors, such as the fear of missing out (FOMO) and the desire for social validation, also play a significant role in driving the consumption of inconsequential content. These behaviors are further triggered by the lack of media literacy, which makes it challenging for users to differentiate between meaningful and insignificant information.

This is why financially-challenged individuals often feel compelled to acquire cakes for birthdays and extravagant bouquets for special occasions, perceiving these items as essential symbols of celebration and social validation. They internalized the information, perceiving it as both “normal” and indispensable.

Individuals may experience a decline in cognitive functioning, including impaired memory, reduced attention span, and difficulty processing complex information. This state often arises from excessive exposure to trivial or overwhelming amounts of information, particularly through digital media, which overstimulates the brain while offering little opportunity for critical reflection.

Then, brain rot occurs.

To combat this, it is essential to limit screen time, prioritize consuming meaningful and credible information, and take regular breaks from digital devices. Engaging in offline activities like reading, exercising, or learning new skills can help restore cognitive health.

Additionally, fostering real-life connections provides balance and perspective, contributing to overall mental clarity and resilience against information overload (Carr, 2020; Bawden & Robinson, 2009).

Succumbing to the addictive psychological manipulation of algorithms inevitably leads to a decline in cognitive function.

 

The Dangerous Self

 

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Ako an sentro nan kalibutan!

There is a lighthearted joke about naming someone "Celine Dion." The humor stems from the renowned singer's iconic hit, “It’s All Coming Back to Me.” While the song’s lyrics delve into revisiting poignant moments of her life, many playfully interpret the title as a declaration of pure self-centeredness—a cheeky ode to the "Me-Myself-and-I" phenomenon at its finest.

During a conversation with a psychologist, this writer once inquired about identifying the signs of leaning toward egocentric tendencies. The professional advised a simple yet insightful approach: count the occurrences of "me," "myself," and "I" in journal entries, and be mindful of how often these appear in everyday conversations as well.

Egocentrism refers to the tendency to focus excessively on oneself, often resulting in difficulty understanding or considering perspectives different from one's own (Piaget, 1951).

Research by Epley, Morewedge, and Keysar (2004) studied egocentrism to adults, illustrating how egocentric biases influence communication and decision-making.

Egocentric tendencies are characterized by a preoccupation with oneself, often evident in excessive self-referencing, lack of empathy, and dominating conversations by steering topics back to personal experiences. Individuals with these tendencies may struggle to accept criticism, assume their opinions are superior, and resist compromise, prioritizing personal desires over collaborative solutions.

They may also have difficulty distinguishing their perspective from others’, often believing their experiences or viewpoints are universal. Recognizing these behaviors is essential for fostering self-awareness and improving interpersonal relationships.

Egocentrism, while not classified as a standalone mental illness, can manifest in extreme forms associated with pathological conditions such as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and antisocial personality disorder (APD), which pose risks to both the individual and others.

Research by Dimaggio et al. (2020) highlights how excessive self-focus and impaired empathy in NPD can lead to interpersonal conflicts and emotional distress. Similarly, studies by Hare (2003) on psychopathy, a subset of APD, reveal egocentrism as a core trait linked to manipulative and harmful behaviors.

When these tendencies escalate, they may contribute to relationship breakdowns, criminal behavior, or other detrimental outcomes, underscoring the need for early identification and intervention.

To augment wellness in individuals with egocentric tendencies, a holistic approach emphasizing reflections, self-awareness and empathy is crucial.

If ego overpowers, the soundtrack can be that from Tears for Fears: Mad World.

Empty, Nil, Nothing

 

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Pirme jaoy kuyang!

Many individuals believe that wealth, material possessions, and other worldly acquisitions will bring them lasting satisfaction. However, they often experience a profound sense of emptiness even after attaining their desired goals. Some may extend this mindset by viewing relationships or other individuals as mere possessions, further deepening their discontent. This persistent sense of inadequacy can be traced to underlying psychological deficits, which serve as the root cause of their unmet desires and emotional hunger.

The phenomenon of seeking external possessions or relationships to fill an inner void is often linked to existential emptiness and unmet psychological needs. Maslow's (1943) theory of motivation emphasizes that individuals seek to satisfy deficiency needs, such as love and esteem, before achieving self-actualization.

Research on materialism has shown that excessive focus on possessions is associated with lower life satisfaction and well-being (Kasser, 2002).

Furthermore, studies suggest that objectifying others in relationships reflects unresolved attachment insecurities and a lack of self-worth (Wiederman, 2000). These findings highlight the importance of addressing internal psychological deficits for genuine fulfillment.

During the heightened research on cognition and personal success, it was clearly posited that Emotional Intelligence (EI) play a crucial role in a person’s happiness and peace of mind.

Individuals with higher EI are better equipped to recognize and manage their emotional deficits, fostering healthier coping mechanisms and interpersonal relationships. For example, self-awareness enables individuals to identify feelings of dissatisfaction, while self-regulation helps them avoid impulsive behaviors like over-reliance on material possessions (Petrides et al., 2007).

Also, empathy and social skills facilitate the development of meaningful connections, which are essential for fulfilling emotional needs. By cultivating EI, individuals can address psychological deficits and foster long-term emotional well-being.

In Ego is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday (2016) emphasizes the destructive role of unchecked ego in undermining personal growth, relationships, and fulfillment. This perspective aligns with the importance of emotional intelligence (EI), as cultivating self-awareness and humility—key components of EI—can mitigate the negative effects of ego.

Holiday’s insights highlight how ego-driven pursuits, such as excessive materialism or the objectification of others, often stem from a lack of internal balance and self-regulation. By prioritizing EI, individuals can transcend ego-driven behaviors, fostering greater emotional well-being and meaningful connections.

Without emotional intelligence, a person’s worldview becomes self-centered, fixated on their own perspectives while dismissing the needs, feelings, or viewpoints of others. They may stubbornly cling to the belief that they are always right, expecting others to accommodate and understand them, often without extending the same consideration in return.

It is essential for individuals to recognize that emotional intelligence lies within their control. Self-regulation, when combined with resilience and mental well-being, becomes a vital personal responsibility, much like maintaining physical health. Cultivating emotional intelligence empowers individuals to navigate challenges with greater emotional balance, fostering both personal growth and stability.

Without strong will and effort, insanity awaits.

Navigational Capacity

 

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Kitay magboot sa ato tagbati…

Sometimes, we wonder why we allow our moods to take over and disrupt our peace. It often turns good days into bad ones, going against the advice to control our emotions rather than letting them control us.

The phenomenon of allowing moods to take over is often referred to as emotional dysregulation. It occurs when individuals have difficulty managing or responding to their emotions in a balanced way, leading to emotional reactions that may be disproportionate or out of control.

According to Linehan’s (1993) Dialectical Behavior Therapy theory, emotional dysregulation is often linked to intense and unstable emotions that individuals struggle to control, leading to impulsive behaviors.

People experiencing emotional dysregulation may feel overwhelmed by their moods, allowing them to dictate their thoughts, behaviors, and decisions. This can result in mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty maintaining emotional stability in the face of stress or daily challenges.

It is commonly associated with mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or depression, but can also occur in individuals with high emotional sensitivity or under prolonged stress.

Chronic stress, societal pressures, and dysfunctional family environments can trigger  emotional dysregulation. Prolonged exposure to stressful life events, such as financial hardship, relationship conflict, or work stress, can overwhelm a person’s ability to regulate emotions effectively (Gross, 2015).

Additionally, a lack of positive role models or emotional support systems can leave individuals without healthy coping mechanisms.

Despite exposure to factors that influence mood swings, a person’s ability to think critically allows for the development of a robust navigational capacity. With the right tools and self-awareness, individuals can cultivate emotional regulation skills, enabling them to better manage their emotions and navigate challenges effectively.

A navigational capacity refers to an individual’s ability to recognize, understand, and adapt to their emotional experiences in a way that supports overall well-being and stability. This capacity involves emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to regulate emotions flexibly based on the context.

Emotional regulation helps individuals not only manage their moods but also make the most of them. For instance, someone with strong emotional awareness may channel their sadness into reflection or creative expression, or they may use heightened joy to energize others and promote productivity.

If patterns of impulsive or destructive behavior, persistent feelings of sadness, anger, or emptiness, or if one finds it difficult to manage stress despite best efforts, seeking help can provide essential support.

Prolonged experience of emotional dysregulation leads to mental breakdowns.

 

Violence Against Women in Digital Spaces

 

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Banatan dajon kay baje man..

The Philippine Star reported on December 6, 2024: Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings dominated Google search trends in the Philippines on Dec. 4 following an explosive social media post by the actor’s non-showbiz ex-girlfriend Jamela Villanueva.

The surge in searches began after Jamela shared screenshots exposing popular loveteam Maris and Anthony’s alleged infidelity in their private messages via Instagram stories at midnight.

The Maris-Anthony issue outpaced other major news stories such as the abrupt declaration of martial law in South Korea, which broke out around the same time.

This may indicate that the majority tend to rely more on their Feeling Brain than their Thinking Brain. Alternatively, it could suggest that many people are deeply invested in relationships, making the topic highly relatable to them.

The distinction between the "Feeling Brain" and the "Thinking Brain" is rooted in psychological and neuroscientific theories, with influences from Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow. Kahneman (2011) describes Feeling Brain as the intuitive, emotional processor and Thinking Brain as the deliberate, analytical thinker.

Moreover, as the issue continued to dominate social media platforms, the deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset among Filipinos became evident, with many quick to blame Racal as the culprit without considering the broader context or understanding the entirety of the situation.

The perpetuation of slut mentality and the tendency to blame women in various situations can be understood through multiple theoretical frameworks. Feminist theorists such as Sylvia Walby and Kate Millett, through Patriarchy Theory, highlight how societal structures privilege men and subordinate women, enforcing rigid sexual norms that penalize women for expressing agency over their bodies.

Thus, the meme on “I touch myself” seem to be entertaining to many not realizing that they are making fun to a woman – a human being. This aligns with the Double Standard Theory, which sociologists argue normalizes male promiscuity while labeling sexually autonomous women as immoral.

And as “responsible netizens” we have to understand legal implications on our actions. Sharing screenshots of private conversations without the consent of all parties involved violates the principles of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) in the Philippines. This law protects an individual’s right to privacy by regulating the collection, processing, and disclosure of personal information.

In this case, the conversation between Maris and Anthony falls into this. Conversations, particularly private messages are under this category, as they contain identifiable details about the participants. Sharing such screenshots without consent not only disregards privacy but also breaches Section 11, which mandates the fair and lawful processing of personal information.

The tendency to gloat over a woman's mistakes is deeply rooted in ingrained societal norms and gender stereotypes that devalue women, often holding them to stricter standards than their male counterparts. However, it is essential to recognize the importance of understanding and adhering to the law to prevent harmful repercussions. Acknowledging the legal frameworks in place helps safeguard individual rights and ensures that such behaviors are met with accountability.

The incident involving Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to address and end violence against women, both in the physical and digital spaces. Such actions, which involve the sharing of private and intimate content without consent, not only harm the individuals involved but also perpetuate a culture of disrespect and exploitation.

YOU can be her. Or, your child, your friend, sister or even your own mother…