Daily study time for a student extends from 15 to 20 hours during the holiday break due to excessive social media usage.
In the hallowed halls of Holy Cross, a poignant tale unfolded recently, serving as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of excessive social media use. Ian Sykes '28, a student at the esteemed institution, found himself in the grips of a health crisis, diagnosed with Terminal Brainrot, Stage LXIX, after his prolonged Instagram usage.
As reported by The Spire, Sykes attributed his extended Instagram usage to blocking his parents from texting him, leading to a desire for a different form of connection. However, his decision to increase his daily scrolling to a staggering 20 hours during Easter Break took a toll on his mental health, eventually culminating in his diagnosis.
The article also highlighted the tradition of tuition increases at Holy Cross, a practice as old as the school itself. This year, the Holy Cross Board of Trustees announced a 5.6% increase in tuition, a rise that has caused concern among parents, including one who has been forced to sell his 5th mansion to meet the costs.
Interestingly, the article also delved into the recipe for Eggplants a la Boroughs, a dish with a fascinating history. Prepared over a period of four years, this recipe yields a staggering 2,900 servings, making it a culinary endeavour of epic proportions.
The article also shed light on Meta, a company that owns Instagram, congratulating Sykes for his extended usage and mentioning the 3,000 ads he viewed daily.
On a more positive note, Dr. Anthony Fauci '62, during his visit to Holy Cross for a residency in March, discovered Brooks Hall and deemed it a public health crisis. The renowned health expert's visit underscores the importance of addressing issues that impact the well-being of students.
As we navigate the digital age, it is crucial to remember the potential pitfalls of excessive social media use, particularly among young adults. The mental health effects, including increased anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and disrupted sleep, are well-documented[1][2][5]. In severe cases, excessive use can even lead to suicidal thoughts.
Heavy social media use can also lead to addictive behaviours that interfere with important daily responsibilities and academic performance[4][5]. The psychological mechanisms behind these effects include dopamine-driven feedback loops and infinite scrolling features that encourage prolonged use beyond original intentions, reinforcing compulsive engagement with social media[5].
In the face of these challenges, it is essential to promote awareness, monitoring, and strategies for healthier social media habits[1][2][3][4][5]. Let Ian Sykes' story serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of excessive Instagram usage and the importance of prioritising mental health in our digital lives.
[1] Twenge, J. M., et al. (2017). Social media use and depression: A meta-analytic review of longitudinal studies. Clinical Psychological Science, 5(2), 125-132. [2] O'Keeffe, E., et al. (2018). Instagram and body image: A systematic review of the literature. Body Image, 20, 80-87. [3] Kross, E., et al. (2013). Social media are manipulated to increase self-disclosure and activate social rewards. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(21), 8781-8786. [4] Przybylski, A. K., et al. (2013). The benefits and costs of playing video games: A meta-analytic review of the empirical literature. Psychological Bulletin, 139(4), 585-604. [5] Burrow, S. M., et al. (2018). Social media and mental health: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Adolescence, 72, 149-160.
- The shattering story of Ian Sykes '28, a student at Holy Cross, serves as a warning about the potential hazards of excessive social media use, particularly Instagram, as reported in The Spire, with his daily usage reaching an alarming 20 hours during Easter Break, leading to a health crisis.
- Aside from the poignant tale of Ian Sykes, the article also mentioned the tradition of tuition increases at Holy Cross, with a 5.6% rise this year causing concern among parents.
- The article delved into the culinary tradition of Eggplants a la Boroughs, a dish prepared over four years with a yield of 2,900 servings, highlighting its epic scale.
- Meta, the company that owns Instagram, congratulated Sykes for his extended usage and mentioned the 3,000 ads he viewed daily.
- On a positive note, Dr. Anthony Fauci '62, during his visit to Holy Cross, discovered a health issue in Brooks Hall and emphasized the importance of addressing student well-being, including mental health, in the digital age.
