A new study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) has found that it’s how young people use social media, not how long they use it, that matters most in relation to their mental health.

Challenging Common Beliefs About Social Media Use

The groundbreaking study, led by psychology professor Dr. Amori Mikami, has challenged widespread assumptions about social media and mental health. Contrary to the belief that time spent online is the key factor, the research reveals that how young people use social media has a far greater impact on their well-being.

The study found that intentional, mindful engagement with social media can significantly improve mental health, reducing the negative effects often linked to excessive use. Published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, the findings may provide valuable insights for individuals, businesses, and social media platforms looking to foster healthier online habits.

How The Study Worked

The study, involving 393 Canadian young adults aged 17 to 29, explored two approaches to modifying social media habits, i.e. abstinence and intentional use. Participants were divided into three groups:

1. Control Group: No changes to their usual social media habits.

2. Abstinence Group: Encouraged to stop using social media entirely.

3. Tutorial Group: Coached to use social media more thoughtfully by fostering meaningful interactions and avoiding harmful comparisons.

Over six weeks, the participants’ social media behaviours were tracked using self-reports and smartphone monitoring, while their mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness, were assessed.

The Key Findings

The study revealed that both the abstinence and tutorial groups experienced mental health benefits compared to the control group, but in different ways. For example, the study revealed that:

– Abstinence reduced anxiety and depression. Those who abstained entirely saw the largest decreases in symptoms of anxiety and depression. This was attributed to a decline in social comparison and the pressures of self-presentation.

– Intentional use combated loneliness and fear of missing out (FOMO). The tutorial group, who were coached to prioritise meaningful online interactions, reported reduced feelings of loneliness and FOMO. Unlike the abstinence group, these participants still engaged with social media but in a way that supported their mental health.

Interestingly, while both approaches reduced social comparisons, the tutorial group’s method of selectively following and muting accounts proved effective in building a healthier online environment.

Why These Results Matter

One important finding of the study was that quitting social media altogether isn’t the only path to better mental health. For example, by adopting intentional practices, such as unfollowing accounts that trigger negative feelings and actively engaging with supportive friends, users can reap the benefits of connectivity without falling into harmful patterns.

The study’s leader, Dr. Mikami, highlighted the practical nature of these changes, saying: “For many people, quitting social media isn’t realistic. But curating a more positive experience is a viable way to support mental well-being.”

These findings also carry significant implications for businesses that rely on social media advertising. With users becoming increasingly aware of their online habits, businesses may need to reconsider how they engage with audiences. Content that fosters positive interactions and avoids triggering negative self-comparisons could become more effective in maintaining consumer trust and loyalty.

What About Social Media Companies?

Social media platforms are under growing pressure to address their impact on mental health. The UBC’s research highlights the need for features that promote healthier usage, such as tools for muting harmful content or encouraging active, meaningful interactions.

Platforms like Instagram and Facebook could also benefit from transparency about curated content. For example, promoting the idea that most posts represent highly filtered versions of reality might help users avoid damaging comparisons.

Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s

The findings arrive as global governments grapple with the implications of social media on young users. Notably, the Australian Senate has just passed legislation banning social media use for children under 16. The move reflects growing concern over the psychological impact of early and unchecked access to social platforms.

While Australia’s ban seeks to address potential harms by restricting access, UBC’s research offers a complementary perspective, i.e. that education and intentional usage might achieve similar, if not better, outcomes without requiring full abstinence. Together, these approaches could shape future policies and intervention strategies worldwide.

The Bigger Picture

The UBC study provides a balanced view, showing that social media is neither inherently harmful nor entirely beneficial; rather, its impact depends largely on how it is used. With 81 per cent of young adults in North America regularly using social media, and platforms like Instagram and Facebook seeing significant growth during the pandemic, these insights are timely.

The research also challenges the notion of “digital detoxes” as the sole solution to mental health issues. Instead, it calls for a shift in perspective, encouraging users to actively shape their online experiences rather than retreat from them entirely.

Dr. Mikami summarised the findings, saying: “For young people, it’s not about logging off—it’s about logging on with intention.”

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The findings from the UBC study show that the relationship between social media and mental health is more nuanced than many people thought. Far from being a one-dimensional issue, the impact of social media use appears to depend on the quality of engagement rather than the quantity of time spent online. This shift in perspective challenges the prevailing belief that limiting screen time is the only way to improve well-being. Instead, it opens the door to alternative strategies that allow users to maintain their online presence while fostering healthier habits.

For individuals, the message is clear: curating a positive online experience by actively managing who they follow and how they interact can reduce feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and FOMO. It is a practical and attainable solution, especially for those who rely on social media for personal or professional connections.

While features such as muting, unfollowing, and transparency about curated content already exist, their effectiveness depends on widespread awareness and adoption. Platforms must, therefore, actively promote tools that encourage mindful use and consider designing new features to enhance meaningful interactions. This shift could help address growing concerns about the negative effects of social media, particularly among younger users.

The study’s insights also resonate with broader policy discussions, such as Australia’s recent decision to ban social media use for those under 16 without parental consent. While such measures aim to mitigate risks, the UBC findings suggest that education on intentional use could be equally, if not more, effective.

The research, therefore, reframes the debate on social media, moving beyond the binary of “good” or “bad” usage. For a generation deeply entwined with digital technology, this perspective offers hope that social media can be a tool for connection and growth rather than a source of stress and comparison.

It’s been reported that Apple has advised on its discussion forum that force-closing apps on an iPhone can negatively impact device performance and battery life.

Contrary to the common belief that swiping apps closed conserves battery, Apple has clarified that recently used apps are not actively running but are in a “standby mode”. Because they are suspended, they don’t actually consume system resources or drain battery life.

Apple advises that swiping apps closed (force-closing apps) should be reserved only for instances when an app becomes “unresponsive”. Regularly closing apps forces the system to reload them entirely upon reopening, which consumes more processor cycles and, consequently, more battery power.

For businesses, this practice can lead to inefficiencies, especially in environments where employees rely on multiple apps throughout the day. Encouraging staff to leave apps in standby mode can enhance device performance and prolong battery life, reducing downtime and the need for frequent charging.

To optimise battery life, Apple recommends updating to the latest software, lowering screen brightness, utilising Low Power Mode, and disabling Location Services when not needed. Implementing these measures can further support device longevity and efficiency in business settings.

Allowing iPhone apps to remain in standby mode, therefore, rather than force-closing them, aligns with Apple’s design for optimal performance and battery conservation, benefiting both individual users and business operations.

Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) has reported dismantling 240 fraudulent websites linked to an Egypt-based cybercrime group, thereby disrupting a key operation within the expanding “Phishing-as-a-Service” (PhaaS) industry.

Central to the threat is the rapid rise of “Adversary-in-The-Middle” (AiTM) phishing attacks, which allow attackers to intercept and manipulate communications, bypassing multifactor authentication (MFA) protections. Microsoft’s latest report revealed a 146 per cent surge in AiTM attacks in 2024, as these techniques become the favoured method for breaching secure accounts. The fraudulent ONNX operation, led by Abanoub Nady (“MRxC0DER”), leveraged AiTM tactics alongside “do-it-yourself” phishing kits to execute widespread attacks, heavily targeting the financial sector.

The kits, sold under a fraudulent ONNX brand, enabled criminals to scale their operations, bypassing advanced security measures. Distributed via platforms like Telegram, the kits followed a subscription model with varying levels of support, including step-by-step guidance. Phishing campaigns originating from these kits were among the top five globally by email volume this year, highlighting the threat’s scale and sophistication.

By obtaining a court order to take control of the malicious infrastructure, Microsoft, in partnership with LF Projects, has disrupted the operation, severing access for cybercriminals and sending a strong deterrent message.

Organisations can protect themselves by adopting advanced email filtering, deploying layered MFA solutions, and ensuring regular cybersecurity training. Vigilance and proactive defences remain critical in countering these increasingly sophisticated phishing techniques.

Researchers at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have developed a composite material capable of absorbing more than 99 per cent of electromagnetic waves across multiple frequencies.

Could Transform Many Industries

In an era where technology and sustainability must progress hand-in-hand, the ground-breaking ultra-thin, flexible film could transform industries ranging from energy and telecommunications to defence and environmental health, perhaps marking a major milestone in sustainable materials science.

What Is This New Material?

The researchers achieved this breakthrough by synthesising a unique magnetic composite material and incorporating it into a polymer film with double-sided conductive patterns. Three critical components underpin the material’s success:

– Magnetic Composite Layer (MCL). Synthesised by altering the crystal structure of ferrites, this layer exhibits strong ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) properties, enabling high absorption of electromagnetic waves at specific frequencies.

– Conductive Patterned Grid (CPG). Designed as a precisely engineered filter, the grid transmits electromagnetic waves at certain resonant frequencies while minimising reflection.

– Double-Walled Carbon Nanotube Film (DWCNTF). This film works as the primary absorber, dissipating the trapped waves through conduction losses and enhancing overall shielding effectiveness.

Together, these layers create a material that is not only ultra-thin and flexible but also robust enough to withstand 5,000 bending cycles without compromising performance. Its flexible nature makes it ideal for emerging technologies such as foldable smartphones, rollable displays, and wearable devices.

What Makes This Material Special?

The new material developed by KIMS researchers is so special because it essentially redefines electromagnetic interference (EMI) management with its ultra-thin, flexible design (less than 0.5 mm thick) and an extraordinary ability to absorb over 99 per cent of electromagnetic waves from sources like 5G/6G communications, Wi-Fi signals, and radar systems. Unlike conventional shielding materials, which reflect waves and inadvertently create secondary interference, this material captures and dissipates waves, effectively eliminating electromagnetic pollution.

Its dual capability of ultra-low reflectance (less than 1 per cent) and high absorbance across three distinct frequency bands makes it uniquely suited to mitigate electromagnetic pollution while enhancing the performance of devices reliant on electromagnetic waves. This contrasts sharply with traditional materials, such as metals and carbon-based films, which achieve high shielding through reflection but suffer from inefficiency, secondary pollution, and limitations in high-frequency applications like millimetre-wave (mmWave) technologies.

By adopting an absorption-dominant approach, the KIMS material converts electromagnetic waves into heat or dissipates them through conduction losses, providing a more sustainable and effective solution. As Senior Researcher Byeongjin Park explains, “Conventional shielding materials reflect over 90% of electromagnetic waves, with an absorbance often as low as 10%. Our new composite overcomes these limitations by absorbing and eliminating electromagnetic waves entirely, significantly improving the reliability of wireless communication devices.”

Key Features and Benefits

The composite material’s features and benefits extend far beyond traditional shielding technologies. These include:

– Triple resonant absorption. The material demonstrates ultra-low reflection and high absorption at three distinct frequency bands, including frequencies used in 5G communication, autonomous vehicle radar systems, and wireless gigabit communication. It achieves a total shielding effectiveness (SET) of 70 dB (equivalent to 99.99999 per cent shielding) with less than 1 per cent reflection.

– Flexibility and durability. Its thin, lightweight design ensures easy integration into next-generation devices, while its durability allows repeated folding and bending without degradation, making it ideal for applications in rollable electronics.

– Wide frequency coverage. The material works across mmWave frequency bands, which are critical for advanced communications and radar technologies.

– Environmental advantages. By absorbing rather than reflecting electromagnetic waves, it mitigates secondary interference and electromagnetic pollution, reducing both environmental and health concerns.

Potential Applications

The implications and applications of this material are vast, potentially offering solutions across numerous industries while addressing key sustainability challenges. For example, these could include:

– Enhancing renewable energy systems. The material’s ability to absorb and manage electromagnetic waves efficiently could significantly improve the performance of renewable energy systems. For instance, integrating it into solar panels might allow the capture of a broader spectrum of light, increasing energy conversion rates. Also, it could be used in solar thermal systems to better harness and store energy as heat.

– Revolutionising consumer electronics. With the rapid growth of IoT devices, wearables, and flexible electronics, the demand for compact, efficient EMI shielding solutions has never been higher. This material could ensure these devices operate without interference, consume less power, and last longer. Imagine a world where your smartphone or smartwatch no longer suffers from signal loss or energy inefficiency due to interference.

– Supporting wireless energy harvesting. Ambient electromagnetic waves from Wi-Fi routers, cellular networks, and radio signals could be captured and converted into usable energy for low-power devices. This could open up possibilities for powering IoT sensors, reducing reliance on batteries, and enabling the development of sustainable smart cities.

– Tackling electromagnetic pollution. The material’s unique absorption properties address the growing concern of electromagnetic pollution, a by-product of our increasingly wireless world. By reducing stray waves in urban areas, it could improve environmental health while boosting the performance of critical communication systems.

– Advancing communication technologies. In telecommunications, managing signal propagation with minimal energy loss is crucial. This material could enhance the efficiency of network infrastructure, reduce data transmission costs, and improve signal clarity for technologies such as autonomous driving and drone communication.

– Defence and security. The material’s ability to absorb electromagnetic waves makes it a natural fit for stealth technology, where radar invisibility is paramount. Beyond military applications, it could be used to safeguard sensitive information by preventing electromagnetic eavesdropping.

– Industrial efficiency. From optimising microwave-based manufacturing processes to enhancing heat dissipation in high-performance electronics, this material offers ways to reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of industrial operations.

– Sustainable building design. Its heat absorption capabilities could be leveraged in construction, where it might enable passive heating solutions. By capturing and releasing heat as needed, it could reduce dependence on artificial heating and cooling systems.

Why This Innovation Matters for Sustainability

Beyond its immediate technical merits, this material represents a step towards more sustainable technologies. By enhancing energy efficiency, reducing electromagnetic pollution, and supporting the development of cleaner electronic devices, it aligns with the global push for greener, more responsible innovation.

Also, the researchers’ focus on scalability ensures its accessibility for widespread application. The material has already been patented in multiple countries and licensed to domestic manufacturers, with plans to integrate it into real-world devices and systems.

Dr Byeongjin Park summarised its significance: “This material has the potential to transform how we think about electromagnetic wave management. As 5G and 6G communications expand, so too does the need for materials that can improve device reliability and minimise environmental impact. Our innovation is a step forward in achieving these goals.”

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation?

The development of this composite material could represent a significant step forward in both materials science and sustainability. Its innovative ability to absorb over 99 per cent of electromagnetic waves while remaining ultra-thin, flexible, and durable appears to make it uniquely positioned to address some of the most pressing challenges in technology and environmental health.

This material’s absorption-dominant design directly confronts the longstanding issues associated with traditional EMI shielding, such as secondary electromagnetic pollution and inefficiency at higher frequencies. By converting unwanted electromagnetic waves into heat or dissipating them entirely, it reduces interference, enhances device performance, and contributes to the reliability of critical technologies like 5G/6G communications, autonomous vehicles, and IoT devices. The fact that it achieves this while being less than 0.5 mm thick and resistant to wear from repeated bending is nothing short of remarkable.

What truly sets this breakthrough apart, however, is its potential for wide-ranging applications. From revolutionising renewable energy systems to tackling the growing concern of electromagnetic pollution, this material stands out as potentially being a versatile solution with real-world impact. For example, its role in enhancing wireless energy harvesting could redefine urban sustainability, while its ability to improve energy efficiency in consumer electronics and industrial processes offers an opportunity to significantly reduce waste and resource consumption.

Also, the material’s potential in defence, secure communication, and sustainable construction illustrates its adaptability across diverse fields. Its capacity to absorb electromagnetic waves for stealth purposes, enhance thermal management in buildings, and even optimise industrial manufacturing processes demonstrates its vast applicability. Each of these use cases highlights how the material aligns with the global shift towards technologies that not only perform better but also contribute to sustainability goals.

The researchers’ efforts to ensure scalability and accessibility further highlight the importance of this innovation. By licensing the technology for practical applications and securing patents internationally, the KIMS team hopes to have laid the groundwork for integrating this material into mainstream industries. Such a forward-thinking approach may ensure that its benefits can be realised on a global scale, potentially making it a true enabler of sustainable progress.

In a world increasingly reliant on electromagnetic wave-based technologies, the need for efficient, environmentally friendly solutions is critical. This composite material looks as though it not only addresses that need but does so in a way that could open the door to a new era of sustainable innovation. Looking ahead, as its adoption expands, it has the potential to redefine industries, improve energy efficiency, and reduce the environmental footprint of modern technology.

Once again, we continue in the theme of backing up your social-media accounts. Last week it was LinkedIn and this time it’s Facebook and Instagram. Not only is it important, it’s free.

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It’s best to download it first]

Windows lets you hide specific folders so they don’t appear in File Explorer, providing a simple way to keep files private without additional software. Here’s how it works:

To Hide a Folder:

1. Locate the Folder:

– Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to hide.

2. Change the Folder Properties:

– Right-click the folder and select ‘Properties’.

– In the General tab, check the box for ‘Hidden’ under the ‘Attributes’ section.

– Click OK. The folder will now be hidden from view unless hidden items are toggled on.

3. To Reveal Hidden Folders (Optional):

In Windows 10:

– Open File Explorer.

– Click the View tab in the ribbon at the top.

– Check the box for ‘Hidden’ items under the ‘Show/Hide’ group.

In Windows 11:

– Open File Explorer.

– Click the View button (three horizontal dots in the toolbar).

– Select Show > Hidden items to toggle visibility.