addiction

Pornography Blocking Sites and a Firsthand Account of Pornography Addiction

December 4, 2023 by Samantha Sanchez

It’s no secret that porn has taken over the virtual world. But many aren’t aware that their tweens and teens are at risk for porn addiction. Today we’re looking at a candid first-hand account of someone whose porn addiction started at the age of 12. We’re also taking a glimpse at porn-blocking sites and our tips for recovery. If you’d like to find out what it takes to protect your kid from the dangers of the net and learn info on parental controls and monitoring, check out our GKIS Screen Safety Toolkit.

The Dangers of Porn

As mentioned in our article Online Pornography’s Impact on Kids and Teens, pornography consumption has grown. With adult sites like Pornhub growing more popular, our youth are at risk of developing a porn addiction more than ever.

According to Dr. Bennett, the demographic most at risk for porn addiction is adolescents with troubled familial relations.[1] For years, the common stereotype was that mainly boys were at risk for porn addiction. But times have changed. Girls are just as present on the internet, meaning all our youth are at risk for developing a porn addiction.

In the Online Pornography’s Impact on Kids and Teens article, Dr. B goes over the effects of regular pornography consumption, which could include the following:

Earlier sexual intercourse
Normalization of violence against women
Sexual aggression
Desensitization and habituation (this means the user may get used to less extreme content and will have to view more extreme content to get the same feeling of satisfaction.)
Hypersexual Disorder, is a disorder that causes one to engage in or think about sex to the point that it affects their life.[2]

For a deeper dive into porn addiction and how it can affect your child, check out Dr. B’s book, Screen Time in the Meantime: A Parenting Guide to Getting Kids Internet Safe.

A Firsthand Account of Pornography Addiction

Chase is a former pornography addict. He opened up and gave us insight into what it’s like being addicted and how it affected his mental health.

“When I was addicted to pornography, I think I was about 12 or 13 years old. It lasted until I turned 23 and it was a daily occurrence. I was consuming porn in different forms around 3 to 4 times a day,” he said.

Chase claimed that he got used to consuming porn quickly and talked about how it became a demanding habit. “It felt very infectious to my lifestyle. I’d pick up the phone and have to indulge in porn. Done doing a specific activity? Browsing [porn] again. It felt like if I didn’t get as much satisfaction from a ‘session,’ the next session had to fit a specific theme or fetish.”

Chase discussed how his porn addiction started creeping into other places in his life, saying “It got so bad to the point where it infected other things that aren’t even related to it in the first place. Looking up specific people, fetishes, and at its worst, trying to find easier avenues or different ways to access content. It was bad.”

He got even more candid with us, explaining how the addiction became mentally and physically invasive. “I think it affected my mental state very much. I don’t have too much experience in mental challenges when it comes to myself anyway, but it impacted my ability to follow daily habits and schedules, and at its worst, caused me to cancel plans.”

When asked about his advice for addiction prevention advice for those suffering from porn addiction, he replied “It’d be to not create any accounts for anything porn related. Limit yourself slowly over time, and don’t let yourself lose sight of what the future version you have of yourself would do, and slowly become that. You aren’t alone and reach out for help if you need it.”

Shame and How It Prevents Recovery

Because of the taboo nature of pornography, many people battling porn addictions experience feelings of shame and guilt. It’s why most people keep their addiction hidden for so long before seeking help. Some experience shame so much that they never seek help.

We see shame as a huge problem. In a study titled “Hidden in shame: Heterosexual men’s experiences of self-perceived problematic pornography use,”15 men were interviewed about their experience with porn. Nearly all of them stated that they grew up never talking or learning about sex education with their parents. They also stated that viewing pornography is taboo and it was difficult for them to seek help due to fear of rejection.[3]

One participant even sought help through a doctor when they were experiencing a reduced libido that stemmed from porn addiction. The doctor not only had nothing to offer him, but he immediately referred him to a male fertility specialist for testosterone treatments that cost him hundreds of dollars.[4]

Porn Site Blockers

Of course, it’s best to not even visit porn sites in the first place. But if you worry you have a problem, here are some porn-blocking tools that may help.

Disclaimer: GKIS is not sponsored or partnered with any of the porn-blocking sites listed.

Canopy

Canopy is an app that blocks porn sites, blocks apps, schedules screen time and downtime, and sexting prevention through image and text detection.[5] Parents or spouses set up their host account on their device followed by the kid/main user account on the kid/user’s device. The parent or spouse oversees the control settings and monitors the other device.

FamiSafe

FamiSafe is another app that blocks porn websites on any device. Like Canopy, parents have access to controls and internet usage. Parents can track social media usage, set screen time limits, track location, monitor keywords searched or sent via text, and more. Parents are notified when their kids are texting about inappropriate topics or when they’re at a location they shouldn’t be.[6]

CovenantEyes and the Victory App

CovenantEyes is a porn detector and blocker. It’s paired with its companion tool, the Victory app, to scan for suspicious activity, send reminders and check-ins, and issue mini-courses to see your progress.[7] CovenantEyes also offers Christian resources for followers struggling with porn addiction.

GKIS Tips for the Road to Recovery

Porn-blocking sites are useful but not foolproof. So, GKIS has tips for parents of children suffering from porn addiction.

It is healthy and appropriate for children to be curious about the human body and sexuality. For tips about how to offer shame-free sex education, check out our 4-article series starting with 6 Parenting Tips for Making Sex Ed Easier!
In addition to using home-setup strategies detailed in our Connected Family Course and parental monitoring tools listed in our Screen Safety Toolkit, consistently spot-check your child’s screen device. Talking to your child about spot-checking may steer them away from adult content since they know their device may be checked anytime.
Let them know this is the family policy before you buy them screen devices. That way they won’t feel lied to, betrayed, or spied upon if you do find questionable content. And if you do find something, allow that to be a teaching opportunity rather than a punishing opportunity. Your best safety tool is a healthy, collaborative parent-child relationship.
Limiting time on specific apps may be a useful tool for recovery. Apps like Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit are some of the most popular apps for adult film stars to promote their content. (Most smartphones report the time used on each app in ‘Settings.’)
A reward system for good progress may be of good use for porn addiction recovery. Although it may seem like an old-fashioned method, rewarding good behavior has been researched and proven to be effective. Whether it’s a new book, dinner at their favorite restaurant, or a trip to the movies, rewards (with verbal affirmations) can give your child the motivation to stay on the path to recovery.
If you are considering allowing social media apps for your tween or teen, our Social Media Readiness Course offers information about the risks of digital injury and helpful psychological wellness tools as well!

Battling pornography addiction is hard for anyone, let alone our youth. Whether you have a teen or tween battling addiction or simply want to help them surf the internet safely, GKIS has multiple resources to help you get there. Whether you’re utilizing our Screen Safety Toolkit or simply giving our sex ed articles a read, GKIS is here to make it a smoother journey for you.

A special thanks to Chase for sharing his story.

Thanks to CSUCI intern Samantha Sanchez for preparing this article and researching porn addiction.

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.
Onward to More Awesome Parenting

Dr. Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D.

Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty

GetKidsInternetSafe.com

Works Cited

[1] Online Pornography’s Impact on Kids and Teens (https://getkidsinternetsafe.com/porn/)

[2] Screentime in the Meantime: A Parenting Guide to Get Kids and Teens Internet Safe (https://getkidsinternetsafe.com/parenting-guide/)

[3] Sniewski, L., & Farvid, P. (2020). Hidden in shame: Heterosexual men’s experiences of self-perceived problematic pornography use. Psychology of Men & Masculinities, 21(2), 201–212. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csuci.edu/10.1037/men0000232

[4] Ibid.

[5] Canopy (https://canopy.us/2023/02/16/best-porn-blocker/)

[6] FamiSafe (https://canopy.us/2023/02/16/best-porn-blocker/)

[7] CovenantEyes (https://www.covenanteyes.com/how-it-works/)

Photo Credits

Charlesdeluvio via Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/photos/hand-mannequin-holding-green-cactus-plant-RoB4hHjW_fc)

Franco Alva via Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/photos/man-in-black-t-shirt-using-black-laptop-computer-aqFzxyC3rf8)

Annie Spratt via Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/photos/man-in-black-t-shirt-lying-on-couch-rmKkZqnVtk4)

How Can Mindfulness Practice Help Reduce Smartphone Addiction?

May 11, 2023 by Brandon Bishop

In our GKIS blog articles, we’ve talked before about how social media and smartphone use can be addicting for kids, and how phone addiction can have negative impacts on kids’ and teens’ mental health and social skills. But what GetKidsInternetSafe is passionate about is prevention. That is why Dr. Bennett created the Social Media Readiness Course for tweens and teens. In this best-selling course, she incorporated education about the red flags of risk for digital injury as well as the psychological wellness practices she’s developed in her psychology practice over 30 years. Many of these practices involve mindfulness, a mental health practice that has demonstrated great outcomes. In today’s GKIS article, we will discuss what mindfulness is exactly and whether it is something your family can use to help prevent the damage caused by smartphone addiction.

Defining Smartphone Addiction

As smartphones have become more popular, it can be difficult to determine whether one is using their phone “too much” or if they are addicted. Studies are finding that we are dependent on our phones and many people are developing separation anxiety from them.[1][2] Psychologists have been looking for ways to prevent smartphone addiction. One of the more promising findings has been mindfulness practice.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a type of mental practice that’s been gaining popularity. It has its roots in Buddhist philosophy, but it’s a non-religious form of meditation and mental awareness of the current moment.[3]

Mindfulness can be improved with exercises that focus on breathing and focusing on your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations.[4] The goal is to bring your attention to what’s happening in the present moment, instead of stressful thoughts about the past or future.[3]

Health benefits include improving cognitive ability and reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.[3]

How can mindfulness help with smartphone addiction?

A 2019 study found that mindfulness can lessen the impact of separation anxiety related to having a smartphone addiction. Students in the study who scored higher on a mindfulness rating were less likely to have depression and anxiety symptoms.[5]

It was also found in a 2017 study that low ratings of mindfulness were predictive of young adults having internet and screen addictions.[6]

Another study found that mindfulness was also able to lessen the impact of bullying and cyberbullying on student depression.[7] This suggests that mindfulness can help with the symptoms of common digital injuries, not just the internet and phone addiction itself.

What can I do if someone in my family has a phone addiction?

There are many easy mindfulness exercises available online. Most only take between five to ten minutes. A quick Google or YouTube search for “mindfulness exercises” can help you find one that works for you.
It’s also important to help make sure that your family doesn’t become addicted to their smartphones in the first place. Our GKIS Screen Safety Essentials Course is a set of four modules that will help walk your kids through the most important things they can do to keep themselves safe online.
For a more direct approach to your kids’ internet safety, The GKIS Screen Safety Toolkit will provide you with apps and guides on how to implement parental controls and keep an eye on what your kids are doing online, in a way that you and your family can both be happy with.

Thanks to CSUCI intern Brandon Bishop for doing research on smartphone addiction and mindfulness and authoring this article.

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D.
Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com

Works Cited

[1] Understanding Nomophobia: Structural Equation Modeling and Semantic Network Analysis of Smartphone Separation Anxiety by Seunghee Han, Ki Joon Kim, and Jang Hyun Kim

[2] Possession attachment predicts cell phone use while driving. by Joshua A. Weller, Crystal Shackleford, Nathan Dieckmann, and Paul Slovic

[3] What is Mindfulness from Greater Good Magazine

[4] What is Mindfulness? A Simple Practice for Greater Wellbeing by Crystal Hoshaw

[5] Smartphone Addiction and Adolescents’ Anxiety and Depression: The Moderating Role of Mindfulness by Xiu-Juan Yang, Zongkui Zhou, Qingqi Liu, and Cui-Ying Fan

[6] Psychological maltreatment, forgiveness, mindfulness, and internet addiction among young adults: A study of mediation effect by Gökmen Arslan

[7] Bullying victimization and depression in Chinese children: A moderated meditation model of resilience and mindfulness by Zong-Kui Zhou, Qing-Qi Liu, Geng-Feng Niu, Xiao-Jun Sun, and Cui-Ying Fan

Photo Credits

Photo by Mikael Blomkvist from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-red-shirt-sitting-on-couch-meditating-4151865/

Photo by Erik Mclean from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/faceless-man-with-bushy-beard-surfing-internet-4101966/

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/thoughtful-woman-writing-in-notebook-at-home-3769013/

Doom-Scrolling: How Much Bad News Can We Take?

November 14, 2022 by Tracy Pizano

We love the constant, on-demand access to the Internet. Almost nothing can compete. But we all have those times when we wonder, is it too much? How does frequent access to tech impact our brains? Is there a detrimental effect when our brains are still maturing? Might it be negatively affecting our children’s mental health? Does what we view make a difference? Where is the line drawn between staying up to date on current events versus compulsively consuming distressing news? Ensure that your family is protected from excessive negativity online with our Screen Safety Essentials Course. This mega course offers all GKIS course content for parents and families to provide the tools necessary to navigate the internet safely and grow closer as a family. Today’s GKIS article covers the dangers of doom-scrolling and what can be done to prevent it.

What is ‘doom-scrolling’?

Doom-scrolling refers to the excessive consumption of distressing online news coverage. This phenomenon increased exponentially as people became more active on the internet in conjunction with the rise of concerning national and international news. On the one hand, staying informed may be a coping mechanism. Browsing opportunities allow people to “reassert control over the situation” by actively seeking knowledge about a novel context or threat.[1]

For example, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people became obsessed with news about variants, vaccines, and the number of cases around the world and within one’s local county.

Another example of doom-scrolling is the high viewer rate of news about the Black Lives Matter protests during the summer of 2020. It was too easy to become glued to our screens watching videos documenting police brutality and protester violence unfiltered and in real time on TV, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. The desire to stay up to date on this hot topic social movement grew so intense that people commonly spent several hours a day watching violent videos.

Our Attention Has Been Commodified

In recent years, scary news items permeate the airwaves, with reports of mass shootings and alarming weather events due to climate change. The public’s trust in the government has reached an all-time low, with divisively high levels of partisanship and serious concerns about U.S. democracy. Sensationalistic and divisive programming that sparks outrage is intelligently designed to capture our attention and keep us watching. Media and social media companies recognize that more eyes on the story result in more profit.

Internalizing Negativity

Negative media and news coverage can affect our mood and hopes for the future. Anxiety, depression, and the adoption of a nihilistic outlook may result from doom-scrolling. Constant exposure to negative news content can lead to a low expectation for positive future outcomes which can lead to feelings of hopelessness – a primary precursor to suicidality.[3] For example, a doom-scrolling teenager may be led to wonder if applying for college is worth it if global warming is going to end the world by 2030, or even consider if it’s worth staying alive to witness the decline. Staying informed can come with a serious mental cost.[2]

Compulsive Use and Desensitization

Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok are popular social media sites that offer real-time footage of violence. From intense protests and desperate attempts to escape a mass shooting to families trying to escape the horrors of war. There’s no end to the horrific content you can consume.

Gen Z social media users (born between the years 1997-2013) particularly possess a collective passion for activism and justice paired with a prominent collective online presence. However, this drive seems to also come with an obsession with sharing, retweeting, and reblogging violent content to encourage others to stay up to date. While this may have the good intention of bringing attention to serious issues, the constant access to intense videos, photos, and articles desensitizes consumers. To read more about how Gen Z online users differ from Millenials, check out my GKIS article Millennials, Gen Z, and the Internet: Generational Divides.

Compare and Despair

A demanding social media presence may also lead to a more negative self-appraisal. Children, tweens, and teens are especially susceptible to compare and despair due to an immature personal identity and impoverished life experience. The more the individual relates to the influencer, the more impact the content may have. Our GKIS article, Is My Selfie Good Enough? How Screen Media Drives Beauty Pressures That Distress Kids and Teens, dives deeper into how social media can heighten comparison and feelings of inadequacy. Check it out to learn more.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder in which a person struggles to recover from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Our article, Live Streaming Can Cause PTSD in Adults and Children, discussed the different ways online violence can lead to PTSD. In Kids Watched a Facebook Live Suicide That Turned Into a Trending Meme, desensitization and the impact of watching shocking and violent content on the mind and body are discussed. And in Graphic Livestream Horrors, the dangers of watching violent events unfold in real-time and the tolerance of violence are discussed. This series provides additional information on what can happen to those who excessively consume violent content online, as well as how to protect your children from such possible outcomes.

Children with social media accounts unintentionally come across negative news coverage because social media algorithms suggest videos and posts after even the slightest interaction, which can expose them to increasingly inappropriate content. To help your tweens and teens avoid inappropriate content and avoid doom-scrolling and desensitization, check out our Social Media Readiness Course. This course can help prepare your kids for safer screen use and prevent psychological illness with emotional wellness tools.

How To Protect Your Children While Staying Informed

Parental Supervision

Children, tweens, and teens are particularly susceptible to distressing online content. Our Screen Safety Toolkit offers an outcome-based resource guide with recommendations and links to our favorite parental control systems necessary for effective parental supervision.

Stay Informed

Our free GKIS blog articles offer a great way to stay in the know on all topics surrounding internet culture and safety, which can help parents keep their children safe from digital injury.

Have Important Family Conversations

Our free Connected Family Screen Agreement provides tools to educate and empower families to set digital boundaries and expectations while building stronger family relationships. Having group discussions about tech, mental health, and current events offer an important way to educate kids and answer your child with openness and honesty at a developmental level they can understand.

Dr. Bennett believes that providing children and teens the skills necessary to navigate the internet responsibly is important for not only individual development but for family development, which is why the Connected Family Course can help families connect and avoid potential digital injury. Finding a middle ground between education and overexposure exists and it can be implemented safely.

Thanks to CSUCI intern Tracy Pizano for researching doom-scrolling online and its effects on the mental health of those who participate in the habit and for co-authoring this article.

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D.
Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com

Works Cited

[1] Buchanan, K., Aknin, L. B., Lotun, S., & Sandstrom, G. M. (2021). Brief exposure to social
media during the COVID-19 pandemic: Doom-scrolling has negative emotional
consequences, but kindness-scrolling does not. PLoS ONE, 16(10).
https://doi-org.ezproxy.csuci.edu/10.1371/journal.pone.0257728

[2] Price, M., Legrand, A. C., Brier, Z. M. F., van Stolk-Cooke, K., Peck, K., Dodds, P. S.,
Danforth, C. M., & Adams, Z. W. (2022). Doomscrolling during COVID-19: The
negative association between daily social and traditional media consumption and mental
health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological Trauma: Theory,
Research, Practice, and Policy. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csuci.edu/10.1037/tra0001202

[3] Hepburn, S. R., Barnhofer, T., & Williams, J. M. G. (2009). The future is bright? Effects of mood
on perception of the future. Journal of Happiness Studies: An Interdisciplinary Forum on
Subjective Well-Being, 10(4), 483–496.
https://doi-org.ezproxy.csuci.edu/10.1007/s10902-008-9102-9

Photo Credits

Photo by DragonImages
(https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/anxious-girl-reading-distressing-news-gm1403053156-455746521?phrase=doomscrolling)

Photo by Solen Feyissa (https://unsplash.com/photos/Yaw9mfG9QfQ)

Photo by Prostock-Studio (https://unsplash.com/s/photos/family-talking)

Microdosing Magic Mushrooms – An Alternative Cure for Addiction, Anxiety, and Depression

May 16, 2022 by michael.watson507@myci.csuci.edu

Microdosing magic mushrooms is the new trippy trend for adults with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction disorders who seek to improve their wellbeing and mental health without relying on antidepressants. Today’s GKIS article is for those who are curious about microdosing on psychedelic mushrooms. We discuss potential therapeutic uses, safety, and the current trend toward legalization and decriminalization of psilocybin. Check out Dr. Bennett’s new Screen Safety Essentials Course for comprehensive help when it comes to maintaining psychological wellness, avoiding digital injury, and keeping your family safe and connected.

What is micro-dosing?

Microdosing is the phenomenon of taking very small doses of a psychedelic drug like magic mushrooms to improve well-being, emotional, and mental health. The active chemical in medicinal mushrooms is called psilocybin. When psilocybin is metabolized, the brain responds by releasing serotonin in the prefrontal cortex region of the brain that is responsible for regulating mood, cognition, and perception.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or ‘feel good’ chemical, that contributes to positive moods.[1] While microdosing, one can expect to feel the subtle effects of the drug while still remaining in control of the senses. “When you take psychedelics, you loosen up and reduce the egoic experiences of identity and self, and it allows people to feel more connected, not only to themselves but to people and to the environment.”[2]

Those who microdose usually don’t report experiencing an altered state of reality or mystical awakening. However, some do report small changes in perception, like colors appearing a little brighter. Most of all, these minor effects can contribute to new connections and mental shifts that help people think or behave in more open and creative ways. Micro-dosing also helps people become more reflective and responsive to positive suggestions by embracing the effects that the drug has on their neurotransmitters. Studies suggest a mechanism through which psychedelics might improve mental health: feeling greater self-compassion and less obsession with negative thoughts, anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, and PTSD.[1]

Micro-Magic

The effects of psilocybin are similar to the effects of LSD. But instead of a long-lasting and intense hallucinatory experience or a deep spiritual awakening, the effects of microdosing ensure a safer and more subtle mind expansion that allows for an entirely encompassing holistic understanding of the internal self and external world.

The positive effects of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin include:

Feelings of euphoria
Peacefulness
Creativity
Openness
Stress and anxiety relief
Improved moods
Increased energy
Better concentration and focus
Greater personal awareness
Less self-doubt
Increased sensitivity to light and sound

Micro-Mistakes

Regardless of safe and proper dosages, many people refuse and reject microdosing due to the common and rational fear of experiencing a bad trip.

A bad trip may occur due to many factors such as:

Derealization, or the feeling that surroundings are not real
Depersonalization, or a dream-like state of being separated from reality
Distorted thinking and behavior
Slight visual and auditory impairment
Unusual bodily sensations
Paranoia and confusion
Nausea and vomiting

To ensure a safe and positive experience, one should feel comfortable with the concept of surrendering to their psychedelic experience and feel safe in their environment. We call this set and setting. This relaxed mindset allows for feelings and ideas to naturally arise and process without reacting to fear and judgment. By channeling this calm and comfortable mindset, many can benefit from the medicinal effects of microdosing.[1]

Also, some psychedelic mushrooms are better for microdosing. As it is impossible for the average person to accurately determine how much psilocybin is in a mushroom, mushrooms with lower psilocybin content are preferable for microdosing. Weaker strains of psilocybe cubensis mushrooms are more commonly utilized for this purpose.

Microdosing Effects on Depression and Anxiety

Psilocybin still remains illegal in the country, so it is rare to find doctors and psychiatrists that recommend microdosing as a legitimate treatment for depression and anxiety. However, with FDA trials underway with psilocybin as a treatment for mood and trauma disorders, more and more professionals are endorsing the idea that microdosing may have positive clinical applications. In a 2021 survey, respondents reported that microdosing led to significant improvements in both anxiety and depression.[3] Further, those who have higher expectations of microdosing tend to respond more positively (also called the placebo effect).[4]

Microdosing Effects on Addiction

In a 2014 study at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, researchers tested whether psilocybin could help people quit smoking. It was an open-label study, which meant the participants knew they were getting the drug and not a placebo. The drug was administered in three sessions – one on the target quit date, another two weeks later, and a third eight weeks afterward. The subjects returned to the lab for the next 10 weeks to have their breath and urine tested for evidence of smoking and came back for follow-up meetings 6 and 12 months after their target quit date.

At the 6-month mark, 80% of smokers in the pilot study (12 out of 15) had abstained from cigarettes for at least a week. The study concluded that there is evidence that the sense of unity and mystical significance many people experience on psilocybin is associated with greater success and motivation towards quitting, and those who take the drug may be better able to deal with cravings. At the biological level, scientists have hypothesized that psilocybin may alter communication in brain networks, kind of like a reboot that leaves the brain more receptive to new ideas, feelings, and pathways.[5] We call this new state of openness and opportunity for brain growth neuroplasticity.

Microdosing’s Effects on Eating Disorders

The mystical and psychedelic experiences a person has with psychedelic therapy may also shift body image away from fixed and repetitive unhealthy thoughts, potentially easing symptoms of eating disorders. A 2020 systematic review concluded that several of the participants who microdosed to treat their eating disorder said their experience offered them new insights that encouraged them to embrace healthier habits.[6]

How safe is psilocybin?

A drug’s therapeutic index is a number determined by a ratio comparing the amount of a drug needed for a lethal dose to the amount of the drug needed to get the wanted effects. The higher the therapeutic index, the safer the drug. Psilocybin has a therapeutic index of 641, which is pretty high.[7] This means you are more than three times as likely to overdose on aspirin (which has a therapeutic index of around 200) than psilocybin. Also, psilocybin is considered to be non-addictive and no overdose deaths have ever occurred from psilocybin use.[8]

Legalization of Psilocybin

There is a current movement to decriminalize and legalize magic mushrooms for both therapeutic and recreational use. While several cities had already decriminalized psilocybin, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize and legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin in 2020.[9] This year (2022) the citizens of Washington will be voting on the legislation of psychedelic mushrooms. It should not be long until they are legal throughout California. See you then, space cowboy.

Thanks to CSUCI intern Haley Begun and Michael Watson for researching co-authoring this article. Please note that GKIS does not offer an opinion on the use of psilocybin for microdosing. This is an informational piece that does not offer a GKIS-endorsed opinion.

If you are interested in learning more about the interconnection of curing addiction, anxiety, and depression, Dr. Bennett’s book, Screen Time in the Mean Time includes information and research about how parents, teachers, and adults can pinpoint the underlying causes of their own or loved ones’ addictions and mental disorders based upon biological, genetic, and environmental factors.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D.
Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com

Works Cited

Breeksema, Joost J., et al. “Psychedelic Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Patient Experiences in Qualitative Studies – CNS Drugs.” SpringerLink, Springer International Publishing, 17 Aug. 2020, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-020-00748-y.
Kaertner, L. S., et al. “Positive Expectations Predict Improved Mental-Health Outcomes Linked to Psychedelic Microdosing.” Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, 21 Jan. 2021, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-81446-7.
Lewis, Tanya. “Johns Hopkins Scientists Give Psychedelics the Serious Treatment.” Scientific American, Scientific American, 16 Jan. 2020, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/johns-hopkins-scientists-give-psychedelics-the-serious-treatment/.
“Psilocybin and Magic Mushrooms.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308850#what-is-psilocybin.
5. Raypole, Crystal. “Mushrooms for Anxiety: The Potential Power of Psilocybin.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 26 Aug. 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/mushrooms-for-anxiety.
6. Roberts, Kayleigh. “What You Need to Know before Microdosing to Treat Your Anxiety.” Allure, 19 Apr. 2019, https://www.allure.com/story/microdosing-lsd-mushrooms-anxiety-depression.
Strassman, R., Wojtowicz, S., Luna, L.E., & Frecska, E. (2008). Inner Paths to Outer Space: Journeys to Alien Worlds through Psychedelics and Other Spiritual Technologies. Park Street Press. 147.
Nichols D. E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological reviews, 68(2), 264–355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.011478
Acker, L. (2020). Oregon becomes first state to legalize psychedelic mushrooms. The Oregonian. https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2020/11/oregon-becomes-first-state-to-legalize-psychedelic-mushrooms.html

Photo Credits

Photo by Ashleigh Shea, https://unsplash.com/photos/otVUcXqwqGM
Photo by CottonBro, https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-man-standing-in-front-of-purple-light-6491956/
Photo by Anni Roenkae, https://www.pexels.com/photo/purple-green-and-yellow-abstract-painting-4299344/
Photo by CottonBro, https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-lying-on-wearing-earring-3693050
Photo by That One Intern

Thanks to Kent Williams for the beautiful painting used for the thumbnail. (https://www.kentwilliams.com/paintings/2018/8/16/2018/8/16/m-w)

I Survived a Digital Detox and So Can You!

March 23, 2022 by Haley Begun

Do you find yourself wasting precious time and energy on your screen devices? Does consuming digital content distract you from connecting deeply with yourself, others, and nature? If so, you are not alone. The average American spends 5 hours a day on smartphones, and 61% admit to being addicted to the internet and their devices.[1] When researching this article, I was shocked to find that I may be an internet addict! So, I challenged myself to a week-long digital detox to better understand the benefits of managing time, forming deeper connections, and seeking fulfilling triggers for natural dopamine. If you’re hooked too, check out Dr. Bennett’s book, Screen Time in the Mean Time. She covers why our screens are so compelling and creative ways to break the spell. Screen Time in the Mean Time is particularly critical for parents to assess the impacts that screen use has on their kids.

Digital Dopamine

The happiness we experience from eating ice cream on a hot summer day is similar to the happiness we experience from receiving notifications from our digital devices. Dopamine is responsible for that happiness. Dopamine is the feel-good chemical produced by our brain’s pleasure center that plays a starring role in motivation, desire, and behavior.[2] Dopamine gets released when we experience joy – like taking a bite of delicious food, having sex, exercising, or having fun talking to a friend. In an evolutionary context, dopamine rewards us for doing beneficial behaviors and motivates us to repeat them.[2]

Once dopamine is released, our brain craves more of the same or similar sources of stimuli. Smartphones provide a virtually unlimited supply of social stimuli, positive and negative. Every notification, whether it’s a text message or a “like” on Instagram or Facebook, has the potential for gushing dopamine.[2] However, most of us agree that digital dopamine feels more artificial than the dopamine released during real-life magical moments. If we restrict addictive digital habits that lead to dopamine dependency, we’ll train our brains to be at peace and content without distraction for longer durations. Contentment without distraction leads to less stress overall and more productivity.

What is a digital detox?

The Oxford Dictionary defines digital detox as, “A period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world.”[3]

According to Psychology Today, a digital detox does not always mean complete abstinence. Many people use their digital devices for essential business, educational, and familial purposes.[4]

Do you need to do a digital detox?

Do you …

feel anxious or stressed if you can’t find your phone?
feel compelled to check your phone every few minutes?
feel depressed, anxious, or angry after spending time on social media?
get preoccupied with the like, comment, or reshare counts on your social media posts?
feel afraid that you’ll miss something if you don’t keep checking your device?
often find yourself staying up late or getting up early to play on your phone?
have trouble concentrating on one thing without having to check your phone?
experience a low self-image due to comparing yourself to others online?
not spend enough time moving around or engaging in exercising or mind/body-related activities?
watch screens while eating meals, resulting in disoriented eating patterns which can lead to weight gain or restrictive eating habits.?[5]

If several of these issues apply to you, consider challenging yourself to a detox!

My Digital Detox Experience

On day one of my digital detox, I felt uncomfortable, yet relieved, from my sense of detachment. I knew I was missing out on online conversations, content, news, and media. But I didn’t mind because I was spending time on outlets that drew me closer to my life instead. My attention and focus improved. I also noticed instant behavior, mood, and energy enhancements. I felt more productive, efficient, and happily regulated.

My quality of sleep also improved significantly! Before my detox, I was on my phone late at night or first thing in the morning due to an influx of demanding notifications. That often tanked my mood moment one. Once detoxed though, I didn’t feel the need to check on what other people were doing because I was entirely focused on what I was doing. I also felt more self-confident because I wasn’t comparing myself to everybody else’s perfect selfies, relationships, and amazing vacations.

Don’t get me wrong, I was tempted! Especially in those boring moments. But after a while, I learned to happily pick up a book, go for a walk, make home-cooked meals, play with my dogs, or journal. These activities released natural and rewarding dopamine throughout my mind, body, and soul.

Overall, after my week-long digital detox, I preferred to stay disconnected. Now two weeks later, I feel more focused, connected, healthy, and happy! I feel empowered having broken that dependence on instant gratification, media engagements, and feedback.

The Benefits of a Digital Detox

Engaging in hobbies that release yummy dopamine in the brain
More time to get things done
Happy and steadied mood
Self-focused rather than the compare and despair of social media
Better eating, sleeping, and thinking patterns

How To Get Started

Pay attention to your emotions when you use your phone.

Schedule breaks from phone
Use apps to track usage
Disconnect at night before bed to wind down
Turn off notifications or put them on a later home screen on your phone
Time spent online– individuals who aim to abstain from digital devices during certain times of the day, or even certain days of the week can schedule a digital curfew. For example, no usage after 9 PM, or no usage on Sundays. Such strategies are helpful for ensuring productivity during the day and better sleep and rest at night.
Digital-free Spaces- Some British pubs have enacted a ‘no phones, no laptops, no tablets’ policy to encourage social conversation. Similarly, some people have started specifying digital-free spaces in their own homes. This commonly includes spaces such as the bedroom or the dinner table.
Alternatives. Many people are using social media and digital devices to fill a social void. A successful digital detox will create free time for alternative activities, which may better fill this void. Individuals can create an action plan in this regard, which may include rekindling old interests, pursuing new hobbies, or volunteering for a sense of fulfillment.

GKIS Courses Can Help

Our Screen Safety Essential Course gives you access to the tools and resources that you need to safely navigate today’s world. Our Essentials Course grants you instant access to useful videos, workshops, articles, and more.
Screen Time in the Mean Time is the parenting guide needed in this digital age. Dr. B’s book provides tangible ways to keep your family safe and connected while utilizing technology.
Our GKIS Social Media Readiness Course allows teens an opportunity to start taking accountability for their actions online and become proactive instead of reactive.
Our GKIS Screen Safety Toolkit is a resource guide perfect for those that need smart tech tools for filtering, monitoring, and management plus some time to find workarounds.

Thanks to CSUCI intern Haley Begun for researching and co-authoring this article about the signs and benefits of a needed digital detox!

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D.
Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com

Works Cited

Brown, Eileen. “Americans Spend Far More Time on Their Smartphones than They Think.” ZDNet, ZDNet, 28 Apr. 2019, https://www.zdnet.com/article/americans-spend-far-more-time-on-their-smartphones-than-they-think/.

Stephen Hartley, et al. “Dopamine, Smartphones & You: A Battle for Your Time.” Science in the News, 4 Feb. 2021, https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/dopamine-smartphones-battle-time/.

“Digital Detox: Meaning & Definition for UK English.” Lexico Dictionaries | English, Lexico Dictionaries, https://www.lexico.com/definition/digital_detox.

Social Media and Mental Health: Time for a Digital Detox … https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-men/202002/social-media-and-mental-health-time-digital-detox.

Cherry, Kendra. “The Benefits of Doing a Digital Detox.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 20 Nov. 2020, https://www.verywellmind.com/why-and-how-to-do-a-digital-detox-4771321.

Photo Credits

Photo by Mo, https://unsplash.com/photos/NKhckz9B78c

Photo by Marvin Meyer, https://unsplash.com/photos/SYTO3xs06fU

Photo by Carl Heyerdahl, https://unsplash.com/photos/KE0nC8-58MQ

Photo by Emily Underworld, https://unsplash.com/photos/Ko3EMBFggok

Influencers Hurt Child Self-Esteem by Overusing Filters

March 23, 2022 by Haley Begun

Kids and teens love their online influencers. Seventy percent of teens say they trust influencers more than celebrities, and 49% depend on influencer recommendations.[1] Influencers count on their followers to help build their numbers and market their products with testimonials and shares. If your child loves to follow online celebrities or influencers, teach them what they need to know for safety and earn online accountability with our GKIS Social Media Readiness Training. Our course covers the red flags of digital injury and tools for psychological wellness with 10 self-paced lessons and mastery quizzes. Help your kids avoid screen risks like viewing pornography, interacting with online predators and cyberbullies, distraction, social media drama, and compare and despair with our GKIS Social Media Readiness Course for tweens and teens.

A Good and Bad Influence(er)

Online influencers promote their personalities, content, areas of interest, and expertise on online platforms to gain recognition and build their brand. Gaining followers requires confidence and showmanship. To best compete, some influencers use editing tricks to appear more attractive, healthier, more competent, and extra qualified. Because editing tricks are hard to spot, kids often emulate influencers with the impression that they really are that perfect.

Positive Impacts of Social Media Influencers

The most popular categories that social media influencers focus on are lifestyle, health, fitness, travel, art, work, fashion, luxury, photography, beauty, pets and animals, and parenting.[2]

The positive impacts influencers offer include:

information for education and awareness,
an engaging and supportive community of like-minded people, and
creativity and entertainment.

Negative Impacts of Social Media Influencers

Some influencers are less interested in quality content and more focused on entertainment that will boost their numbers. To that end, they will use more filters and online trickery and promote harmful content like unrealistic body types, lifestyles, diets, fashion, gossip, rumors, and drama. Harmful content can cause problems with kids and teens, including decreased appearance satisfaction, low self-evaluations, higher negative mood, and insecurity.[3] Over time, these problems can escalate to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders.

Body Positive Movement

According to a social media report from a Norwegian influencer marketing platform, 47% of surveyed influencers revealed that they felt their job harmed their mental health, and 32% believed the platform hurt body image.[4] One way to express and promote unconditional self-love is by supporting the body positivity movement. This worldwide movement focuses on acceptance and equality for all body types and sizes.

One of the movement’s goals is to challenge how our society, particularly all forms of media, presents and views the human body.[5] With body positivity modeled by influencers (without the use of filters and digital manipulation), fans feel more confident and comfortable in their bodies.

Instagram vs. Reality

Another popular movement in the media that spreads awareness about the harmful nature of social media is called Instagram vs. Reality. This movement offers a side-by-side comparison of two of the same photos; one photo edited and the other not.

The purpose of this trend is to bring attention to the differences between natural and filtered images. This trend inspires people to embrace themselves naturally without enhancements. Instagram vs. Reality reminds us that online content is not always accurate. Our Screen Safety Essentials Course for parents and families offers helpful strategies for social media behavior while reinforcing mindful habits to prevent feelings of self-consciousness and anxiety.

Seeking Self-Acceptance and Fleeing from Filters

Before friending or following someone in real life or online, consider if they reinforce positive, authentic, and empowering morals. Social media influencers that we like appear to serve from the depths of their experienced and passionate hearts.

Positive and Qualified Influencers to Follow

Huda Kattan- Beauty Blogger and Makeup Artist
Zach King- Digital influencer, Writer, Comedian
Michelle Lewin- Fitness Influencer
Jamie Oliver- Chef
Joanna Gaines- Lifestyle Blogger and Writer
Jack Morris- Travel Influencer
Savannah LaBrant- Parenting Influencer
Beth Evans- Mental Health Influencer
PewdiePie- Gaming Influencer
Amanda Gorman- Activist, Poet, Influencer

What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids

Parental oversight of child exposure to online content is critical for safety and developing a positive self-image. One way to do this is by monitoring your child’s online activity, such as the sites they visit, the content they watch, who they follow, and how much time they spend online.

GKIS has a variety of valuable courses designed to help families navigate the various pitfalls of internet exposure and prevent digital injury.

The GKIS Social Media Readiness Training is a valuable tool that teaches teens about the inherent risks of social media and ways to make healthy decisions when encountering them.
The Screen Safety Toolkit is a family-tested, outcome-based resource guide with our best recommendations, how-to information, and links to our favorite easy-to-onboard parental control systems.
The GKIS Connected Family Course will provide parents of school-age families with tips for creating a safe screen home environment through fun parenting techniques that are designed to guide sensible screen management.
Finally, our most comprehensive program is our Screen Safety Essentials Course. Our comprehensive Essentials Course provides parenting and family coaching information, support, and other valuable information and activities to get you dialed in for screen safety and healthier family relationships.

Thanks to CSUCI intern Haley Begun for researching and co-authoring this article!

I’m the mom psychologist who will help you GetKidsInternetSafe.

Onward to More Awesome Parenting,

Tracy S. Bennett, Ph.D.
Mom, Clinical Psychologist, CSUCI Adjunct Faculty
GetKidsInternetSafe.com

Works Cited

DMI, Simon @. “20 Surprising Influencer Marketing Statistics: Blog: Online Digital Marketing Courses.” Digital Marketing Institute, Digital Marketing Institute, 27 Oct. 2021, https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/20-influencer-marketing-statistics-that-will-surprise-you.

“Best Influencer Marketing Categories.” IZEA, 5 Dec. 2019, https://izea.com/resources/influencer-marketing-categories/.

Liebenson, Donald. “Social Media Influencers: A Positive or Negative Influence?” NewFolks, NewFolks, 20 Sept. 2021, https://www.newfolks.com/stages/influencers-teenagers/.

Leighton, Heather. “Influencers Admit That Instagram Is Bad for Body Image, Mental Health, Study Shows.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 10 Dec. 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/heatherleighton/2019/12/13/is-instagram-bad-for-your-mental-health-body-image/?sh=3b44410b1e55.

Kristen Fuller, MD. “Body Positivity vs. Body Neutrality.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 11 June 2021, https://www.verywellmind.com/body-positivity-vs-body-neutrality-5184565.

Photo Credits

Karsten Winegar- https://unsplash.com/photos/60GsdOMRFGc

Mateus Campos Felipe- https://unsplash.com/photos/ZKJQCWsKmPs

Billie- https://unsplash.com/photos/k2vn6he4lDQ

Maddi Bazzocco- https://unsplash.com/photos/Vbt1zTCsSNA

Cristian Dina- https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-smartphone-1851415/