Weekly Top Five Articles

Exploring Food, Politics, Cyberbullying, Digital Overload, and Fatherhood

Photo by mohammed idris djoudi on Unsplash

Here’s what stood out this week. . .

(1) The Unpoetic Calorie by Erin Maglaque, London Review of Books (November 2024)

Erin Maglaque's review of Eating and Being by Steven Shapin traces the evolving relationship between food, the body, and morality throughout history. Shapin examines how premodern dietetics, rooted in the poetic and metaphorical framework of the four humours, linked food not only to physical health but also to personality, emotional states, and virtue. This approach encouraged self-knowledge and saw eating as an act deeply tied to moral and social well-being.

With the Enlightenment, this poetic view gave way to mechanistic and later scientific understandings of the body. Food was no longer about balancing humours but about measurable elements like calories and nutrients. Modern nutrition science transformed eating into a functional act, detaching it from broader moral or emotional significance. Yet, moral connotations persist, as dietary choices today often reflect personal values, such as ethical eating or environmental concerns.

Maglaque reflects on what has been lost in this shift: the holistic, joyful approach to food that celebrated its sensory and social pleasures. In the premodern view, family meals were moments of connection, where eating was not just sustenance but an act of community, virtue, and identity. By contrast, modern nutritional science often reduces meals to a calculation of calories and nutrients, stripping them of their deeper meaning.

For family meals, this history underscores the importance of reclaiming the communal and symbolic aspects of eating. Meals should not only nourish the body but also foster connection, teach values, and create joy. The act of eating together, as Maglaque suggests through her reflections on history, can restore a sense of shared humanity and delight, making family meals a meaningful ritual that bridges the physical and the moral.

(2) “Gender in the ‘24 Election: Riots, Self Care, and other Election Outcomes,” by John Halsey Wood, Jr., On Work (November 13, 2024)

John Halsey Wood Jr. explores how traditional gender dynamics influenced the 2024 presidential election, focusing on the contrasting campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and the behavior of their supporters. Trump’s campaign embodied a stereotypically masculine ethos, emphasizing mission, defiance, and action, as encapsulated in his slogan, “I am your retribution.” Harris’s campaign reflected traditionally feminine values, focusing on consensus-building, relational connection, and joy. Wood argues that these contrasts reveal deeper societal patterns rooted in historical and cultural perceptions of masculinity and femininity.

The differences extended to the actions of each candidate’s extreme supporters. After Trump’s loss, his most ardent followers reacted with outward-directed actions, such as riots, reflecting a mission-oriented approach. By contrast, Harris’s supporters leaned inward, responding with self-care practices, which Wood interprets as an example of a relational, maintenance-focused ethos. He contextualizes these behaviors within broader cultural trends, citing historical and literary examples—from Aristotle to Tolstoy—to illustrate how these tendencies are deeply ingrained but not uniform or exclusive to all men or women.

Wood cautions against oversimplifying these dynamics, emphasizing that while gendered differences are real, they are not inherently good or bad. Instead, they reflect complementary approaches that, when balanced, can enrich social and political life. For instance, men’s outward focus on leadership and mission pairs with women’s inward emphasis on relational cohesion to create a fuller picture of human engagement.

(3) Cyberbullying linked to extreme dieting and cosmetic surgery interests in teen girls by Vladimir Hedrih, PsyPost (November 14, 2024)

A recent study published in the Journal of Eating Disorders highlights the alarming connection between appearance-related cyberbullying and harmful behaviors in teen girls. The Australian study found that 62% of adolescent girls aged 14-19 experienced cyberbullying focused on their appearance, with devastating consequences for their mental health and body image. Victims of this type of bullying reported increased body dissatisfaction, body shame, and symptoms of eating disorders. Many expressed a heightened desire to alter their appearance through extreme dieting, self-presentation changes, and even cosmetic surgery.

Key Findings:

1. Pervasiveness of Cyberbullying: Nearly all participants (98%) reported experiencing some form of cyberbullying, with 62% specifically facing appearance-related harassment. Common targets included body shape, size, and facial features.

2. Psychological Impact: Victims of cyberbullying showed lower body esteem, lower body appreciation, and a greater inclination toward unhealthy behaviors like extreme dieting and considering cosmetic surgery.

3. Dual Roles: Interestingly, 76% of cyberbullying victims also reported bullying others, reflecting a complex interplay between being victimized and perpetuating bullying.

Implications for Parents of Teen Girls:

Adolescence is a vulnerable time, as teens are navigating physical changes and developing their sense of self. Cyberbullying amplifies insecurities by targeting appearance, making it crucial for parents to be proactive in guiding their daughters through these challenges. Here’s how:

1. Monitor Online Activity: Stay informed about your teen’s online interactions, especially on social media and messaging platforms where cyberbullying is common. Encourage open discussions about their digital experiences without being intrusive.

2. Foster a Positive Body Image: Reinforce your teen’s self-worth and value beyond physical appearance. Emphasize health and individuality over societal beauty standards.

3. Recognize Warning Signs: Be alert to changes in your teen’s behavior, such as increased preoccupation with their appearance, drastic dieting, or frequent comments about feeling unattractive. These may signal underlying issues with cyberbullying or body dissatisfaction.

4. Teach Resilience Against Cyberbullying: Equip your teen with strategies to handle cyberbullying, including not engaging with bullies, blocking harassers, and reporting abuse. Encourage them to share their experiences with you or another trusted adult.

5. Provide Professional Support if Needed: If your teen shows signs of disordered eating, depression, or anxiety, seek help from counselors or therapists who specialize in adolescent mental health and body image issues.

6. Model Healthy Behaviors: Demonstrate confidence and balance in your own approach to body image and social media use. Your example can help your teen navigate these challenges with perspective.

Final Thoughts:

The study underscores how appearance-related cyberbullying can have lasting effects on teen girls' mental health and self-esteem. By maintaining open communication, fostering a supportive environment, and staying vigilant for warning signs, parents can help their daughters navigate the pressures of online interactions and develop a resilient, positive self-image.

(4) Research suggests people are getting more bored by Mane Kara-Yakoubian, PsyPost, November 13, 2024

In a perspective piece published in Communications Psychology, Katy Y.Y. Tam and Michael Inzlicht argue that despite the constant availability of digital entertainment, people—especially adolescents and young adults—report feeling more bored than ever. The study suggests that the nature of digital media heightens boredom through three primary mechanisms: raising expectations for stimulation, fragmenting attention, and reducing the sense of meaning in activities. These effects create a paradoxical cycle where people turn to digital devices to escape boredom but end up feeling more dissatisfied and disengaged.

Key Insights:

1. Increased Engagement Demands: The constant stream of stimulating digital content (e.g., short-form videos and rapid notifications) raises expectations for engagement, making slower, less stimulating activities—like reading or face-to-face conversations—seem dull by comparison.

2. Fragmented Attention: Digital devices encourage multitasking and frequent interruptions, which reduce focus and satisfaction. Even having a smartphone nearby can diminish enjoyment of activities, leading to restlessness and boredom.

3. Reduced Sense of Meaning: Digital media often delivers fragmented, shallow content that fails to provide a coherent sense of purpose. Users frequently feel unfulfilled after consuming disjointed information, perpetuating a cycle of searching for deeper engagement online but rarely finding it.

These findings highlight how digital media overstimulates the brain’s reward systems, potentially altering how dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation—is processed. The constant influx of high-reward stimuli creates a “dopamine trap,” where the brain craves ever-higher levels of stimulation, making ordinary, less intense experiences feel underwhelming. This overstimulation could lead to chronic dissatisfaction, heightened restlessness, and a reduced ability to enjoy meaningful or slower-paced activities.

Implications for Parents:

1. Monitor Entertainment Consumption: Parents should help teens balance digital entertainment with activities that foster sustained focus and engagement, such as reading, creative hobbies, or outdoor play.

2. Teach Attention Management: Encourage teens to limit multitasking and create tech-free times during meals, study periods, or family activities to strengthen focus and presence.

3. Cultivate Meaningful Activities: Promote activities that build a sense of purpose, such as volunteering, pursuing long-term goals, or engaging in deep conversations, which can counteract the shallow, fragmented nature of digital media.

4. Discuss Dopamine’s Role: Help teens understand how overstimulation from digital devices can desensitize their brain’s reward systems, making simple pleasures feel less rewarding.

By fostering balance and awareness, parents can equip their children to navigate the digital age with a healthier relationship to entertainment, attention, and meaning, reducing the risk of chronic boredom and its negative effects.

(5) Fatherhood and the risk of cardiovascular mortality in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, by Michael L Eisenberg, et al, Human Reproduction, (December 2011)

(This article wasn’t published this week, but I found it yesterday.)

A recent study from the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study reveals a significant connection between fatherhood and cardiovascular mortality. The research, which followed over 137,000 men aged 50–71 for an average of 10.2 years, found that childless men face a 17% higher risk of cardiovascular death compared to fathers with two or more children. This elevated risk also extends, to a lesser extent, to men with only one child. While biological factors like hormone levels may partially explain this association, the study highlights the interplay of social and lifestyle factors related to fatherhood.

Key Findings:

1. Fatherhood and Health: Fathers of two or more children had lower cardiovascular mortality rates than childless men or those with one child. This suggests that reproductive health and social roles tied to fatherhood may impact long-term health outcomes.

2. Biological Links: Impaired fertility and low androgen levels, which affect reproductive fitness, may also increase cardiovascular risk, linking the ability to father children to broader health indicators.

3. Lifestyle and Social Factors: Fathers often experience social engagement and routine tied to raising children, which may promote healthier behaviors and reduce stress—factors critical for heart health.

Implications for Fathers:

Fathers can take proactive steps to support their health and build resilience against cardiovascular risks, including fostering strong social ties and cultivating healthy habits. Brotherhood and friendship among fathers offer significant opportunities for mutual support in navigating the challenges of parenting and maintaining well-being.

How Fathers Can Support Each Other:

• Building Brotherhood: Fathers can form peer groups or mentorship circles where they share experiences, provide accountability, and encourage healthy habits like regular exercise or stress management. Social connections reduce isolation and promote emotional resilience, which are critical for long-term health.

• Modeling Healthy Behaviors: By prioritizing healthy lifestyles within their communities, fathers can inspire each other to maintain a heart-healthy diet, reduce harmful habits like smoking or excessive drinking, and seek regular medical check-ups.

The Role of Churches in Supporting Fathers:

Churches are uniquely positioned to create supportive environments for fathers, combining spiritual guidance with practical resources:

1. Fatherhood Support Groups: Establish groups where fathers can discuss shared struggles, exchange advice, and build friendships rooted in faith and mutual encouragement.

2. Workshops and Seminars: Offer programs on health education, stress management, and balancing family and work responsibilities to empower fathers with tools for healthier living.

3. Mentorship Programs: Pair younger fathers with older, more experienced men who can provide guidance, wisdom, and support in navigating both fatherhood and personal health.

4. Family-Centric Initiatives: Churches can organize family-focused activities, fostering deeper relationships between fathers and their children while emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

Final Thoughts:

This study underscores the profound connection between fatherhood and men’s health, particularly cardiovascular well-being. By fostering strong relationships among fathers and leveraging church support, men can find encouragement and accountability to improve their health outcomes while strengthening their roles as fathers and community leaders. A holistic approach—integrating biological, social, and spiritual dimensions—can ensure that fatherhood is not only a joy but also a pathway to better health and meaningful community life.