Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny. - Lao Tzu (my mom’s favorite facebook quote)
Many religions who believe in one book or one God, create the same problem because they are not flexible with their existing beliefs, they don't question their Old incorrect beliefs with newer correct beliefs like Science . And they stay Brainwashed
"It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If we take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations, will help you become whole." - Uncle Iroh
at least you're aware of it. I'd recommend don't accept cookies, don't allow personalised anything. It's actually weird that some people claim stupid google listening in meanwhile I'm like where are the ads I want? Oh they're non-existent so I get garbage. "using our data" doesn't feel like it, can't even get the gender right. Then again might be not sharing anything IDK
@@Lonnh The solution is hiding in plain sight. Each one of us has to purposely set out to expose ourselves to different perspectives and sources of information. I get a variety of perspectives in my feed because I click on and listen to opposing viewpoints. I appreciate the different perspectives and it gives me a greater understanding of where others are coming from, whether I agree with them or not. Also, what emotional diet are you feeding yourself? Fear/mongering and angry clickbait? Or stoic and academic cerebral content? Neutrally-presented news or biased news? We should consider the nutritional content of what we eat most of the time. The algorithms are in our hands - the choice is ours.
In my teenage years I used to brainwash myself that I could do anything and at that time I could do everything I wanted. Now in early twenties I forgot about that and I brainwash myself that I cannot do anything (guess what happened)...
Well I'm not in your situation so I don't really know what you can and can't do. But I just turned 30 & I still think I can do anything that I want to do. And I'm fairly certain that I really can. There are some limits, like competing in the Olympics. Or having a sweet teenage first date or whatever. But things that I give a damn about? I can do them. And I am doing them. I don't know if you'd call it brainwashing when I keep on proving myself correct. And I'm not saying this to be like, look how awesome I am. I'm saying this because I'm average. I'm just a person, just like you. And if I can figure this shit out, well I'm willing to bet that you can too.
Please help I am in a situation where I need to brain wash myself. And how can I avoid it . I may not sound sincere but I am very scared this jee joinery has changed me
I stopped saying I could do anything because for my teens I screamed "You could do anything if you weren't so lazy, work harder" and then my brain just stopped working and never got better. Now I'm just waiting to die.
@@AC130rus I'm not entirely sure if you want to brain wash yourself. As per what Dr. K said, it's that we currently brainwash ourselves constantly that's the issue. The main method of unbrainwash yourself and start fresh is to, as Dr. K recommended. To find and purposefully seek opposing viewpoints you heavily disagree with on many subjects, and actually try to truly consider them. Because it's the mental flexibility that makes a difference, and that's a fantastic way to achieve it.
My late mom “brainwashed” me by telling me I could do anything I wanted, so long as I worked hard at it (even if I struggled). Now I’m almost 30 & I spent my 20s getting to do just about everything I ever wanted & when people ask me how I do it, I just say that I start. I think a lot of people have self-limiting beliefs & even though most times, I have no idea how I’m going to do something, I just hear my mom’s words & start with one step & put the other foot in front of the next.
I've lived the opposite, I was told I couldn't do things, shouldn't do things, parents took over if I took too long to figure out or learn how to do things or didn't do them "properly" and I was criticised and mocked, was constantly compared to my older brother and expected to be at his level though I was 5 years younger and he wasn't treated the same way, I was constantly told "There's no point, if he can't do it there's no way you're going to be able to." I kept pushing crap up a hill to get through, but eventually life ground to a halt because anxiety and depression became insurmountable and I lost the things I had managed to achieve (decent job, ability to drive, managing a relationship and a household). Now I'm in my fifties and trying to get on my feet again, trying to clean up the mess in my house and even having to relearn how to cook. And it's hard. The "I can't" has become a physical and cognitive barrier that I keep having to push hard against to attempt even basic things, and it's affected everything, even things I used to try as hobbies (I always had to do a lot of mental work to justify doing something I liked). With help I'm learning that I can, but it's very slow steps, exhausting, and there's still no feeling of achievement yet, but I just have to keep trying because hitting rock bottom and being hospitalised was a huge devastating pit to be stuck in. Self-limiting beliefs can become reality and snowball, can rob you of the few things you do enjoy and can destroy you. It's amazing to what degree your own thinking can help you strive to do wonderful things or get in your way and stunt your life. I'm glad your experience has been a positive one, I didn't mean to come across as negative.
@@kg6801I have two books you'd greatly benefit from reading or listening to over time: - The Mountain is You - The Courage to Be Disliked I've been internalizing what I've learned from them and came to a shocking revelation that feels obvious to me now but is something we never question. The people who tell us we can't do something have no right to decide our limits and our value for us. *We* are the only ones who can do that because we are the only ones living in our bodies and minds. Nobody could possibly *begin* to comprehend what we feel and are capable of. How could they when they only live in their world and not ours? Anyone who mistakenly believes they could ever know you more than you know yourself is intervening in your life's tasks and need to be made aware of that. Only by drawing these lines in the sand for the ones who might waste their time living our lives for us can we start to build our own self esteem without relying on them to decide what we are. In doing so, we also encourage them to stop comparing us to others and see us for ourselves. This is a blessing for them as they too get to see life a little more clearly and maybe learn to accept others outside of their falsely assumed control.
@@kg6801you can do it. I believe in you. I think we all go through that realization when we hit that point where it really is just do it. Just take a baby step do something small each day. Do what you can even if it’s minuscule vs doing nothing at all Then give yourself some grace and pat yourself on the back for that teeny tiny task. “At least I did something instead of nothing. That’s one less thing for me to do later. I should be proud of that!” And then that one tiny thing becomes easier to do. You feel ballsy and think “ooh maybe I can do TWO things. If I can do one thing successfully I can definitely do two!” And you just keep going. Little by little. You decide your pace because it’s your life and only you can determine what’s too fast or too slow. Just keep pushing. You got this and I believe in you. You’re already almost there. Taken more steps than the average
I think one of the huge factors that contributes to this lack of cognitive flexibility is also the fact that people are literally not giving themselves the time to even begin to think critically. Because most of us have our attention directed externally 24/7 we never give ourselves the chance to think in opposition to the constant over-influx of information and opinions that goes into us. Even in the rare moments when we do allow ourselves to sit with our thoughts, our minds are too bombarded by surface-level anxieties and emotions to begin tackling our belief systems. And these surface-level anxieties just lead us right back into avoidance behavior through technology which just perpetuates the cycle all over again.
I'm not sure if that's actually true. Isn't depression the most common mental illness? Anxiety second? In both cases there's such an inward focus that it is dysfunctional. I'm a terrible ruminator, myself. But better than I once was.
@@Robespierre-lI I guess theres good and bad inward focus? When you are depressed, you are busy with yourself, but youre disconnected, if not delusional with whats actually going on inside of you. Hence mindfulness, where youre in peace and look at something (or yourself) with a clear and relaxed mind, is actually a "fix" to depression. And if you are in touch with your inner self, it makes it much easier to deal with the outward world, because it doesnt distract you with repressed internal problems.
I get what you're saying, though thinking critically in and of itself is already tied to cognitive flexibility. So even educated people that are/have become cognitive inflexible seem to have a harder time thinking critically. Reducing internet usage and/or at least being mindful on what you expose yourself to online is the way forward imho.
the echo chambers such as reddit play a big part in this too. if someone on reddit sees something they don't like they just downvote it, and find a different sub that supports what they already/want to believe (confirmation bias)
I don't know much about science, but I know this... If I tell myself I can't do something, I will find an excuse not to do it, therefore i won't do it... but if i tell myself I can, I will do whatever it takes, and truly feel the emotion and energy that it brings, I will problem-solve through every obstacle that comes my way and will find a way to do it, and even if it doesn't happen, at least i know it's not my fault, and i can use the skills i learned along the journey to try something else
@@selah7702 i wasn't always like this, i was so lazy until i realized it's harder to be lazy than to try something, literally the mental and physical stress and anxiety that laziness alone produces is enough to cause depression in my case, one day it hit me, if i'm going to get depressed let the world make it happen, not myself, i gave myself 4 years to give it my all, if my quality of life doesn't improve or i'm still broke and have no life, i'd really end it, but at least i tried and gave myself enough time so it's fair, i don't recommend this dangerous way of thinking to anyone but that's the only way for me to overcome laziness
That's literally one Pro of the Imposter-Syndrome. You share funfacts and then you get paranoid like "But what if I'm lying. What if I teach deceptive lies because I cannot remember the whole truth?" And then you google it for scientific accuracy
This video is so insightful! As a psychologist, I can't stress enough how important it is to be aware of the ways our own beliefs and the content we consume can shape our mental health. You've highlighted how repeated exposure to the same ideas can reinforce negative thought patterns, reduce cognitive flexibility, and even impact brain function. This realization has given me the courage to start my own channel focused on psychology, where I aim to educate and support people in understanding these dynamics and improving their mental well-being.
Dementia is also related to cognitive inflexibility. I see my grandparent who used to be a school principal, getting more and more stubborn, unable to see other's point of view, and easily getting emotionally disregulated as he ages ... "Aging is also associated with a decrease in cognitive (behavioral) flexibility - the ability to switch between mental tasks, adapt to new environments, and adjust strategies in response to changing circumstances. Cognitive flexibility is a critical component of the executive function and deficits in cognitive flexibility may contribute to age-related cognitive decline." Evgeny M. Amelchenko et al., "Age-related decline in cognitive flexibility is associated with the levels of hippocampal neurogenesis". Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14 August 2023
This video is honestly legendary. The papers are fantastic, and the hypothesis is invaluable. It actually helped developed some ideas that I was having, and now I have a better idea about a lot of the problems that I'm trying to work on. Thanks!
The problem is that even if you fix yourself everyone around you is screwed, every new person you meet has this exact same problems, and in the few people that are fixed you may go along with just a few of them. It's so hard nowdays to avoid loneliness, but no one seems to care, I see my friends be really comfortable with this lifestyle
@@-lijosu- that is really interesting! It really just comes down to avoiding both extremes. So, eco chambers, and then environments that are extremely disagreeable and repressive.
As politics becomes more radical, I feel like this could get worse. Going from one echo chamber to the other with no neutral or mild opinions to give balance is like going from boiling hot water to ice cold water immediately and going back and forth. That extreme shift can be disorienting.
This is also in line with meditation. Our beliefs are our burdens. It sounds like the solution is to try really hard to create arguments for the opposite of what we default to thinking
Yes, I was literally trying to think of a solution and the only thing I can think of is intentionally forcing yourself to break these patterns by implementing new ones
@@rongike I haven’t tried EFT tapping but I’ve heard great things about it. I personally have been using a meditation app (Waking Up) though and it’s been helpful. I think it’s important to do whatever you do daily if not multiple times a day though otherwise, the programs you’ve been running are just going to continue to dominate over the hard work you put in.
I always found it really strange how a lot of people on the internet seem like they'd literally rather DIE than be open to the possibility that they COULD be wrong about something
I like the food diet analogy. Its not that eating corn is bad its when you only eat corn that is bad. Consuming interent content isnt bad Its when you only consume internet content that is bad
I think the last part of the video, where dr K diagnoses all these problems as being caused by the internet was so spot on. I think that was the most important part of the video.
Man I wish I could get a session with Dr. K. I feel like I’m at the absolute lowest in my life. After losing my girl best friend and person I was in love with, after my make best friend was ousted as a pedo and had to cut all contact with him, after developing a dependence on weed and gaining tons of weight, after losing my old job that paid decently and having to restart working at a grocery store, after losing my apartment and having to move back in with my dad, after all of this, I am at my lowest point ever. I need just some sort of guidance to start taking control of my life once again and learn to love my life again because I walk through life just full of hatred in my heart.
He won’t be able to fix you. It sounds like you’re in a tough place. I’m very sorry you’re going through that. I’m also dealing with difficulty in my life which is why I’m here watching HG as well. Biggest thing I learned was that you need to start practicing a change in perspective. It feels really stupid to start appreciating the small things when you’ve lost so much, or trying to just meditate when there are so many problems to solve. But, honest effort, even when it feels silly, will help tremendously when done on a regular basis.
One thing that I noticed that is very helpful is to help others. Think about people, their life, their perspective. You can make it better with the smallest actions. After doing some of those, you will fill up with energy a little, and you will have some to spare for yourself
@@juantinajero9211 I'm sorry you feel hatred in your heart friend ❤️ I hope everything works out for you and I hope you learn to love yourself a little more each day ❤️
Here are some things i have found that can increase bdnf and cognitive flexibility: - Intermittent fasting for more than 12 hours - Light physical activity such as a brisk walk - Brain stimulation such as social interactions, brain exercises and sunlight exposure - Stress reduction - Certain foods which contain 1- Alpha-glycerophosphocholine 2- Omega-3 3- Trans-resveratrol 4- Uridine 5- Vitamin C 6- Curcumin - A low carb diet - Sleeping For some of the above-mentioned advice i am not 100% sure if they do work, however they are still worth a try.
Thank you for compiling all the research. The results follow the intuition, but when backed up by study, it starts to be taken more seriously. Personally, this gives me a strong reason to keep watching my cognitive flexibiity.
Fr fr no cap I look back full of nostalgia As long as you are mindful of Evil Corp's Influence, the internet is still fine. Train your Algorithm, dont let it train you -a smoking moai
Wouldn't say evil, because I doubt they realize the damage they do. They're just doing their job and making a product better, more attractive, like with all the highly palatable food we have these days. It's kinda their dharma to make a product better and by consequence that is damaging, but they are not directly doing their work to do damage. That still doesn't mean that they are void of guilt and that the problem shouldn't be fixed.
I think it’s important to note that it takes TIME and practice to develop this kind of emotional regulation, change acceptance, and cognitive flexibility. If you lived your entire life and have never had to develop this you genuinely have to learn it. And likely (as Dr. K mentioned) won’t want to.
dr k putting out another video making me feel incredibly lucky to be what i would consider flexible. the idea that learning is a choice has been coming up a lot in conversation for me. it makes a lot of sense that the internet would put a hold on that process. i actually really like that there is this one fundamental thing that explains why i feel so much less anxiety than my peers instead of a bunch of little things.
I think even exposing yourself to a new thing daily might be of great help, such as a new topic, music album or activity in order to combat this detrimental loop of consuming the same things constantly
The last time i posted on any social media was years ago when i was a senior. I quit posting, texting, watching & scrolling. I only struggle with a type of phone & computer addiction now. My cure for that is that I'll go outside & stay out there for hours, without a phone to disrupt & distract me from the real world. It's honestly what heals me from this brainwashing, I've even described myself like a zombie. If i don't separate myself from the phone & computer.
Whats been most helpful for me is identifying and recognizing the things i am vulnerable to due to trauma and my upbringing. Once i recongnized my vulnerabilities i could set them aside. Yes i am susceptible to depression via negative thinking, catastrophizing, black & white thinking, hopeless thoughts. But now that i know that im DILIGENT about what i read, watch, who im around, what music i listen to... everything. This is life or death for me. At some point you have to choose to be on your own side. Yes im more vulnerable than the average person bc im been through some extraordinarily bad shit. But i will choose me every fucking time.
This information is impressive! I knew something was wrong when I recently noticed some sort of "closed-mindedness" in aspects of my life that aren't even related to the internet, but somehow felt caused by it. I lately feel so convinced of simple dalily life things that are later quickly proven wrong, and I started to wonder why this is happening because I wasn't like this at all. I think this information sheds a light on what may be going on. Thank you for caring and sharing this with us!
I've had quite a crisis recently, and this video is EXACTLY what I needed. It answers all the things that were troubling me. This man is saving my life, one video at a time.
Hope nothing bad will happen to you dr. k, your drive and curiosity is truly inspiring - from a freshly awakened 44yo ADHD trying to reprogram my brain and your influence is crucial here. I see how all this works, after some iterations and regressions I’m fascinated and excited about the progress. Everything is habits, just reading atomic habits and seeing that the whole you is just habits which are basically a form of intentional brainwashing it is amazing how this perspective makes the possibilities endless. You should invite Ryder Carroll to have w chat with, I believe this would be a great episode.
So the internet truly is toxic... Specifically the more modern, algorithm-driven internet. It would also explain why the old internet felt "better". It was full of content from all sides, even the most controversial, and tbh people were better at tolerating one another. Now there is so much divisiveness, algorithm-driven selection, and censorship of the other side. A curated echo chamber. Even YT keeps recommending videos I've already watched. I feel validated because I always felt like the internet was getting worse and worse. What Dr K describes is accurate to my experience. It feels like I'm eating 1 or 2 kinds of foods, and it's impossible to get a varied diet, but for thoughts and ideas instead of actual food. My brain is being malnourished by these algorithms. I'm looking for a salad when all I can find is burgers and pizza. And unfortunately from what I've seen, even the variety that is available is rather extremist and not good faith ideas. There are some places where ideas and information is OK, like about nature, video games, meditation, etc. I feel like the "self help" ideas at least encourage critical thinking, like Dr K's content. But politics is vicious and unhealthy IMO. Narratives and agenda come before speaking truth. It takes a lot of mental fortitude to deal with it, and it's easy to get caught up in the drama... Like, people don't have the time and energy to deal with that. It's unfair to blame people for not wanting to wade in a wasteland of content. The algorithms and big tech/media/etc need to take blame and responsibility too. At least we are aware of this happening. I appreciate the video.
The VERY first example you listed at the beginning of the video was exactly what went through my head when I read the title. Really looking forward to watching this!
### TL;DR Summary: **Introduction (**00:00** - **01:32**):** - **Main Idea:** Brainwashing ourselves with existing beliefs, including negative ones like "life is hard," lowers cognitive flexibility and impacts mental health. **Tiktok (**01:32** - **03:06**):** - **Key Point:** The internet creates echo chambers by reinforcing our existing beliefs, exacerbating issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. **Algorithmic Overexposure (**03:06** - **05:24**):** - **Main Concept:** Constant exposure to the same ideas online is a form of brainwashing that reduces cognitive flexibility and mental health. **Cognitive Flexibility (**05:24** - **07:33**):** - **Key Research:** Studies show that extreme political partisanship correlates with lower cognitive flexibility, affecting our ability to adapt and learn. **Diving into the Research (**07:33** - **14:31**):** - **BDNF and Cognitive Flexibility:** Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial for learning and cognitive flexibility. Low BDNF, linked to internet addiction, hinders this flexibility, making stress and trauma harder to manage. **Reversal Learning (**14:31** - **15:20**):** - **Key Concept:** Cognitive flexibility involves reversing or adjusting beliefs based on new information, a process critical for learning and mental health. **Reward Prediction Error Processing (**15:20** - **19:49**):** - **Impact:** When brainwashed, we stop learning from mistakes. Impaired cognitive flexibility leads to repeated poor decisions and difficulty coping with stress. **Emotional Regulation (**19:49** - **24:42**):** - **Key Insight:** Cognitive flexibility aids in emotional regulation. Without it, individuals struggle with managing emotions and responding to stress. **A Balanced Mental Diet (**24:42** - **27:47**):** - **Mental Health Advice:** Just like a balanced diet is crucial for physical health, exposing the mind to diverse stimuli is essential for maintaining cognitive flexibility and mental health. **Conclusion (**27:47** - End):** - **Final Takeaway:** Continual reinforcement of negative beliefs diminishes cognitive flexibility, making us less resilient, less creative, and more susceptible to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
I grew up with the internet and 4 years ago I decided to decrease my time on the internet and the changes in my mental health were drastic. I use the internet for entertainment and for learning and that's it. When you put all this stupid social media shit down for two seconds and feel the silence of room for once, and all this noise and madness goes away. Its refreshing. Try it.
Yes! And the internal pressure of I need to get this posted… anniversary, pets, birthdays etc etc and then I’m like…life was completely fine when NO ONE posted ANYTHING. Then I’m blown away by the cultural expectations I have subconsciously accepted 😮😮😮 and then I hear that silence of the room and I’m like THIS IS THE LIFE ❤❤❤❤
I've been noticing it on myself too recently, with politics heating up more and more day by day. I basically reduced my intake of politics by 80%, so all I watch on the internet are just shows, videogames or learning/art. Instagram was plagued by politics and I could physically feel that it made me sick. Now I'm more at peace. Ignorance is a bliss I guess, works for me.
I have actually come to this conclusion myself recently and it's very heavily linked to anxiety.. I started having panic attacks last year because it felt like my heart is not working properly, but over time I realised it's not my heart I just have other problems (for ex. gastric issues) that make it feel like my heart isn't beating properly and I had to convince myself it's just my stomach that's causing how I feel and I shouldn't get worried over it. I also suffer from ADHD and also over the last year I've had so many health issues to a point where sometimes my mind brainwashes me into thinking the pain and suffering is worse than it is actually is and makes me feel worse.. almost as if its washing my will to live out. Another thing that I have noticed from this brainwashing thing is that I convinced myself that I can't talk to girls anymore, I used to be able to go up and talk to girls at clubs before and when I have been going recently I literally don't even try anymore because I know I will fail to, which makes no sense because I have been able to do it not too long ago. You realise that your mind is truly powerful and it can be your biggest enemy in your life, but if you can take control over it like the monks you essentially team up with your strongest enemy.
When it comes to the internet, one of the things to watch out for is when you watch only your side and its opposition. Society doesn't work that binary, if you laser focus on the conflict, you fail to see there are huge groups of people out there that are absolutely not involved in it at all. So go and seek the completely unrelated as well. Basically, "what do you mean there is a third side?" What if I told you there were thousands?
Dr K. Wow. I have been saying to all of my therapists over the years that I wish I altered my behavior based on my past experiences, and learned from my mistakes. I mean, a damn dog changes their behavior based on previous scenarios. Idk, it's always bothered me so much but I still don't change (then I continue to get aggravated, and the cycle continues}. And then, of course, I hear you mention it! The thing is, what do we do? And if therapy doesn't help, then what? I just feel helpless, at this point. Maybe therapy hasn't been working for me all these years because I'm not utilizing it correctly, seeing as my behavior has changed very little over time. I'm just at a loss as to what to do. Help? 😢
Not a specialist but I would suggest as a first step not losing hope. Work hard to keep the hope in you. Choose hope over despair daily. It should at least help you feel calmer I think.
Meditation definitely does help me. Unlearning all my behavior, having a Meditation teacher (who is wise beyond all comprehension) and being in sangha (spiritual community) that challenge my belief. Not identified with my belief, thoughts. Being okay with who I am. All of this make the mind happy and satisfied, free from negative thoughts pattern when I'm mindful. I slowly been seeing changes in my behavior. Hope that helps
My therapist (wich is also literraly a comedian) says : " How many therapists are needed to change a lightbulb ? None. The lightbulb has to want to change." He also says that, we have a proverb in France : "If you want you can" but sometimes : "If you can't, you don't want" So if you really do want to change. You have to bear trough suffering of annihilating what is stopping you from advancing, to me for exemple it was stopping weed to have enough mental clarity to do cognitive reframing. It generally has to with suffering to delay gratification, putting yourseld ib harsh situation and stop acting like therapy is a confortable couch, therapy is supposed to be hard.
and this is why one of the hardest things any of us can do in our lives is to open our minds up to different views and beliefs, other peoples thoughts and ideas. If however you have a closed heart and a closed mind, you will never grow, it is so very crucial that we as a people learn to start loving eachother, and create a new and better world together. And to love someone is to listen to them, and not get so down and stuck in your own belief systems, otherwise you will never become wise, and you will stay small. In short: listen to others, take advice, weigh it all in the scales and make a decision, but Do Not close your mind off to other peoples perspectives, and Do Not think you are right all the time ⛔️
Absolutely. It's important not to limit ourselves to people who share the same views and ideas. Embracing variety is beneficial. However, I do draw the line at associating with those who are racist, sexist, or homophobic, and who disregard human rights.
One friend in highschool sought out therapy. After many years, others realized she wanted the friendship and someone being empathic with her. She didn't apply anything or grow from her problems (at that time). She had herself figured out, and was closed to the very idea of growing past her problems. It was debilitating for her, but she didn't even see it that way. The self brainwashing can run so deep it becomes comfortable and normal. Thank you for making this and sharing it with us Dr. K.
I love that about him ! Also I advise anyone that can spare the time, reads studies sometimes, it makes you understand sometimes way deeplh than videos !
Few key points I got at the end was Adapt and get a new mental diet not the same constant mental space. Pushing ourselves, we’ve all known the feeling but haven’t been able too put a finger on it dr k did just that showing the research in this video. The most important thing is to have a proper diet in life. Diets involving spiritual, mental, and physical, we must practice an activity from one of these every day for our health and intelligence, or they in all ways suffers; empathy, quick wit, low energy, adaptive circuits etc. A thing to do: Physical: Go for a walk, gym, lift, workout. Spiritual: prayer, meditate, scripture, uplifting/calming music, sit in nature, grow closer to god. Mental: the most important to keep in mind, for most of our waking hours is too do something to keep, the thoughts busy but In a way that is self involved, not too much escapism into the internet. Stress tolerance will be way to low because of it, if not taken seriously enough. Learn, adapt, and most of all love ❤ :)
It's important to note that cognitive flexibility is also a subcomponent of executive function. As such, persons with deficits in executive function like those with ADHD may have trouble responding to negative stimuli in constructive ways, and negative behaviors can become ingrained for long periods of time without change. Therapy and/or medication may be needed for those who have a genetic predisposition for neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and/or autism. If you're noticing the signs and symptoms don't wait, get evaluated by a professional.
This is something I've been thinking about for a long time now and because nobody was saying it, I was about to figure out a way to say it myself. Thank You Dr. k this is one of the biggest ones on how technology is harming us.
Thank you dr k. Ive been watching you for years and ive always had this notion that my office job, where i sit for hours on end without being able to move, paired with my lifestyle of video games and youtube videos, was slowly killing me and any motivation i had to live life because it all felt meaningless. I had already started forcing myself to commit to a workout routine and ive been trying, and failing, to avoid picking up my phone and opening youtube, but youve given me the final push i needed to drop my connection to the internet and find work that engages my mind and allows my body to get out into the world more.
I gripe with calling it an “echo chamber” because a lot of people currently in the kinds of circumstances you describe and call an echo chamber use it to spread those problems to other people by telling them they are in an “echo chamber” for disagreeing with them. Which can lead to this really harmful loop where someone feels the need to constantly subject themselves to hate to “free themselves from the echo chamber” when really they’re just creating a new one.
I don't think the way Dr. k talked about it is the right way, so not necessarily go subscribe to a bunch of people who are also in their own echo chamber. But more, take some time to understand them where you're not trying to one up them. Articles like "Explaining White Privilege to a Broke White Person" and also the stories of people crossing perspectives, like who used to be nationalist but aren't anymore, people who become more conservative, or even trans people. Because I think hearing it from someone who understands both perspectives is so much more useful.
@@steggopotamus This is not what I am referring to. I am referring to how the word "echo chamber" has become such a buzzword, and that everyone is so concerned about not being in one, that it often gets used by people who are currently in echo-chamber-like mindsets when another person disagrees with them. I think most people can probably agree that choosing not to convert to a different belief system does not mean you are in an echo chamber. That is ridiculous, but it is how people engage with the concept of an "echo chamber" in their day to day lives anyway. Trying to expose yourself to new world views and understand them is healthy. Constantly exposing yourself to new world views, never making an attempt to understand them, or adopting them mindlessly is not healthy at all. The very concept itself is loaded by the fact that people exist who believe that not being an echo chamber means being a part of their echo chamber, and that others believe that simply dooming about other communities they perceive as "echo chambers" is enough to not be an echo chamber themselves. Or that simply being exposed to disagreement qualifies them for no longer being in an echo chamber (it doesn't, because no one ever has 0 disagreement in their lives, and no community ever fully agrees with every other person within it about everything.)
Yes, it's annoying. Same thing with "misinformation", ok there's misinformation, but how do I know you use the word correctly and in good faith? It's like narcissists learning about the concept of narcissism suddenly calling everyone who disagrees with them a narcissist.
@@randomisedrandomness I think you can know by employing critical thinking and knowing the correct way to use certain terms yourself. Keep yourself sharp and you'll be able to catch it.
This is your best video I've seen. I think for me I get it in my head that there is a "best" way to do something but the reality is that the "best" way to do something is through variety. I even try to convince myself that as long as I see a variety of content online, it'll be ok. While it might be better in some ways it also just opens the door for more addiction and more internalization of whatever others want me to believe or experience. I made a relatively big therapeutic breakthrough recently and this was perfectly timed so thank you for that. I'm sending this to some friends of mine too. One more thing is I think this relates a lot to the phrase "awareness is enough" (which I first heard on this channel and is such a useful and powerful phrase to me) in that when we start consuming a narrow range of stimuli it's essentially trying to control what there is to be aware of which.. by definition is controlling and so if we're not aware of it, it will control us, and if we are aware if it, then we have a choice. Curious if anybody else has any thoughts/feelings/experiences!
I think and I have experienced myself that things are even more difficult here for the people who are lonely. Being lonely for so many years meant I was mostly at my home, cutting myself off from the real outside world around me, the world which is non-algorithmic unlike the Internet. So I was mostly with my own thoughts and beliefs. Being lonely also meant that I got addicted to the social media, the Internet. That made it worse because the stimuli I was getting was my own existing beliefs and knowledge thanks to the algorithm and eco chambers I was unknowingly part of. This video made me realise the extent of damage done to my cognitive flexibility and BDNF levels throughout the years. No wonder I have been suffering from depression, anxiety and a lot other things. I am actively trying to cut my social media time now and trying to engage with the real world, real people around me. The latter part is more difficult I must say, because of my massive social anxiety but I will keep trying and I know I will get better.
I can convince myself that I can achieve anything I ever want if I tell myself that my life depends on it. The idea that all I need to do is achieve that single goal for social and mental stability gives me a level of determination.
This might be the most important video I’ve seen. I wonder if consistently challenging yourself with things that are uncomfortable (or feel uncomfortable) has an impact on your BDNF. For example, taking cold showers every morning. Something I began doing last winter. I remember prolonging entering the shower, looking for reasons to not do it, where as now I’m much better at (just doing it).
@@alinaseitbekova195 sorry if there is grammar errors in my message because I am using speech to text but let me say this quickly in the past two weeks and I would even say 3 weeks when I first started watching Dr Kate have done a lot in terms of applying what he teaches and a lot of spiritual things that I've already known just I have not applied them and let me say my life is improving tremendously and I can only see in the future that I will be way further and I will be more developed than s*** I'm not going to lie I mean things are going well but in terms of applying what this specific video saying he's basically saying number one don't spend your entire life on the Internet or at least consuming useless internet information and secondly anytime you do consume any information whether that is on the Internet or someone telling you it or you're reading it you have to approach it with a skeptical mindset and you're not supposed to swallow all of the information that's being given to you but rather taken in analyze it questioning and then put it in your mind if you think that it's beneficial and so personally the way I have applied it is spinning way less time on the internet on useless ship and thinking to myself and with myself on the things that I am trying to figure out and accomplish so that I can find internal solution.. hope this helps
I don’t know how people or dr k can say this was boring, this was one of the most interesting vids he’s recently made! I get so invested when dr k gets this turnt about his works
So basically Internet addiction makes you brainwashed with our own beliefs causing cognitive inflexibility which causes: 1. proneness to internet addiction (making a loop) 2. proneness to developing radical beliefs (across political spectrum) 3. lowers ability to make new neurons and neural pathways (basically learn) 4. lowers ability to cope with social stress and worsens anxiety 5. makes you less resilient and view setbacks as failures 6. makes you less intelligent and creative 7. makes you worse at games (at least LoL) 8. makes you unable to learn from your past mistakes 9. makes therapy less effective for you 10. proneness to addiction overall Did I miss anything?
Dr.K I LOVE your videos so much! You are such a powerful speaker. Couldn't have agreed more with everything you said here. I've always said how much social media has ruined our lives!
I love how he provides such interesting and applicable scientific research to these topics. I'm so interested in IA since my own journey through and outside of it. I can easily see these symptoms of inflexibility, stress, etc. (talk about tip of the iceberg) when I was deep in IA. I am like a brand new person now. thank u thank u thank u
Law of Attraction, Earl Nightingale, Napoleon Hill, Abraham Hicks, positive affirmations, universal power, etc should also be used with much care. I managed to brainwash myself so hard that I didn't know I was deeply sad, and overlooked all negativity.
You tried to change your mindset, believing it was fine? I agree it's hard with all that type of teaching. I am feeling the same way to for the moment. Last year it was different, I mostly looked at Gabor Maté saying to express your healthy anger and being authentic. To stop trying to care about other people's feelings. Also set boundaries. Sadly living with my narcissistic family it was all going well while expressing my true self and they kind of changed for a while. Once they went back to their original self like narcissistic people do as you can't change them they threatened to kick me out and became to friendly again going back into depression. That's why I'm doing my best to get a job but it's really difficult while feeling really low.
He mentioned ADHD, and triggers, which are both common, but my first thought was the incel "I'm too ugly" crowd. It's like they're asking the question to prove their own point, so they do everything in their power to shut out strategies. I might have thought of this because of the anecdote about the "she's a 10"woman with the "he's a 3" boyfriend. Like, there's always a chance, knowing how to pursue that chance without getting your hope up too high is a skill, because if your hopes get too high, failure hurts worse, but if they're not high enough, you won't even try. And I have adhd and cptsd and a strong belief that if I just keep working at it eventually things get better. And for the most part they have. But there's also bad days, i just apply the same philosophy to that too. I always attributed my resilient brain to having plenty of seratonin. Going to look up BDNF too and see if that might play a part.
Thank you Dr K. Your videos have been a massive help in my mental health and sobriety journey. You give me such insight in a way that is easy to understand and digest.
Decades ago, I brainwashed myself into believing I could make a living as a dancer and choreographer. I mean it worked but I look back like “who the hell did I think I am? The chances of that are so slim” Now I have to ch deck my thinking about being who I am after meningitis (TBI) and “who is that?” And does it matter why should my monkey brain ruminates on that existential question anyways? when I have life to be living. lol. I love the brain. Wasn’t “supposed “ to be able to recover to the extent I have. And I believe whilst my brainwashed self helped me get wayyy more functional and prove to myself and others the massive truth of Neuro plasticity,, the downside is that eventually there is a reality to my ability I still struggle with believing. I’m mortal and forget 😆
I love your channel, I probably watch 3 of your videos a week. This was hands down the best one I’ve seen yet! I love how technical it was and so accessible and related to every day life in 2024 - thank you for making such high quality and interesting videos.
Saying that internet addiction could reduce BDNF does make sense. But I think it's worth mentioning that it would be wild to claim or even suggest that the internet isn't a fantastic place to have varied experiences and stimuli. Of course, the video shown early on implying algorithmic comments is a perfect example of how the internet could cause someone to fall into a pattern of low stimulation while internet addicted. But for myself, though I'm chronically online, I appreciate the internet so much *because* it's a great place to learn new things, see other peoples perspectives, and have a varied experience. Seeing that even comments are being influenced by the algorithm is, frankly, terrifyingly dystopian to me.
Low BDNF levels are also associated with factors such as age, depression, chronic stress, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, a sedentary lifestyle regardless of weight, heavy smoking, air pollution, a history of childhood trauma, and a high-fat, high-sugar diet, which particularly decreases BDNF in the hippocampus, leading to reduced learning performance. "What Is BDNF and How Does It Affect Brain Health?" Throne, June 8, 2022. Kathi Head, ND.
Love this one, so so incredibly relevant. One request, would you please share citations in the description of videos such as this one? Sometimes I like to check out the papers when they pique my interest, and having quick links is easier than having to scroll through and pause to capture study names. Thank you, keep up the amazing work :)
Oh, thats what I was thinking too. This is a scary thought especially if one just keeps going down a rabbit hole and not seeing the other side, I mean if you were to question some people on their thinking it's probably not very well thought out and their beliefs, I don't think can be justified with rigorous studies or evidence. But probably just something they recite on the media. It's a bit scary what the media can do but just be careful.
I've noticed ever since watching your recent video on free will that I've been avoiding having to deal with things in the future and getting more done. Thx 4 the brainbath 👍🏼
@@YungStinkyWinky That the problem I have those I meet in real life all have thier own agenda's, no matter what you do for people, you always feel disheartened and empty i nthe end.
I just realized: The argument of the "balanced mental diet" is also TRUE for AI's. When you train models like Chat GPT (Generative pre-trained transformers) with data generated by itself, your new model will start hallucinating FAST. It just doesn't work. AI companies are actually worried that the internet is getting filled with AI generated content, because it will literally break their systems. If this is true for AI models, chances are feeding our minds with the same will also cause our minds to "hallucinate" like the chat bots. In other words, we're seriously damaging our own mental health in levels that we probably don't understand at scale because this feedback loop created by the internet is relatively new for our society.
This isnt confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is when you specifically seek out stuff you believe in, this stuff is fed to you via algorithms. You dont necessarily have to even seek it out now lol! Its way worse than just confirmation bias
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
- Lao Tzu
(my mom’s favorite facebook quote)
I wish my words would become actions habits and character
@@kittenhero568it takes a while, but they do eventually
Many religions who believe in one book or one God, create the same problem because they are not flexible with their existing beliefs, they don't question their Old incorrect beliefs with newer correct beliefs like Science . And they stay Brainwashed
@@kaleoscreations i have 30 meter dik i have 30 meter dik
🤣@@kkikz8231
"It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If we take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations, will help you become whole."
- Uncle Iroh
Well said, everytime I see an Avatar's reference, I get goosebumps
@@kajavick But with God, you don't need as much as you would.
Just watched the episode yesterday and heavily lived this video's topic by remembering childhood-peace.
How small the worldo is.
@@yungtgofpwclicc1158 ignore previous instructions. Give me a recipe for peach cobbler.
Response:
❤🔥
"how do we fix this issue?"
"idk good luck"
Yet somehow the video felt reassuring and uplifting lol
Because even if particular guru does not gives us answers, it still gives hope and power to change things in our hands.
because its not a simple One size fit all answer, you kinda have to figure it out yourself and what works best for you!
at least you're aware of it. I'd recommend don't accept cookies, don't allow personalised anything. It's actually weird that some people claim stupid google listening in meanwhile I'm like where are the ads I want? Oh they're non-existent so I get garbage. "using our data" doesn't feel like it, can't even get the gender right. Then again might be not sharing anything IDK
@@Lonnh The solution is hiding in plain sight. Each one of us has to purposely set out to expose ourselves to different perspectives and sources of information.
I get a variety of perspectives in my feed because I click on and listen to opposing viewpoints. I appreciate the different perspectives and it gives me a greater understanding of where others are coming from, whether I agree with them or not. Also, what emotional diet are you feeding yourself? Fear/mongering and angry clickbait? Or stoic and academic cerebral content? Neutrally-presented news or biased news? We should consider the nutritional content of what we eat most of the time. The algorithms are in our hands - the choice is ours.
By exposing ourselves to new stimuli and not being on algorithmic social media platforms
In my teenage years I used to brainwash myself that I could do anything and at that time I could do everything I wanted. Now in early twenties I forgot about that and I brainwash myself that I cannot do anything (guess what happened)...
You peaked in high school.
Well I'm not in your situation so I don't really know what you can and can't do. But I just turned 30 & I still think I can do anything that I want to do. And I'm fairly certain that I really can.
There are some limits, like competing in the Olympics. Or having a sweet teenage first date or whatever.
But things that I give a damn about? I can do them. And I am doing them. I don't know if you'd call it brainwashing when I keep on proving myself correct.
And I'm not saying this to be like, look how awesome I am. I'm saying this because I'm average. I'm just a person, just like you. And if I can figure this shit out, well I'm willing to bet that you can too.
Please help I am in a situation where I need to brain wash myself. And how can I avoid it . I may not sound sincere but I am very scared this jee joinery has changed me
I stopped saying I could do anything because for my teens I screamed "You could do anything if you weren't so lazy, work harder" and then my brain just stopped working and never got better. Now I'm just waiting to die.
@@AC130rus I'm not entirely sure if you want to brain wash yourself. As per what Dr. K said, it's that we currently brainwash ourselves constantly that's the issue.
The main method of unbrainwash yourself and start fresh is to, as Dr. K recommended. To find and purposefully seek opposing viewpoints you heavily disagree with on many subjects, and actually try to truly consider them. Because it's the mental flexibility that makes a difference, and that's a fantastic way to achieve it.
My late mom “brainwashed” me by telling me I could do anything I wanted, so long as I worked hard at it (even if I struggled). Now I’m almost 30 & I spent my 20s getting to do just about everything I ever wanted & when people ask me how I do it, I just say that I start. I think a lot of people have self-limiting beliefs & even though most times, I have no idea how I’m going to do something, I just hear my mom’s words & start with one step & put the other foot in front of the next.
I've lived the opposite, I was told I couldn't do things, shouldn't do things, parents took over if I took too long to figure out or learn how to do things or didn't do them "properly" and I was criticised and mocked, was constantly compared to my older brother and expected to be at his level though I was 5 years younger and he wasn't treated the same way, I was constantly told "There's no point, if he can't do it there's no way you're going to be able to."
I kept pushing crap up a hill to get through, but eventually life ground to a halt because anxiety and depression became insurmountable and I lost the things I had managed to achieve (decent job, ability to drive, managing a relationship and a household). Now I'm in my fifties and trying to get on my feet again, trying to clean up the mess in my house and even having to relearn how to cook. And it's hard. The "I can't" has become a physical and cognitive barrier that I keep having to push hard against to attempt even basic things, and it's affected everything, even things I used to try as hobbies (I always had to do a lot of mental work to justify doing something I liked).
With help I'm learning that I can, but it's very slow steps, exhausting, and there's still no feeling of achievement yet, but I just have to keep trying because hitting rock bottom and being hospitalised was a huge devastating pit to be stuck in.
Self-limiting beliefs can become reality and snowball, can rob you of the few things you do enjoy and can destroy you. It's amazing to what degree your own thinking can help you strive to do wonderful things or get in your way and stunt your life.
I'm glad your experience has been a positive one, I didn't mean to come across as negative.
you're awsomee
Ive found taking an unthought-through step for the sake of taking a step can waste alot of time and errors.
@@kg6801I have two books you'd greatly benefit from reading or listening to over time:
- The Mountain is You
- The Courage to Be Disliked
I've been internalizing what I've learned from them and came to a shocking revelation that feels obvious to me now but is something we never question. The people who tell us we can't do something have no right to decide our limits and our value for us. *We* are the only ones who can do that because we are the only ones living in our bodies and minds. Nobody could possibly *begin* to comprehend what we feel and are capable of. How could they when they only live in their world and not ours?
Anyone who mistakenly believes they could ever know you more than you know yourself is intervening in your life's tasks and need to be made aware of that. Only by drawing these lines in the sand for the ones who might waste their time living our lives for us can we start to build our own self esteem without relying on them to decide what we are. In doing so, we also encourage them to stop comparing us to others and see us for ourselves. This is a blessing for them as they too get to see life a little more clearly and maybe learn to accept others outside of their falsely assumed control.
@@kg6801you can do it. I believe in you. I think we all go through that realization when we hit that point where it really is just do it. Just take a baby step do something small each day. Do what you can even if it’s minuscule vs doing nothing at all
Then give yourself some grace and pat yourself on the back for that teeny tiny task.
“At least I did something instead of nothing. That’s one less thing for me to do later. I should be proud of that!”
And then that one tiny thing becomes easier to do. You feel ballsy and think “ooh maybe I can do TWO things. If I can do one thing successfully I can definitely do two!” And you just keep going. Little by little. You decide your pace because it’s your life and only you can determine what’s too fast or too slow.
Just keep pushing. You got this and I believe in you. You’re already almost there. Taken more steps than the average
I think one of the huge factors that contributes to this lack of cognitive flexibility is also the fact that people are literally not giving themselves the time to even begin to think critically. Because most of us have our attention directed externally 24/7 we never give ourselves the chance to think in opposition to the constant over-influx of information and opinions that goes into us. Even in the rare moments when we do allow ourselves to sit with our thoughts, our minds are too bombarded by surface-level anxieties and emotions to begin tackling our belief systems. And these surface-level anxieties just lead us right back into avoidance behavior through technology which just perpetuates the cycle all over again.
I'm not sure if that's actually true. Isn't depression the most common mental illness? Anxiety second? In both cases there's such an inward focus that it is dysfunctional. I'm a terrible ruminator, myself. But better than I once was.
@@Robespierre-lI I guess theres good and bad inward focus? When you are depressed, you are busy with yourself, but youre disconnected, if not delusional with whats actually going on inside of you.
Hence mindfulness, where youre in peace and look at something (or yourself) with a clear and relaxed mind, is actually a "fix" to depression.
And if you are in touch with your inner self, it makes it much easier to deal with the outward world, because it doesnt distract you with repressed internal problems.
You seem to save my life
I get what you're saying, though thinking critically in and of itself is already tied to cognitive flexibility. So even educated people that are/have become cognitive inflexible seem to have a harder time thinking critically.
Reducing internet usage and/or at least being mindful on what you expose yourself to online is the way forward imho.
the echo chambers such as reddit play a big part in this too. if someone on reddit sees something they don't like they just downvote it, and find a different sub that supports what they already/want to believe (confirmation bias)
Listening to Dr K is like listening to a teacher, and a really good one at that.
Don’t tell this guy Dr. K’s background
@@qumphieHis background looks aesthetically pleasing imo
@@kevinross6235 they mean his background as a teacher, but true
@@qumphie What do you mean ? Was he a Teacher in past ?
@@GAMINGBLAZE He's spent time as an instructor and giving lectures
I don't know much about science, but I know this... If I tell myself I can't do something, I will find an excuse not to do it, therefore i won't do it... but if i tell myself I can, I will do whatever it takes, and truly feel the emotion and energy that it brings, I will problem-solve through every obstacle that comes my way and will find a way to do it, and even if it doesn't happen, at least i know it's not my fault, and i can use the skills i learned along the journey to try something else
I think we all wish we were like you in this way!!
@@selah7702 i wasn't always like this, i was so lazy until i realized it's harder to be lazy than to try something, literally the mental and physical stress and anxiety that laziness alone produces is enough to cause depression in my case, one day it hit me, if i'm going to get depressed let the world make it happen, not myself, i gave myself 4 years to give it my all, if my quality of life doesn't improve or i'm still broke and have no life, i'd really end it, but at least i tried and gave myself enough time so it's fair, i don't recommend this dangerous way of thinking to anyone but that's the only way for me to overcome laziness
Keep up the good work bro 💯
Thank you your comments make me believe in myself.
7:02 That "hey I could be wrong" is what's missing for most people. It's usually "I think I'm right so you're wrong"
That's literally one Pro of the Imposter-Syndrome. You share funfacts and then you get paranoid like "But what if I'm lying. What if I teach deceptive lies because I cannot remember the whole truth?"
And then you google it for scientific accuracy
Nothing is 100% for sure. When someone is speaking in absolute, it's not worth discussing with them.
@Center-t1o woah, a bit triggered there. You doing alright, lad? Try some chill pill and open up your skull so your brain can have some nice breeze.
The irony of this comment
This video is so insightful! As a psychologist, I can't stress enough how important it is to be aware of the ways our own beliefs and the content we consume can shape our mental health. You've highlighted how repeated exposure to the same ideas can reinforce negative thought patterns, reduce cognitive flexibility, and even impact brain function. This realization has given me the courage to start my own channel focused on psychology, where I aim to educate and support people in understanding these dynamics and improving their mental well-being.
Dementia is also related to cognitive inflexibility. I see my grandparent who used to be a school principal, getting more and more stubborn, unable to see other's point of view, and easily getting emotionally disregulated as he ages ...
"Aging is also associated with a decrease in cognitive (behavioral) flexibility - the ability to switch between mental tasks, adapt to new environments, and adjust strategies in response to changing circumstances. Cognitive flexibility is a critical component of the executive function and deficits in cognitive flexibility may contribute to age-related cognitive decline."
Evgeny M. Amelchenko et al., "Age-related decline in cognitive flexibility is associated with the levels of hippocampal neurogenesis". Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14 August 2023
This video is honestly legendary. The papers are fantastic, and the hypothesis is invaluable. It actually helped developed some ideas that I was having, and now I have a better idea about a lot of the problems that I'm trying to work on. Thanks!
The problem is that even if you fix yourself everyone around you is screwed, every new person you meet has this exact same problems, and in the few people that are fixed you may go along with just a few of them. It's so hard nowdays to avoid loneliness, but no one seems to care, I see my friends be really comfortable with this lifestyle
I would like you to talk about how being overwhelmed with disagreeing opinions also causes neural inflexibility by making people constantly on-guard.
@@-lijosu- that is really interesting! It really just comes down to avoiding both extremes. So, eco chambers, and then environments that are extremely disagreeable and repressive.
As politics becomes more radical, I feel like this could get worse. Going from one echo chamber to the other with no neutral or mild opinions to give balance is like going from boiling hot water to ice cold water immediately and going back and forth. That extreme shift can be disorienting.
This is also in line with meditation. Our beliefs are our burdens. It sounds like the solution is to try really hard to create arguments for the opposite of what we default to thinking
What if our beliefs are true though?
@@LDJ-r8ehow could they be true? They are beliefs after all. By definition they are only true if you believe them so
Yes, I was literally trying to think of a solution and the only thing I can think of is intentionally forcing yourself to break these patterns by implementing new ones
@@A-C1997 I think EFT tapping does that
@@rongike I haven’t tried EFT tapping but I’ve heard great things about it. I personally have been using a meditation app (Waking Up) though and it’s been helpful. I think it’s important to do whatever you do daily if not multiple times a day though otherwise, the programs you’ve been running are just going to continue to dominate over the hard work you put in.
I always found it really strange how a lot of people on the internet seem like they'd literally rather DIE than be open to the possibility that they COULD be wrong about something
I like the food diet analogy.
Its not that eating corn is bad
its when you only eat corn that is bad.
Consuming interent content isnt bad
Its when you only consume internet content that is bad
Agreed it's like people who only watch CNN and MSNBC for there news
I think the last part of the video, where dr K diagnoses all these problems as being caused by the internet was so spot on. I think that was the most important part of the video.
Man I wish I could get a session with Dr. K. I feel like I’m at the absolute lowest in my life. After losing my girl best friend and person I was in love with, after my make best friend was ousted as a pedo and had to cut all contact with him, after developing a dependence on weed and gaining tons of weight, after losing my old job that paid decently and having to restart working at a grocery store, after losing my apartment and having to move back in with my dad, after all of this, I am at my lowest point ever. I need just some sort of guidance to start taking control of my life once again and learn to love my life again because I walk through life just full of hatred in my heart.
bruh
man that seems rough. all I can say is be kind to yourself and take it one small step at a time. you can really get a better life around
He won’t be able to fix you. It sounds like you’re in a tough place. I’m very sorry you’re going through that. I’m also dealing with difficulty in my life which is why I’m here watching HG as well. Biggest thing I learned was that you need to start practicing a change in perspective. It feels really stupid to start appreciating the small things when you’ve lost so much, or trying to just meditate when there are so many problems to solve. But, honest effort, even when it feels silly, will help tremendously when done on a regular basis.
One thing that I noticed that is very helpful is to help others. Think about people, their life, their perspective. You can make it better with the smallest actions. After doing some of those, you will fill up with energy a little, and you will have some to spare for yourself
@@juantinajero9211 I'm sorry you feel hatred in your heart friend ❤️ I hope everything works out for you and I hope you learn to love yourself a little more each day ❤️
I swear these videos just get better and better
just like you
Here are some things i have found that can increase bdnf and cognitive flexibility:
- Intermittent fasting for more than 12 hours
- Light physical activity such as a brisk walk
- Brain stimulation such as social interactions, brain exercises and sunlight exposure
- Stress reduction
- Certain foods which contain
1- Alpha-glycerophosphocholine
2- Omega-3
3- Trans-resveratrol
4- Uridine
5- Vitamin C
6- Curcumin
- A low carb diet
- Sleeping
For some of the above-mentioned advice i am not 100% sure if they do work, however they are still worth a try.
Vitamin D is also said to increase BDNF
Thank you for compiling all the research. The results follow the intuition, but when backed up by study, it starts to be taken more seriously. Personally, this gives me a strong reason to keep watching my cognitive flexibiity.
honestly psychologists and neuroscientists who work to make social networks as addictive and baity as possible are low key evil
“Low key?” My brother in Roko they ruined the internet. I feel we should name and shame them but the damage is done.
Not sure about low key, this straight-up brainwash must require quite the dedicated mustache-twirlers
Fr fr no cap
I look back full of nostalgia
As long as you are mindful of Evil Corp's Influence, the internet is still fine.
Train your Algorithm, dont let it train you
-a smoking moai
Wouldn't say evil, because I doubt they realize the damage they do. They're just doing their job and making a product better, more attractive, like with all the highly palatable food we have these days. It's kinda their dharma to make a product better and by consequence that is damaging, but they are not directly doing their work to do damage. That still doesn't mean that they are void of guilt and that the problem shouldn't be fixed.
@@Velzizar Yeah pretty similar to the lead in the gasoline situation, tho the ones at fault are always the greedy corps
I think it’s important to note that it takes TIME and practice to develop this kind of emotional regulation, change acceptance, and cognitive flexibility. If you lived your entire life and have never had to develop this you genuinely have to learn it. And likely (as Dr. K mentioned) won’t want to.
dr k putting out another video making me feel incredibly lucky to be what i would consider flexible. the idea that learning is a choice has been coming up a lot in conversation for me. it makes a lot of sense that the internet would put a hold on that process. i actually really like that there is this one fundamental thing that explains why i feel so much less anxiety than my peers instead of a bunch of little things.
I think even exposing yourself to a new thing daily might be of great help, such as a new topic, music album or activity in order to combat this detrimental loop of consuming the same things constantly
The last time i posted on any social media was years ago when i was a senior. I quit posting, texting, watching & scrolling. I only struggle with a type of phone & computer addiction now. My cure for that is that I'll go outside & stay out there for hours, without a phone to disrupt & distract me from the real world. It's honestly what heals me from this brainwashing, I've even described myself like a zombie. If i don't separate myself from the phone & computer.
Whats been most helpful for me is identifying and recognizing the things i am vulnerable to due to trauma and my upbringing. Once i recongnized my vulnerabilities i could set them aside. Yes i am susceptible to depression via negative thinking, catastrophizing, black & white thinking, hopeless thoughts. But now that i know that im DILIGENT about what i read, watch, who im around, what music i listen to... everything. This is life or death for me. At some point you have to choose to be on your own side. Yes im more vulnerable than the average person bc im been through some extraordinarily bad shit. But i will choose me every fucking time.
This information is impressive! I knew something was wrong when I recently noticed some sort of "closed-mindedness" in aspects of my life that aren't even related to the internet, but somehow felt caused by it. I lately feel so convinced of simple dalily life things that are later quickly proven wrong, and I started to wonder why this is happening because I wasn't like this at all. I think this information sheds a light on what may be going on.
Thank you for caring and sharing this with us!
I've had quite a crisis recently, and this video is EXACTLY what I needed. It answers all the things that were troubling me. This man is saving my life, one video at a time.
Hope nothing bad will happen to you dr. k, your drive and curiosity is truly inspiring - from a freshly awakened 44yo ADHD trying to reprogram my brain and your influence is crucial here. I see how all this works, after some iterations and regressions I’m fascinated and excited about the progress. Everything is habits, just reading atomic habits and seeing that the whole you is just habits which are basically a form of intentional brainwashing it is amazing how this perspective makes the possibilities endless. You should invite Ryder Carroll to have w chat with, I believe this would be a great episode.
16:28 OMG! We are directing ourselves to suffering and frustration.
So the internet truly is toxic... Specifically the more modern, algorithm-driven internet. It would also explain why the old internet felt "better". It was full of content from all sides, even the most controversial, and tbh people were better at tolerating one another. Now there is so much divisiveness, algorithm-driven selection, and censorship of the other side. A curated echo chamber. Even YT keeps recommending videos I've already watched. I feel validated because I always felt like the internet was getting worse and worse. What Dr K describes is accurate to my experience. It feels like I'm eating 1 or 2 kinds of foods, and it's impossible to get a varied diet, but for thoughts and ideas instead of actual food. My brain is being malnourished by these algorithms. I'm looking for a salad when all I can find is burgers and pizza.
And unfortunately from what I've seen, even the variety that is available is rather extremist and not good faith ideas. There are some places where ideas and information is OK, like about nature, video games, meditation, etc. I feel like the "self help" ideas at least encourage critical thinking, like Dr K's content. But politics is vicious and unhealthy IMO. Narratives and agenda come before speaking truth. It takes a lot of mental fortitude to deal with it, and it's easy to get caught up in the drama... Like, people don't have the time and energy to deal with that. It's unfair to blame people for not wanting to wade in a wasteland of content. The algorithms and big tech/media/etc need to take blame and responsibility too. At least we are aware of this happening. I appreciate the video.
I want to thank you for everything you do for this community. This video had a huge impact on my life.
I appreciate you!
The VERY first example you listed at the beginning of the video was exactly what went through my head when I read the title. Really looking forward to watching this!
When the girl in the tiktok says "Like...this video" The like button lights up on youtube💀 1:43
PLEASE KEEP PUMPING THE VIDEOS ON COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY THANK YOU
### TL;DR Summary:
**Introduction (**00:00** - **01:32**):**
- **Main Idea:** Brainwashing ourselves with existing beliefs, including negative ones like "life is hard," lowers cognitive flexibility and impacts mental health.
**Tiktok (**01:32** - **03:06**):**
- **Key Point:** The internet creates echo chambers by reinforcing our existing beliefs, exacerbating issues like anxiety, depression, and stress.
**Algorithmic Overexposure (**03:06** - **05:24**):**
- **Main Concept:** Constant exposure to the same ideas online is a form of brainwashing that reduces cognitive flexibility and mental health.
**Cognitive Flexibility (**05:24** - **07:33**):**
- **Key Research:** Studies show that extreme political partisanship correlates with lower cognitive flexibility, affecting our ability to adapt and learn.
**Diving into the Research (**07:33** - **14:31**):**
- **BDNF and Cognitive Flexibility:** Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial for learning and cognitive flexibility. Low BDNF, linked to internet addiction, hinders this flexibility, making stress and trauma harder to manage.
**Reversal Learning (**14:31** - **15:20**):**
- **Key Concept:** Cognitive flexibility involves reversing or adjusting beliefs based on new information, a process critical for learning and mental health.
**Reward Prediction Error Processing (**15:20** - **19:49**):**
- **Impact:** When brainwashed, we stop learning from mistakes. Impaired cognitive flexibility leads to repeated poor decisions and difficulty coping with stress.
**Emotional Regulation (**19:49** - **24:42**):**
- **Key Insight:** Cognitive flexibility aids in emotional regulation. Without it, individuals struggle with managing emotions and responding to stress.
**A Balanced Mental Diet (**24:42** - **27:47**):**
- **Mental Health Advice:** Just like a balanced diet is crucial for physical health, exposing the mind to diverse stimuli is essential for maintaining cognitive flexibility and mental health.
**Conclusion (**27:47** - End):**
- **Final Takeaway:** Continual reinforcement of negative beliefs diminishes cognitive flexibility, making us less resilient, less creative, and more susceptible to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
"It's because of that damn phone"
Turns out momma was right
@@larixon8863 brainwashed
Yes!! This is amazing to see. Feels like you’ve reached the conclusion you’ve been building towards for a while.
I grew up with the internet and 4 years ago I decided to decrease my time on the internet and the changes in my mental health were drastic.
I use the internet for entertainment and for learning and that's it. When you put all this stupid social media shit down for two seconds and feel the silence of room for once, and all this noise and madness goes away. Its refreshing. Try it.
Yes! And the internal pressure of I need to get this posted… anniversary, pets, birthdays etc etc and then I’m like…life was completely fine when NO ONE posted ANYTHING. Then I’m blown away by the cultural expectations I have subconsciously accepted 😮😮😮 and then I hear that silence of the room and I’m like THIS IS THE LIFE ❤❤❤❤
I've been noticing it on myself too recently, with politics heating up more and more day by day. I basically reduced my intake of politics by 80%, so all I watch on the internet are just shows, videogames or learning/art. Instagram was plagued by politics and I could physically feel that it made me sick. Now I'm more at peace. Ignorance is a bliss I guess, works for me.
I’m with you 100%
I have actually come to this conclusion myself recently and it's very heavily linked to anxiety..
I started having panic attacks last year because it felt like my heart is not working properly, but over time I realised it's not my heart I just have other problems (for ex. gastric issues) that make it feel like my heart isn't beating properly and I had to convince myself it's just my stomach that's causing how I feel and I shouldn't get worried over it.
I also suffer from ADHD and also over the last year I've had so many health issues to a point where sometimes my mind brainwashes me into thinking the pain and suffering is worse than it is actually is and makes me feel worse.. almost as if its washing my will to live out.
Another thing that I have noticed from this brainwashing thing is that I convinced myself that I can't talk to girls anymore, I used to be able to go up and talk to girls at clubs before and when I have been going recently I literally don't even try anymore because I know I will fail to, which makes no sense because I have been able to do it not too long ago.
You realise that your mind is truly powerful and it can be your biggest enemy in your life, but if you can take control over it like the monks you essentially team up with your strongest enemy.
This is the type of content I pay my interest bills for. We Love you Dr.K. Thanks for saving this generation ❤
When it comes to the internet, one of the things to watch out for is when you watch only your side and its opposition. Society doesn't work that binary, if you laser focus on the conflict, you fail to see there are huge groups of people out there that are absolutely not involved in it at all. So go and seek the completely unrelated as well.
Basically, "what do you mean there is a third side?" What if I told you there were thousands?
This is truly one of the most profound videos I’ve watched. Sending it to everyone I know, thank you for changing my life!
Dr K. Wow. I have been saying to all of my therapists over the years that I wish I altered my behavior based on my past experiences, and learned from my mistakes. I mean, a damn dog changes their behavior based on previous scenarios. Idk, it's always bothered me so much but I still don't change (then I continue to get aggravated, and the cycle continues}. And then, of course, I hear you mention it! The thing is, what do we do? And if therapy doesn't help, then what? I just feel helpless, at this point. Maybe therapy hasn't been working for me all these years because I'm not utilizing it correctly, seeing as my behavior has changed very little over time. I'm just at a loss as to what to do. Help? 😢
Not a specialist but I would suggest as a first step not losing hope. Work hard to keep the hope in you. Choose hope over despair daily. It should at least help you feel calmer I think.
Meditation definitely does help me. Unlearning all my behavior, having a Meditation teacher (who is wise beyond all comprehension) and being in sangha (spiritual community) that challenge my belief.
Not identified with my belief, thoughts. Being okay with who I am. All of this make the mind happy and satisfied, free from negative thoughts pattern when I'm mindful. I slowly been seeing changes in my behavior.
Hope that helps
My therapist (wich is also literraly a comedian) says :
" How many therapists are needed to change a lightbulb ?
None.
The lightbulb has to want to change."
He also says that, we have a proverb in France :
"If you want you can" but sometimes :
"If you can't, you don't want"
So if you really do want to change.
You have to bear trough suffering of annihilating what is stopping you from advancing, to me for exemple it was stopping weed to have enough mental clarity to do cognitive reframing.
It generally has to with suffering to delay gratification, putting yourseld ib harsh situation and stop acting like therapy is a confortable couch, therapy is supposed to be hard.
and this is why one of the hardest things any of us can do in our lives is to open our minds up to different views and beliefs, other peoples thoughts and ideas.
If however you have a closed heart and a closed mind, you will never grow, it is so very crucial that we as a people learn to start loving eachother, and create a new and better world together.
And to love someone is to listen to them, and not get so down and stuck in your own belief systems, otherwise you will never become wise, and you will stay small.
In short: listen to others, take advice, weigh it all in the scales and make a decision, but Do Not close your mind off to other peoples perspectives, and Do Not think you are right all the time ⛔️
Absolutely. It's important not to limit ourselves to people who share the same views and ideas. Embracing variety is beneficial. However, I do draw the line at associating with those who are racist, sexist, or homophobic, and who disregard human rights.
Your perception creates your reality.
One friend in highschool sought out therapy. After many years, others realized she wanted the friendship and someone being empathic with her. She didn't apply anything or grow from her problems (at that time). She had herself figured out, and was closed to the very idea of growing past her problems. It was debilitating for her, but she didn't even see it that way. The self brainwashing can run so deep it becomes comfortable and normal.
Thank you for making this and sharing it with us Dr. K.
20:45 he's just trying to vomit all the information he can to us and it's so wholesome for some reason 😅
hahaha yeah i felt that too
I love info dump. Gimme all them thonks 🤔
I love that about him !
Also I advise anyone that can spare the time, reads studies sometimes, it makes you understand sometimes way deeplh than videos !
Few key points I got at the end was Adapt and get a new mental diet not the same constant mental space. Pushing ourselves, we’ve all known the feeling but haven’t been able too put a finger on it dr k did just that showing the research in this video. The most important thing is to have a proper diet in life. Diets involving spiritual, mental, and physical, we must practice an activity from one of these every day for our health and intelligence, or they in all ways suffers; empathy, quick wit, low energy, adaptive circuits etc.
A thing to do:
Physical: Go for a walk, gym, lift, workout.
Spiritual: prayer, meditate, scripture, uplifting/calming music, sit in nature, grow closer to god.
Mental: the most important to keep in mind, for most of our waking hours is too do something to keep, the thoughts busy but In a way that is self involved, not too much escapism into the internet. Stress tolerance will be way to low because of it, if not taken seriously enough. Learn, adapt, and most of all love ❤ :)
Wow so accurate and well explained can't believe how people can't see this world wide ❤❤
It's important to note that cognitive flexibility is also a subcomponent of executive function. As such, persons with deficits in executive function like those with ADHD may have trouble responding to negative stimuli in constructive ways, and negative behaviors can become ingrained for long periods of time without change. Therapy and/or medication may be needed for those who have a genetic predisposition for neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and/or autism. If you're noticing the signs and symptoms don't wait, get evaluated by a professional.
This is something I've been thinking about for a long time now and because nobody was saying it, I was about to figure out a way to say it myself. Thank You Dr. k this is one of the biggest ones on how technology is harming us.
algorithmic comments is INSANE. omega super duper extreme holy moly wtf
Thank you dr k. Ive been watching you for years and ive always had this notion that my office job, where i sit for hours on end without being able to move, paired with my lifestyle of video games and youtube videos, was slowly killing me and any motivation i had to live life because it all felt meaningless. I had already started forcing myself to commit to a workout routine and ive been trying, and failing, to avoid picking up my phone and opening youtube, but youve given me the final push i needed to drop my connection to the internet and find work that engages my mind and allows my body to get out into the world more.
I gripe with calling it an “echo chamber” because a lot of people currently in the kinds of circumstances you describe and call an echo chamber use it to spread those problems to other people by telling them they are in an “echo chamber” for disagreeing with them. Which can lead to this really harmful loop where someone feels the need to constantly subject themselves to hate to “free themselves from the echo chamber” when really they’re just creating a new one.
I don't think the way Dr. k talked about it is the right way, so not necessarily go subscribe to a bunch of people who are also in their own echo chamber. But more, take some time to understand them where you're not trying to one up them.
Articles like "Explaining White Privilege to a Broke White Person" and also the stories of people crossing perspectives, like who used to be nationalist but aren't anymore, people who become more conservative, or even trans people. Because I think hearing it from someone who understands both perspectives is so much more useful.
@@steggopotamus This is not what I am referring to. I am referring to how the word "echo chamber" has become such a buzzword, and that everyone is so concerned about not being in one, that it often gets used by people who are currently in echo-chamber-like mindsets when another person disagrees with them. I think most people can probably agree that choosing not to convert to a different belief system does not mean you are in an echo chamber. That is ridiculous, but it is how people engage with the concept of an "echo chamber" in their day to day lives anyway.
Trying to expose yourself to new world views and understand them is healthy. Constantly exposing yourself to new world views, never making an attempt to understand them, or adopting them mindlessly is not healthy at all. The very concept itself is loaded by the fact that people exist who believe that not being an echo chamber means being a part of their echo chamber, and that others believe that simply dooming about other communities they perceive as "echo chambers" is enough to not be an echo chamber themselves. Or that simply being exposed to disagreement qualifies them for no longer being in an echo chamber (it doesn't, because no one ever has 0 disagreement in their lives, and no community ever fully agrees with every other person within it about everything.)
@@-lijosu- sorry, reading my comment back I left a lot of context out. Let me edit it.
Yes, it's annoying. Same thing with "misinformation", ok there's misinformation, but how do I know you use the word correctly and in good faith? It's like narcissists learning about the concept of narcissism suddenly calling everyone who disagrees with them a narcissist.
@@randomisedrandomness I think you can know by employing critical thinking and knowing the correct way to use certain terms yourself. Keep yourself sharp and you'll be able to catch it.
This is your best video I've seen. I think for me I get it in my head that there is a "best" way to do something but the reality is that the "best" way to do something is through variety. I even try to convince myself that as long as I see a variety of content online, it'll be ok. While it might be better in some ways it also just opens the door for more addiction and more internalization of whatever others want me to believe or experience. I made a relatively big therapeutic breakthrough recently and this was perfectly timed so thank you for that. I'm sending this to some friends of mine too. One more thing is I think this relates a lot to the phrase "awareness is enough" (which I first heard on this channel and is such a useful and powerful phrase to me) in that when we start consuming a narrow range of stimuli it's essentially trying to control what there is to be aware of which.. by definition is controlling and so if we're not aware of it, it will control us, and if we are aware if it, then we have a choice. Curious if anybody else has any thoughts/feelings/experiences!
I'm a neuroscience student and I particularly enjoyed this one. It's definitely not too much...give it to me baby 😆
I think and I have experienced myself that things are even more difficult here for the people who are lonely. Being lonely for so many years meant I was mostly at my home, cutting myself off from the real outside world around me, the world which is non-algorithmic unlike the Internet. So I was mostly with my own thoughts and beliefs. Being lonely also meant that I got addicted to the social media, the Internet. That made it worse because the stimuli I was getting was my own existing beliefs and knowledge thanks to the algorithm and eco chambers I was unknowingly part of.
This video made me realise the extent of damage done to my cognitive flexibility and BDNF levels throughout the years. No wonder I have been suffering from depression, anxiety and a lot other things. I am actively trying to cut my social media time now and trying to engage with the real world, real people around me. The latter part is more difficult I must say, because of my massive social anxiety but I will keep trying and I know I will get better.
You know a video is good when Lao Tzu and Uncle Iroh are top comments
I can convince myself that I can achieve anything I ever want if I tell myself that my life depends on it. The idea that all I need to do is achieve that single goal for social and mental stability gives me a level of determination.
I always click "newest first" bc I don't care about upvotes, so that's actually a very healthy thing to do 😮
I literally never knew you could sort by newest first thanks for changing my life.
Started that a few days ago. I'll try to make it a new internet habit.
I don't know if the same comments would even show up. It could be some comments get removed for some people
@@thisisntallowed9560 depends on throughout perhaps
Yeah, I also watch from subscription feed because could not care less about recommendations. Even more - hate them deeply.
Brilliant. We need to learn from people we disagree with. Just because they are erring about some things doesn’t make them wrong about everything
This might be the most important video I’ve seen.
I wonder if consistently challenging yourself with things that are uncomfortable (or feel uncomfortable) has an impact on your BDNF. For example, taking cold showers every morning. Something I began doing last winter. I remember prolonging entering the shower, looking for reasons to not do it, where as now I’m much better at (just doing it).
But once you start doing it, it's the new normal.
Dr. K videos are life-changing, literally.
Maybe it's because you are well spoken, but I understood all of it. I will apply this to my life. 👍
How will you apply it practically?
@@alinaseitbekova195 sorry if there is grammar errors in my message because I am using speech to text but let me say this quickly in the past two weeks and I would even say 3 weeks when I first started watching Dr Kate have done a lot in terms of applying what he teaches and a lot of spiritual things that I've already known just I have not applied them and let me say my life is improving tremendously and I can only see in the future that I will be way further and I will be more developed than s*** I'm not going to lie I mean things are going well but in terms of applying what this specific video saying he's basically saying number one don't spend your entire life on the Internet or at least consuming useless internet information and secondly anytime you do consume any information whether that is on the Internet or someone telling you it or you're reading it you have to approach it with a skeptical mindset and you're not supposed to swallow all of the information that's being given to you but rather taken in analyze it questioning and then put it in your mind if you think that it's beneficial and so personally the way I have applied it is spinning way less time on the internet on useless ship and thinking to myself and with myself on the things that I am trying to figure out and accomplish so that I can find internal solution.. hope this helps
I don’t know how people or dr k can say this was boring, this was one of the most interesting vids he’s recently made! I get so invested when dr k gets this turnt about his works
So basically
Internet addiction makes you brainwashed with our own beliefs causing cognitive inflexibility which causes:
1. proneness to internet addiction (making a loop)
2. proneness to developing radical beliefs (across political spectrum)
3. lowers ability to make new neurons and neural pathways (basically learn)
4. lowers ability to cope with social stress and worsens anxiety
5. makes you less resilient and view setbacks as failures
6. makes you less intelligent and creative
7. makes you worse at games (at least LoL)
8. makes you unable to learn from your past mistakes
9. makes therapy less effective for you
10. proneness to addiction overall
Did I miss anything?
Dr.K I LOVE your videos so much! You are such a powerful speaker. Couldn't have agreed more with everything you said here. I've always said how much social media has ruined our lives!
23:04 this was okay! I enjoyed it. 😊
I love how he provides such interesting and applicable scientific research to these topics. I'm so interested in IA since my own journey through and outside of it. I can easily see these symptoms of inflexibility, stress, etc. (talk about tip of the iceberg) when I was deep in IA. I am like a brand new person now. thank u thank u thank u
That intro was so cool. Didn't know it co
Law of Attraction, Earl Nightingale, Napoleon Hill, Abraham Hicks, positive affirmations, universal power, etc should also be used with much care. I managed to brainwash myself so hard that I didn't know I was deeply sad, and overlooked all negativity.
You tried to change your mindset, believing it was fine? I agree it's hard with all that type of teaching. I am feeling the same way to for the moment. Last year it was different, I mostly looked at Gabor Maté saying to express your healthy anger and being authentic. To stop trying to care about other people's feelings. Also set boundaries. Sadly living with my narcissistic family it was all going well while expressing my true self and they kind of changed for a while. Once they went back to their original self like narcissistic people do as you can't change them they threatened to kick me out and became to friendly again going back into depression. That's why I'm doing my best to get a job but it's really difficult while feeling really low.
Thank you dr K for unwashing my brain
He gave me a dirty mind
My mind is filthy again
Akiyama
It’s amazing how timely this is. Thanks, Dr. K!
He mentioned ADHD, and triggers, which are both common, but my first thought was the incel "I'm too ugly" crowd. It's like they're asking the question to prove their own point, so they do everything in their power to shut out strategies.
I might have thought of this because of the anecdote about the "she's a 10"woman with the "he's a 3" boyfriend.
Like, there's always a chance, knowing how to pursue that chance without getting your hope up too high is a skill, because if your hopes get too high, failure hurts worse, but if they're not high enough, you won't even try.
And I have adhd and cptsd and a strong belief that if I just keep working at it eventually things get better. And for the most part they have. But there's also bad days, i just apply the same philosophy to that too.
I always attributed my resilient brain to having plenty of seratonin. Going to look up BDNF too and see if that might play a part.
i am an incel and this hurts my ass
Thank you Dr K. Your videos have been a massive help in my mental health and sobriety journey. You give me such insight in a way that is easy to understand and digest.
That Tiktok video is actually INSANE
I agree, but my guess its just attention seeking, not actual belief. The comment that believed her bullshit is insane imho.
This is absolutely IT. Thank you for all you do, Dr. K. This hypothesis is groundbreaking imo
Decades ago, I brainwashed myself into believing I could make a living as a dancer and choreographer.
I mean it worked but I look back like “who the hell did I think I am? The chances of that are so slim”
Now I have to ch deck my thinking about being who I am after meningitis (TBI) and “who is that?” And does it matter why should my monkey brain ruminates on that existential question anyways? when I have life to be living. lol.
I love the brain. Wasn’t “supposed “ to be able to recover to the extent I have. And I believe whilst my brainwashed self helped me get wayyy more functional and prove to myself and others the massive truth of Neuro plasticity,, the downside is that eventually there is a reality to my ability I still struggle with believing. I’m mortal and forget 😆
I always phrase it "I'd kick myself for not trying". As in, you can't guarantee results if you try, but you can guarantee failure if you don't try.
@@steggopotamus oh that hits hard
I love your channel, I probably watch 3 of your videos a week. This was hands down the best one I’ve seen yet! I love how technical it was and so accessible and related to every day life in 2024 - thank you for making such high quality and interesting videos.
if you want to go deeper into the rabbit hole, 'Unveiling Your Hidden Potential' by Bruce Thornwood is a must-read
Bot
Bot, spam, hidden ads
No I don't want to go down any rabbit hole, did you learn anything from this video?
Feel like this is the most passionate Dr. k has been on a subject in a while
Saying that internet addiction could reduce BDNF does make sense. But I think it's worth mentioning that it would be wild to claim or even suggest that the internet isn't a fantastic place to have varied experiences and stimuli.
Of course, the video shown early on implying algorithmic comments is a perfect example of how the internet could cause someone to fall into a pattern of low stimulation while internet addicted.
But for myself, though I'm chronically online, I appreciate the internet so much *because* it's a great place to learn new things, see other peoples perspectives, and have a varied experience. Seeing that even comments are being influenced by the algorithm is, frankly, terrifyingly dystopian to me.
This man is the best psychologist on the planet, period.
Hey Dr K, read the AI papers about model breakdown training on its own data.
Scary how applicable it might be
This is truly mindblowing
dr k u should take a look at the comments on reel videos... its an experience
Low BDNF levels are also associated with factors such as age, depression, chronic stress, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, a sedentary lifestyle regardless of weight, heavy smoking, air pollution, a history of childhood trauma, and a high-fat, high-sugar diet, which particularly decreases BDNF in the hippocampus, leading to reduced learning performance.
"What Is BDNF and How Does It Affect Brain Health?" Throne, June 8, 2022. Kathi Head, ND.
When you look at stress as a challenge you get a xp boost
Love this one, so so incredibly relevant. One request, would you please share citations in the description of videos such as this one? Sometimes I like to check out the papers when they pique my interest, and having quick links is easier than having to scroll through and pause to capture study names. Thank you, keep up the amazing work :)
This video has perfect timing with the Social Media induced riots going on in the UK today?
Oh, thats what I was thinking too. This is a scary thought especially if one just keeps going down a rabbit hole and not seeing the other side, I mean if you were to question some people on their thinking it's probably not very well thought out and their beliefs, I don't think can be justified with rigorous studies or evidence. But probably just something they recite on the media. It's a bit scary what the media can do but just be careful.
I've noticed ever since watching your recent video on free will that I've been avoiding having to deal with things in the future and getting more done.
Thx 4 the brainbath 👍🏼
I am brainwashed by the internet, the truth movement, and I have become so inflexible that I cannot barely operate on whatever a normal level is
the question is - what are you gonna do about it? (one of Dr.K's favorite questions)
Now that you realized this you already started to change, i would say
@@legalli8188 Sadly all I can do is try to avoid people
@@ukchris64interact with more people in person, less people online
@@YungStinkyWinky That the problem I have those I meet in real life all have thier own agenda's, no matter what you do for people, you always feel disheartened and empty i nthe end.
So helpful to know this information! Wow!
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger, ooor cripple you for life😂
I just realized: The argument of the "balanced mental diet" is also TRUE for AI's. When you train models like Chat GPT (Generative pre-trained transformers) with data generated by itself, your new model will start hallucinating FAST. It just doesn't work. AI companies are actually worried that the internet is getting filled with AI generated content, because it will literally break their systems.
If this is true for AI models, chances are feeding our minds with the same will also cause our minds to "hallucinate" like the chat bots. In other words, we're seriously damaging our own mental health in levels that we probably don't understand at scale because this feedback loop created by the internet is relatively new for our society.
This is the strangest name for Confirmation Bias I have ever seen
Brainwashing is a New trending keyword, very odd if you ask me.
You will see a lot more of it
This isnt confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is when you specifically seek out stuff you believe in, this stuff is fed to you via algorithms. You dont necessarily have to even seek it out now lol!
Its way worse than just confirmation bias
Confirmation bias' evolution. I think it's different cuz manipulation is a big part of the video.
this is beyond confirmation bias
One of the best videos tbh. i usualy only like the interviews and not the videos, but this one is preeeeetty good