Latest news with #FrontiersInPsychology
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
YouTube, TikTok, And Short Video Addictions Among Emerging Adults
Social media applications According to a 2025 report on a website dedicated to search engine optimization, YouTube is consistently a top-rated online search term. Some professionals have warned against the excessive use of YouTube Shorts. For example, an outline site for mental health articles, released a report in 2023 describing how the compulsive urge to watch videos on YouTube can lead to disruptive sleep, neglecting personal responsibilities, and diminished interest in offline activities. This report acknowledged that 'YouTube Addiction' is not an official clinical term but stated that excessive use can lead to symptoms such as heighted anxiety, loss of self-control, and even withdrawal. Short Video Addiction (SVA) is a term used by researchers, and this is separate from excessive general internet use. A 2025 report in the journal of NeuroImage highlighted how SVA represents an uncontrolled use of short-video platforms (e.g. YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels) to consume rapid information in which the content is personalized by algorithms. According to this report, SVA has a negative impact on brain functioning, including increased reward processing and decreased top-down cognitive control, which could affect attention and emotional regulation. Why SVA Awareness Is Important For Emerging Adults A 2024 report by Frontiers in Psychology described college students as the primary users of internet applications and digital apps. According to this report, nearly half of emerging adults visit social websites daily and spend more than one hour per day viewing short videos. However, it's a misconception to think that the dangers of SVA are limited to excessive waste of time. As stated, studies suggest that SVA can alter brain and neural functioning, which is especially alarming for emerging adults whose brains are still developing. For example, a 2025 study by Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that SVA among college students was associated with higher risk-taking tendencies, greater sensitivity to loss, and a heightened sensitivity to video cues. The report in Frontiers of Psychology also revealed a connection between SVA and personality traits among college students and found that depression and anxiety were critical meditators of this relationship. The Role Of Misinformation In SVA A special consideration with SVA is the amount of misinformation found on short-video platforms. Producers of short videos are usually not rewarded by the quality of their content but rather by the number of consumers. Thus, the temptation to sensationalize and exaggerate reality is high. This is reflected in a 2023 report by Capitol Technology University, which explained that roughly a fifth of TikTok videos contain significant misinformation. Perhaps more concerning are results from studies, such as a 2025 study in Computers in Human Behavior, which consistently show that young adults often struggle to detect misinformation on digital platforms, even though they tend to express high confidence in their ability to do so. Preventing SVA In Emerging Adults Encouraging emerging adults to assess their use of short-video platforms is an essential first step in preventing SVA. Not only should the time on these platforms be measured, but also any emotions that follow. Feelings of insecurity, anxiety, or regret are signs of maladaptive use. It's also important for emerging adults to be intentional about their use of short-term platforms. Having consistent and scheduled times to view short videos is the antithesis of impulsive use. Furthermore, emerging adults will likely benefit from vetting information and prioritizing offline activities. Those with significant struggles will likely find help from a mental help professional who is well-versed in treating SVA. Short-video platforms provide emerging adults with the opportunity to access unlimited information and better connect with the world. For some, the rapid consumption of content that has been personalized by an algorithm can result in excessive use that takes a toll on brain functioning, emotions, and behavior.
Health Line
6 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Matching Your Workouts to Your Personality Could Help You Enjoy Exercise
Your personality may play a role in the type of exercise you prefer, according to a new study. Some personality traits were associated with greater baseline fitness levels, while others predicted greater enjoyment of specific types of exercise. The research could help to tailor exercise programs to individual preference, leading to greater satisfaction and consistency. If you find it difficult to stay motivated at the gym, a new study suggests that matching your workouts to your personality type could lead to more consistent, more rewarding sessions. Researchers at University College London found that personality traits influence exercise enjoyment and preference. The study was published on July 7 in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. 'We could potentially use this knowledge to tailor physical activity recommendations to the individual — and hopefully help them to become and remain more active,' said Flaminia Ronca, PhD, first author of the study, in an accompanying press release. The study compared participants' baseline fitness levels and fitness outcomes, along with enjoyment and exercise preferences, across the five major personality trait domains. The ' Big Five ' personality traits include: conscientiousness agreeableness neuroticism openness extraversion While everyone's personalities are unique, these core traits have been widely used by researchers for decades. 'It's an innovative study because they are exploring a novel idea: How someone's personality could indicate how they exercise,' said Brad Donohue, PhD, a professor of psychology and creator of The Optimum Performance Program in Sports (TOPPS) at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. 'The findings really get you thinking. If someone is introverted or extroverted, maybe that is something they should consider when it comes to a workout routine,' he added. Donohue was not involved in the research. How personality impacts exercise preference The researchers examined how the Big Five personality traits influence key aspects of an exercise routine. For example, do certain traits correlate with a preference for higher- or lower-intensity workouts? They recruited 132 volunteers from the general public, representing diverse backgrounds and fitness levels. Participants were randomly assigned to an eight-week exercise program — combining cycling and strength training — or to a control group that performed brief stretching sessions. Baseline fitness was measured via tests such as push-ups, planks, and VO2 max. Participants also reported their perceived stress levels. Personality traits were measured with a standard Big Five survey, asking respondents to rate statements such as whether they make friends easily or consistently complete tasks. A total of 86 participants completed the study. Regardless of personality type, all who finished the exercise program improved their fitness, doing more push-ups and achieving higher VO2 max than at baseline. Stratifying participants by personality resulted in intriguing associations between those traits and exercise behaviors. At baseline, both extraversion and conscientiousness predicted higher baseline fitness. Neuroticism, on the other hand, was associated with poorer heart rate recovery. Extraverts preferred higher-intensity workouts, such as HIIT sessions and VO₂ max cycling tests. Participants scoring high in neuroticism — which describes a proclivity to be anxious or insecure — preferred light exercise at home, rather than being observed in a lab. They were also less likely to record their heart rate data, which also suggests a potential preference for private workout conditions. Participants high in agreeableness preferred an 'easy long' cycling ride. Interestingly, conscientiousness wasn't associated with a preference for any particular form of exercise. Since this trait is a sign of persistence, grit, and goal-setting, the authors suggest that these individuals are strongly motivated by the fitness and health outcomes of exercise and less concerned with enjoyment. Personality also predicted stress-related outcomes, but only neuroticism showed an effect. Participants high in neuroticism were the only group to experience reduced stress from the exercise intervention. 'Exercise reduces stress. If someone is anxious, we know exercise is going to help them. So it would make sense that they would show greater improvements than someone that's not demonstrating those characteristics,' said Donohue. Motivation is key to workout consistency While the study makes a compelling case for the role that personality can have in exercise enjoyment and preference, Donohue notes that it's just one piece of the puzzle to helping people find satisfaction with their workouts. 'The task at hand becomes how do we get you motivated? It could be that certain types of personality traits are more motivated to work out under certain circumstances. But at the end of the day, those are generalizations,' Donohue said. Importantly, he noted, that individuals would rarely only embody a single dominant personality trait. Instead, people exist on a spectrum of these traits, which makes it more difficult to predict how this would affect exercise preference. Would an individual with apparently contrary traits, such as high extroversion and high neuroticism, enjoy a workout in a crowded gym class? It's not clear from identifying these traits alone. Instead, Donohue suggests, people can assess what type of exercise works for them by asking other general questions about their preferences. For example: What types of exercise have worked for you in the past? Do you prefer to workout with a partner or alone? What is your current routine? How would you describe your fitness or athletic goals? 'The best predictor is past behavior. When it comes to someone's workout routine, I really emphasize the things that they've already had success with. If someone has already been very successful with a certain type of exercise, that shows they are motivated by that particular type of workout,' Donohue said.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The exercises you should be doing, according to your personality type
Do you ever feel like you just can't find the right workout? One that you enjoy and want to stick with long term? If that sounds familiar, it may be that you're not doing the correct activity for your personality type. Scientists have found that personality traits can have an influence on whether we enjoy specific types of exercise. Finding an exercise you actually like to do can play a big role in finding the motivation to do so and lead a healthier, more active lifestyle. The study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, involved a small pool of 132 volunteers with a range of fitness levels and backgrounds. Half were given an eight-week home-based fitness plan and the other half continued their usual lifestyle. The personality traits used in the study were categorised according to The Big Five, a widely-used scientific model that helps explain variations in human personality and temperament. The personality trait categories are: extraversion measures energy and social interactivity conscientiousness measures self-control, diligence and attention to detail agreeableness, also called amicability, measures kindness, helpfulness and willingness to cooperate neuroticism measures depression, irritability and moodiness openness measures creativity, curiosity and willingness to entertain new ideas Most of the traits had some influence on what kind of exercises participants enjoyed, except for agreeableness. Scientists did not find any relationship between agreeableness and physical activity or sedentary behaviours. This group thrives on competition and therefore group activities and high-intensity sessions are ideal. If you lean towards having an extroverted personality type, you would be more likely to enjoy: Group fitness classes like High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Zumba and spin Team sports like volleyball and football Social fitness ventures like hiking with friends and run clubs Scientists say that people who score highly for conscientiousness are more likely to exercise only for the benefits it provides for their health, rather than because they enjoy it. With this in mind, exercises where you can track your progress and results could be the most rewarding if you identify with this personality trait. They may include: Running and using fitness equipment like a smartwatch to track distance and speed HIIT or spin workouts that use a heart rate tracker like MyZone to measure heart rate zones Strength training exercises that allow you to see progress via being able to lift heavier weights and see physical changes People who score highly on this particular trait may be less likely to engage in physical activity "due to a higher association with perceived stress and a greater focus on failure", the study authors said. This means that group activities and sports are not ideal for this personality type, as they can bring about comparisons, anxiety and negative self-talk. Participants in the study who rated highly for neuroticism reported that they "enjoyed light exercise sessions where they were not being watched, or sessions that did not require a lengthy, sustained, vigorous effort". The most suitable exercises for this personality type could include: At-home mat yoga or Pilates classes with trainers who provide online video tutorials Home gym sessions with a Peloton bike or treadmill, which provide online classes Personal training sessions with a trusted fitness instructor to provide guidance and proper form advice Previous research has found that openness is not usually associated with enjoying or engaging in exercise. And scientists in this study found that those who scored highly for the trait reported they did not enjoy higher intensity activities. They noted that openness "has been associated with greater body awareness", meaning people might have a "stronger tendency to focus on their sensations" and perceive high levels of exertion as threatening. It could mean that people who identify with this personal trait will be more suited to mindful exercises, such as: Yoga and Pilates, whether in a group class or at home Strength training, in which you work closely with a trainer to track progress and changes in your body Walking or running outdoors in nature, as this can provide a meditative effect Read more about fitness: How long does it take to see benefits from your new workout regimen? (CNN, 4-min read) This Is How Exercise Benefits Your Mental Health (Cover Media, 2-min read) Start weight training now to reap benefits in older age, experts say (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
Washington Post
09-07-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Hate exercising? Factoring in your personality type could help.
Having trouble making exercise fun? Try matching your workouts to your personality, according to a new study, which found that such traits are reliable predictors of the type and intensity of exercise people enjoy. The peer-reviewed study, published Tuesday in Frontiers in Psychology, found that extroverts tend to enjoy higher-intensity training, while conscientious people are likelier to engage in longer hours of regular physical activity. And people who scored high for 'neuroticism' on a pre-study questionnaire — which the authors associate with emotional instability — are likely to enjoy private and independent exercise programs.
The Independent
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Why introverts might need different exercise routines to extroverts
New research suggests that aligning exercise routines with individual personality types can lead to more effective physical activity outcomes. The study, conducted by University College London, found that introverted individuals may prefer private workouts, while extroverts benefit from team sports and high-intensity classes. Researchers examined five key personality traits in 86 UK participants to understand how personality influences responses to different exercise intensities. A significant finding was that participants with neurotic tendencies experienced a strong reduction in their stress levels after undertaking an eight-week home fitness plan. Published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, the findings highlight the importance of considering personality factors when designing physical activity programmes to improve adherence and success.
