Mental health during Cyber Monday
Original Reporting by Seth O’Neil
Cyber Monday is one of the biggest deal days of the year. Here’s how holiday shopping can affect more than just your wallet.
Cyber Monday started as a day where people could find holiday deals from the comfort of their home… but psychologists fear excessive online shopping can have negative effects. USF Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, Dr. Aaron Norton, says instant gratification can be harmful to developing brains.
“They’re going to be looking for quick, fast dopamine spikes because their brains are being conditioned to want, need, and crave them. Their brains are forming while they’re getting this instant gratification. Delay of gratification is predictive of so many better outcomes across the board.”
Over-consumerism has been shown to have deep psychological effects on our population. This is a societal push to buy goods and services when they aren’t needed.
USF Director of Strategy and Partnership, Kristi Hoskinson, warns how this can affect our society.
“There are no checks and balances and guardrails. No one’s controlling this. And there’s a myriad of reasons why we have some mental health issues in this country, and consumerism is a deep contributor.”
If you feel any mental distress around the holidays, it’s important to reach out for support.
Local Christmas Family Events
Original Reporting by Gio Robinson-Santiago
Between tree-lighting ceremonies and going to watch a Christmas ballet… this time of year is the best time to spend with friends and family. Local organizations at Hyde Park and Chick-fil-A on Waters Avenue are making it easy to make holiday memories this year.
Franchise Manager Gus Corniel tells us how this event keeps the community connected.
“One of the things that give me great joy is parents who bring their kids, and they have pictures from when the kids were toddlers… you know, when they were teenagers… and now they’re adults. Now the adults are bringing their kids.”
Chick-fil-A on Waters Avenue continues its Christmas light tradition for the 29th year… and since then, they’ve had a lasting impact on those coming to see the lights.
“There’s something personal that creates a memory. So when people come here — even neighbors who don’t see each other at home — when they come here, they can share it with each other.”
So whether you stay in with your family or go out during the holidays, there’s plenty to do in Tampa Bay.
Credits:
Anchor: Madison Gotham
Teleprompter: Eric Charpentier
Producer: Jada Knobloch
Floor Director: Lia Marsee
CG: Jayden Fernandez
Tech Director: Kieran Konopka
Audio: A.J. Truscello
Camera: Cameron Churilla
Web Editor: Aiden Poff
Editor: Luana Schneider
Socials: Giovanna Chitto
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Anderson
Graduate Assistant: Grace Ficara