Criticism comes in two forms: destructive and constructive. Both types of feedback point out our mistakes, flaws, or potential improvements. But while constructive criticism uplifts, offers suggestions, and even provides possible solutions, destructive criticism is cutting, derogatory, and sometimes even mocks our failures. Like it or not, we’re bound to…
If you’re starting to feel weary of virtual meetings while working from home or keeping in touch with friends and family post-COVID, it’s possible that you’re experiencing Zoom fatigue. Though Zoom fatigue may make us anxious while interacting with others, our anxiety may come across as standoffish or disinterested, which…
Community values are reflected in our norms about social sanctions and third party punishments (TPPs). Our online interactions with celebrities reveal shifts in a society’s moral codes. “Cancel culture” can indicate a time-honored practice of regulating social behavior or pure trolling. Gossip, concept creep, and identity can also feed into…
Your daily screentime average is up 25% from last week. My screentime has been increasing weekly—and my iPhone loves to let me know it. If I had to guess, this is likely the case for many other people right now, too. We’re stuck at home; we’re bored; we’re checking news…
Social media is an incredible invention, one that allows us to connect with people all around the world in an instant. But there are, of course, some negative effects. For example, studies have shown that spending too much time on social feeds can lead to low self-esteem, loneliness, and depression. …
How can I make connections to make new friends? I do things like go to meetup group hikes, but I don’t know how to translate that into ongoing acquaintances, much less deepen it into friendships. I feel like people would be annoyed if I tried to insert myself into things….
Small talk can exacerbate social anxiety or simply make us feel uncomfortable; however, doing it well can aid success in our personal and professional lives. Get good at small talk by first asking questions; have a few generic questions handy to ask new friends or colleagues and tune in to…
Social anxiety, or the fear of social situations, employs the body’s natural defenses which are biologically hardwired. That said, we can take steps to address the triggers of our social anxiety and, in turn, overcome it. An important step is to understand what triggers your social anxiety: Which social situations…
Many people don’t respond well to criticism; however, when we learn how to accept and respond well to criticism, we can use it to our benefit. Here’s how: First, stop yourself from reacting right away. Our first response to criticism isn’t usually productive, but defensive. Then, remind yourself that most…
Assertiveness and aggression are different approaches to handling confrontation, each with distinguishing factors and often different outcomes. First, assertive behavior is typically a positive form of expression, while aggression is a negative form of expression. Additionally, assertive behavior is rooted in respect, while aggression is not. Aggression also often makes…
There’s nothing wrong with being introverted—in fact, spending time alone and learning to embrace your solitude can be incredible beneficial. Doing so allows you to recharge, cater to your individual needs, and focus on your wellbeing. However, it’s also important to break out of your cocoon and spend time with…
Communicating Without Uttering a Word We may view the primary form of communication as speaking with one another verbally, but we speak almost just as often and effectively through nonverbal communication: body language. The way we hunch over in our chairs, and the way we shrug our shoulders or roll…