#DigitalWellness

Global pop icon Rihanna has spoken candidly about how the legacy of her late father has fundamentally shaped her approach to raising her young children, offering insight into the profound influence familial bonds and childhood experiences have on parenting decisions. The singer, entrepreneur, and soon-to-be mother of three shared that her father’s recent passing in May at age 70 not only marked an emotional chapter in her life but also sparked reflection on the values she seeks to pass down to her sons—RZA, age three, Riot, nearly two, and a third child on the way with partner A$AP Rocky.

A new study has revealed that a brief daily mindfulness meditation routine can significantly sharpen attention in people of all ages—offering a promising, low-cost tool to boost cognitive health amid Thailand’s increasingly distracted society. The research, conducted by the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and published in the journal eNeuro, found that just 10 to 15 minutes of guided meditation per day over a 30-day period improved participants’ ability to focus, tune out distractions, and react more quickly, regardless of whether they were young adults or senior citizens. These findings suggest mindfulness exercises, already popular for stress management, could become a practical strategy for enhancing brain function, especially as Thailand’s population ages Discover Magazine.

A wave of new research has reignited scientific and public debate on “dopamine deficits”—a phenomenon whereby modern lifestyles, shaped by omnipresent digital media and high-reward environments, dampen our capacity for pleasure and motivation. Experts now warn that this subtle neurological imbalance is widespread, with significant consequences for mental health, productivity, and daily happiness—even in thriving societies such as Thailand.

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter made in the brain, is central to how humans pursue pleasure and rewards. While it’s essential for motivation and goal-seeking, new studies suggest that an abundance of high-stimulation activities—ranging from social media scrolling to ultra-processed foods—hijacks this system, leading to a flatlining of mood and satisfaction. The result is a chronic state where familiar joys fade and ordinary accomplishments lose their spark, pushing individuals toward ever-greater stimulation just to feel “normal” CNN Health.

The explosive rise in popularity of AI-powered chatbots such as ChatGPT is sparking rigorous new research into how these digital assistants may be fundamentally altering the way our brains work. As Thai students, professionals, and families increasingly turn to generative AI for tasks ranging from essay writing to bedtime stories, urgent questions are emerging about whether this convenience comes with hidden cognitive costs.

For Thais who have rapidly adopted generative AI in education and everyday life, this inquiry has special relevance. Thailand’s government and universities have promoted digital literacy and the integration of AI in classrooms, aiming to boost competitiveness in the regional economy. Yet concerns are growing: is this powerful technology sharpening our minds, or is it making us passive consumers of machine-generated knowledge?

Texas has become the latest—and one of the largest—states in the United States to ban students’ use of cell phones in all public K-12 schools, following the signing of House Bill 1481 by the state governor earlier this week (KXAN). The law gives individual districts two options for compliance: either prohibit all student devices on school property outright, or require students to store their phones securely and inaccessible during the school day (KHOU). The ban is set to take effect across the state for the 2025–2026 academic year (Statesman).

As the world becomes increasingly unpredictable, a surprising source of emotional comfort has emerged for the younger generation: internet memes. According to recent research highlighted by Psychology Today, the consumption and creation of memes may play a significant role in helping youth cope with negative emotions during challenging times. The study, though international in focus, carries important implications for Thai youth navigating a digital landscape awash with humor, satire, and rapid-fire social commentary.

ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, is making waves on social media for its unexpected new role: serving as an unofficial “therapist” to millions of Generation Z users. As Thai youth and young adults increasingly turn to virtual support for their mental health needs, experts and officials are raising both hope and concerns about the implications of using AI as a substitute for professional counseling—a trend reflected globally and gaining traction in local online communities.

Across the globe, Generation Z is flooding gyms at record rates, seeking more than just muscle tone or cardiovascular endurance. For young adults facing unprecedented social, economic, and digital turbulence, the gym has emerged as a crucial arena for reclaiming a sense of agency and emotional wellbeing. New research and expert observations emphasize that, for Gen Z, fitness is both a shield and a sanctuary—a way to manage stress, cultivate identity, and carve out stability in an unpredictable era Refinery29.

A growing digital crisis is sweeping across the United States and capturing global attention: the rise of pornography addiction and its complex impact on mental health and social wellbeing. Recent research, echoed in an April 2025 report by WWMT in Michigan, highlights how excessive consumption of online pornography is not just a matter of individual choice—it is evolving into a public health concern with serious personal and societal consequences. The phenomenon is increasingly relevant in Thailand, where digital access is rapidly expanding and patterns of media consumption mirror global trends.

A fresh wave of research and practical advice is emerging for those hoping to swap the comfort of phone scrolling for the energizing benefits of physical movement—a trend with urgent relevance for Thais of all ages as smartphone use, sedentary work and study, and stressful news cycles become daily realities. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Diana Hill and movement specialist Katy Bowman, co-authors of “I Know I Should Exercise But… 44 Reasons We Don’t Move and How to Get Over Them,” habitual screen use—especially when we’re stressed or tired—can subtly trap us in cycles of fleeting dopamine rewards, leaving us craving ever more screen time and less inclined to break out for a walk, a stretch, or a dance session. But their message, backed by findings in neuroscience and behavioral therapy, is hopeful: with practice and a few novel strategies, it is possible to retrain your brain to yearn for movement instead of another scroll through Facebook or TikTok (full report: KCBX/NPR).