Crab Mentality: When People Pull Down Those Who Get Ahead

Crab mentality is a phenomenon that is prevalent among Filipinos, although it is not unique to them. It refers to pulling down or undermining successful or talented others out of envy or insecurity. This destructive behaviour is akin to crabs in a bucket, where one crab tries to escape only to be dragged back down by the others. The roots of crab mentality can be traced back to colonial history, where Filipinos were pitted against each other by their colonizers to maintain control. Over the years, this mentality has been…

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Misinformation reflects cultural differences

The spread of misinformation online and via social media has great potential for social upheaval. Which ‘fake news’ is preferred differs from country to country. A study from Italy shows that small cultural differences have a major influence on the dissemination of false information on certain topics. Researchers are now well aware of how misinformation spreads on the internet and the role played by factors such as echo chambers, in which like-minded people reinforce each other’s beliefs. Recommendation algorithms in social media are also suspected of fueling the spread of…

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Do you drink too much sparkling water? These are the risks

Carbonated water is a popular thirst quencher, but we often hear it could be unhealthy. But what is the real truth behind this assumption? Carbonated water does contain carbon dioxide, but only a small amount. Most of the CO2 is present as a dissolved gas.Nevertheless, there are concerns about the effects on the body’s acid-base balance, tooth enamel, and even weight. Severe acidosis in the body can lead to hair loss, brittle nails, and aching joints. Dentists warn that carbonated drinks can lead to erosion in children and teenagers. Scientists…

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Summer 2023 was the warmest in the north for 2,000 years

According to a study, last year’s summer was the warmest in northern countries for more than 2,000 years. This is shown by a combination of observational data and reconstructions, according to a report by researchers led by Jan Esper from the University of Mainz in Nature. They analyzed the surface temperatures in June, July, and August in the extratropical regions of the northern hemisphere (30 to 90 degrees north latitude). The temperature in this part of the northern hemisphere, which includes Europe – was, therefore, 2.07 degrees higher in the…

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