LISA RENEE on “Operant Conditioning”

“Many people especially in the younger generations have become addicted to online social media platforms from being repeatedly exposed to types of Operant Conditioning, in which a positive reinforcement occurs from online activity and this induces changes in their brain chemistry. A neurochemical is released in the brain as a reward molecule, after certain behaviors occur in a social media or marketing environment that instigate a positive reinforcement. This is similar to getting a dopamine hit, in which the brain starts to associate dopamine pathways with certain online activity, people, products or Propaganda. Operant Conditioning is a process of learned behavior from either positive or negative reinforcement, where the person associates something online as being positive or negative, and that information changes their expectations or controls their behavior. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to these manipulation tactics, not recognizing the complex deceptions that are involved. As a result, the greater the instinctual desire and need to belong, to feel accepted and be popular with a social status, the stronger the reaction the brain will have to positive conditioning where this particular belief system is being reinforced. Some people can become obsessed with these positive reinforcement experiences and engage in compulsive behavior such as a need to keep playing an online game, or constantly checking email. Thus, excessive social network use can lead to addictive symptoms, using social media for changing moods and even suffering withdrawal effects. Without some personal discipline and Self Awareness, these manipulation methods can form positive associations in our brain to products or people that are marketing themselves to appear as something that they are not.”

~Lisa Renee


~via Propaganda


NEZEL PADAYHAG: “5 Bad Habits That Weaken Your Energy Field And Positive Habits To Replace Them With”

Your energy field or the electromagnetic energy field that surrounds you depends much on your health and lifestyle.

It reflects your personal energy and affects your ability to connect with others. A healthy energy field is a good indicator of living the life you want.

If it’s weak, you will lack motivation and vitality for making your life better, personally and professionally. A weakened energy field also makes you more susceptible to negativity.

While there are scientific explanations behind the feelings of fatigue, in most cases it still comes down to one important thing, your energy has weakened because of bad habits.

These habits might vary, from wrong diets and bad sleeping patterns to stress, activities that harm your health, even not following your purpose.

Weakened energy field is the symptom of some underlying problem, it is an indicator that something in your lifestyle is draining your energy and disrupting your energy flow.

You fail to see the harm done because it happens gradually and on a daily basis. When you notice the difference your energy field has already weakened.

To protect your energy field you need to know the things that weaken it, as well as the ways to strengthen it.

It all comes down to how you structurize your lifestyle and what kind of habits you integrate in it. Here are some bad habits you should avoid and replace with positive ones.

5 Bad Habits That Weaken Your Energy And What To Do Instead:

1. Addiction to social media.

Even though there are good and inspirational things that you see on social media, it is still outnumbered by the negative ones. If you’re not aware, you’re likely to be influenced by the negativity that you get from there. The amount of time and energy spent in pointless internet browsing also diminishes your energy.

What to do instead: Spend more time with people who uplift your energy.

There are people who simply good for your energy. Instead of being sucked into social media feeds, meet up with someone who uplifts your energy. Speak with them, converse on topics both of you are passionate about, talk about things that inspire you.

2. Poor sleep habits.

Regardless of what you do in the wee hours of the night, not having enough sleep is not good for your body. Your mind and body need adequate rest to be able to function well for the next day. A good sleep is a wise investment to gain more for the following day.

What to do instead: Have an exercise regimen.

Get your body moving. Engaging in physical activities gets your blood circulating and your energy going. Create a habit where you engage yourself physically, like swimming, running, yoga, walking, or any other activities that can sweat you.

3. Staying indoors all the time.

Not getting enough sunshine and fresh air is not good for your energy. The sun, most especially, provides you with warmth and uplifts your energy levels. It promotes the production of vitamins in your body. Staying indoors might make you depressed.

What to do instead: Go for a walk.

Walking has been found to have lots of mental and physical benefits. Aside from improving your mood and getting fresh air, walking is also the best way to get sunshine on your skin. The sun’s energy not only gives you a dose of vitamin D but it also purifies your mood.

4. Poor eating habits.

Poor eating habits accompanied by an unhealthy lifestyle is probably the greatest drainer of your energy. Most processed foods make you feel tired and lethargic. Organic and naturally grown foods are packed with natural energy that replenishes what your body loses.

What to do instead: Follow a nutritious diet.

A nutritious diet simply consists of naturally grown food. If it’s possible, grow your own organic veggies and fruits. Eating raw food is also a great way of getting the sun’s energy into your body.

5. Overthinking and stress.

Stress is the biggest enemy of the modern times. We overthink and stress about things daily. This is an addiction we all suffer from. Overthinking and dealing with stressful people every single day is almost inevitable, however, almost. It can be significantly reduced.

What to do instead: Do deep breathing and meditation exercises.

Deep breathing is a quick saver, especially when you’re feeling exhausted. Simply close your eyes, then slowly inhale and exhale deeply. Doing this for at least 5 minutes will calm your mind. A regular meditation is healthy and keeps you connected to your inner being.

Your body is said to be the temple of your soul. When you take good care of it, your soul is likely to shine, and this raises your energy levels. These are simple strategies, but if done on daily basis they can strengthen your energy field and keep negative energies at bay.

 

~via LifeCoachCode.com

STEPHANIE LUCAS: “Addicted to Social Media? Tips to Survive Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Others”

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If you find yourself ‘Pinterest’-ing your Twitter, ‘Flickr’-ing your Google+, ‘Meeting Up’ into your Tumblr, or ‘Instagram’-ing your Facebook – you know you’re a serious addict – so this one is for you. And I completely understand how it goes…

Let the Vortex Begin Sucking You In…You are just about to log off – because you KNOW you’ve already spent too much time there… and then… that notification icon pops up like a Jack-in-the-Box holding a late notice for for your Internet connection… Or your alerts ‘alert’ you to something that just might be REALLY important. And you break down and click it… and it’s just someone hawking the latest crock pot recipe, sharing a cute cat video, posting their 10th Instagram selfie of the day, or pinning pictures of crafts.

However, while logged on, it only makes sense to scroll through the feed, right? Afterwards, you must attempt to pry yourself off again – and that darn pesky/exciting/you-know-you-can’t help yourself notification happens again. Next thing you know – it’s been an hour… or two…and for the worst social media addict…it might be 10 hours later!

CONFESSION #1: It’s been two weeks since I started this article, and spending about 8 hours a day on Facebook is the culprit. I’ve been far too ‘busy’ fielding messages and groups and ‘liking’ a lot of cute cat videos.

CONFESSION #2: I deactivated my Facebook account temporarily so I could finish this article and others… it is AMAZING to wake up and not find my inbox bottoming out like a Chevy with worn shocks with 600 or more social media notifications! But I’m jonesing a bit!

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How Social Media Lures Us Like Hungry Catfish During Spawning Season

A few reasons it seems people become addicted to social media include:

Boredom – Manifested or Otherwise: Honestly, all states of boredom are wholly manufactured, because there is ALWAYS something to do! While it’s easy to get lost in the virtual world of hearing others woes and joys, it seems some of us forget that the physical, tangible world is often where we truly find OUR joy, our power, and discover new possibilities.

Being Cautious with Your Energy: Being around people in general can be challenging, particularly if you’re akin to being an empath. However, many others find themselves becoming increasingly uncomfortable and sensitive to negative energies as they awaken and are more connected to their subconscious feelings. For a while, the Internet seems the ideal place to ‘hide’ – until you discover that their is just as much negative energy amid social media, and perhaps even more so!

You’ve Lost Interest in Socializing with ‘Real’ People: Granted, it’s often easier to ‘connect’ with like-minded people online via common interests groups and such. Going out in the real world  to look for friends or romance these days can be a bit intimidating, dangerous, and you’re apt to meet some people you’d prefer to toss off a cliff than befriend. Unfortunately, we have alluded ourselves into thinking that the virtual world brings us security. However, if you’re a social media addict – you also know you can meet some real trolls online, too.

Trolling Entertainment: I’m not a fan of these addicts! When you have nothing better to do with your life than make others miserable, then it’s time for a Joan Collins style facelift! There are literally hundreds of things better to do than troll the web and attempt to discredit and undermine the intentions and thoughts of others. These types are not only addicted, they really need to get a life!

Work Related Promotion or Sale of Goods or Services: This is an EASY way to get sucked in, and in fact, it’s how I got hooked. The results? The first section about the vortex is my personal story! If you manage groups, promote profit websites, write for a living, or have any type of business, social media can be the bread and butter of your biz.

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8 Easy Ways to Retreat from the Social Media Vortex

  • Realize that most people aren’t that interested in what you eat for dinner, that you’re having a bad day, or viewing 12 nearly identical selfies across three platforms. Keep your ego in check!
  • Hire someone to handle your social media for business and promotional purposes. Better yet, if you have a teen at home, put them to work for you.
  • Limit time spent on social media; use a timer if necessary.
  •  Turn off notifications and limit who you ‘follow’. Be choosy about groups. If it’s not pertinent or truly serving your spiritual journey or business…you can live without it.
  • Cut back on ‘friends’ and stop accepting requests from just anyone. I miss the days when I in some fashion actually knew what was happening in all of my ‘friends’ lives…
  • Make some real life friends. Join a club, take a class, volunteer – you get the picture.
  • Check your bank account balance or pay bills…there’s nothing like those reminders of the ‘real world’ to set you back into focus.
  • Disable accounts – even if it’s temporary. A little digital detox will serve you well…even if it’s just a few days!

That being said…I will soon reactivate my account. Because if there is one thing writing this article has taught me it is this – it’s easy to totally AVOID our social media addiction. However, to truly ascend beyond the addiction we must empower ourselves by learning to master those tendencies. I will be taking my own advice upon reactivation – believe that!

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