On the Radar: Teen ‘Threat Alert,’ the Castor Oil Trend and Bluesky, Best TV Shows to Binge Watch

Social Media Won’t Help Teens Who Feel Isolated

What? A new study by the University of Cambridge found that teens who are physically isolated for just a few hours experience a heightened “threat alert” or “threat vigilance,” increasing feelings of loneliness and anxiety even if they’re socializing with friends and family online.

So What? This goes against pro-social media advocates who claim that platforms such as Instagram and TikTok can help mitigate those feelings. And the authors of the study say, “It could contribute to the persistent and exaggerated fear responses typical of anxiety disorders on the rise among young people around the world.”

Now What? God did not create us to “go it alone.” In fact, we are commanded to love one another and to fellowship together. But teenagers—especially those who might feel misunderstood or friendless—often seek isolation. Try to discourage this behavior, reminding your teen that God doesn’t want them to feel lonely. Instead he tells us: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20 ESV).

Influencers Claim Castor Oil Aids in Weight Loss

What? In the latest social media trend, influencers are putting castor oil on their stomachs before bed, touting it as a “natural” weight loss alternative.

So What? According to Mamamia, health experts have debunked this method, stating that, at best, castor oil will just hydrate your skin. They link the before-and-after results to the abdominal massages users perform as they apply the oil (which is proven to aid in relieving bloating and constipation), as well as the “castor oil packs” being sold. The packs are essentially a strap you wrap around your stomach, and it’s the pressure of that strap, not the castor oil, that helps reduce gas and create the illusion of “overnight weight loss.”

Now What? Trends such as “Oatzempic,” berberine (a supplement advertised as “nature’s Ozempic” that doctors warn against), chia seed drinks and celery juice cleanses all contribute to toxic diet culture. And experts warn that these sort of “quick fixes” can lead to a cycle of unrealistic body expectations or even dangerous eating and exercise behaviors. But their prevalence on social media and among influencers may mean that mom and dad need to help debunk these exaggerated claims.

What Parents Need to Know About Bluesky

What? Bluesky, a newish text-based social media app, gained 2.25 million new users this month as people sought an alternative to X (formerly Twitter).

So What? Bluesky gained popularity due to its reverse-chronological feed, as opposed to an algorithm-based one. It also prioritizes user safety over user engagement, with robust moderation features. But parents shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security.

Now What? As one journalist described it, Bluesky is “frequently horny.” The platform is reminiscent of “Old Twitter” with a “seemingly inevitable leftist tilt” and a subcommunity of NSFW posters. The aforementioned moderation tools may help to cull these posts from younger users’ feeds, but the platform still has plenty of holes in its security that could be exploited.

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