The 'intimacy economy' is monetizing human connection, leading Gen Z to increasingly outsource emotional intimacy to AI chatbots. This trend, exemplified by Jerome, raises concerns about emotional safety in human relationships and the potential loss of vital human skills needed in a post-AGI economy.
A therapist reflects on the growing presence of AI in mental health, noting its surprising effectiveness in some cases while grappling with its potential risks, ethical implications, and the unique value of human connection and the "mess" inherent in traditional therapy.
Andrea Bajani's award-winning novel, The Anniversary, explores a son's 20-year struggle with an oppressive father and passive mother, culminating in a complete break. The book, lauded for challenging family loyalty taboos, uses a fragmented narrative to give voice to the silenced mother, though its therapeutic framing is critiqued.
A man in Singapore was sentenced to eight years in jail for culpable homicide after strangling his chronically ill brother. The case highlights the immense pressure faced by carers in an aging population, with one therapist sharing her own struggles.
A "Jane Doe" is suing Carnival and OneSpaWorld, alleging she was sexually assaulted by a massage therapist on the Carnival Vista cruise ship. The lawsuit claims the therapist touched her genitalia, made sexual comments, and locked her in the room, and that both companies were aware of similar incidents.
A psychotherapist shares her journey of overcoming phone addiction, revealing how it impacted her parenting and relationships. She found that limiting phone use, aided by an app and conscious narration, led to greater calm, presence, and improved connections with her children and husband.
Steven Crichton, a therapist from Pontypridd, now volunteers at Taff Ely food bank after experiencing hardship himself. His insights help make the service more user-friendly, reducing stigma and offering visitors more autonomy in selecting food.
Films are increasingly featuring therapists as protagonists, exploring their own struggles. This trend reflects a societal rise in therapy attendance and the mainstreaming of 'therapy-speak,' often within horror or psychological thriller genres.
Birds of War, a documentary, chronicles the relationship between Syrian activist Abd Alkader Habak and BBC journalist Janay Boulos, using archive footage and personal messages to depict their love story against the backdrop of the Syrian civil war and broader Middle East instability.
Bill Savitt, the lawyer who successfully represented Twitter against Elon Musk and recently won against him in Musk v. Altman, discusses his strategy for cross-examining formidable witnesses like Musk, emphasizing massive preparation and adapting to unexpected moments in court.
A judge has ordered new inquiries into the death of Mango founder Isak Andic, including testimony from family members, therapists, and company executives. A forensic reconstruction of the fatal fall is also planned. Isak's son, Jonathan Andic, remains under investigation for homicide.
A 70-year-old Hong Kong gang member was sentenced to one year in prison for forcing two Thai women into prostitution after they were trafficked to the city on job scams in 2023. The women were rescued after alerting the Thai consulate.
Therapist Amy Morin suggests channeling an alter ego, like Beyoncé's 'Sasha Fierce,' as a psychological strategy to overcome self-doubt and nerves in high-pressure situations. This self-distancing technique helps shift focus from anxiety to logical thinking, enabling better performance.
Hong Kong's anti-corruption watchdog has charged Lau Mun-cheung, former head of the Chinese University Medical Centre's Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre, with fraud. He is accused of falsely claiming to have provided services to patients to obtain fees from the university.
Dementia activists in the UK and Australia challenge the stigma and 'prescribed disengagement' following diagnosis, advocating for empowerment, autonomy, and person-centred care.
Experts offer strategies to combat smartphone addiction, including tracking usage, scheduling screen-free time, changing lockscreens, cutting notifications, and making screens less engaging. Solutions range from software tools to physical deterrents and switching to feature phones.
Experts warn that cryptocurrency trading is increasingly becoming an addiction, sharing hallmarks with gambling disorder. This compulsive behavior is often mistaken for ambition, particularly among younger men, and is exacerbated by the 24/7, lightly regulated market and aggressive marketing tactics.
Psychotherapist Anton Grebenyukov stated that if work breaks do not allow for recovery, it can signal burnout. He advised seeking professional help if self-assessment is difficult, to prevent burnout from developing into depression.
Children develop strong people skills through observation and practice, learning to express emotions, show empathy, prepare for new experiences, admit mistakes, share ideas, and set boundaries. These skills foster confidence, adaptability, and better relationships.
A physical therapist in Busan was sentenced to 8 months in prison, suspended for 2 years, for negligence causing a burn injury to a rehabilitation patient with paralysis. The therapist failed to monitor the patient during electrical treatment, leading to severe burns.
Trishala Dutt, daughter of actor Sanjay Dutt, shared her difficult childhood in New York, marked by racism, bullying, and emotional isolation following her mother's death. She spoke about finding comfort in food and journaling, and how her aunt's advice inspired her to become a therapist.
An Australian court sentenced Sumit Rastogi, an unqualified Indian-origin massage therapist, to 13 years and 10 months in jail for sexually abusing 61 women and secretly filming them. The judge noted Rastogi showed no remorse for his actions.
An Indian man, Sumit Satish Rastogi, has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison in Adelaide, Australia, for sexually abusing 61 victims while working as an unqualified massage therapist. He pleaded guilty to 97 offenses, including indecent assault and filming, committed between October 2021 and July 2022.
Tech writer Joanna Stern explores her unsettling emotional bond with an AI used for medical, personal, and therapeutic tasks in her book 'I Am Not a Robot'.
