Mental Health

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. With its massive user base of <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/264810/number-of-monthly-active-facebook-users-worldwide/#:~:text=How%20many%20users%20does%20Facebook,years%20to%20reach%20this%20milestone." title="Facebook Alternative">2.96 billion monthly active users</a>, Facebook is the world's most popular social media platform! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">With its reach, Facebook has downsides. The platform has faced numerous criticisms, including data privacy concerns, the spread of fake news, mental health issues, and political manipulation. Nowadays, <a href="https://apuedge.com/facebook-users-seeking-alternatives-to-social-media-giant/" title="Facebook Alternative">social media users seek alternatives to Facebook</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">One is <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Facebook Alternative">My Stories Matter</a>, which promises privacy, inclusivity, and mental well-being.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20531" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-03-23t130839631jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-03-23T130839.631.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="Facebook Alternative" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-03-23T130839.631.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=hmTfGqTeASnqvaXENW5L4VvCN%2F9gewZ8fjsJgOdRg6SyB6r%2BEpa6VbVgNL8jG47jFFdKoA6XSRxGeUw5L10HjPX4cKb5D%2BVOfOsncyvr7xMF8SXLtYlozoC2NreoWvf1JG6%2FFVpvuqtx6HGQowYHaSryJ30JB%2BfbjMHAf2vSRaOD9mhhOjzjzsXOHmb2kVHK%2F%2F1tcg%2F5h7pLDjR8MdbTqHgXKcC0I35HNwuaT%2FfKZRyJ5NYIT%2FzHmoqvWh1i7ryPFNWveGKqXlkC9brjb2%2FUH5ni1foB%2FfhEEFGBGpQCTcYJ1rkt6q256G7MWjDMwaYDLwnzI2niDn96yzdTxcYDjw%3D%3D" alt="A typewriter that says &quot;fake news&quot;" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">Facebook Alternative: My Stories Matter Spreads No Misinformation  </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">Social media platforms like Facebook fail to control the spread of fake news and allow biased content. Such content has the potential to sow discord and fuel conflict among users. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">On My Stories Matter, there is a strict no-bias policy to ensure that only credible content is shared. Alternatively to Facebook, you can rest assured that you only get reliable information! My Stories Matter prioritizes authenticity and transparency, with no misinformation or propaganda.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">Furthermore, My Stories Matter promotes user-generated content, ensuring only you create the stories, not companies or third-party sources. You can share your stories, experiences, and perspectives with your community without interference from other businesses or organizations. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">As a result, My Stories Matter focuses on the user experience, where your voice will be heard and your experiences respected.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20532" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-03-23t131234127jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-03-23T131234.127.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="Facebook Alternative" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-03-23T131234.127.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=N0YOCsVcldF6%2FhfEQ8YALWP2JaLi37nrwfIXYlTG74DDVJpQsGdkNc6nkSJx8ZQMVsQfwlGquq8eKJswkaPwhi1GxVFilwAhDYIistIB0%2FELiEsY0YCjKeXxGZEyENVSpxmPGng7pg3Cmihnk2UmkC7NRQj7wlAZcnOtPgEh8SUCsZF9K86tAB4tGx22iUxWpRTMjVwcNIcAzSgti38LN%2Bf9F9fqXwVv3ht%2BdQ9MN8%2BqAB2YWLnLO9%2FfIGZI%2FnZ6M0iWZLj97gw57X1WUc7ZxUMFMpxWIW3TMiPbxlLMOLBTn8k%2FBJQZ5geItR0RVbQtH2GbaGfZjDnz5%2BClGrMy5Q%3D%3D" alt="A woman hiking in nature" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">As an Alternative to Facebook, My Stories Matter Improves Mental Health</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">Another downside of social media is its potential to affect <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-you-can-take-care-of-yourself-on-world-mental-health-day/" title="Facebook Alternative">mental health</a> negatively. Research has shown that the more time spent on social media, the more <a href="https://guilfordjournals.com/doi/10.1521/jscp.2018.37.10.751" title="Facebook Alternative">likely users feel depressed and anxious</a>. Excessive social media use leads to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">According to recent research by <a href="https://childmind.org/article/is-social-media-use-causing-depression/" title="Facebook Alternative">Child Mind Institute</a> and <a href="https://www.center4research.org/social-media-affects-mental-health/" title="Facebook Alternative">The National Center for Health Research</a>, people who frequently use social media are less satisfied with their lives than those who spend more time doing non-screen-related activities.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">Our focus on mental well-being sets us apart from other social media platforms. My Stories Matter encourages positive user engagement, where you can block inappropriate content or behavior. You can manage your notifications and control your feed's content with the click of a button! </b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20533" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-03-23t131308289jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-03-23T131308.289.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="Facebook Alternative" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-03-23T131308.289.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=i0plCdexWeKzkblZIwAL7HHSbCaZ5H7cesGmu0sBAE%2BaQtx3vH2DOju1CLLqSaqnGN7SbAa6OKRElCJh2tjZl5rX6hKlocLm%2F1LBSSKKdp2r7xwKuLSBlJIrt4Wjcrme5153s0hP9LrveUJrTthhkuP%2FzAhY4V9KJyXHTuw8F6JCkAd48iAsgAcZd6bN0Ejul2HOc%2FmRiOBPokf9nDEbz5HQfuLOInBY1IcRGlXwX0%2FI%2BtOzAplv6OC3LJEtQpJ2ISSeUvNNaFWZCo5Zzjrf%2Bk9Zdn1oeL2YfI3g58mWy5q7WrvI%2B5yOC8jCks%2FKlIpDJq%2FzHxRmjUd4keAc3%2BeY1A%3D%3D" alt="A padlock on a door" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">My Stories Matter Guarantees Privacy, an alternative to Facebook Groups</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">Data privacy is another problem with social media. Facebook, in particular, has faced numerous allegations of data privacy breaches. In 2018, Cambridge Analytica, a data analytics firm, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/us/politics/cambridge-analytica-scandal-fallout.html" title="Facebook Alternative">harvested data from millions of Facebook users without consent, influencing the 2016 US Presidential election</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">My Stories Matter is committed to protecting your data. The platform does not sell your data to advertisers; personal information is kept secure and private. My Stories Matter's approach to data privacy ensures that you can confidently share your <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/discover-why-your-stories-matter/" title="Facebook Alternative">stories</a> and experiences, knowing your information is safe and protected.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-20534" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-03-23t131946161jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-03-23T131946.161.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="Facebook Alternative" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-03-23T131946.161.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=bHzHNXdTbYTm%2BLFdWtVGJxdIMk6y4tLwhvVTSk%2FsE6qxvQLOYnzE8f2rHEASyFHsUnHccEljODxdc%2F%2BzHJYJwjW%2Bv3oJ9oX63EZOL8RoVN9wasY7wLc3dQvc2oQ7%2FR1IBizdirlgMaBU5UVS%2By3vso7j97C9l7S4vNT1UWieQo%2Fy38CLl4ht6gadOIMoGy7iXKQtnBNfDn5Vo2VIdWY7vJYlAfIYyC6GGjFmftyfen%2FttEQEdxQkc9%2BL54nYuqsuh3ETDLOu5luNWEKt%2FZptNley%2BTmXfspkgDONMmLgDoXF77ijgItrOwgZNM2JSQvTZNJ7WhZ2tAS0%2BLGjlYhGcA%3D%3D" alt="A disabled man surfing" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">Alternative to Facebook, My Stories Matter Empowers You</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">My Stories Matter is committed to supporting real people. We focus on empowering you to share your most treasured <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-relive-a-memory/" title="Facebook Alternative">memories</a>. You can freely express yourself and connect with others with similar backgrounds or interests, an alternative to Facebook for keeping in touch.  </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">My Stories Matter has no independent curators or companies to sell ads or create content, empowering you to share your stories without hidden agendas or ulterior motives. This means you are not bombarded with advertisements or targeted with marketing campaigns, creating a unique experience.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9">In a world where profit and engagement metrics drive social media platforms, My Stories Matter stands out as a genuinely dedicated platform to its users. We provide a refreshing alternative if you want to share your stories without the pressure of algorithms or the influence of corporate interests.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-89200b2f-7fff-d2ff-c85f-d3ee874a3bf9"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Facebook Alternative">Sign up</a> for free today!</b></p>


How My Stories Matter is Changing the Game for Safer Social Sharing

Need a Facebook Alternative?

Unlocking Happiness: How Positive Psychology Can Change Your Life

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-19959" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-01-25t170518193jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-01-25T170518.193.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="life questions" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-01-25T170518.193.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=JjmClt7Dz%2FeD%2FYP%2B6eNhmjZf7%2F%2BNZIXVJ0huX9rOxOojISgnUPgoM1b%2BCEpPYCKlVVBjC8aK9UCGwNQoRxYBicgcvhFmhxCdFIYN8uMPR61YQwd98hosU1kh8%2BmEzn8NhkRMY67AjW9gPe6nfkqWR%2F3ty14%2BUxrrUbyasF3JA8m%2FsVOUq4GomPJ8c0rc7VBfxLzwjfBmwNmDH4HnFvkqkAyZ4%2Ff3xT3VuQ3e8VJRBdLwtDpKl9ShzwRULLKpQ4zSEtJofLuE%2FAUQi44na6RndVBxBHKAyRBnsFbrHh%2BWX2XIKQg3sTKVaBIe%2F4W8oTSfEH%2BWi0o43mY3QzFSANkdOA%3D%3D" alt="girl walking on bridge" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">As we go through life, we are faced with many questions. For example, who are we? Where are we from? These questions are crucial to understanding our place in the world. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">My Stories Matter is here to help you explore these questions and discover the answers through your own life stories.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">Life Questions to Ponder </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">My Stories Matter provides various life question prompts designed to inspire reflection and encourage you to delve deep into your own experiences. These prompts will help you uncover the hidden aspects of your life and explore the emotions, thoughts, and feelings that have shaped who you are today. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">If you sign up, here is a list of crucial prompts My Stories Matter will ask: </b></p>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“What was your most significant childhood experience?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“What have been the most defining moments of your life?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“How have your experiences shaped your beliefs?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“Who have you looked up to over the years and why?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“What is the best advice you have ever received?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“What is a tough obstacle in your life that you overcame?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“How would you like people to remember you?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“If you could go back in time, what wisdom would you give your younger self?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“What was a pivotal turning point in your life?”</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">“How has your role model influenced you?”</b></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">These prompts can help you understand more about yourself and your experiences and answer some of the life questions lingering in your mind.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-19960" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2023-01-25t170457228jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2023-01-25T170457.228.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="life questions" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202023-01-25T170457.228.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331703&amp;Signature=FLUS%2Fb4pleN5dZCDABf62m4O6vzQNcYfV5wKz1jxcMoALnYcJoeCgBIQqbJ4vaD9ziycWCdf%2FkcFAZ08LVKD9MAymxsiUfp%2BnHdY80PTnttYNY7YZUILsdsND6%2FLY6eM3cP0%2BVJu%2F4OoFY6rFxUa4CPD6cpdiUxsYN%2Bx1AEUDi1cUehDRpqvvXAG4tc6DgFceviU2%2Fmk3LAPXVKGYzYlV7AzxNmQjX%2BFbo3o53xEZiYEpt65%2FEuuAYgoS76SA6a2kjxAyAnZdIPizFZ6v%2BDCHiGmS6R%2FtlKVbR87PuhL0dCfq01wYz1QnXAjveM%2BYwrQHrQCc%2Bh5WS3IMFVs6mikTQ%3D%3D" alt="butterflies on the ground" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">Craft Your Life Story</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">My Stories Matter has an assisted writing feature that can help you put your thoughts into words. Our writers will work with you to craft a narrative that captures your story and the emotions that go with it, helping you to answer the life questions you have been asking yourself. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">Sharing your life story can be a powerful way to connect with others. It can also leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Once your life story is complete, you can share it with loved ones or make it public. You can also print a physical copy to flip through the pages whenever you need a reminder of your journey.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">Answering life questions can be a challenging journey, but it can also be a deeply rewarding one. With My Stories Matter, you'll have the tools and resources you need to explore your stories and find the answers to the life questions that are most meaningful to you. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c3a5f85a-7fff-1cff-ab89-2c93b3251d1d">Whether you're looking for a way to understand your past, present, or future, My Stories Matter is here to help. Find out more <a href="https://book.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="life questions">here</a>, and <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="life questions">sign up</a> for free!</b></p>


10 Questions to Ask Yourself for a Happy Life 

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18659" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-78jpeg">resized-image-Promo (78).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2878%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=TQ1UYtfxDbk%2FRp5XeH1VgHFjWXnMwecRKEvPHWeBxDHrrDYuAOiQ2IH9kmMuutNnfV5agj%2F%2BtLc7dcvUe3wms31xQ2rXHyUF%2FzahqkjyrhYFKq8hCln%2B7pkTYOxO9AxuBFNzIdg6SvLNJny2W00IKMwN2NCtkkTyK6pq05C6mJiLnM60aTWBqZPFVO7cbcXp7jfzzklCnVn3usK4AVZBAD9GAUqp6sNuH%2BYlrwAojPBsvA8eFMVyF%2FINdeW5asR2RgrQlWN2TKZcbxOnFnwZPORMAMfxtNOHzsJwwcUdH5EMU6OAyZeXo1S6NxDG7lWeXQKRvmabmx9oQPT7MwGMKg%3D%3D" alt="person holding baby pictures" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Are there just some memories you don't want to forget? </b></p>

<p><b>We’ve all been there. While remembering everything isn’t possible, there are activities you can do to help prevent memory loss. That summer ice cream cone in the park, that family reunion in the mountains, your first kiss doesn’t have to fade into oblivion. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Keep your mind fresh with these six foolproof, easy actions!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18660" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-79jpeg">resized-image-Promo (79).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2879%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=NvQ1QohlluNal9MqFgFK%2BAP0XUGS%2FD%2F85XtaHLGSXotq0Qdzs79t3NHxkaLAwEmqQJSjM11zOcYXAZUZMfXx%2B3nCltTldGTIP8VkrgpH2%2BWWlX9sG6LxHYSGWJM%2BGSSYHjECvSh5TYQono%2FAiVaboYATNcYc8052ycxdNXTNkFJskIHMzdEyoJ8YHdIZPdfYCYe4COUv8t58%2FzLd943Fh3tfe87kkNCUo%2BIQiAQlg%2Fs8D%2BmbFQnTdJRCDSGpHQwcqhAEogdpP94jt1%2FiDzFFokWgpWywP3KlhjyTOl5ie0BjzFZML5fcRj4vqR415EsDkP5g2XcsxRAvc4pCfsVH7w%3D%3D" alt="Man running on beach" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Exercise </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Exercise keeps blood flowing through your brain, not just your body, keeping your memory sharp. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic exercise, such as jogging, spread throughout the week.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">If you don't have time for a full workout, squeeze in a few 10-minute walks a day! Exercise apps are a great motivator to track how much you work out.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Numerous studies have demonstrated that exercise may<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5091051/" title="memory loss"> boost the release of neuroprotective proteins and enhance the growth and development of neurons</a>, both of which contribute to better brain health—a lower risk of dementia linked<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32342466/" title="memory loss"> to regular exercise in midlife</a>. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18661" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-78jpeg-0">resized-image-Promo (78).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2878%29_0.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=IqN4o2fmcg3Xxi2x5Xi%2FzxP9ZnisdnSJ0bsEDUTvytcc%2Ffkds%2F7wMBYbLP7TQXhpMpEDVWhBSLHwO4bXDy36VBiqkrgQlGq5yj9ntFW%2FCMOSIlUrrXzagyDkcsXfy7jII3jC7a86yJ%2B6A4E5shFP1uhnMo8iDHnrTMRPbvyoYyvhx%2B6jt7QWaF0wLeqc0Wv8jZZVV%2FmvgkEIwSXOV%2F6eWs5GMUI0CDOUR9IEfn6zQKmv6MWNp5dAMdmOC34UW3PqE8Oi6S4Lu5Q%2FLpxCBlc8YnW8RfQbCFGNl6DmLqofStBOmtcPRCdhJ8n1r1YwbO1%2FHfPI5a5jjTrvoIj3WnaoWg%3D%3D" alt="student taking exam" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Challenge your Brain </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Similar to physical exercise, mental exercise is just as important! Mental stimulation keeps your brain engaged and healthy, keeping memory loss at bay. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Try something you’ve never done before! Whether it’s crossword puzzles, playing chess, cards, scrabble, musical instruments, learning a new language, reading a new book, joining a book club, or doing charity work. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">For example, research involving 42 people with moderate cognitive impairment discovered that spending 8 hours per week for four weeks playing games on a brain-training app <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569993/" title="memory loss">improved performance on memory tests</a>. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18662" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-80jpeg">resized-image-Promo (80).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2880%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=ONyOeKaGojr2nNnlspPupypUpKfZ86p92qR9BNmHROdHaFplpq7fU%2BupmVISNM%2BLCSpDxAl4qNdEoZ8r9UcNyCCqdqcJSjDF08vFsQKA4b7PTryrcy3xyp%2B6l0p%2FHK5b%2F0UyVlnSHmuywzB0GPKxTzgMQJXnJudStk9l%2BOORj6HzjggDQ6H%2BcSBTN12X1sIgdz3164a48q6mtadzpiSRXGIyk7qjo5bsg1eBZE8L6R2JZwhMxGxXB7Fg7PunaCb%2FUFKnDfP4xo55eEcDhQCXG0WDX2OCqVDpwv0X5K%2FsLpB1XH7rsUHZHGC7ijEZsfd1z%2BYsTK%2FLFYoZLI7C5xtL2g%3D%3D" alt="Student taking exam" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Socialize </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, contributing to memory loss. Those stimulating conversations with friends and family keep our minds engaged and challenged. Therefore, look for opportunities to get together with loved ones, especially if you live alone. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memory loss">My Stories Matter</a> is a great place to collaborate with friends and family! However, hanging out with friends or family is not always possible due to the current times. As time goes by, details might get blurry. Work with family or friends to fill in the blanks or ask about their memories of a shared event.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18663" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-81jpeg">resized-image-Promo (81).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2881%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=BvtAxVh1X87V6zX5uLGzUb1YGvMWIGAKbLKIuo5B1ccIGBjGqO6X5DL99JL82OWNIae3J5V2B2WoR7O25AUqbSZy6vqmvY0FkS5Cgyw%2Bj7kxeKI0xm9UsrO6mjeYcEpP5a4lJHhS0QJGSOyrZoGOntwtTiu1%2B5fVxr6aC5kSs4YdF4XRa67kRloXkMNF%2FJHNzcoJ8ALSJtpdGvktcoVvCkr%2Ba36kYiKk%2Bd5iHCBQZvRQTQ0mziKIJHBWNb6tWSCtVBL09jv1vhKyWqu%2BSQwkG6XE5KT55h0S%2FrVxoyP9DJGoz2iz41pUeoybQJgL7ba9yaryD1a8R4qUYQ3ETup%2FWA%3D%3D" alt="sleeping man" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Sleep Right</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Memory consolidation, the process through which short-term memories are turned into long-lasting memories, critically depends on sleep. Adults typically require <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4434546/" title="memory loss">seven to nine hours</a> of sleep every night. Inadequate sleep causes memory loss.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">A study examined the impact of sleep on 40 kids between 10 and 14. One had training for memory tests in the evening, followed by testing the next morning. The memory tests showed a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3413705/" title="memory loss">20% improvement in performance</a>. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">In addition, nurses who worked the night shift had <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3413705/" title="memory loss">higher rates of arithmetic mistakes and worse memory test scores (68% lower) </a>than those who worked the day shift. Your brain can analyze the day's events and create memories as you sleep. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18664" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-82jpeg">resized-image-Promo (82).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2882%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=ZmIFQy%2BOji0YsPDpsRxz8xZPkO%2B5hgcgRqkZdBrItHkHAkIeV2ETL88APTFw7XZ273V7c%2BGZABG9CuuVz1gu0WlNfbl%2BXDrNuLTmQ5Ha%2FluaJTDsTOVNhd4E5m9MKMSaXDDpGjuhe8OUlsdSW3svDgVzJkTKQyBvOsifEzfwqR7xFdGZkUsrUSbKsf30zFAA8egDe55bGdGTN9PSxdhQgjsnA3vGgo7hF1ljtZxofzgQJXRahuYBCip45VusarQLibmhOXUNx8gqWzdeN1eGFhVWdlQCGPTDdoPbflT19tXurEg6XoA%2BMO%2BM75t0K6bImyl8nle5sOf7%2FPyD7%2F8wIQ%3D%3D" alt="woman meditating" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Meditate </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Your health will benefit in a variety of ways through meditation. Research has shown that it <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4895748/" title="memory loss">may lower blood pressure, lessen tension and discomfort, and even help with memory</a>. People’s short-term memory <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24571182/" title="memory loss">may be improved by meditation and relaxation approaches</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">For instance, one study found that Taiwanese college students who practiced mindfulness and other forms of meditation had <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657094/" title="memory loss">significantly better spatial working memory than those who did not</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Mindful Meditation is associated with an overall <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5289973/" title="memory loss">improvement in psychological well-being and a decreased risk of age-related cognitive decline</a>. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18665" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-83jpeg">resized-image-Promo (83).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="7" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2883%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=GADWluFJaEotY6F3%2FQCd1mEgSd7FuHjNtBGNYuNyRPH64yQNLrSV7YSot%2BDHP5CeZPfqFlaJJq9lz8bZ1wstiuz230l5nyrRbYFFUdtfDSkqFQEkjQOJVcdD4L%2BaxvrM%2F0f2rzUuZTjyp8au0bKlg3O47M7N%2FqjiGFsySKKnydGWn986mYnuMdtnQBGi3bf8luro9QZuNSUa7Jk2vLARayiUh8gQ5vhjCOFSQ6p%2BtU4cbTE77EOx5h7vYOG5bKxdKZa9etBH8GHU0t7vsFDqna9qLIHg4%2BKe1ila1sHRpwUuvsjyazO00EMy8HoDKVegj7Wj2eUulkyZBW4Qmr%2BHZQ%3D%3D" alt="cooking veggies" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Eat Healthy </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Although you might only associate healthy food with benefits to your heart and waistline, your brain also benefits greatly. Obesity can alter the brain's genes connected to memory, which has a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728728/" title="memory loss">detrimental impact on memory</a>. Inflammation and insulin resistance, which can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5317178/" title="memory loss">damage the brain</a>, are further consequences of obesity.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">What you eat influences your memory. For example, according to a new analysis of nine research involving more than 31,000 participants, people who eat more fruits and vegetables had <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5293796/" title="memory loss">lower odds of cognitive decline and dementia</a> than those who eat fewer healthy foods. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Reducing your sugar intake benefits both your memory and general wellness. A diet high in sugar links to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26970578/" title="memory loss">lower brain volume and memory problems</a>, especially in the portion of the brain that maintains short-term memory. More than 4,000 participants in another study discovered that those who consumed more sugary drinks like soda had, on average, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28274718/" title="memory loss">smaller overall brain sizes and worse memory</a> than those who consumed less sugar. </b><br />
	 </p>
<p dir="ltr"></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18666" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-84jpeg">resized-image-Promo (84).jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="8" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20%2884%29.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=Q%2BO9QYY5ixLvOheVoRQtJCa8g5t6eBJvGui1965ttLQRe2ix3oYIt0sV3X4xRF5TSAGzZMAl0B3wRvUE7EE1vBBnm%2F3ked0HER8MtdFis0owJ9MKObAzNlui6V670Ji90ep%2Fa7Z4ye5ZvHGGv08cGvy1DLO6kT7nW82w%2BRmPvfLBfbb1g4q20ZRpzrmkgHnet9prQGB%2FimUgfDmIC8y7Z7EDNHLkdt9CWjdj7mS9xbOBP%2FZ1D2xIVJOZxxZCaaBy1wDoiQ7gQ2BegvLgxGclh3EUML7gStdN69BI6FhxkNmVmF3Dcj5HjtXStgHcxgUJJyDBqoR17nv89VoaOrzAVg%3D%3D" alt="girls sitting in a tree" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">My Stories Matter Here to the Rescue </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a">Try incorporating these scientifically proven strategies into your daily routine to improve your memory today!  </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-466152ce-7fff-335d-0f11-300ef7d0ec7a"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memory loss">My Stories Matter</a> is custom-built to help with memory loss. Remember to capture memories while they are still vivid; your future self will appreciate them. <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="memory loss">Sign up</a> for free today! </b></p>


6 Ways to Prevent Memory Loss (and It Has Nothing to do With Age)

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18685" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t222746531jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T222746.531.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T222746.531.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=JNwARFoYEMfsAJ6BKw7hmy9WBFQfnfFWYHhYDVLbFfL7HRDSdIEayBgaLQscMonmJbYR3OpH8Mw66OtEIysFPt9JVEMhyLc%2BOv52XbEwv8wu22pipoi0nDqshBuCiLTU0lYw2i%2BPLWyBPZIw5w2gPuGrIcypKHZexfQUvhx%2FVnva%2Bk60Y5BkbXBF0v47I1md7bysejeMATpvGeqwWAaida1n1cKo3ZtMOqhUPrzwBzrkQEhU4Lv9RH2XZqekaAg%2BVj%2F5Y8XP0ZO1pZqecBcpanpTWUL8ofJ5lgZrr0lYnr%2FtIU6P8tUK%2FGixmKdCgyP%2FC88%2BDAqzsj8qU8qyOfx%2Faw%3D%3D" alt="Person holding iphone showing social media apps" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-a931fb60-7fff-ba70-9e0e-05119050a44c">10/10 is World Mental Health day. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to feel more <a href="https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/" title="mental health day ">isolated from socializing than before</a>, especially as the lifting of social distancing restrictions has been slower than expected after the vaccine rollout. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-a931fb60-7fff-ba70-9e0e-05119050a44c">During periods of isolation, many people increased their time on social media to stay connected. This week’s outage showed how reliant we are on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We also learned from a whistleblower<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/05/1043377310/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen-congress" title="mental health day "> how Facebook places profits over its users’ mental well-being</a>. </b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18684" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t222624510jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T222624.510.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T222624.510.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=YS%2Fwatte1cIbBgxEz9uFd1Y8pcpYiCiLsWoOZdSg4SjIVQtQOwOZbykNf6euw%2BH52MyA9tGKnc8fFzKL2asdXZ9T3ixgRd%2B1PqQfWq4JRjhXs8SgwQBoBXfZnTwJJTdAk4RZ9lnhghHBe0FEn9KvqkwQQyvWbTZPR1FAT%2BalaHGQRr9fSySXddINWVPsA53CXmbRNbMft%2FHHLY9Is%2F%2BRFcTH3OobCZejPHBBhDQRkm%2FTyq86cIezHLdLmeOMWYinoeCV%2FXdWE6S5zhis24MKkokt%2FJR%2FWObiH9MgnL76CTm7HiZylX%2Fg2farelbesUNTOGsQHp11F1doURoZl3ljzg%3D%3D" alt="Woman sitting on a grey rock" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>​​​​​

<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1182878c-7fff-37ca-985f-7f5978b29ce6">What Happened to Facebook This Week</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-1182878c-7fff-37ca-985f-7f5978b29ce6">Last Monday’s 6-hour outage highlighted how many individuals and businesses have become dependent on social media. The disruption affected billions of users across all of Facebook’s apps, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Oculus. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-1182878c-7fff-37ca-985f-7f5978b29ce6">However, Tuesday’s Senate subcommittee testimony by former Facebook data scientist turned whistleblower Frances Haugen may have more significant and longer-term ramifications for Facebook. She confirmed what many psychologists and researchers have stated for years. Facebook’s business model is harmful to its users’ mental health and the well-being of society as a whole. She also claimed that the ends justify the means as far as Mark Zuckerberg is concerned. And, in this case, the ‘ends’ are ‘more time on Facebook, more ads, and more profits.’</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18686" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t223022401jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T223022.401.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T223022.401.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=Q2%2BZ%2BXpQ3TNCEpobJzRxW%2Bhok92vopJDqShL4DId9ypq7NXcHg124wAm1NH18aUgRBjjqvfrvRDKWbH05kedO%2BvMZ1qYyHSACPfjCyVip5dOOnkSnh%2Bx61hNyPnY6cQB%2FAGwfUEHNFF4b5AYmikPMtfLLISJtiES1ybJdJgyHLFG4Tziq%2F3EQXwatWCbHFw%2F2YYnan2MAV2yMx6w86Kcc%2FHqjxTmlf%2FXHmbaG4KaRl0nsYEWjfBekuRoO6dMTkjz7%2BGDTE2%2BORDw8I1vukS7%2FKGjNN%2FTFUGdJxAT%2FMORQ3jVkvXcEb2MHz%2Fsr01d7loycTUvD%2Fq5Njn9z5dsTv6K9w%3D%3D" alt="Facebook logo" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-0d151c91-7fff-4efa-2e3f-037fae78f359">How Instagram Damages Mental Health, Especially for Teenage Girls</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-0d151c91-7fff-4efa-2e3f-037fae78f359">Social media platforms tend to focus on specific natural human behaviors and tendencies. Instagram, for example, encourages vanity and preys on the feeling of <a href="https://now.northropgrumman.com/this-is-your-brain-on-instagram-effects-of-social-media-on-the-brain/" title="mental health day ">FOMO</a> (Fear Of Missing Out).</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-0d151c91-7fff-4efa-2e3f-037fae78f359">When we scroll through our Instagram feed, we see a highly edited view of someone else’s life. We see posts of people smiling at events, showing off their toned bodies, or posing next to an expensive sports car. Our own lives seem prosaic by comparison. Social media is designed to get you to click on the next piece of content, not reflect on the content's story. But serving up a fantasy of people’s perfectly curated lives diminishes the self-esteem of users who are not as beautiful, wealthy, or successful as the poster. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-0d151c91-7fff-4efa-2e3f-037fae78f359">Our self-image develops during adolescence, which is also a time of hormonal imbalances. Unfortunately for adolescents, especially teenage girls, these filtered and Photoshopped images can drive many to depression and even suicide. The acne that develops on many of our faces doesn’t help. Unfortunately, this feeling of inadequacy is a perfect place for many advertisers to sell their products. “Just buy this product, and you’ll look like a fit actress!” </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-0d151c91-7fff-4efa-2e3f-037fae78f359">While Facebook, which purchased Instagram in 2012, has often downplayed mental health concerns in public, its researchers have been conducting studies for the past three years into how the app affects its millions of young users. The <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/6/22712927/facebook-instagram-teen-mental-health-research" title="mental health day ">research shows that the platform can damage mental health and body image, especially teen girls</a>. "We make body image issues worse for one in three teen girls," said one internal presentation slide. </b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18687" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t223228757jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T223228.757.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="7" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T223228.757.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=Eu%2BrOsO4B42%2FloDa92tBAI1rugL7fL7ZwmjFuLMXXKJdgr6TTZ4he%2BlvqZbEvZidnVkaIf9wiDfPDIayMi5nFr63fEGsEsCep3GmaSHeA5RhugsVRW%2BmxKWGNhwKMD5YhXwne7mAvrqRKgD6bUt6adU7wd212oPN0UowdvZwPOgbiO0FQEjXspdTroS%2F0svDr3%2Fmy6OYDHuBph%2FqhDw2RRxdF0Hnvc3UH6Qd%2BuUxqiCpTfUhqmkoSDAVaetNsIgaafE%2BlUtRZImc8L8n31fX2UOllWkjat1L1iX31sLnYlE6jwLdXlfjni4M7csgQwre7vlosFZt430NvzovGBu7fA%3D%3D" alt="Accountant counting money" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-6e01618b-7fff-619e-4e91-8d722ae1e78e">Outrage Generates Clicks - Clicks Generate Money</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-6e01618b-7fff-619e-4e91-8d722ae1e78e">Although objectively, we live in the <a href="https://mashable.com/article/best-time-in-history" title="mental health day ">safest time in history</a>, many people think otherwise. Why is there such a disconnect between factual data and people’s perceptions? Facebook employs a tactic that Twitter, many other media, and social media platforms use to generate clicks - <a href="https://socialmediahq.com/how-social-media-sells-your-fear-and-outrage-for-profit/" title="mental health day ">outrage</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-6e01618b-7fff-619e-4e91-8d722ae1e78e">With the rise of the internet, we can see everything happening worldwide and share our thoughts in real-time. However, the internet is a mixture of fact, fiction, and misinformation. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-6e01618b-7fff-619e-4e91-8d722ae1e78e">It doesn’t matter whether a post is accurate or not. What matters to the poster and Facebook is that it generates engagement in clicks, shares, and comments. Engagement provides a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/04/has-dopamine-got-us-hooked-on-tech-facebook-apps-addiction" title="mental health day ">dopamine</a> hit to the sign and lures advertisers and investors to the platform. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-6e01618b-7fff-619e-4e91-8d722ae1e78e">Truth is not the currency of social media. A study shows that misinformation from the 2020 election <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/09/03/facebook-misinformation-nyu-study/" title="mental health day ">got six times more clicks</a> on Facebook than factual news. And this holds for recent information - a post on Facebook about one vaccinated person dying from Covid-19 has more impact than posts about the many lives saved by vaccines. Facebook doesn’t ban this type of misinformation outright. A significant portion of the wealth of Facebook’s senior management team is tied to Facebook’s stock price. Remember, more engagement = more ad dollars = more profits = higher stock price. ‘Truth’ is not a part of that equation.</b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18688" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/resized-image-promo-2022-11-03t223529625jpeg">resized-image-Promo - 2022-11-03T223529.625.jpeg</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="8" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-03T223529.625.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331704&amp;Signature=R78wLpwK0BPJIcgk4bPLfNMyaWE1%2FnMgiHuczIKo4V7T%2F%2BHUWrGU%2FJBnzc4oljqDI7oXcRkYHFcTwRvClpIawcyLzP0VZ2Ii3hICEvPWY4fKy6savfYmKI75BgOgAjpNGHJ1zosnjh2qF8zeJolpNMo6bQfHhGfObySzkmLAqI3DVoM%2BoljtRlHyPMYiWbBHEciy02g9RfW5uyOy7iOmgpEUDXH%2FpwvHpGIBVQWMcNEDZSelRN5UAhlk6391neEwTYQ92MwuoZX%2Bj7BvM7UYfybE%2BX5ZwUWwdzBVFbIzcSR3ulW9jxBmcKxmMQ4dnUm4i5KCGAaV7XfGOpzbSydk8Q%3D%3D" alt="Self care isn't selfish sign" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<h1 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-438cd09e-7fff-cc49-7f61-e54494aa48b8">How You Can Take Control of Your Mental Health</b></h1>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-438cd09e-7fff-cc49-7f61-e54494aa48b8">Facebook is not the same as face-to-face interaction; it cannot replace other forms of communication or meaningful social relationships.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-438cd09e-7fff-cc49-7f61-e54494aa48b8">While it may be too much to ask people to delete their Facebook accounts, moderating usage is achievable. <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm" title="mental health day ">A 2018 University of Pennsylvania study</a> found that reducing social media use to 30 minutes a day significantly reduced anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep problems, and FOMO. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-438cd09e-7fff-cc49-7f61-e54494aa48b8">Use that saved time to focus on the people and things that truly matter. Do the opinions of strangers mean more to you than those of the people who know you intimately and care about you deeply?</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-438cd09e-7fff-cc49-7f61-e54494aa48b8">Unlike Facebook, our free application, <a href="https://mystoriesmatter.com/" title="mental health day ">My Stories Matter</a>, is built on a foundation of positive psychology. We don’t have ads and don’t sell or share your data. We are also age-friendly! My Stories Matter is purpose-built to provide a safe place to connect with the people you care about. Use it to reminisce and collaborate with friends and family, write a memoir, share your hard-earned life lessons with others, or preserve your life lessons.</b></p>


Why it's important to find a balance between social media and mental health

How You Can Take Care of Yourself on World Mental Health Day

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-13971" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/old-people-are-happier">Old people are happier</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="happiness curve" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/people-2583943_640_0.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331705&amp;Signature=KlWmWZnoKGzVOZq7fTQKAp3uFK2TylV6Vojwb7DYIKg7EKec3rwg7yBlZ5UD%2F7aaqeMdp5smdSXNvJfSpcQzpaYSDKTTlqMyaUTO%2BLwRxiP78kDAuy29GQ2XtEJ1NuJpBC8AUN%2BfO8h%2Fn96C7jGlz%2BpXdmVSgrIWzSdEb0lzX3ucpTs%2FIlYzpCEEg92JtnP7zsxrc30cM46lK50EwBYgD6xoMAL3O2msOX0YNuv2aZxAP6Q1rnzHoc1UDZWYMOADFhbeBBOmy0O8pxoqWjbjWmHhPP%2Fno8lFXCBbWVf%2FHyFP82%2B7NFNCy3kHYhuglVx5FTAdg2%2BBG%2FcY%2BeV868y1PQ%3D%3D" width="480" height="640" alt="Happiness in age" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p>Which period of life was your happiest? </p>
<p>Chances are you’d say young adulthood. Your body is in great shape, and friends and family surround you. The world is your oyster.</p>
<p>However, <a href="https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/mental/improvement-in-mental-health-with-aging/" title="happiness curve">research</a> suggests that the older you get, the happier you become. Despite a decline in physical and cognitive abilities, your <a href="https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/mental/improvement-in-mental-health-with-aging/" title="happiness curve">mental state improves</a>. The “<a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w26641" title="happiness curve">Happiness curve</a>” best illustrates this phenomenon.</p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-13974" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/happy-ball-0">Happy ball</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="happiness curve" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/ball-1845546_640_1.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331705&amp;Signature=C9iCsxjNLtTcgkbtfLPK%2F1qXxqREqYNr8dYQlpH14AuaoPm2qDlU1YgLKicOn0yZ209b3r%2BVYrBNj07jBXSh39%2FXdbvgdKxQ6M0u6jbedbF70Jyll5IwHlZBs27gAbGUdZeDhBGW3huNPabQLTh8e8TX6rYWTi1tWQUuxU5HUN%2BY%2FjDtZTW7OuvJbcjN6kLx62Vhe16jzh5olxOJJHfy0rPmdnFlmk5XmczmDTjUTxmw0IazlU3m50i0g2E0jj7lxV906iKbcBjm1Sjjt5CuwaD%2Bw3lL11AyfosiyBnsZFqz0rfcEbj7lSee%2B8khEn6DvSXc6hKIYu6dAi7ClLBLSQ%3D%3D" width="640" height="426" alt="Ball being happy" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p><strong>What is the Happiness Curve?</strong></p>
<p>Though seemingly paradoxical, the happiness curve is tied to the natural pressures of young adulthood, which contribute to an atmosphere of stress and uncertainty. Questions of how to:</p>
<p>• Find the right romantic partner </p>
<p>• Choose an enjoyable yet lucrative career </p>
<p>• Transition to financial stability </p>
<p>constantly plague the minds of young adults. </p>
<p>Since <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792649/" title="happiness curve">the “self” is still forming in this stage of life</a>, searching for a core identity feels emotionally consuming. Conversely, older adults have typically <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3018853/" title="happiness curve">cemented their identity</a>, leading to more emotional stability and achieving the happiness curve. </p>
<p>For this reason, the happiness curve is a kind of “<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/12/the-real-roots-of-midlife-crisis/382235/" title="happiness curve">U-curve</a>” (or, as some have whimsically modeled it, a <a href="http://thecontextofthings.com/2015/01/05/happiness-u-curve/" title="happiness curve">smiley face</a>) – with physical and cognitive health having a surprisingly inverse relationship with happiness.</p>
<p>Remarkably, people entering their 20s and 30s reported having the <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.psych.093008.100448?rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed&amp;url_ver=Z39.88-2003&amp;rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&amp;journalCode=psych" title="happiness curve">highest stress, depression, and anxiety among all age groups</a>. Simultaneously, they also have the lowest levels of contentment and well-being. In contrast, people in their 50s and 60s have much <a href="https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/mental/improvement-in-mental-health-with-aging/" title="happiness curve">higher life satisfaction, emotional stability, and positivity than their younger counterparts</a>.</p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-13975" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

        <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/child-gazing-water">Child gazing at the water</a></h2>
    
  
  <div class="content">
    <img title="happiness curve" class="media-element file-default" data-delta="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/child-1440526_640.jpg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1733331705&amp;Signature=OKI0nHdb%2Bx4CE7JRROZBmeBAn%2B8U3cyFF5xWy%2FJ51FBEK5T7q2jwO6jwtlNHTxS1UgZHLIUt6g%2BKXqaNjSejRbS%2Bx60s49a9C5EEq3preoljLaxTRlTJ83D%2F7Qu7WnjaaCy82FQagJRJX2usUYODz5ntSiOd8nOQ5L1tpJYkXl6Gvyl9h8ngEx%2F6A6wcsMYk7sJgQGgp6quGT30GubQrAubejq%2BOY8nF12AmGbu0hUMDnzSNKsmmhdkcGA1YGjOSY6fHvkryPzHRMrRrDyDOJUiz6UAJITx5uvvovSVN7rL%2BUN1D9Fwa33naa6JcYJCIn8FPqwMRHR1Vdn%2B6ezkxag%3D%3D" width="640" height="426" alt="Children are an exception, they are almost always happy" />  </div>

  
</div>
</div>
<p><strong>The Happiness Curve</strong></p>
<p>The happiness curve is attributed to the ability of older people to <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-00438-011?doi=1" title="happiness curve">focus on the positive aspects of situations</a>. As you grow older, you’re affected by adverse conditions less than younger people and are more likely to focus on your successes.  For example, an evening spent reading stories to grandchildren significantly outweighs the annoyance of achy knees or weak glasses. </p>
<p>These findings support the principles of <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1999-10334-001" title="happiness curve">socio-emotional selectivity theory (SST)</a>, which refers to the relationship between increased happiness and a limited timeline. Happiness, according to SST, is an individual’s confidence in their future. Since an <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00339/full" title="happiness curve">unpredictable future</a> confronts younger people, they focus their energy on combating whatever challenges lie ahead, such as going to college, completing a summer internship, or getting into perfect shape.</p>
<p>This ambiguity makes young adults less embedded in the “now’, delaying internal emotional satisfaction. Therefore, the happiness curve is at its lowest at this point in life. </p>
<p>Conversely, when facing a shorter period, a person will focus on the present, prioritizing emotional satisfaction over preparation for the future. Happiness, in turn, becomes the biggest priority for the aging adult, as do values such as love, family connection, and self-reflection. The happiness curve is complete. </p>
<p><b>Perspective: Essential to the Happiness Curve</b></p>
<p>As you grow older, you acquire wisdom by learning lessons from your past. Knowledge increases the sense of self and contributes to the notion of “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1064748112600682" title="happiness curve">successful aging</a>.” </p>
<p>Wisdom allows you to have a meaningful relationship with your past, using memories as a lens to view your identity. This accumulation of memories gives you perspective, a key ingredient in the happiness curve. </p>
<p>As you remember countless embarrassing or negative moments (like when you spilled yogurt on a breakfast date), you also remember that none of it mattered. Though your younger self felt humiliated, those moments are now funny. </p>
<p>Age shows us that even losses that seem incredibly consequential at the moment, like breakups, are ultimately minor in the grand scheme of life. Older people focus on happiness instead of heartbreak when reflecting on a past love. Filtered by <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/what-causes-nostalgia-goggles/" title="happiness curve">nostalgia goggles</a> (looking at past events positively), the past becomes a harbor of positive recollections.</p>
<p><strong>Record Memories on My Stories Matter </strong></p>
<p>Thanks to the happiness curve, it only goes up from here! In the <a href="https://seniorplanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Bowie-aging-quote-1.jpg" title="happiness curve">words</a> of David Bowie, “Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” So don’t let the fear of aging worry you. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Happiness curve">My Stories Matter</a> is a great platform to start <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-reasons-to-record-your-life/" title="happiness curve">recording the lessons</a> you’ve learned along the way. You can: </p>
<p>• Collaborate with friends and family </p>
<p>• Organize your stories and memories with our timeline feature</p>
<p>• Answer prompts that ask you specific questions to get started </p>
<p>Your information is kept secure and private, unlike other social media apps. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="happiness curve">Sign up</a> today for free and allow your happiness curve to rise.</p>


Mental Health

Need a Facebook Alternative?

Unlocking Happiness: How Positive Psychology Can Change Your Life

10 Questions to Ask Yourself for a Happy Life

6 Ways to Prevent Memory Loss (and It Has Nothing to do With Age)

How You Can Take Care of Yourself on World Mental Health Day

What is the Happiness Curve Why You Get Happier as You Age