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With the ever-growing threat of climate change, any small contribution is crucial in safeguarding our planet. Illustration by Izzy Reeve (IG: @izzymayv) The intensifying urgency of climate change is pressing our generation to be proactive in preventing further degradation of the planet. About one-third of planet heating emissions, 70% of freshwater use and 78% of freshwater pollution are attributable to the food industry. Veganism has been increasingly popular, with a 40% increase in commitment to the plant-based diet in 2020. Research has shown that a vegan diet has resulted in 75% less land use, 54% less water use and 66% less biodiversity loss. These statistics have been disputed by critics of the vegan diet, who claim that the water use and energy required to produce plant-based alternatives prove that the vegan diet is not as eco-friendly as it seems. This leads to the big question: Are the environmental benefits of veganism exaggerated? The meat industry is a large contributor to carbon emissions. Due to the farming of livestock and the extensive land use for animal feed, it is estimated that if meat eaters in the UK who ate more than 3.5 ounces of meat daily reduced their consumption to less than 1.7 ounces, the reduction of carbon emissions would have the same impact as taking 8 million cars off the road. Research has shown that following a plant-based diet accounts for 75% less in greenhouse gas emissions. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a strict vegan diet is necessary to reduce carbon emissions. Whilst those who ate 3.5 ounces of meat daily emitted 22.5 pounds of CO2 emissions daily; pescatarians accounted for 10.4 pounds of CO2, vegetarians 9 pounds, and vegans 5.4 pounds. Out of all the diets, veganism is arguably the most effective, however, any reduction in daily meat consumption is environmentally beneficial. There has been debate on the environmental impacts of producing plant-based alternatives; Notably in genetically modified (GMO) foods. Mass-producing crops such as soy are heavily reliant on GMO seeds, which decrease biodiversity. Furthermore, many of these alternatives are grown in monocultures which deplete soil and diverse habitats, on which pollinators depend. This may harm the ecosystem’s ability to regenerate. However, there is currently no conclusive research on long-term impacts of GMO seeds. To raise cattle ethically, land space is required. However, this causes a larger risk of deforestation which increases as global meat consumption rises. Crop production, on the other hand, produces a much higher yield per square acre. Plant-based diets also have beneficial impacts in regards to the preservation of animals. These animals are of paramount importance to the sustainability of farming. Many farms use toxic fertilisers that eventually pollute rivers and oceans. Animals produce natural fertiliser in the soil through their manure. Without these animals, there would be an increased demand for such non-manure compost. Critics of veganism emphasise the water requirements to produce, for instance, non-dairy milk alternatives. Despite popular belief, the volume of water required to produce almond milk is drastically less than dairy milk. According to the Water Footprint Network, it takes an average of 628 gallons of water to produce a singular gallon of dairy milk. The water used in the production of almond milk is predominately used for irrigation, compared to cow’s milk, where water is required for the growing of crops for cow consumption, the cleaning of equipment and the milking process. As a result, it takes 23 gallons of water to produce one gallon of almond milk. The production of dairy milk requires energy derived from fossil fuels. The growth of almond trees, on the contrary, absorbs carbon dioxide as they grow. The vegan diet is much more conducive to a healthier planet. Expecting everyone to make such a drastic change, however, is unrealistic. Firstly, it may not meet everyone’s nutritional needs. Without adequate knowledge and planning, there may be deficiencies in key vitamins that are more easily found in animal products. There may be cultural influences as well. Animal products are at the centre of many traditional cuisines. Furthermore, a vegan diet is largely dependent on trans-global trade. This means that certain plant-based alternatives are either more expensive or generally less accessible. It would be unfair to expect widespread adoption of veganism, however, a reduction of meat consumption should be encouraged. Even a modest reduction has major benefits. With the ever-growing threat of climate change, any small contribution is crucial in safeguarding our planet.

Travelling is necessary to get away from academic stress, deadlines, midterms and any other issues that may put pressure on ourselves. While they say getting away from your problems won’t solve them, travelling can definitely put most issues on hold. Illustration by Kate Granholm (IG: @katesartthings) Edinburgh during February is just awful – that’s a fact. It is undeniable that the rainy, windy, grey and muddy environment will easily trigger your SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or just generally put anyone in a bad mood. Luckily for you, there is a solution for that: travelling! Travelling can improve your spirit by introducing you to new experiences, cultures and people in a relaxed environment. Also, as nice as Edinburgh can be, leaving the little university-bubble can prove to be amazing to anyone’s mental health. Travelling is necessary to get away from academic stress, deadlines, midterms and any other issues that may put pressure on ourselves. While they say getting away from your problems won’t solve them, travelling can definitely put most issues on hold. No matter your budget, Edinburgh is a great hub for travelling, especially around Europe. Low-cost airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, WizzAir or Vueling offer very good offers for quick getaways, especially off-season. LISBON, Portugal 3 hours away from Edinburgh lies Lisbon, the capital of steep streets, colourful houses and delicious food. Take a tram ride, eat a warm pastel de nata (aka the best dessert ever), visit the mind blowing Oceanario de Lisboa and try some local wines. Even better, if you’re a wine connoisseur or just interested in trying some local selections for good prices, take a train to Porto, a city which is internationally renowned as a Wine Capital! Lisbon is also perfect for fans of architecture: in addition to the unique buildings, the MAAT Museum is known for its quirky shape and its even quirkier pieces. EasyJet offers very affordable direct flights from Edinburgh every Tuesday, Thursday and and Sunday. BUCHAREST, Romania Another 3 hours away–but in a different direction–is Bucharest. This is an ideal destination for budget travelling, as Bucharest is known for great parties and amazing prices. However, the Romanian capital is so much more than just that. Nicknamed ‘little Paris’, Bucharest has a certain bohemian atmosphere to it. The MARe museum and the Insta-famous Carturesti Carusel are must-sees and the Ceausescu House is an incredible sight for both history and luxury (or kitsch!)  lovers. However, bar hopping is a must: take a scroll through the Old Town or Calea Victoriei bars, and make sure to end the night at one of Bucharest’s hip clubs, like Apollo 111 or Platforma Wolf. If you still have a day or two to spare, catch a train or a domestic flight to Brasov, a gorgeous historical city in the heart of Transylvania and make sure to also see Bran Castle, the original Dracula castle. Ryanair operates affordable direct flights to Bucharest every Wednesday and Sunday. BOLOGNA, Italy Bologna has THE BEST food in Europe…there, I said it. Despite being the birthplace of Bolognese pasta (obviously!) and many other famous dishes, Bologna has so much more to offer than delicious scran. The breathtaking colour palette seen in the rose, orange and red buildings is something you likely won’t find anywhere else, especially combined with the gorgeous porticoes which nest fantastic bars, hip galleries and cool shops. You could go people watching in Piazza Maggiore, look at the beautiful art in Pinacoteca Nazionale or get some fresh fruit in the Quadrilatero market. You will obviously also need to try the amazing food: Sfoglia Rina is a place you can NOT miss, but, if you are not a fan of queues, it is unlikely that you will find any bad Ragu pasta or Tortellini, which is something that makes Bologna famous. While no direct flights operate from Edinburgh to Bologna right now, Ryanair will resume their four direct flights every week on April 1st. UTRECHT, Netherlands Utrecht is a gorgeous city in the Netherlands, known for its mediaeval architecture, canals and lively streets. Amsterdam is cool, but is also surely overhyped, overpriced and always overcrowded. If you want to be better than all your friends who can not stop talking about that one crazy trip they had there, then you need to visit this city. Take a boat trip on the canals, visit the Botanic Gardens and get some gorgeous tulips at the Bloemenmarkt, or take a moment to sit at a cafe or terrace and people watch.BBC travel named Utrecht the happiest place in the world, so if getting out of the Edinburgh sadness bubble is your reason for travelling, Utrecht is the best place to go. While there are no direct flights, Amsterdam is 1h30 away by plane and Utrecht can be reached via Amsterdam Centraal on a 30 min train. NICE, France Nice is NICE. The French Riviera is a gorgeous gem at any time of the year, offering a picturesque landscape with its colourful buildings amongst the lush scenery. While March / February may not really be the greatest time for visiting the beach, Nice has amazing views at all times: a cocktail overlooking the Mediterranean WILL cure winter blues. The Old Town is a must visit for both local and tourist bars, and the restaurants will satisfy any foodie with a refined palette (as a bonus, you may want to try Ratatouille and Nicoise salad here, as this is their birth place!). Modern art lovers need to visit Musee National Marc Chagall and Musee Matisse. If you have a day to spare, Monaco is a gorgeous destination for a quick trip, and if you have another day to spare on top of that, Grasse is the perfume capital of France which is, yet again, a must do if going to Nice. Starting April, Nice can be reached directly with EasyJet daily.

With its tailored responses, ChatGPT has revolutionised the learning experience. However, its efficiency has raised plagiarism concerns. The key question I ask here is: should ChatGPT be banned? Illustration by Taichun Zheng (IG: @taichun_zheng) Vast advancements in computational power, machine learning, and datasets have increased the accessibility of artificial intelligence. Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT has amassed over 100 million users (many of whom are students) since its launch in 2022. With its tailored responses, ChatGPT has revolutionised the learning experience. However, its efficiency has raised plagiarism concerns. The key question I ask here is: should ChatGPT be banned? Efficiency is the foremost advantage of ChatGPT. Students spend hours scouring the Internet, their textbooks, and the library for answers. AI offers the benefits of an immediate and personalised response. ChatGPT delivers responses based on its training data, which is a dataset derived from a culmination of Internet sources. It centralises a wide range of information, offering a personalised, yet comprehensive answer. At this level, ChatGPT is similar to Google, because its primary function is information retrieval. However, unlike your typical search engine, ChatGPT condenses its response to what is relevant which ensures there is no need to sift through redundant websites for the answer to one question, because this information is available at any time. There are no time constraints when using AI for research. This is in contrast to strict loan times for books or library opening hours which can limit students. Furthermore, ChatGPT is an effective study tool. Firstly, it can be used for planning. Students can ask AI to develop study plans, condense notes, and create active recall questions or flashcards. This does not compromise academic integrity. It facilitates effective approaches to revision and ultimately enhances scholarly practice. AI analyses and adapts to the user's questions. Students are able to ask for clarification on any subject matter. Alternatively, students can ask ChatGPT to rephrase a source in simpler language or ask for context-specific examples to reinforce their learning. This is particularly useful in improving written literacy and language proficiency. Students can converse with AI in a foreign language, practising conversational skills, sentence construction, and vocabulary. ChatGPT can provide students with inspiration for creative essay titles, and structures for essay plans. Students can also use ChatGPT for feedback. By asking the software to analyse their work, students can identify any weaknesses or knowledge gaps. AI, when used appropriately, has the capability of acting as a tutor; an accessible tool available to all students globally, as long as they have internet access. However, the accessibility of ChatGPT increases the ease of plagiarism. Its history of being interlinked with plagiarism is the primary concern for overreliance on AI. Due to the speed and convenience of ChatGPT, students are more likely to resort to an AI-generated response for graded assignments. This negatively impacts critical thinking skills. The widespread use of AI also decreases the creativity of student literature. Additionally, ChatGPT relies on a vast dataset. This is based on information both accessible and inaccessible to the public. Students may blindly rely on information that has not been factually verified or accurately cited. With a training dataset based on Internet sources, ChatGPT inherently reflects societal biases, and is more susceptible to bias in general. Furthermore, AI adapts to user input, and at times, it reinforces bias if influenced. Finally, ChatGPT’s knowledge does not extend beyond January 2022. The information offered  is therefore relatively limited. The concern for plagiarism is warranted. It is estimated that 47.3% of students at Cambridge used ChatGPT in April 2023. At least 8 out of 24 Russel Group Universities have banned the use of ChatGPT. However, I believe completely banning ChatGPT is unjustified. It is ultimately user discretion that determines whether ChatGPT is beneficial or harmful to education. AI can massively enhance the learning experience through tailored feedback and efficient information retrieval. Although there is potential for abuse, this risk can be seen in many other study tools. For instance, plagiarism is easily accessible via Google articles. Similar to AI, Google results also include inaccurate, biassed or outdated information. An overreliance on Google could arguably result in a decrease in key analytical, critical thinking and research skills. Despite this, it would be incredibly restrictive to ban Google. It is unrealistic to completely ban ChatGPT. Its positive impact on accessibility and efficiency means a ban would hinder key advancements in education. Furthermore, AI is quickly being integrated into various facets of society. Exposure to such developments is necessary to prepare for future careers. The focus should be on regulation; finding a balance between enhancing student experience and upholding academic integrity is crucial.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift adapts Taylor Swift’s music into a set of instrumental string quartet covers. This evening is perfect for any fan of Taylor’s and there is something for everyone: both newer and older fans alike. Illustration by Lydia Kempton (IG: @lydiak_arts) Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift is a magical evening, perfect for any fan of Taylor Swift. Described as a “multisensory musical experience”, this hour-long concert provides a calming evening that allows fans to discover Taylor’s music in a new light. The setlist consists of 13 songs (any Swiftie will appreciate this), including hits from across her entire discography; with newer songs such as “Anti-Hero” from Midnights and old favourites such as “Love Story” from Fearless. Walking into the room, I was met with candles illuminating from every corner. The soft, warm light provided a tranquil atmosphere, which allowed for all worries from the outside world to melt away. Everyone spoke in hushed whispers, but the quiet anticipation was felt throughout the room. While the musicians were not yet on stage, the speakers around me were playing instrumental renditions from Swift’s third album, Speak Now, which set the mood perfectly. After much anticipation, the string quartet came onstage and began their set with “Lavender Haze”; from Swift’s most recent album, Midnights. Their arrangement was beautiful and provided a fresh take on her music. It was very akin to the soundtrack of Netflix’s Bridgerton which adapts modern pop songs into instrumental pieces. The juxtaposition of modern music adapted into a classical style allows the listener to feel present and timeless at the same time. With the combination of the music and the glowing atmospheric space, this concert was a lovely break that left me with a sense of peacefulness similar to finishing a yoga class. Candlelight’s set included many highlights from Swift’s discography. My personal favourites included: “cardigan” from folklore, “Snow on the Beach” (feat. Lana Del Rey) from Midnights, and “Wildest Dreams” from 1989 (Taylor’s Version, of course). I also really enjoyed their renditions of Swift’s upbeat songs, such as “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and “I Knew You Were Trouble”, both from Red. Both songs would not have been my first thought for adapting into an instrumental string quartet cover, however their interpretation was brilliant. It allowed for appreciation of these songs in a new format. As the concert came to a close, I was taken by surprise because of how quickly it had gone by. The musicians announced the final songs they would play and I attempted to savour the last few moments of this beautiful evening. As I walked out the doors, the lingering instrumental melodies replayed in my mind. Overall, this was an amazing experience, and certainly is a concert I would attend again. My only complaint I have is that it could have gone on for longer! As a long-time Swiftie, I have so many favourites that I would love to hear adapted in this style. However, I’m sure as Swift releases more albums, Candlelight will adapt more songs to include her newer work. This will allow for returning audience members to have a slightly different experience every time, which is incredible. I attended Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift on January the 11th at Ghillie Dhu, and there are upcoming performances on February 17th and March 23rd. I highly recommend attending whether you’re a seasoned Swiftie or newer fan alike. Candlelight events are produced by the company Fever and take place in over 100 cities worldwide. They offer candlelight concerts in tribute to a variety of artists, such as ABBA, Hans Zimmer, and Queen. I recommend that everyone takes a look to see if their favourite artist is included on the list. It is truly an amazing experience to hear your songs you love interpreted in this way.

This satirical commentary explores the different ways in which people view the meaning of life, and provides a rundown of one pessimist’s view of what it really means to live in this universe. Illustration by Liamarie Hammerly (IG: @soymaxxing) Wait, what’s that? … Yes, that. That relentless buzzing… …oh no. Turns out it’s not a bumble bee. Unlike the bee, this buzzing can’t be shooed away by frantic hand movements. In fact, this buzzing never leaves us alone. It taunts and persuades in the background, telling us that we mustn’t ignore its call. It lifts us up when we think we have it, and crushes us down when we don’t. What is it? Well, it’s the meaning of life, of course! Is the answer found through certain religious beliefs? Maybe even through science? Or could the answer really just be 42? Let’s investigate. It all started about 13.7 billion years ago when the universe came to be. Unfortunately, that’s a bit far back, and I’m not allowed to make this piece too long or else you’ll get bored and stop reading. So instead, I’ll begin a little later. It all started when God created life. Wait… what? Yes, it can get a little confusing now with so much knowledge available at the touch of a button. Was it God? Was it The Big Bang? Whether you are religious, agnostic, atheist, or haven’t got a single clue, we all have different ideas of how life came to be. It’s these fundamental beliefs we hold that form the basis for what we see as the meaning of our life. Let’s have a closer look at these. Religion is an important part of many people’s lives all over the world. There’s no doubt it has had a huge influence on how we view life and its meaning. Some secular people even agree with certain theologians' arguments that without God, life would have no meaning. Why is this? Well, many claim that for so many to believe in a higher entity, religion and one’s sense of meaning must be psychologically connected. In 2021, a study found that theists (those who believe in the existence of at least one deity) felt not just a higher presence of and need for meaning, but seemed not to need to search very hard to find it. Atheists, in contrast, didn’t have as strong a sense of meaning in life, or a large desire to need it. Another study from 2022 concerning atheists views on the meaning of life after being reminded of death remarks, ‘According to terror management theory, humans rely on meaningful and permanence-promising cultural worldviews, like religion, to manage morality concerns.’ This interesting insight tells us that in the face of death, one will turn to something like religion for support and guidance. The fear of impermanence, or eventually dying, can be directly combatted through religious views, such as reincarnation or the afterlife. On the other hand, many secular people also find other ways to deal with this. Without a deity there to help provide meaning, they must construct their own ideas about life. Tending towards more scientific or philosophical explanations for life, some may be more biological, surrounding the science of living organisms, while others may be more ontological, encompassing abstract ideas. A journal from 2012 titled ‘Explaining life’ looked at the different ways people have to explain life and its meaning. In terms of science, they concluded that ‘Science alone cannot tell us anything about the meaning or value of life, nor can it explain the subjective perception of our own lives.’ (962) You see, science knows that there isn't one overarching meaning to life as we know it. Science knows that there is not one answer for why we are here, living and breathing. The problem with science is that it cannot take into consideration every single person's experiences and perspectives, and this fatal flaw makes it impossible for science to know our own personal goals and ways of looking at the world. This means, then, that the meaning of life is irrevocably down to our own personal opinion. Now I’m not comparing it to one's preference of season or favourite colour, but in a way we all construct ideas that not only create who we are as a person, but also how we navigate the world around us. If the meaning of life is so personal, then I’m going to give you special insight into one single pessimist's views on the meaning of life. And remember, this is one opinion of eight billion. Take it with a grain of salt. Nothing actually matters in the grand scheme of things, so you might as well go rogue and break a few things… just kidding! Please don’t do that. But seriously, the way of the world is so much larger than you. Stop putting pressure on yourself to live up to certain expectations. Stop getting caught up in what you should be doing and focus on what you want to do. Are you really going to be concerned, lying on your deathbed, that you wore that absolutely hideous jumper that you loved to work one day, or that you ran to the shops in your dog-printed pyjamas to get milk because you’re an idiot and forgot to buy it the day before? No, I think not. No one else cares anyway. Just because nothing really matters, doesn’t mean you can go around talking smack about everyone. Be kind. You’ll find yourself on your own pretty quickly if you aren’t, and that's no way to live. The pressures we and others place on ourselves in life are ultimately constructs and do not matter, but that does not mean we should forget that everyone around us holds the same worth, regardless of their circumstances. They have simply had different experiences and hold different opinions and perspectives. Our own experiences, opinions and perspectives can make it difficult for us to see from theirs sometimes, which is why it's so important to always be kind. You never know what someone has gone through, or what they’re going through as we speak. Let go of vanity. Humans can be incredibly vain, and judge those who aren’t. It’s a cruel system that forces us to conform with society’s expectations. Its why aesthetics are everything, it's why there are levels in dating (you may be tempted to say they’re below your level, but you also might have just dismissed the one person you’d have really clicked with), and its why women can be so cruel to each other. Surround yourself with people you love and who love you back. It doesn’t matter if that is one person or more than five, but the people you are around not only impact your mental health but also affect how you act and treat others. It's great and all having loads of friends, but which one of those would you really be able to open up to when you’re having a hard time? And which one of those would really stick around? Keep that person extra close. Most importantly, find your calling. It doesn’t matter what job you have or how much money you might earn; if you don’t also do what satisfies your soul, then what are you really living for? Do you like helping people? How do you like helping people? By donating to charities and shelters? Being there for your friends? Listening to people when they’re struggling? Leading key research into cures for diseases? Or maybe instead you need a creative outlet? Go for it! Try it as a job, or try self-employment, or simply try it as a hobby - many of us know how difficult it is to succeed in the creative industry. Not to mention how soul-sucking it can be doing something we love as a full-time job. Sometimes you just want to enjoy it in your own time. The most important thing to remember is that whatever your calling is, it's vital you find it and keep it close to you. Without it, life becomes rather dull. And finally, when someone asks you what the meaning of life might be, the safest answer will always be 42. No one can argue with that, not even you.

Rosie McCann highlights Julie Laing's recent art exhibition which is an ode to LPS (low sodium pressure) streetlights. Be sure to check out this exhibition, it's on at Agitate until January 26th. Illustration by Catriona Clark (IG: @abstract_artstudent) ‘Low sodium, night frequencies’ presents Julie Laing’s ode to low sodium pressure (LPS) streetlights. If you don’t know what these are, they’re the low-intensity lamps which light up our night-time streets in a distinctive orange-yellow glow—often thought of, as acknowledged by the artist, as eerie or even depressing. They became more commonplace with the economic restrictions of the post-war environment because of their efficiency and reduced effects on light pollution.  However, in more recent years they are rivalled by brighter, whiter, more artificial lighting and they’re dying out. Julie Laing, the photographer behind this exhibition, has been taking photos which capture their warm yellow-orange colour spectrum since 2015. This eight-year exploration, and perhaps it’s fair to say ‘obsession’, is translated into the selected photographs to highlight their understated beauty, which is often unnoticed. Some of the photos directly feature the streetlights. Their light floods the surroundings in orange monochrome. Yet Laing has also included some more abstract images which delve deeper into the effects of LPS light. In one of the largest images presented, orange and yellow balls of light glisten on wet and muddy ground. Some of the larger orbs of light seem to float, perhaps having been reflected, and they radiate more intensely, climbing up the colour scale towards white-hot. It creates an otherworldly effect reminiscent of multiple suns. Through this series, Laing accents the transformative power of LPS to mutate the quotidian street into a dreamscape, the all-consuming orange light altering reality. When I visited this exhibition, I was lucky enough to witness an LPS streetlamp in action! Accompanied by a musical performance by Edinburgh-based sound artist Bryant Bayhan, the lamp progressively transformed the room with its light, turning the room into something adjacent to the photographs hung on the walls. The spectrum of colour from LPS is demonstrated across the selection of images. When these lights first flicker on, they beam a dim pinkish red which then melts into their renowned orange glow before settling on a warm diffused yellow. In the photographs, the monochrome ranges from a deeper, dimmer orange to a more luminous yellow, seeping the urban landscapes in unnatural, saturated colour. December–January is the perfect period to exhibit this work, with daylight hours falling as we draw nearer towards the winter solstice. One of the images shows an LPS streetlamp radiating a glow similar to decorated Christmas trees in the tenement windows behind it. Laing has acknowledged the more negative responses towards this lighting, with some finding it nauseating or depressing. However, despite the association of sodium-vapour lighting with the unsettling and the eerie, these photographed night frequencies emanate the nostalgia and charm experienced when walking past softly illuminated living rooms when it’s dark outside. They instil a wonder in something which is regarded as mundane or banal and is so frequently overlooked. I am grateful for having spent a dark winter’s evening looking at these photos. Julie Laing’s Low sodium, night frequencies is on at Agitate until Jan 26th, 2024. (Photos by Rosie McCann)

Listening to music while studying, is it good? Students share their thoughts on what kinds of music are the best to listen to while studying. Illustration by Izzy Reeve (IG: @izzymayv) Listening to music while studying is a widely contested subject. It leads me to wonder, is studying with music actually a good habit? I’ve heard a lot of different perspectives on this topic. Many people have polarizing stances on whether it’s distracting or not to listen to music while studying or doing schoolwork. A 2019 article from the University of Wollongong about music and studying argued that because music puts us in a good mood, it can help us to improve our studying. However, music (specifically music with lyrics) can often be highly distracting. The article ultimately concludes that in order to study with music effectively you need to “reduce how distracting music can be, and increase the level to which the music keeps you in a good mood.” Personally, I tend to rely on the perpetual YouTube livestream Lofi Girl. “Lofi beats to relax/study to” has accompanied me on many study sessions, essay-writing all-nighters, and trips to the library. I find the lofi genre to be the perfect type of music for studying, because it always feels vaguely familiar and yet doesn’t have lyrics or a typical song structure. It’s a good compromise, because I find listening to my favourite songs and artists becomes far too distracting when trying to concentrate. On the occasions where I’ve tried the latter, I tend to zone out from the work and end up just listening to the music (or accidentally writing down the song lyrics mid-essay paragraph...). I interviewed a few of my fellow university students to see what their thoughts were on the subject: A third year environmental science student, Hannah, shared how the kind of music they listen to really depends on what kind of studying they’re doing. “If I need to get something done quickly, I'll listen to really intense classical music where the instrumentals are going fast.” They cite Mozart’s “Turkish March” as a good example of this. However, if it’s more active-recall based studying, Hannah tends to stick with more mellow music to have playing in the background. In general, they find music with lyrics too distracting and prefer instrumental music, particularly when studying for exams: “It’s the instrumentals that keep me going more, because if the lyrics are too catchy or it’s a song I like, it’s harder to pay attention and understand what I’m doing.” Fran, a third year neuroscience student, shares her unique approach to study music which she learned from her sister. Her trick is to listen to high intensity music, ideally a soundtrack, in order to have an intense study session. She lists Pirates of the Caribbean, Undertale, and Indiana Jones as ideal examples. She compares her approach of study music to working out at the gym: “It’s similar to exercise music, because you’re exercising your mind.” For everyday coursework however, she also recommends lofi music or anything without lyrics. A third year history student, Isla, does not have one particular kind of music she listens to while studying. She likes having a variety of different genres and artists, and often prefers to hit shuffle on her playlists to avoid pressure of choosing. This allows her to get straight to work with studying. Isla does tend to gravitate towards jazz music, particularly Frank Sinatra, an artist she was introduced to by her grandfather. She also enjoys classical music while doing readings for her classes as she finds music with lyrics to be too distracting. Taking all of this into account, study music seems to be a very individualistic experience. It’s about finding that perfect balance of having motivating music that keeps you in the zone, but also ensures you aren’t getting distracted by your favourite songs and artists. Now my only question is, what will you listen to for your next study session?

This article investigates issues of false 'sustainability' within the tourist industry and what measures individuals might take to practice more eco-conscious and empathetic travelling. Artwork by Kate Granholm (IG: @Katesartthings) As our deadlines pass and the summer months approach, rejuvenated for many of us is that intense desire to travel- the need for a getaway from our daily lives and the irritatingly chilly, mundane greyness that has pervaded Edinburgh for the last few weeks. Mallorca dreams, interrailing fantasies, vague plans for Greek island hopping, or even potential post-uni gap years filled with Southeast Asian trekkings compound in our conversations with friends and leer at our wallets. But this article is not a travel advice column, nor am I interested in merely providing cheerful budgeting hacks for securing your dream holiday. Instead, I propose a question that is too seldomly considered in travel discussions: how ethical is our tourism? This inquiry involves not just factors we might have come across through concepts such as eco-tourism - i.e., how to reduce our CO2 footprint on our journeyings - but delves far deeper to uncover our very desire to travel, the attitudes we bring along to host countries, and ultimately, the implications of our often-time naive holiday affairs. Before I immerse myself completely in such questions, I think it imperative to address the privilege many of us might forget encompasses global travel. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), over 900 million tourists travelled internationally in 2022 and an overwhelming percentage of outbound departures and tourist expenditures derived from certain European countries (Germany, France and the UK, to name a few), the United States and China. On the inbound front, however, travel and expenditure were also high in East and South Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East. While it isn’t news that Europeans and Americans are eager voyagers, it is important to acknowledge the implications of this influx in Western tourism to periphery and semi-periphery host nations. Again, what expectations, attitudes and behaviours are we consciously or subconsciously lugging across the world? How should we ensure that international travel and tourism are mutually benefitting global endeavours rather than enterprises serving one-way interests? We might begin by addressing the recent phenomena of sustainable or ‘eco-tourism. As the climate crisis has risen in our socio-cultural consciousness, travel alternatives have also emerged to accommodate our environmental sensibilities. Conventional mass tourism is now commonly associated with proxy effects like ecological destruction or gentrification. For many, sustainable tourism has prevailed in favour, with its offers of economic development for host countries and emphasis on moral conscience and responsible travel experiences. However, the promise of environmental and socio-cultural protection to host countries and communities should not be bought without scepticism, for we must consider who exactly is presenting these sustainability claims and for what purpose. Hitherto, the main problem conceived in sustainable tourism is the ambiguity surrounding its definition and the malleability of the concept itself. In other words, greenwashing - or the fabrication of a moral agenda - must be recognised as a new ploy of the ethically marketed tourism industry. Some overt examples of this misdirection include wildlife walks or sanctuaries that proclaim interest in moral practices but offer the opportunity for travellers to interact with the animals that need to be left undisturbed; tours to villages or heritage sites that advocate cultural conservation but serve only the guiding company’s monetary interests; or self-appraised eco-lodges whose only connection with the natural environment is their back garden and any positive action is solely reflected in their replacement of plastic straws with paper alternatives. It is easy to fall for such promotional initiatives when we are keen to find easy fixes to appease our conscience. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, we have a responsibility to put more effort into our holiday plans if we are to genuinely engage in ethical travel habits. As tourists, we are inherently the target consumers of the industry. The global system of organisation, that is, the capitalist order and its accumulation agenda, is primarily at fault. We are encouraged, even pressured, to appoint our funds to conglomerates or initiatives that fuel them. Still, we do have a choice. Our choice involves responsible action, scepticism, open-mindedness and, perhaps most fundamentally, research. Persevering against the confusion that can arise with this research is part of this ethical itinerary. How do we determine if the company, person, or organisation we support is legitimate about their sustainability? When it comes to air travel, the question is redundant. High pollution levels are unavoidable when we opt for highly global airline travel, no matter how consistently we pay the £3 CO2 compensation fee. However, other measures can be taken to alleviate some of tourism’s contributions to environmental damage and cultural deterioration. A primary concern for local economies is revenue leakage, and here, we can at least partially contribute to its hindrance. Essentially, leakage refers to the distribution of expenditures and denying host countries gains from tourism. In their article on sustainable tourism, Paul Lansing and Paul De Vries contend that leakage involves imported goods and services purchased by tourists, goods and services imported by tourist establishments and hotels, and the profit repatriations to foreign owners of these hotels and services. Estimates suggest that 50% of tourism revenues seep out of host destinations, especially for periphery and semi-periphery nations. In other words, foreign business conglomerates profit while host countries rarely get their fair share of tourist expenditures. What we can do as travellers is be more mindful of the products and services we purchase. Of course, it’s tempting to be humoured by lude shot glasses, cheap keyrings or “I Love ‘X’” T-shirts - they are fun and affordable souvenirs- but when visiting Tunisia and buying “Made in China” trinkets, one is likely supporting a dubious factory owner and not doing the local community much favour. Oftentimes, less budget-inspiring mementoes from local artisans are more responsible exchanges that will directly benefit the community. And importantly, one might remember or even cherish these keepsakes, unlike that tacky Angkor Wat snow globe with its inevitable bin-bag fate. More significant, of course, are our larger investments in accommodation and travel experiences. Rather than succumbing to the flashiness of the Hiltons or the Marriotts, locally owned properties tend to be more sustainable alternatives both for the environment and communities. Smaller independent accommodations are continually found to have decreased water and carbon footprints alongside more engagement with local employees, artisans and suppliers. Due to their regional affiliations, they often have a greater interest in the environment, economy and culture of the visiting destination; once again, leakage, ecological destruction, and gentrification are diluted rather than amplified. Though research is imperative for finding the best fit for your own travels, some successful providers of local eco-friendly accommodation are Village Ways, a tourist operator supporting homestays in the Himalayas, and KOPEL, a community-run conservation organisation in Borneo. A recent booking.com survey revealed that though 58% of travellers using the site value prioritising local communities and sustainable accommodation, less than half know how to find them. As sustainability in any industry isn’t yet the norm, dedication and research are thus far our best bet. To segue on to an interlinked arena, tourism's socio-cultural implications, though potentially more complicated to trace, are equally imperative to consider. Social differentiation, land grabbing, escalating prices, and changes in customs, traditions or lifestyles are all potential consequences of Western gentrification through rapid globalisation. Of course, travelling is a luxury - especially for most students - and it is not unfair to be excited or have high expectations pre-travel. Nevertheless, we must also investigate the solidity of these expectations and how they are converted to our actions during vacationing. The fundamental issue lies in taking for granted our guest status as tourists in a foreign country. We must remember that we are not superior, and we do not deserve higher treatment from locals; we are guests in someone else’s home, and we must respect that home and its people. Many tourist demographics now hold negative stereotypes linked to their behaviour on vacation, with ‘Brits abroad’ being a particularly notorious catchphrase. So, how should we engage? There must be a balance between the desire to enjoy our vacationing and have fun, the necessity of introspection, learning and open-mindedness, as well as readiness for new experiences when it comes to travelling. However many tourist agencies or resorts suggest this, local communities do not exist to cater for our every need or adapt to our cultural preferences and value systems. Thus, researching the destination before journeying is essential, especially if one’s travels lead to areas or communities where the culture is particularly distinct from one’s own. Firstly, the significance of apparel is too often overlooked. While many countries are liberal in their unannounced dress code, it is important to acknowledge that exposing garments isn’t appreciated everywhere and that dressing accordingly is respectful. Sometimes heritage or religious sites will require their visitors to cover up, but even in other circumstances (cities, towns, villages), it may be wiser to save the crop top and miniskirt for the beach if it means alleviating social (and your own) discomfort. Secondly, communication can both make and break your relationship with locals. Communicating, needless to say, encompasses not only verbal language but body language and customs, too. Experiencing diverse cultures is one of the greatest privileges individuals can be granted, but we must expect cultural differences if this privilege is to be genuinely enjoyed. Again, if we do not research into local cultures before arrival, we may be caught off guard or, worse, risk offending our hosts. Approach people in a friendly, respectful, non-judgmental manner, and you’re off to a good start. Communicating clearly and carefully, apprehending the expected level of body contact (i.e., are you shaking hands, hugging, kissing on the cheek or none of the above), and avoiding gestures of frustration when communication is difficult is the next step. While some might be wary of foreigners, people are generally receptive to engagement, so we must stay positive and work to retain trust. At the end of the day, ethical travel is about ensuring not only that our vacations are fruitful and enjoyable but also that our hosts are happy to have us. Finally, as we have uncovered, examining our actions on the environment, local economy and people is a vital foundation for our touristic engagements. While our means for social responsibility are limited in some respects by the frequent necessity of aeroplane travel or by fabrications of the industry, preparations and an assertion of our critical abilities in planning and travel behaviours form a solid starter pack for our move to ethical tourism. When the system of mass tourism appears to be against enhancing local communities, salvaging cultural heritage, and aiding environmental conservation, we, as the consumers and the direct determiners of demand, must make choices for change. For everyone fortunate enough to go on holiday this summer, I wish you the most wonderful time, but I also hope that this article has reaffirmed your sensibilities and encouraged further sustainability considerations for your future travels. Written by Cia Kohring, May 2023

Global warming has been an issue for decades, but only now when we are at death's door are people starting to wake up. Ella Feeley tells us more: Artwork by Kate Granholm (IG: @Katesartthings). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published the final part of their over 3000-page sixth assessment report on the climate crisis on the 20th of March this year. The report, labelled the Synthesis Report, is a comprehensive review by the world's leading climate scientists and acts as a final warning after over 30 years of alarm bells. While the results found inside are grim, all hope should not be lost. The report found that human beings, primarily through the use of greenhouse gases, have ‘unequivocally caused global warming’ (A.1, Summary for Policymakers). Our planet is now 1.1°C above what it was between 1850 and 1900, and it reached this height in only 9 years between 2011 and 2020. Implications by nationally determined contributions (NDSs) at the level of Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 make it ‘likely’ (A.4) that global warming will surpass 1.5°C during this century, and if we hit this temperature, it will become significantly harder to get it below 2°C in the future. According to the Emissions Gap Report 2022 (EGR), current pledges made by governments during COP26 (26th United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Glasgow show promise, but do not take on the rapid change that is required to lower emissions below 2°C by the end of the century. According to the EGR, we need to see a 45% decrease in emissions by 2030 to prevent global temperatures above 1.5°C, or a 30% decrease to meet a 2°C target. Yet unfortunately, current climate goals across the globe are set to miss our cut off date. These findings confirm that while we are on the right track, governments are not moving fast enough to win the race. It may feel as though the effects of global warming are far away, but they are in fact already being felt across the world. Unfortunately, while it is those that have contributed the least to GHG emissions that feel the effects the most, countries with higher contributions are still able to experience these effects globally. This is evident in the deterioration of agriculture and food security, mental health, weather, infrastructure, and the worsening of infectious diseases and heat. Scientists can predict that if global warming continues to rise into 2100, those who are around 70 years old in 2090 will experience a surface temperature change of 4°C and above (Figure SPM.1). Our future depends on how we address climate change, and not in the future, but right now. So what do the IPCC suppose we do? Well, focus has been placed on governments across the globe to change their policies, with the IPCC providing a summary of their report for policymakers to make it more concise and easier to follow key points. It is emphasised that if the world sees a ‘deep, rapid, and sustained reduction’ in GHG emissions, we will start to see a clear deceleration in global warming ‘within around two decades’ (B.1). The actions we take now will not just impact us today, but will affect the world ‘for thousands of years’ (C.1). While there is not much that we can do as individuals to change global warming on a larger scale, we can still help by limiting our own emissions in day-to-day life. Some actions you can implement right now include: ●      walking, cycling or taking public transport; ●      not using more heating than you need in your house/flat; ●      using low energy lighting, e.g. modern LED lightbulbs; ●      recycling paper, plastic cartons, glass, food waste, etc.; ●      selling/buying old or upcycled furniture and clothes; ●      cutting out or eating less meat and dairy products; ●      buy locally sourced food and products. Why these solutions? Well, studies have found that cutting meat and dairy is the single most effective way to reduce your emissions. Even just scaling down your consumption each week will help. A study by the journal Science found that these two products use 83% of farmland and contribute a huge 60% to agriculture’s GHG emissions. The scientists in the study found that the most unsustainable vegetable and cereal growing was still not nearly as harmful to the environment as the most sustainable meat and dairy products. Additionally, travelling less by car can be hugely effective, not only saving you money, but also having a very positive effect on emissions. We saw this during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel emissions dropped massively during lockdowns. We can also take part in the second-hand clothing/furniture trend that has gained huge popularity recently. It is not only good for your bank account, but the world at large. Fast-fashion is a huge problem when it comes to the health of not just our planet, but also our mental health. Shopping and donating to charity shops, or using online stores like Depop or Ebay to buy and sell, is a great way to do your part. Even by delivering purchases by hand or organising a collection if you are not far away from a buyer can be a great way of combating emissions. For greater scale improvement, it's on the government to implement changes. While focus has never been on climate change in a way that reflects its importance in today's world, there have been, at the very least, some improvements in how we are thinking about and dealing with it. So next time you hear about a strike, a climate protest, or any opportunity at all, take your loudest voices with you and shout across the rooftops, because we need to fight for this planet with all that we have. This demon is on our doorstep, and the last thing we want to do is invite it inside. Our home, mother Earth, is killing us because we are fighting against her, so let's be kinder to her while there is still hope for a livable and sustainable future. For some interesting further reading, please check out: ●      NASA's News and Features on Climate Change ●      Greta Thunberg, climate activists greenlighted to sue Sweden ●      Climate Change Wreaks Havoc in Southern Africa – Foreign Policy ●      The Incredible Disappearing Doomsday, by Kyle Paoletta

Rose Hartigan discusses the importance of podcasts in aiding relaxation, better mental health and education. She then follows with some of her top recommendations to help get you through the rest of the semester: Artwork by Alison Laing (IG: @alisonlaingart). A collective experience of university students, who were unlucky enough to start just as the pandemic hit, was that our lives removed revolved around computer screens. A remedy to this new digital life was a daily walk. It was my favourite time of the day, and to provide some company on what could be a lonely time, I discovered the benefit of podcasts. Taking a daily walk is a great way to unwind and escape. What better way to make your walk even more enjoyable than listening to an interesting podcast? From inspiring conversations to thought-provoking topics, there are plenty of podcasts that can make your daily walks more enjoyable. Here are some podcast suggestions you can listen to on your next wander through the streets of Edinburgh. Podcasts have become one of the most popular ways to consume content in recent years. They are easily accessible and can be consumed on the go, making them a great way to stay informed and entertained. If, like me, your digestion of world news has become nonexistent since leaving home (and the TV…) then quick snippets of news can keep you well informed and feeling clever enough to engage in the odd debate, because who doesn’t love to appear current? For major world news, try ‘The Globalist’ but for a more condensed, time friendly snippet try the 4minute Times news briefings. For us students, audiobooks can be a great way to keep up with our studies. For those who are slow readers, or who have difficulty focusing on text for long periods of time, audiobooks can make it much easier to get through course material. As a very slow reader, I have listened to the majority of my books this semester via free audiobooks. It makes the daunting volume of reading much more manageable, and can be done whilst doing tedious tasks and enabling learning on the go. With an increased focus on mental health, and the correlation between exercise and mental health, combining podcasts with your daily walk can be your new wellness commitment. Podcasts can be a great platform for people to talk about their experiences, and more importantly hearing about other people’s struggles can provide an outlet for people to connect with others who may be going through similar experiences. For something both serious and insightful, try ‘Mental’. For a manual of coping methods, (with the added bonus of an Australian accent). Try, ‘Lets talk about mental heath’ with Jeremy Godwin. Yet for something more conversational, my personal favorite is Fearne Cotton's “Happy Place”. For true crime fans, Chamelon productions have some intriguing, and at times thrilling, true stories. My favourite of these are Hollywood Con Queen, and Wild Boys. These are perfect for a listener who wants to be thrilled but as someone who is easily scared I can certify that they are wimp friendly! I’m not going to suggest any super scary ones because they creep me out too much. When I just really need a laugh, James and Fuhad’s ‘ShxtsNGigs’ never fails, and you may recognise them for their viral Ick videos on tiktok. Other great comedy podcasts include the “Joe Rogan Experience”, which is a must listen too. Being from a family of redheads, my favourite ginger funnyman, has to be Andrew Santino, joined by Bobby Lee, on “Bad Friends”. Last, but not least Podcasts have become a great supplement to sports entertainment. Whether your’e looking for a play-by-play, or a detailed analysis, there’s a podcast for every sports fan. Talk Sport is a popular podcast for sporting news and discussions. If you are a rugby fan, (as who in the UK isn’t?), try ‘The good the bad and the rugby’. Additionally if you're a fan of a less mainstream sport such as MMA, try Ariel Helenai’s MMA hour. It’s a favourite choice of fans, and there are plenty of other great shows in this area that provide exclusive interviews with fighters and trainers, as well as detailed breakdowns of fights. No matter what your interest is, there's a podcast out there that can make you laugh or cry, inform and entertain. Happy Walking!

A young girl, glasses, ginger hair, and a smile on her face, eating a chocolate bar. Brianna Ghey’s photograph circled UK newspapers and magazines for all the wrong reasons. Brianna was a sixteen year-old girl from Birchwood, Cheshire, England who was murdered on 11th February 2023. She was found by the public lying in a park with fatal stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. A boy and a girl, both fifteen years-old, have been charged with the murder and will go on trial in July. Artwork by Kate Granholm (IG: @Katesartthings). Brianna’s mourning family described her as a ‘larger than life character’ who was ‘beautiful, witty, and hilarious’. She deserved to live into adulthood and lead a peaceful, fulfilling life. Brianna will never see her dreams, goals and ambitions come into fruition. Brianna will never again share a meal, a laugh, or a hug with her loved ones. Brianna was just a girl with her whole life ahead of her. Her death is a tragedy. As any human being, Brianna was a three-dimensional person with a complex, multi-faceted personality. As any human being, she would have had her likes, dislikes, qualities and faults. Brianna happened to be transgender. Too many consider this characteristic the largest, defining aspect of a trans person’s life, and too often this leads to hate. The intention here is not to reduce Brianna solely to her transness, for she was much more than that. However, Brianna’s friends and family have stated that she suffered cruel bullying and marginalisation by her schoolmates because of her gender identity. One of her peers stated that Brianna had even spoken about ‘ending it all’. It is highly likely, if not a certainty, that Brianna’s murder was fuelled by transphobic hate. The 2010 equality act protects trans people’s rights to access single-sex spaces according to their gender identity rather than the one they were assigned at birth. However, trans people are far from being adequately protected in this country. In January, for instance, the UK government blocked Scotland’s gender reform bill which lowered the age trans people can apply to legally change their gender to from 18 to 16. This was the first time since the devolution that Westminster intervened in such a manner in Scottish law, demonstrating the lengths the government will go to obstruct trans rights. Transgender people also experience difficulties accessing the healthcare they need to live their lives authentically. While not all transgender people desire to go through hormone therapies and/or gender-confirming surgeries, those who do have to endure extremely long waiting lists to not only get the treatments they need, but even to just to receive referrals and assessment that will allow them to gain access to those procedures. The Chalmers Gender Identity clinic in Edinburgh is currently contacting people who were referred in September 2020, meaning that the wait-list is over two-years long. Additionally, many transgender people face marginalisation in the healthcare environment as a whole, with 70% reporting that they have endured transphobic discrimination from their provider. Systemic transphobia is embedded not only in the political, legal and medical sphere, but also within the population’s psyche. Transgender people are the most targeted group in the LGBTQ+ community, with two in five (41%) trans people being victims of hate crime attacks within a 12-month period. But this may not be an accurate statistic, as 88% of transgender victims do not report hate crimes due to dissatisfaction with police response and frequency of abuse. 64% of trans pupils in UK schools experience relentless bullying. A quarter of trans people experience homelessness in their lifetime. More than four in five young trans people have self-harmed, while two in five have attempted to take their own life. And this is just the start. Due to UK law impeding individuals under the age of 18 to legally change their gender to the one they desire, Brianna’s death certificate will likely refer to her by her deadname and use he/him pronouns. Even in death, Brianna will not get treated with the respect and dignity that she deserves. Her murder is a hate crime. Brianna deserved better. Transgender individuals deserve to live in a world where they are protected and valued to the same standards as cisgender people. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. Writing this article is not enough. As vigils are organised across the UK, we must remember that Brianna’s murder was not just committed by two perpetrators; It was the product of a transphobic society that systematically oppresses, marginalises and attacks transgender people for the sole fact that they want to be themselves. Say her name. Rest in power, Brianna Ghey. Donate to Brianna Ghey’s family here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/brianna-ghey Transgender and non-binary helpline: Mindline trans + – Emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone identifying as trans, non-binary, gender variant, and their families, friends, colleagues and carers. Their phone line is open Mondays and Fridays, 8pm to midnight. Ring 0300 330 5468.

Amy Norton discusses the negative effects TikTok has on our mental health and productivity levels, suggesting ways that we can gain control back: Artwork by Mariam Tovmasian (IG: @tomwunderbar). Was lowering your screen time on your list of resolutions this year? Me too. I think we’re all tired of being embarrassed by those statistics. When I break it down, I’m never shocked by the culprit of the most damage: TikTok. My relationship with this app has always been a love-hate one, I’ve lost count of the number of times it has yo-yoed on and off of my phone. Each time telling myself that moving it into a hidden folder or setting time limits is going to help, TikTok always wins. So where does the app’s power come from? What exactly is causing the problem here, and what can we do about it? TikTok has been cleverly designed to be a productivity vacuum. The ‘For You’ page presents us with a never-ending curated stream of bite sized content to absorb. A ten second clip turns into hours and suddenly it’s dark outside. TikTok works in the same way that slot machines do: you scroll until you experience that dopamine hit of a video you like, and then you scroll again. In psychological terms, it’s known as ‘random reinforcement’, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Either way you end up stuck in this unpredictable rewards cycle, a dopamine loop. Even when you eventually break free and go off the app, your brain begins to crave that pattern again and so you click back onto it throughout the day in order to satisfy it. For absolutely minimal effort, TikTok can be a hilarious, educational, and sociable experience. But are we in control? We know how easy it is to waste time on this app, it can put us in an almost hypnotic state where the sense of time passing seems warped. Sometimes, despite my full awareness of the minutes slipping through my fingers I can't seem to move, I’m stuck. This stolen time takes away opportunities for hobbies you might have once enjoyed. I think I move my book around my flat with the intention to read it more than I actually open the front cover. Even with the knowledge of my eaten-away hours on TikTok, I’m guilty of complaining about my lack of time to complete tasks. It can be difficult to hold yourself responsible and imagine what you could have done with those hours. Frequent users of TikTok would most likely agree that the app’s short and snappy videos have lowered their attention span. If we can't sit through a movie without scrolling, we’re certainly going to struggle staying focussed during a lecture– not ideal. Whilst TikTok’s sensitive algorithm can provide us with entertainment tailored to us, it can also repetitively show us content detrimental to our mental health. Our decision to simply watch a video to the end is enough to inform TikTok we want to see more like it. I know I have found myself in the past doom-scrolling through personally emotionally triggering videos, because TikTok delivered them especially to me. Instances like this can quickly cause depressive feelings and anxiety. It’s great that people are encouraged and feel comfortable enough to share very intimate and–more often than not–intense stories, but it can be overwhelming as a viewer. Our brains are just not used to being confronted with the sheer amount of varied content in one sitting. All that time spent viewing snippets of other people’s lives causes us to reflect on our own and typically in a critical way. We start to compare so many aspects of ourselves with what we see online, until our self-image becomes distorted from reality. Enough of the doom and gloom, what can we do about it? If you are somebody who feels like you have your TikTok usage under control already, firstly congratulations, and secondly this might still apply to you. I think it’s important to notice the way you feel when you are on the app, and how it makes you feel afterwards. Does spending a chunk of time scrolling make you feel better, or worse? If the answer is worse, then it is time to get a hold on it. I’m not suggesting everybody deletes TikTok, it’s worth trying to manage your experience using the app before resulting to that. Set time limits on your phone and press the “not interested” button to limit seeing content that you find triggering. Check in with yourself every now and then and remember that TikTok can function like every other social media: it is a highlight reel of people’s lives. So don’t waste your emotional energy on forming comparisons. But if this still isn’t working and you have been meaning to delete TikTok–then this is your sign, do it now! Then notice how life without the app makes you feel and what you manage to achieve. I think you’ll forget about it quicker than you might think. There are lots of other ways to increase dopamine– the mood-boosting chemical in our brains. Sleep is important, so replace scrolling on TikTok in the evenings with a healthier hobby that helps you wind down properly. As well as this, things like listening to music, interacting with people in real life, exercise and time spent outdoors all release dopamine. Taking part in any of these activities will leave you feeling more present, happier, and less embarrassed by those screen time statistics.