Sociologist says pandemic may have made Canadian youth less empathetic, meaner

[CdnFox]

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/sociologist-says-pandemic-may-have-made-canadian-youth-less-empathetic-meaner-1.6362442

TORONTO -

Increased time online during the pandemic may have made young Canadians meaner, a researcher said Wednesday, warning that declining empathy which emerged during isolation was now fostering increased cruelty during in-person interactions, including at school.

Kaitlynn Mendes, an associate professor at the University of Western Ontario, said during an Ontario Medical Association press conference that many parents may not be aware of their children's increased exposure to online harassment during the pandemic, which is now having damaging consequences.

"Teachers really noted that, as young people were coming back into school, the way that young people were communicating with each other during lockdown had changed, and they found that their empathy had really decreased," Mendes, who is a sociologist, told reporters.

 

It's interesting. It's worth examining the effect lockdowns had on kids and others just to better weigh the pros and cons next time.  I"m not arguing for or against lockdowns but i think that they were done with no though to what the consequences long term  might be - or even that there WOULDN'T"T be any.  This research and others seems to indicate that there was a significant long term effect of the lockdowns.

[OftenWrong]

It didn't take a sociologist to figure that stuff out.

On 3/26/2020 at 9:20 PM, OftenWrong said:

Kumbaya my arse. I`ll tell you what`s rising. Man`s inhumanity to man. We got a little glimpse of that when we saw the looting and pillaging once the word came out.

You think that social distancing encourages a sense of trust of others, especially strangers? Or would it do the complete opposite. I think it`s the opposite. The attitude is, keep away from me. Keep your distance. Don`t talk to me, you might breath out some virus. Don`t lend me a helping hand, don`t touch any of my belongings.

 

[eyeball]

55 minutes ago, OftenWrong said:

It didn't take a sociologist to figure that stuff out.

So the internet turned kids into cranky old trolls? Makes sense given what it does to so many adults.

I suppose that could result in more conservatives but don't forget it was just killing old farts so I doubt it'll result in much of a bump from this.

In any case a less empathetic world is still inevitable simply given the unsustainable nature of our economy vs our planet's resources. When a water-hole shrinks the animals around it get meaner. We're no different.

Cheer up, I have no doubt the future will still be a very conservative one.

[OftenWrong]

1 minute ago, eyeball said:

So the internet turned kids into cranky old trolls? Makes sense given what it does to so many adults.

I suppose that could result in more conservatives but don't forget it was just killing old farts so I doubt it'll result in much of a bump from this.

In any case a less empathetic world is still inevitable simply given the unsustainable nature of our economy vs our planet's resources. When a water-hole shrinks the animals around it get meaner. We're no different.

Cheer up, I have no doubt the future will still be a very conservative one.

Anyone can follow my quote to see what your theories were at the time.

Must be a little embarrasing. Sorry I couldn't avoid that but you stepped in poopoo again...

 

[eyeball]

3 minutes ago, OftenWrong said:

Anyone can follow my quote to see what your theories were at the time.

Must be a little embarrasing. Sorry I couldn't avoid that but you stepped in poopoo again...

 

Will I was hoping I'd be right but don't worry about it, shit happens.

I've known for decades that less empathy was inevitable. I was hoping that might change but instead COVID sped up the process. Too bad.

 

[OftenWrong]

22 minutes ago, eyeball said:

don't worry about it, shit happens.

Sure, not a big deal. That's why pencils have erasers, right?

Maybe these kids will grow up to be a generation of sociopaths who want nuclear war. I suppose that's alright too. Might be for the best anyway. Get it over with. Shit happens.

[Goddess]

2 hours ago, OftenWrong said:

It didn't take a sociologist to figure that stuff out.

 

Child psychologists and pediatricians said so early on, too.

I posted articles about it at the time and was mocked and called names.

But really, it doesn't take a doctor or scientist to know locking kids up, taking away social supports, telling them  they're responsible for "killing grama" and bankrupting their parents for 2+ years, would be bad for them.

[OftenWrong]

I should add that in addition to the increase in man's inhumanity to man, I detect a noteable and generally wide-spread increase in human stupidity.

Makes sense. All the smart folks retired early.

[eyeball]

3 hours ago, Goddess said:

Child psychologists and pediatricians said so early on, too.

I posted articles about it at the time and was mocked and called names.

But really, it doesn't take a doctor or scientist to know locking kids up, taking away social supports, telling them  they're responsible for "killing grama" and bankrupting their parents for 2+ years, would be bad for them.

I'm pretty sure most of the kids who suffered real psychological damage from COVID had parents like you filling their heads with shit from day one.

[CdnFox]

6 minutes ago, eyeball said:

I'm pretty sure most of the kids who suffered real psychological damage from COVID had parents like you filling their heads with shit from day one.

LOL - not like you who always present such intelligent and thought provoking insights right?

IF you're any indication i daresay we can guess who's kids came out more emotionally scarred, and it probably isn't Goddess's

[Michael Hardner]

2 hours ago, OftenWrong said:

I should add that in addition to the increase in man's inhumanity to man, I detect a noteable and generally wide-spread increase in human stupidity.

Makes sense. All the smart folks retired early.

No, they just gave everyone a keyboard and a web forum account.

Your blissful assumption that people were smarter than apes turned out to be incorrect.

Be thankful, Adam, you can now leave The Garden of Eden and live like a real Boy ?

[eyeball]

1 hour ago, CdnFox said:

LOL - not like you who always present such intelligent and thought provoking insights right?

IF you're any indication i daresay we can guess who's kids came out more emotionally scarred, and it probably isn't Goddess's

Well, my grandkids all seem to have done fine. No problems so far. Interestingly enough one of the funnier and certainly the last things I expected to impinge on my youngest grandson had nothing to do with COVID. This is something I know will give you guys something to make hay with. He said to his mom one day that he didn't want to go to school in case he was taken away like 1st Nation's kids were. He'd overheard his older sister and brother talking about what they'd been learning in school.

Are kids impressionable? Of course they are.  The more I think about it it's even easier to see how kids who saw parents muttering about nazis, dictators and especially lefties while pounding away at a keyboard on their own forums would become nasty little carbon copies of their parents.

As for my grandkids having something like the fear of reconciliation drilled into their little heads, I'm not worried in the least. Their parents grew up next door to a 1st Nation's village where their papa was a volunteer fireman. I still recall friends and family who worried that our kids might be bullied on the school bus where they were definitely in the minority. There was not one single incident of bullying from kindergarten on through high school.

 

 

 

 

[OftenWrong]

39 minutes ago, eyeball said:

Well, my grandkids all seem to have done fine. No problems so far. Interestingly enough one of the funnier and certainly the last things I expected to impinge on my youngest grandson had nothing to do with COVID. This is something I know will give you guys something to make hay with. He said to his mom one day that he didn't want to go to school in case he was taken away like 1st Nation's kids were. He'd overheard his older sister and brother talking about what they'd been learning in school.

Are kids impressionable? Of course they are.  The more I think about it it's even easier to see how kids who saw parents muttering about nazis, dictators and especially lefties while pounding away at a keyboard on their own forums would become nasty little carbon copies of their parents.

As for my grandkids having something like the fear of reconciliation drilled into their little heads, I'm not worried in the least. Their parents grew up next door to a 1st Nation's village where their papa was a volunteer fireman. I still recall friends and family who worried that our kids might be bullied on the school bus where they were definitely in the minority. There was not one single incident of bullying from kindergarten on through high school.

I would imagine kids in poor homes did not fair as well as in rich homes. Kids who had a good home, versus those who were at risk of abuse from an alcoholic dad. In other words, your white privilege is showing...

We heard about those domestic issues early on, during the first shutdown. It only took a few weeks of isolation for these guys to flip out. Where mom would go to work and little Johnny to school, they now had to stay home and get a daily black eye.

Not that those issues changed the opinion of any of you people, when I pointed them out.

For all the social equality feels-good we love everyone equally lovey-dovey you people exude, it's nothing but empty lips service and show. But, no go. It was ME who spoke out for the less fortunate. Me, that you call "right wing", that you call "conservative", anti-social. Me, not you.

Just sayin is all...  
 

[blackbird]

"Aderonke Pederson: “What I’m seeing is pent-up tension and emotions, whether it’s the recent road-rage incidents, more aggressive behavior reported on airline flights and fans at sporting events being really aggressive or spitting at or throwing things at players.”

Crystal Clark: “I am seeing a lot of increased anxiety, depression, irritability and decreased stress tolerance. I see this in my patients, and when I am at the grocery store or even driving on the road; there seems to be more road rage.”

Lori Post: “We are seeing huge increases in homicides, suicides, domestic violence and overall gun violence.” 

What is the cause? It seems like we should be feeling joyous as life starts to return to normal.

Pederson: “Following traumatic or grief-inducing events, people tend to enter into a survival mode and may suspend self-care, in addition, extenuating circumstances beyond our control like the financial pressures of the pandemic, lack of child-care, closure of schools, uncertainty, missed events and family gatherings and for many, actual loss of family members and friends to the virus will take a toll on our mental capacity/reserves. 

“As we emerge from the pandemic, there may be pent-up emotions and feelings that people may not be conscious about. While on the surface, there may be excitement around re-engaging with others, for so many of us, we have to re-learn basic social norms while also acknowledging that we may have been affected very differently by the pandemic. People still have differing perspectives on when and where to wear masks even when around fully vaccinated adults, especially in the setting of unvaccinated children. These underlying tensions may lead to hypersensitivity — people easily being triggered — to people around us or increased irritability towards others.” "

Why is violent behavior spiking as pandemic ebbs?: For Journalists - Northwestern University

So the question is what is one to do in the middle of this behavior in society.  The answer is a Biblical one.

We may not be able to change other people's behavior, but by being born again or becoming a son or daughter of God through faith in Jesus Christ, we are then protected by God.  How so you might say?  The answer is those who become part of God's family are with Him forever and He is with them no matter what happens around us or to us on earth.  This is not a fairy tale as some claim.   The Psalms assure us what being a child of God means:

"4  I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5  I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. 6  I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. 7  Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8  Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah." 

Psalm 3:4-8 kJV

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." 

Psalm 23 KJV

 

 

[OftenWrong]

1 hour ago, Michael Hardner said:

No, they just gave everyone a keyboard and a web forum account.

Your blissful assumption that people were smarter than apes turned out to be incorrect.

Be thankful, Adam, you can now leave The Garden of Eden and live like a real Boy ?

You go out first, Master Gepetto. There is evidence the world is getting meaner and... dumber out there.

I heard this was an issue in jobs where on-the-job training is vital for knowledge transfer. Jobs that require a mentor, or an apprenticeship. A large number of people retired during covid and left a vacancy, but there was no time for appropriate knowledge transfer. This leaves a potentially dangerous technical skills loss.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retirement-labor-force-dropouts-march-morning-consult/

 

 

However my experience more recently is... just getting someone who can speak clearly in English on the phone, AND who actually knew what they were talking about.

 

 

[CdnFox]

1 hour ago, eyeball said:

Well, my grandkids all seem to have done fine. No problems so far.

so - kids you DIDN'T raise did well.  Has the ring of truth to it

1 hour ago, eyeball said:

Interestingly enough one of the funnier and certainly the last things I expected to impinge on my youngest grandson had nothing to do with COVID. This is something I know will give you guys something to make hay with. He said to his mom one day that he didn't want to go to school in case he was taken away like 1st Nation's kids were. He'd overheard his older sister and brother talking about what they'd been learning in school.

Seriously - the responses write themselves   It's a little too easy, i'll pass this time, we both know what i'd say anyway

1 hour ago, eyeball said:

Are kids impressionable? Of course they are.  The more I think about it it's even easier to see how kids who saw parents muttering about nazis, dictators and especially lefties while pounding away at a keyboard on their own forums would become nasty little carbon copies of their parents.

If that's the case - the left wing children who heard all about how their fellow canadians were all misogynists and bigots and were wastes of space we shoulnd't tolerate and who deserved to be killed (prevelant left wing position) if they don't agree with vaccines and who were all trying to kill grandma  would be in far worse shape.

1 hour ago, eyeball said:

As for my grandkids having something like the fear of reconciliation drilled into their little heads, I'm not worried in the least.

 

Of course you're not - fear of speaking against the liberal gov't is bread and butter for your kind.

[eyeball]

1 hour ago, OftenWrong said:

I would imagine kids in poor homes did not fair as well as in rich homes. Kids who had a good home, versus those who were at risk of abuse from an alcoholic dad. In other words, your white privilege is showing...

Of course the rich would have it easier. I can only imagine how shitty it must have been in overcrowded apartment buildings.  You seem to forget that we went into COVID bereft of an appropriately scaled response for a pandemic having eliminated funding for this sort of threat.  On top of that were health systems that were all pretty deep into the process of breaking down.  Our whole society was a big fat sitting duck.

Quote

 

We heard about those domestic issues early on, during the first shutdown. It only took a few weeks of isolation for these guys to flip out. Where mom would go to work and little Johnny to school, they now had to stay home and get a daily black eye.

Not that those issues changed the opinion of any of you people, when I pointed them out.

For all the social equality feels-good we love everyone equally lovey-dovey you people exude, it's nothing but empty lips service and show. But, no go. It was ME who spoke out for the less fortunate. Me, that you call "right wing", that you call "conservative", anti-social. Me, not you.

Just sayin is all.... 

 

Yeah well at the time your insight came off sounding like just one more excuse for letting COVID rip. It was only killing old farts remember?  It's a little difficult getting weepy eyed over all the blood bleeding from conservative hearts now given how so many of you treated COVID like it was an opportunity lost. I had seniors with health issues including my own in my immediate life to be more concerned with at the time so forgive me for not having a lot of patience for people who didn't seem to give a shit.

Given the opportunity lost it's not surprising that you'd be insinuating anyone who didn't share your hope would now be maligned as cold-hearted bastards towards kids and their black-eyed mothers.

You can go perch and rotate yourself too.  

[eyeball]

33 minutes ago, CdnFox said:

Seriously - the responses write themselves   It's a little too easy, i'll pass this time, we both know what i'd say anyway

No one in this forum has a clue what you're going to say next.  Even you can't even keep it straight.

[OftenWrong]

3 minutes ago, eyeball said:

Given the opportunity lost it's not surprising that you'd be insinuating anyone who didn't share your hope would now be maligned as cold-hearted bastards towards kids and their black-eyed mothers.

That's right. You people were calling for blood. You wanted to put "antivaxxers" in jail, or better yet, execute them... and now the house of cards has collapsed, so get set for bloody revenge.

[eyeball]

11 minutes ago, OftenWrong said:

That's right. You people were calling for blood. You wanted to put "antivaxxers" in jail, or better yet, execute them... and now the house of cards has collapsed, so get set for bloody revenge.

You folks just don't get facetiousness at all do you?  That said hyperbole comes as naturally as nastiness.

 

[CdnFox]

40 minutes ago, eyeball said:

No one in this forum has a clue what you're going to say next.  Even you can't even keep it straight.

LOL - sure kid

THe only thing people question is what YOU say i said - seeing as you make it up and then delete it at will

[eyeball]

17 minutes ago, CdnFox said:

LOL - sure kid

THe only thing people question is what YOU say i said - seeing as you make it up and then delete it at will 

I haven't seen anyone asking that. You say you have?

Show me.

Ah, but there's the rub. No one has any idea what it is your talking about because even you don't know.

[CdnFox]

47 minutes ago, eyeball said:

I haven't seen anyone asking that. You say you have?

Show me.

Why you said it yourself - here you go:

48 minutes ago, eyeball said:

 

It was in the same thread where everyone in this forum chimed in and said they didn't know what i was going to say next. Don't you remember saying it? It's right there

47 minutes ago, eyeball said:

Ah, but there's the rub. No one has any idea what it is your talking about because even you don't know.

Ahh but there's the rub. Everyone knows what i'm talking about. And that you're a dishonest person who is so petty they post fake quotes from other people and then erase them when it's pointed out. And it's pretty clear you're not well thought of for that and similar reasons, sounds like you've been a loser for quite a while.

[eyeball]

15 minutes ago, CdnFox said:

It was in the same thread where everyone in this forum chimed in 

Now you're putting words in everyone's mouth in one fell swoop?

That's a first.

[CdnFox]

54 minutes ago, eyeball said:

Now you're putting words in everyone's mouth in one fell swoop?

That's a first.

That was your claim - so you'd be the one putting words in other people's mouths. And sadly, not a first for you at all