Nothing new?
A British study finds journalists brains operate at a lower level than the average population because of too much consumption of alcohol, caffeine and sugar, notes Grumpy Editor.
Research by neuroscientist Tara Swart in partnership with the London Press Club, sought to figure out how journalists survive and thrive amid the stress of pressure with deadlines, lower pay than with most other professions, shaky job security and high levels of public scrutiny --- especially today with cries of “fake news.”
The study, involving 31 journalists, concludes participants’ brains are lacking in the executive functioning department, which encompasses high-level cognitive functions such as emotional control, complex problem-solving, multi-tasking and the ability to suppress biases.
“It is likely that the levels of caffeine/alcohol and the lack of water consumed contributed to the low scores recorded for executive functioning because of the severe impact of dehydration on cognitive ability,” according to the study.
Most of the journalists in the survey say they enjoy their jobs and feel their work is worthwhile and important.
The study concludes that this enables them to cope with stress better than people in other high-stress professions despite their challenges (and apparent shortcomings).
“I hope this study serves as a useful tool to journalists, but also to anyone who wants to understand how neuroscience can show us how to join up brain and body health, and through that become more mentally resilient,” mentions Dr. Swart.
IN CASE YOUR FAVORITE NEWS OUTLETS MISSED THESE…
U.S. media pointed out first lady Melania Trump, on arrival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, did not cover her head. But head coverings aren't required for foreigners and most Western women go without. That includes non-covering in earlier visits by Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush…Citing they get better tax breaks and subsidies outside of Hollywood, producers of this summer's biggest-budget films continue to roll cameras elsewhere in the U.S. and overseas…Bill O’Reilly, after years at Fox News, will have a weekly spot on Glenn Beck’s radio show…Former vice president Joe Biden, appearing before hedge fund managers in Las Vegas, declares “I never thought (Hillary Clinton) was a great candidate. I thought I was a great candidate.”
The Los Angeles Times won’t like this.
The San Francisco Chronicle on Saturday was named the state’s best large newspaper by the California Newspaper Publishers Association.
Comments