Young people are reporting concerning medical and behavioral changes due to social media
OCTOBER 25, 2021 THE BIG STORY
Young people, especially young women, are reporting concerning medical and behavioral changes due to social media People are already dismissing a recent Wall Street Journal article about teens developing severe tics after watching numerous TikToks from influencers diagnosed with Tourette syndrome.
The report outlines a rise in cases of teens developing new physical and verbal tics, such as physical jerks or compulsively and involuntarily repeating a word like "beans," to TikTok videos they've consumed. These movements are sociogenic, meaning they are developed socially, but have profound and real neurological effects. Doctors who were cited in the article noted that many of the teen girls with these tics were also diagnosed with depression and anxiety.
After being "fiercely sobered" by the WSJ story — and people's skepticism in reaction to it — BuzzFeed News reporter Tanya Chen reached out to neurologist Dr. Caroline Olvera, one of the few medical professionals actively studying this case and other sociogenic changes due to social media.
Olvera noted that, on the one hand, social media has "the ability to act as almost a global support group for those with the same illness." At the same time, she said, "social media use has previously been tied to worsening depression, anxiety, and eating disorders in those who may be more susceptible to these disorders. In general, tics are very suggestible, so watching them in videos may provoke them to worsen."
STAYING ON TOP OF THIS
The Supreme Court won't halt Texas's abortion ban while the justices decide if anyone can sue  Women's March protesters and other groups rally against the Texas abortion ban. Joshua Roberts / Getty Images The US Supreme Court rejected the Justice Department's push to immediately pause enforcement of SB 8, Texas's six-week abortion ban, while constitutional challenges work through the lower courts.
Healthcare providers in Texas will remain barred from performing nearly all abortions, at the risk of facing a civil lawsuit carrying thousands of dollars in potential penalties; anyone suspected of helping a pregnant person obtain an abortion can also be sued.
SNAPSHOTS
James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther in Friends, has died at 59. Tyler was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in September 2018. He died peacefully in his home in Los Angeles, his manager said in a statement to BuzzFeed News.
A man accused of killing a 31-year-old sitting in a car in front of his home has been arrested. The arrest came 11 days after the deadly shooting of Adil Dghoughi, prompting family and friends to publicly decry the lack of justice and information released on the case.
WORKERS AT RISK
Film crew members say the Alec Baldwin prop gun shooting fits a pattern of safety shortfalls they've had to work against  Movie industry workers take part in a candlelight vigil to honor cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Oct. 23. Andres Leighton / AP Producers on the set of Rust in New Mexico, where Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed director of photography Halyna Hutchins, cut significant corners when it came to safety protocols and working conditions, according to those who were involved and familiar with the project.
Interviews with 10 production workers, documents, and emails obtained by BuzzFeed News show that those in charge of producing the movie staffed key roles with less-experienced, nonunion workers and rushed the sourcing of props, such as guns, to save money at the expense of safe and humane working conditions.
YES, IT'S ANOTHER SPOOKY BOOK REC LIST, SUE ME!
23 books about witches that are perfect for Halloween In the Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace
Cackle by Rachel Harrison
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, Wendy Xu, Joamette Gil
Dive into the full list of recommendations here. Tap into your inner witch today, Alexa 📝 This letter was edited and brought to you by Alexa Lee and BuzzFeed News. You can always reach us here.
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