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NYS Elected Officials Worry About Retribution
Meena Bose and Lawrence Levy were interviewed for the Newsday article, “NYS Democrats facing a red reality with Trump’s return to power.” New York Democrat officials worry that President-Elect Trump’s return to office may have consequences for federal aid, environmental and public health regulations, and immigrants and marginalized groups. “New York residents and those of others in blue states that again weren’t hospitable to Trump have to hope that he and his allies won’t declare a war of retribution,” said Dean Levy. “If nothing else, it could punish millions of Republicans who live in the same neighborhoods as the Democrats who voted against him.” Dr. Bose added that states have a better chance under the U.S. Constitution to push back on federal measures involving reproductive rights, but less legal authority to fight the White House or Congress on immigration and environmental issues that require national policies. Dr. Bose is a Hofstra University professor of political science, executive dean of the Public Policy and Public Service program, and executive director of the Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency. Lawrence Levy is associate vice president and executive dean of Hofstra’s National Center for Suburban Studies.
LI Politicians Continue to Fight Gov. on Congestion Pricing
Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, was interviewed by WABC-TV Eyewitness News about Governor Kathy Hochul’s revived plan for congestion pricing, and the wave of local politicians who are fighting against it.
Does Donald Trump Like Seniors?
At 78, Donald J. Trump already has 13 years of experience as a senior citizen. During his previous presidency, he occasionally referenced his senior status, particularly when discussing issues affecting older Americans. For example, in the 2020 election campaign, he acknowledged his age and addressed fellow seniors directly in his messaging, sometimes referring to himself as part of the senior community. Looking at his record, Trump appears to have a complex relationship with seniors. While expressing support for essential programs such as Social Security and Medicare, he often weaves the needs of seniors into his rhetoric. Yet some of his policy decisions have created mixed feelings among older Americans and advocacy groups. While pledging to protect these programs, he’s considered budget-cut proposals to reduce the funding of both these programs. Plus, his administration attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. While even the smartest of experts have learned it’s difficult to predict what Donald Trump will do on key policy decisions, there are some clues as to how his move back into the Oval Office will impact Canada and, more specifically, seniors. This topic got me wondering. Does Trump (a senior himself), like seniors? Let’s look closer at this demographic. Everyone knows that older people are the most reliable voters. The stats are compelling. According to Elections Canada - 75% of Canadians aged 65-74 voted compared to 48% of those aged 18-24. - The statistics for our US neighbours are similar, with 70% of Americans aged 65+ voting and 50% of Americans aged 18-29 voting. Knowing this voting power of the senior demographic, did Trump pander to this voting cohort? Yes, he most certainly did. He knew that as people age, their concerns narrow to a smaller list of critical topics such as Financial Security, Health, and Safety. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump focused heavily on appealing to older voters, who historically make up a significant portion of the electorate and are more likely to vote. His campaign emphasized economic stability, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and national security—particularly relevant to older demographics. Let’s take a closer look at how the Trump administration could impact Canada's senior demographic in the following areas: Inflation Background: Inflation has a direct correlation to the cost of living. As the prices of goods and services rise over time, the purchasing power of money decreases – a challenge for many seniors. Critical expenses like housing, healthcare, food, and utilities could increase noticeably, putting pressure on limited retirement incomes and pensions. All this is stressful. According to a 2024 national survey of over 2,000 Canadians (conducted by Leger on behalf of FP Canada), money remains the top stressor for Canadians, with 44 percent citing money as their primary concern; That's up from 40 percent in 2023 and 38 percent in both 2022 and 2021. What This Means: Two of Trump’s biggest promises in his campaign (mass deportation of undocumented immigrants and more restrictive trade regulations) would have a "significant impact," according to an article by Ellen Cushing in the Atlantic. A domestic labour shortage plus double-digit import taxes would raise food prices on both sides of the border. Cushing goes on to say that “deporting undocumented immigrants would reduce the number of workers who pick crops by 40-50%.” While this rhetoric may have played well during the campaign, you can't fake the simple math here. Fewer workers means higher wages. That means higher prices. And the senior demographic will be hit hard because of their fixed incomes. Many will eat less of the expensive grocery store items like fresh meat, fruits and vegetables to make ends meet. Food prices will inevitably climb with these policies. The only question is when. According to a new poll conducted for CIBC and Financial Planning Canada on November 27, 2023, approximately 75% of working Canadians still need a formal financial plan for retirement. And many retirees face economic difficulties. A whopping 25% are still carrying debt into retirement. Many also report they have a substantial portion of debt and report that their retirement lifestyle isn't as comfortable as expected. The impact of inflation could be dire with few solutions; it is different for these older Canadians because they cannot re-enter the workforce. The only saving grace is that many of the hardest-hit Canadians are homeowners with equity options. Interest Rates Prediction: According to Beata Caranci, SVP & Chief Economist of TD Bank, the US is likely to raise interest rates to control growth. Canada is also expected to increase its rates, mainly to keep the Canadian dollar stable against the U.S. dollar. The Bank of Canada could be forced to rescind the projected planned interest rate reductions or at least reduce them. However, it's a delicate balancing act. Our economy could suffer if we don’t mirror the US increases in interest rates. Impact: Increasing Canadian interest rates will impact seniors by increasing mortgage carrying costs. At the same time, older Canadians with investment savings could see increased returns on these savings. A rise in interest rates would also impact housing prices and foreign exchange rates. House Prices Background: Economic, demographic, and policy-related factors influence home prices in Canada. The new Trump administration will undoubtedly impact these factors. To understand this area, let's examine some significant variables affecting housing costs. 1. Supply and Demand When housing supply is limited, and demand is high, prices rise. Conversely, when supply exceeds demand, prices stagnate or fall. Should the new administration adopt more restrictive immigration policies in the US, Canada might see an increased influx of skilled workers and families seeking an alternative place to live. Housing demand will likely increase in major Canadian cities—Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary- resulting in price increases. 2. Population Growth An increase in population or immigration boosts housing demand, particularly in urban centers, consequently increasing home prices. Canada welcomed 485,000 immigrants in 2024, many of whom settled in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. This influx has driven up demand for housing, contributing to price increases. The Canadian government has recently reduced the number of immigrants we allow into our country, dropping the number from 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025. Current immigration numbers plus any overflow from the US should keep demand buoyant and we could see home prices continue to rise. However, Canada needs more housing, especially in high-demand urban areas. In addition to immigration, slow construction timelines and zoning restrictions are contributing factors. Canada's ongoing housing shortage and the potential impacts of Donald Trump's election win in the U.S. could exert upward pressure on home prices, particularly in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. These cities, already grappling with limited housing and high prices, will likely see further price increases due to increased demand. Without robust policy interventions to increase the housing supply, Canada’s housing prices, particularly in major centers, will likely continue rising. And there will be winners and losers here. This is great news for seniors wishing to sell and exit the market by finding other living arrangements, such as renting, moving in with family, or entering retirement homes. It is even better news for seniors wishing to age in place as they will have more equity to fund their retirement. But it’s disappointing news for those wishing to downsize and stay in the same communities. They may be able to sell high, but they could also be forced to buy high. 3. Foreign Currency Trump's policies, such as tax cuts and protectionist trade measures, have historically strengthened the U.S. dollar. If similar policies are reintroduced, the U.S. dollar could become more robust due to increased investor confidence and perceived economic growth in the U.S. That’s bad for Canadians traveling or living in the U.S. Trump's potential trade disputes, particularly with China, and his aggressive geopolitical stance could also create uncertainty in global markets. While this might temporarily strengthen the U.S. dollar as a haven, long-term concerns about trade wars and deficits could cause fluctuations, impacting the Canadian dollar's stability against the U.S. dollar. This volatility directly impacts Canadians, especially those with significant financial exposure to the U.S. dollar. A second Trump presidency will likely impact the exchange rate between Canadian and U.S. dollars, which is especially relevant for 85% of Canadian Snowbirds, who, according to Snowbird Advisor, spend winters in the United States. This number was estimated to be 900,000 in 2023. These seniors may face increased expenses for property taxes, utilities, and other daily living costs in the U.S. If exchange rate volatility persists, locking in more favourable rates or using specialized currency exchange services, US credit/debit cards with lower transaction fees, and using US dollar accounts might be wise - especially for more significant financial transactions. The Bottom Line One thing is certain. Trump's second term has the potential to impact many Canadian seniors if he implements the policies he discussed during his election campaign. While some could benefit financially from higher home equity and investment returns, many may need help with increased living costs, especially food and foreign exchange challenges, particularly Snowbirds and those on fixed incomes. While we are all watching this situation unfold, one thing is sure. It's difficult to predict if Trump’s second term will make Canadian or US seniors "great again."
The ISS is Leaking! What Happens Now? Florida Tech's Don Platt Can Explain
There's an issue on the International Space Station (ISS) that is becoming a growing concern for both the Russian and American space programs. The ISS is leaking, and the matter is rightfully getting attention from media around the world. The reporters looking for answers are connecting with Florida Tech's Don Platt to explain what exactly is happening and what it means for the future of this $100 billion facility. Dr. Platt's work has involved developing, testing and flying different types of avionics, communications and rocket propulsion systems. He teaches about space systems. The problem exemplifies how NASA is contending with aging but critical space infrastructure: The orbiting laboratory, with a living area larger than a six-bedroom house, is the agency's only way to learn about health impacts to astronauts, develop or test life support systems for future missions, and advance a plethora of space technologies. NASA wants to keep it running until 2030 — but doing so will require constant surveillance and, literally, patching. "It's an old station, and it has done some amazing things," Don Platt, an associate professor of space systems at Florida Tech, told Mashable. Mashable, Nov. 19 Local television and national networks like NPR were also seeking Platt's expert insights. NASA and Russian space officials are at odds over the significance of a long-standing air leak aboard the International Space Station. The leak, originating from a Russian module, has reportedly persisted for about five years. Don Platt, an associate professor at the Florida Institute of Technology, explained the potential risks. “There’s definitely concerns about this leak and the potential for it to get worse over time,” Platt said. While NASA views the issue as a serious safety concern, Moscow insists the situation is under control and the module is safe. “NASA is quite concerned about it, and the Russians are more or less saying, ‘We have it under control. Don’t worry about it,’” Platt said. The affected module is one of the oldest on the station, having been operational for more than 20 years. “One of the Russian modules on the space station, one of the oldest, is starting to lose some of the air that astronauts need to breathe,” he said. November 18 - NBC News The coverage featuring Platt's insight is also being carried by Russian media and news sites. Are you following this developing story? Let us help with your coverage. Dr. Don Platt's work has involved developing, testing and flying different types of avionics, communications, rocket propulsion systems as well as astrobiology/biotechnology systems and human deep space exploration tools. Don is available to speak with media. Simply click on the icon below to arrange an interview today.
NATO, Russia and a New Approach to Foreign Policy
The election of Donald Trump for a second time as the President of the United States may have come as a surprise to many, for world leaders it means an immediate shift when it comes to global issues. Trump campaigned on dealing with the war between Russia and Ukraine and the wars Israel is fighting on multiple fronts himself, and resolving these delicate and complex conflicts with little regard to those at NATO or other leaders around the world. Trump has also indicated that serious changes will be coming to how America handles trade -which will also put how his administration deals with President Xi Jinping in China and the newly elected President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum in the spotlight on center stage. There is already a lot of speculation an even a few glimpses at what lies ahead for US foreign policy, and if you're a reporter covering the lead up to this much hyped event - then let our experts help with your coverage. Louis DeSipio examines how democratic nations incorporate new members, including policymaking in the areas of immigration. Jeffrey Wasserstrom specializes in modern Chinese cultural history & world history, who has written on many contemporary as well as historical issues. Eric Swanson is an expert on inflation, recessions and what changes in interest rates mean for the economy. Heidi Hardt is an expert on NATO, defense, security, foreign policy, organizations, the EU, UN, operations, gender, climate and change. Tony, Jeffrey, Eric and Heidi are available to speak with media - simply click on either expert's icon now to arrange an interview today.
Higher Education Enters the Ring
Why it matters Yesterday’s announcement that Linda McMahon is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Education ushers in a new era for universities and colleges. This signals a sharp pivot toward decentralization and pro-business policies, and it's expected that McMahon’s leadership will focus on dismantling traditional federal education structures, expanding school choice, and aligning education priorities with a business-first agenda. Higher education faces funding uncertainties, new accountability pressures, and the need to demonstrate its relevance in supporting economic growth. The Big Picture McMahon’s appointment reflects Trump’s broader strategy to reframe education policy in a way that prioritizes state control, entrepreneurship, and conservative cultural values. This will likely have significant consequences for higher education, including: Decentralization: Shifting control of education policy and funding to the states. School Choice Expansion: Redirecting public funds to private, religious, and homeschooling options. Economic Alignment: Pressuring institutions to support industry, small business, and workforce development through research, partnerships, and entrepreneurship/startup programs. Cultural Shifts: Rolling back policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion while emphasizing “patriotic” education. What’s at Stake Federal Funding Cuts: Threat: Research funding, Pell Grants, and other federal supports may face cuts. Reality Check: Congressional approval is required to eliminate funding streams like Title I, making complete federal withdrawal unlikely but changes and funding disruptions possible. Policy Shifts: Threat: Federal oversight will likely weaken, and policies favoring vocational and workforce-aligned education will likely put increased pressure on programs such as liberal arts. Universities will also likely face increasing pressure to align with ideological goals, such as restricting DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives. The new administration could wield considerable control over the school accreditation process, which has been seen by some to force ideological changes on campuses. There has been a movement to decentralize accreditation authority, reduce federal oversight, and align educational standards with conservative values. According to the Council for Higher Education, many of the ideas put forward focus on empowering states to authorize accrediting agencies and even serve as accreditors themselves, shifting control from federal to state governments. Action: Institutions must better identify their options amidst a rapidly evolving agenda at both the state and federal levels, develop strategies and secure the resources necessary. For instance, there are calls to prohibit accreditors from requiring institutions to implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Institutions also need to understand what the implications of a more diverse accreditation landscape could be, with standards varying significantly across states, potentially affecting the uniformity and transferability of academic credentials nationwide. Reputational Risks: Concern: Growing public skepticism toward higher education undermines enrolment and support. Impact: Conservative narratives favoring alternatives like apprenticeships and other programs that support the economy and job growth will likely gain traction. Preserving Institutional Independence: Pressure: Universities face increased scrutiny of their course curriculum and research priorities that may be deemed ideologically contentious. Opportunity: Institutions must tangibly demonstrate their value to society. The more they can do to break down barriers between “town and gown” and counter the narrative that paints them as too expensive, elitist, and out of touch. Demonstrating Economic Impact: Need: Universities must showcase their role in driving economic growth through research, commercialization, and support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Opportunity: Institutions should communicate their relevance in relatable ways that engage with businesses, emphasizing tangible contributions to research innovation and job creation as a positive return on investment that can be messaged to taxpayers. Key Questions for Higher Ed Leaders Funding: How can we diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on federal support? Advocacy: How should universities engage state and federal leaders to protect their interests? Reputation: How can higher education rebuild public trust and counter skepticism? Relevance: How do we better communicate the value of university research and its role in supporting a pro-business agenda? Adaptation: Can institutions innovate by expanding industry partnerships, online education, and workforce-aligned programs? Implications of Project 2025 Project 2025 is a comprehensive initiative spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, aiming to reshape the U.S. federal government through a conservative lens. Launched in April 2023, it serves as a strategic blueprint for a potential conservative administration, detailing policy proposals, personnel strategies, training programs, and a 180-day action plan. Analysis from the Brookings Institution states that "many proposals in Project 2025 would require an unlikely degree of cooperation from Congress, though others could be enacted unilaterally by a second Trump administration.” While we don’t know the full extent to which Project 2025 will be implemented, its agenda seeks to reshape federal agencies, including the Department of Education, with a significant impact on the sector. Key areas of focus include: Title I and Student Aid Proposals to give parents more control over federal funds could deprioritize public education. Tax Credits for School Choice Incentives to support private school tuition may shift K-12 pipelines, impacting university enrolment. Economic Realignment Universities will need to align with business priorities, emphasizing innovation, commercialization, and job creation. Diversity Equity & Inclusion Project 2025 explicitly calls for reducing federal spending on what it deems unnecessary or politicized initiatives, and DEI programs are likely to fall under this categorization. This could have wide-ranging impacts, including changes to school ranking systems that have a DEI component. Ranking bodies such as US News & World Report may need to adjust their methodologies to account for changes in diversity initiatives and data availability. With potential reductions in diversity-related data, rankings might place greater emphasis on other factors such as academic performance, faculty qualifications, and post-graduate outcomes. This also could extend to endowments, which direct funding toward diversity programs through scholarships and fellowships. For institutions that rely heavily on DEI as a cornerstone of their fundraising and donor relations strategies, they may experience reduced donor enthusiasm, particularly from philanthropic organizations or alumni committed to these causes. Regulatory Rollbacks There is the potential for significant changes to Title IX protections and federal loan forgiveness programs, creating legal and financial uncertainty. What Universities Can Do Now: Secure Funding Build relationships with private donors, businesses, and industry partners. Strengthen advocacy efforts at the state level to safeguard funding & other resources. Adopt proactive strategies to mitigate potential policy impacts, such as diversifying revenue sources, engaging donors with aligned government priorities, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Reinforce Public Trust Explain complex topics in accessible ways to help the public and policymakers make informed decisions. Help promote and support faculty who can serve as credible sources for the media, countering misinformation and fostering informed dialogue. Strengthen community connections with your experts through public speaking engagements, workshops, and local events. Position the university as a hub for knowledge and innovation that benefits the community. Capitalize on the reach and influence of alumni. Highlight their successes to show how they benefitted from educational programs and research. Position them as important role models and advocates in the community who are contributing to economic growth. Demonstrate Relevance Showcase faculty and their research breakthroughs. Demonstrate how their work benefits industries, supports entrepreneurship and addresses societal challenges. Speak to real-world outcomes in health, technology, the environment, and more. Use accessible language to connect with policymakers, business leaders and taxpayers. Strengthen Advocacy: Partner with peer institutions to shape policy discussions. Position universities and colleges as vital contributors to a pro-business agenda. Innovate: Expand stackable credentials and micro-credential programs that are aligned with private and public sector requirements and emerging skills-based models. Look at new online education options. Embrace partnerships that connect academic research to real-world economic impact. Universities must deliver a more compelling, data-driven, yet humanized story about their institution’s contributions, fostering stronger relationships with government, the private sector, and taxpayers. What's Next This new era will most certainly challenge higher education to rethink its approach to funding, policy, and public engagement. For all institutions, both public and private, there is no place to hide. As they step into the ring, Higher Education leaders will need lots of support as they look to forge new paths for research, teaching, and community service while engaging their stakeholders in ways that more powerfully communicate their vital contributions to society. The bell has rung—are you ready?
Almost one month before the official start of winter and CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Toronto Police Service (TPS) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are joining forces to keep drivers safe before winter weather blows in with full force. The three organizations are teaming up to help inform Ontario drivers that now is the time to install winter tires, check their car batteries, and stock their cars with emergency car kits that include essentials for the winter months. “Ontario winters can be unpredictable, and snowstorms can hit suddenly. It’s always best to prepare ahead of time in case driving conditions become hazardous,” says Nadia Matos, manager of external communications, CAA SCO. “There’s no time like the present to ensure your safety before getting on the road.” Driving behaviour is the most important factor in ensuring safe driving operations in winter weather. "Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” says Sergeant Murray Campbell, Toronto Police Service. “With fewer daylight hours and reduced visibility, we are urging everyone to remain vigilant, be aware of other road users, drive according to the weather conditions, ensure vehicle lights are on, and plan ahead to allow for extra travel time.” The organizations continue to reinforce last year’s amendments to the Highway Traffic Act, including the illegal passing of snowplows working in echelon on Ontario highways. “Not only is passing these plows illegal, but it is also incredibly dangerous,” says Sergeant Ted Dongelmans, Ontario Provincial Police. “Offenders may face a fine ranging from $150 to $1,000 if found passing a snowplow while they are clearing the roads.” Before heading out on the road this winter, motorists can download and use the 511 app to check the weather and road conditions before they leave home. The 511 app can be found at 511on.ca or in the app store on their mobile devices. For a safer trip this Winter, CAA, TPS and OPP are sharing the following motorist tips: • Test your car battery. If necessary, replace it before it fails. CAA SCO will test Members’ batteries free of cost during a service call. • Pack a fully stocked emergency car kit. The kit should include a flashlight, extra batteries, warning devices (e.g., flares, reflective vests/strips), a first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, non-perishable food and water, and a phone charger. Be sure to always keep an ice scraper, small shovel, and snow brush handy in your car. • Service your vehicle. Have your brakes checked, oil changed and top up your windshield washer fluid and any other fluids that are getting low. • Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Cold weather causes condensation in the system, which can lead to fuel-line freeze-up and prevent a car from starting. • Check your lighting system. Ensuring you have full lighting is very important in the winter months. Check your headlights and signal lights to ensure they work correctly.
The Anxiety of Election Season
After the results of the U.S. presidential election were announced, many Americans celebrated. But many voters instead found only stress and anxiety. After an election of rhetoric that foretold the end of democracy if the opposing candidate won, there seems to be a unique amount of post-election stress. How did election rhetoric affect this outcome, and can we expect future elections to cause this same stress? Political expert, Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, discussed the anxiety that many Americans felt even before the election and how it can be dealt with moving forward. Here are some key takeaways from his recent interview: This election cycle caused so many Americans to lose sleep that the term "electsomnia" was coined. Has the anxiety of election season always been present, or has the presence of social media paved a way for this problem? Constant access to information about the election is a probable reason for many voters' anxiety. How can Americans keep themselves informed without causing unnecessary damage to their mental health? This is not the first complicated or difficult election that the United States has faced. Now that this election season is over, how can Americans—both those who are satisfied and those who are frustrated by the results—move forward while recognizing that politics does not define them? If you are a journalist covering the election results and voters' responses, our experts are here to help with all of your questions and stories. Dr. Mark Caleb Smith is the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. Mark is available to speak with the media regarding election emotions and the election results. Simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview.
Dangers of the Metaverse and VR for U.S. Youth Revealed in New Study
The metaverse, a space where the lines between physical and digital realities blur, is rising among younger populations. As of March, 33% of teens own a virtual reality (VR) device and 13% use it weekly. With the metaverse offering richer emotional experiences, youth may be particularly vulnerable to significant harm in these immersive spaces, underscoring the need to explore potential risks. Unfortunately, research of online victimization in the metaverse is sorely lacking. A new study by Florida Atlantic University , in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, is one of the first to examine the experiences of harm in the metaverse among youth in the United States. Using a nationally-representative sample of 5,005 13 to 17 year olds in the U.S., researchers focused on their experiences with VR devices, including 12 specific types of harm experienced, protective strategies employed, and differences in experiences between boys and girls. Results of the study, published in the journal New Media & Society, found a significant percentage of youth reported experiencing various forms of harm in these spaces, including hate speech, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, grooming behaviors (predators building trust with minors), and unwanted exposure to violent or sexual content. The study also revealed notable gender differences in experiences. Among the study findings: 32.6% of youth own a VR headset (41% of boys vs. 25.1% of girls) More than 44% received hate speech/slurs (8.9% many times); 37.6% experienced bullying; and 35% faced harassment Almost 19% experienced sexual harassment; 43.3% dealt with trolling; 31.6% were maliciously obstructed; and 29.5% experienced threats More than 18% were doxed (publicly revealing someone’s personal information without their consent); and 22.8% were catfished (creating a false identity online to deceive someone, typically for romantic purposes) Nearly 21% faced unwanted violent or sexual content; 18.1% experienced grooming or predatory behavior; and 30% were targeted for factors like weight, sexual preference, sexual orientation or political affiliation Boys and girls experienced similar patterns of mistreatment, but girls experienced sexual harassment and grooming/ predatory behavior more frequently than boys. Boys and girls were equally as likely to be targeted because of their voice, avatar, race, religion or disability. “Certain populations of youth are disproportionately susceptible to harm such grooming, especially those who suffer from emotional distress or mental health problems, low self-esteem, poor parental relationships and weak family cohesion,” said Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., first author, a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice within FAU’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, and a faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard University. “Due to the unique characteristics of metaverse environments, young people may need extra attention and support. The immersive nature of these spaces can amplify experiences and emotions, highlighting the importance of tailored resources to ensure their safety and well-being.” Findings also reveal that girls employed in-platform safety measures significantly more so than boys such as “Space Bubble,” “Personal Boundary” and “Safe Zone.” “We found that girls are more likely to select avatars designed to reduce the risk of harassment and to use in-platform tools to maintain a safe distance from others. Additionally, both boys and girls feel comfortable leaving metaverse rooms or channels like switching servers in response to potential or actual victimization, although overall, youth tend to use these safety features infrequently,” said Hinduja. Among the recommendations offered to youth by the researchers include: Using platform-provided safety features to restrict unwanted interactions and infringements upon their personal space. It is also essential that youth understand and take advantage of the safety features available within metaverse experiences, including blocking, muting, and reporting functionalities. Continued research and development in these areas to determine how to meet the needs of users in potential or actual victimization contexts Streamlining platform reporting mechanisms to ensure swift action is taken against perpetrators Age-gating mechanisms for metaverse environments where mature content and interactions proliferate Encouraging parents and guardians to take the time to familiarize themselves with available parental control features on VR devices and metaverse platforms to set boundaries, monitor activities, and restrict certain features as needed. An active mediation approach is ideal, where they engage in open and supportive dialogue with children about their metaverse experiences. The integration of updated, relevant, and accessible digital citizenship and media literacy modules into school curricula to provide youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate VR and other emerging technologies safely and responsibly Consideration by content creators of the ethical implications of their metaverse creations, ensuring that they promote inclusivity, respect, and discourage any form of harassment. They should strive to make their virtual experiences accessible to users from diverse backgrounds, languages, cultures and abilities. “VR concerns of parents and guardians generally reflect and align with their historical anxieties about video games, excessive device use, its sedentary nature, cognitive development, and stranger danger,” said Hinduja. “There remains so much promise with these new technologies, but vigilance is required when it comes to the unique challenges they present as well as the unique vulnerabilities that certain youth users may have. As such, it’s ‘all hands on deck’ to build a safer and more inclusive metaverse as it continues to evolve.” If you're looking to know more - let us help. Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., is a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center. He is recognized internationally for his groundbreaking work on the subjects of cyberbullying and safe social media use, concerns that have paralleled the exponential growth in online communication by young people. He has written seven books, and his interdisciplinary research is widely published and has been cited more than 18,000 times. Simply click on Sameer's icon now to set up an interview today.
Researchers race to detect Alzheimer's sooner using $3.9M grant
Too often, people learn they have Alzheimer’s disease when it’s too late. The changes in the brain that lead to the disease manifesting with symptoms have already been occurring for decades. Researchers at the University of Delaware will attempt to detect the disease sooner through a new study that examines changes in the arteries and brain tissue in midlife adults in their 50s and 60s. The findings of this work, funded by a nearly $4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), could identify the earliest mechanisms linking vascular aging to the loss of brain tissue integrity, leading to new targets for interventions aimed at preventing age-related cognitive impairment. “People who develop high blood pressure or stiffening of the aorta and carotid arteries in midlife are at a much higher risk for developing cognitive impairment or dementia in late life,” said Christopher Martens, the principal investigator of the study. Martens, an associate professor of kinesiology and applied physiology in UD's College of Health Sciences and director of the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging (DECCAR), is working closely with Curtis Johnson, an associate professor of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering and leader of the neuroimaging biomarker core within DECCAR, on research funded by a nearly $4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “A lot happens as we age, so we’re aiming to pinpoint the timing and exact mechanisms that cause these changes in midlife adults,” Martens said. This latest grant extends DECCAR’s ongoing Delaware Longitudinal Study for Alzheimer’s Prevention (DeLSAP), which seeks to study how risk and protective factors for dementia are related and change over time. Those eligible for DeLSAP could also meet the criteria for participating in the new study. In his Neurovascular Aging Laboratory, Martens studies mechanisms leading to the stiffening of arteries, while Johnson is specifically interested in measuring the stiffness of the brain. “As a person ages, the brain gets softer and breaks down, and we’re looking to see whether changes in arterial stiffness and patterns of blood flow in the brain cause this decline,” Johnson said. Changes in blood flow to the brain come from controllable factors. Smoking, cardiovascular health, diet and exercise all impact blood flow positively and negatively. “A lot of aging research is done at the end of life,” Johnson said. “We want to look at midlife and try to predict what happens later in life so we can prevent it.” While the brain gets softer with age, arteries get stiffer. “We hypothesize that midlife increases in stiffness in blood vessels cause damaging pulsatile pressure to enter the brain,” Martens said. “We believe this is one of the reasons we start to develop cognitive issues at an older age because the brain is exposed to increased pressure; that pressure is likely inflicting damage on surrounding brain tissue.” In Johnson’s Mechanical Neuroimaging Lab, researchers will use high-resolution magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to determine where brain damage occurs and what specific brain structures may be affected. “From an MRI perspective, most researchers look at AD and other neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis with an emphasis on detection in a hospital setting,” Johnson said. “Using highly specialized techniques we’ve developed, we focus on the earlier side and how these changes progress into disease from the neuroscience side, emphasizing prevention.” Together, they’ll seek to learn whether arterial stiffness causes the kind of cognitive impairment seen in AD or whether the decline is associated with a loss in the integrity of brain tissue. “If we can prove arterial stiffness is playing a causal role in cognitive aging, that would provide further support for focusing on blood vessel health as an intervention for delaying AD or other forms of dementia versus solely focusing on the brain,” Martens said.
