Sarah Xenos
Stories (19)
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The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media: Division, Misinformation, and Community in the Digital Age
Introduction: The Evolving Role of Social Media Social media platforms were initially conceived as tools for individuals to connect, share ideas, and build communities across geographical boundaries. Over time, their influence has expanded dramatically, shaping the nature of personal relationships, public discourse, and trends across society. Today, people can forge meaningful relationships with individuals they may never meet in person, demonstrating the far-reaching potential of these technologies.
By Sarah Xenos4 days ago in Humans
Thinness, TikTok, and the Algorithm: The Revival of Harmful Beauty Ideals in the Digital Age. AI-Generated.
Scrolling through social media today, it’s hard not to notice echoes of the early 2000s, when the ‘heroin chic’ aesthetic dominated fashion magazines and ultra-thin bodies were widely celebrated. Back then, women above a size two were frequently mocked in headlines, and intense scrutiny of female bodies was considered routine. As we fast-forward to the present day, similar attitudes are making an unsettling comeback—particularly on platforms like TikTok, where viral trends and algorithm-driven content cycles often spotlight a narrow, unrealistic version of beauty.
By Sarah Xenos11 days ago in Viva
Beyond the Doll: Moving from Token Gestures to Real Support for Autistic People. AI-Generated.
This week, Barbie announced the release of a new autistic Barbie doll, aiming to increase visibility and acceptance for autistic individuals. While the intention is commendable, it raises important questions about whether symbolic gestures like this truly address the needs of autistic people. Research and lived experience suggest that meaningful representation and concrete support in society are far more impactful than launching a product labelled as “inclusive”.
By Sarah Xenos19 days ago in Psyche
A Playful, Punchy Review of “A History of Britain in Ten Enemies” by Terry Deary
If you’ve ever cackled your way through Terry Deary’s “Horrible Histories”, you’re in for another treat with A History of Britain in Ten Enemies. Deary’s latest romp through history is anything but boring—imagine the “Horrible Histories” spirit dialled up, with each chapter zooming in on a notorious “enemy” who helped shape the UK. I picked it up one rainy arvo, expecting a bit of fun, and ended up snorting with laughter on the tram—Deary’s knack for the absurd is on full display.
By Sarah Xenos2 months ago in BookClub
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb: A Captivating Tale of Hope and Healing
Wally Lamb’s novel, The River Is Waiting, offers readers an evocative journey through the complexities of grief, resilience, and transformation. With his trademark blend of heart and honesty, Lamb crafts a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. In this review, I will explore how Lamb’s use of character development, vivid imagery, and powerful themes makes this novel so effective, while also considering areas where the book could be even stronger.
By Sarah Xenos2 months ago in BookClub
Reflections on Buy Now, Pay Later Services and Financial Wellbeing . AI-Generated.
Like many Australians, I’ve watched buy now, pay later (BNPL) services become a familiar part of everyday spending. My own journey began with opening an Afterpay account, drawn in by the flexibility it offered for managing my purchases. Initially, I used BNPL as a way to spread the cost of occasional extras, helping me avoid large upfront payments. I set clear personal rules: I limit how many purchases I make at once, use BNPL sparingly, and always keep an eye on my monthly expenses. This cautious approach has helped me stay out of unnecessary debt and maintain control over my finances.
By Sarah Xenos2 months ago in Trader
The joy of Christmas movies
When Christmas rolls around, there’s nothing I look forward to more than sinking into the lounge for a good holiday movie. These festive films hold a special spot in my heart, and every year I feel a tingle of anticipation, eager to choose which new Christmas flick will kick off the season. The latest Netflix releases always catch my eye—even though, let’s be honest, most of them follow the same tried-and-true recipe as a classic Hallmark movie.
By Sarah Xenos2 months ago in Viva
The Protein Craze:
Everywhere you look these days—whether you’re scrolling through Instagram or weaving your way through Woolies or Coles—protein is stealing the spotlight. From breakfast cereals to snack bars, there’s hardly a shelf untouched by bold promises of “extra protein.” It’s become such a talking point that even a casual chat at the gym or a weekend barbie can quickly turn into a discussion about the latest high-protein find.
By Sarah Xenos3 months ago in Longevity
Christmas has become just another day.
Each year, retailers appear to introduce Christmas merchandise earlier than in previous years. It has become common to find both Christmas and Halloween decorations displayed simultaneously, sometimes as early as August. This increased availability of Christmas items outside the traditional holiday period may influence perceptions regarding the uniqueness of the season.
By Sarah Xenos3 months ago in Journal
I found my off screen activity.
Like many millennials these days, I found myself yearning for something to do that didn’t involve staring at a screen. Every arvo, my social feeds brimmed with posts about crafts, puzzles and all sorts of hands-on kits, promising to replace endless scrolling with something more meaningful. The sheer number of choices was overwhelming—I often hesitated, not wanting to spend money on hobbies that might just gather dust in the cupboard. It seemed like every day I wanted to dive into a new activity, but couldn’t settle on one.
By Sarah Xenos3 months ago in Motivation
Midnight Restlessness
As midnight approached, Rowan experienced persistent unease without an identifiable source. His recent difficulties with sleep coincided with a period of unemployment and disrupted daily patterns. The apartment once considered a sanctuary, no longer provided comfort, and he increasingly perceived it as confining.
By Sarah Xenos3 months ago in Fiction
When Dopamine turns into anxiety
Yesterday, I made a decision that brought me far more relief than I’d expected—I deleted several gaming apps from my phone. These weren’t just random apps; they were mostly games I’d played to kill time, and a few even promised I could earn extra cash.
By Sarah Xenos3 months ago in Motivation
