Friday Squid Blogging: The Language of the Jumbo Flying Squid
The jumbo flying squid (Dosidicus gigas) uses its color-changing ability as a language:
In 2020, however, marine biologists discovered that jumbo flying squid are surprisingly coordinated. Despite their large numbers, the squid rarely bumped into each other or competed for the same prey. The scientists hypothesized that the flickering pigments allowed the squid to quickly communicate complex messages, such as when it was preparing to attack and what it was targeting.
The researchers observed that the squid displayed 12 distinct pigmentation patterns in a variety of sequences, similar to how humans arrange words in a sentence. For example, squid darkened while pursuing prey and then shifted to a half light/half dark pattern immediately before striking. The researchers hypothesized that these whole-body pigment changes signaled a precise action, such as “I’m about to attack.”
More interestingly (or worrisome), the researchers also believe the squid use subtle pigment changes to provide more context to the action. For example, they sometimes flashed pale stripes along their torso before darkening, possibly denoting the type or location of prey. This suggested that the squid may arrange the patterns to modify the meaning of other patterns, creating what humans call “syntax.”
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vas pup • August 19, 2022 4:21 PM
Digital detoxes: Popular but not always effective
https://www.dw.com/en/digital-detoxes-popular-but-not-always-effective/a-62839874
“Research finds that digital detoxes can help to improve mental health but also exacerbate loneliness.
However, it is not only famous people who sometimes feel they need a break from social media; so do “normal” users. According to a recent survey by the digital association Bitkom, 10% of the population in Germany planned to spend more time offline this year — and about 43% had taken a break from digital media in the past to feel better.
Other studies have also made a link between the time a user spends online and depression, but many experts say that it is hard to say what came first, as people with depressive tendencies
might be more inclined to use social media. Other research, such as a 2019 study by Abu Dhabi University, showed that digital detoxes could also have negative effects; participants reported stress and loneliness during their break from social media.
The impact of social media on a person’s life also always depended on personality, said Langer. While some people benefitted from new networks, others felt pressure and also envy
when they compared themselves to other users who appeared to have it better in life than them, she said.
Young people in particular have to be careful not to post something that might turn out to be unpleasant in hindsight or that shows somebody else who might not want to be in the picture.”