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These days, many factors impact our mental and physical health: excessive stress about the present, anxiety about the future and a range of physical issues.

Society has changed at a remarkable speed, and while this has a multitude of benefits, it has also introduced many problems in modern work, life and societal expectations. But if we turn back the clock to around 350,000 years ago, prehistoric humans weren’t concerned with many of the problems we face today. 

For example, while stress and anxiety are common now, they were experienced differently by our ancestors. Today, people have various ways of coping with stressors, but ancient humans faced more immediate physical dangers—predators, harsh climates and food scarcity.

Their stress triggered the fight-or-flight response, helping them confront or escape danger. Anxiety related to future uncertainties, was less of an issue for early humans, who were more focused on present challenges. Interestingly, many modern therapies for anxiety encourage this same focus on the present.

Loneliness is another major issue today, amplified by the rise of social media. While social media creates the illusion of connection, it often leaves our biological need for connection unsatisfied.

Early humans, on the other hand, relied on connections for survival. Cooperation and emotional investment were essential in small groups, creating a deep need for meaningful social interaction. Modern digital connections, though convenient, rarely meet these deeper evolutionary needs for genuine socialization.

In addition to mental health differences, our physical lifestyles have dramatically changed. 

Unlike the sedentary nature of many modern jobs, early humans were incredibly active. Humans have evolved for regular activity. A typical distance for hunter-gatherers could be up to 10 miles per day. The necessary daily activities would require an average energy of between 3,000 and 5,000kj.

Beyond gathering food and supplies, they actively built and maintained shelters, which kept them fit. Today, many people spend hours watching TV or on their phones, contributing to an increase in heart disease and other health issues. 

When it comes to diet, humans did not evolve to thrive on fast food or junk food. These foods are high in calories, sugar, fat and salt, and low in nutrients that don’t satiate hunger and can lead to many health problems.

Early humans, on the other hand, ate nutrient-dense, natural foods that are not processed in factories.  Their diets included plants such as fruits, leaves and flowers, along with animals such as seafood and even a variety of insects and their products, including honey.

Surprisingly, societal expectations were present even in early human societies, and some of what we strive for today was already in place. Early humans, for example, lived in relatively egalitarian societies, which included gender equality—a topic that remains a source of many challenges today. 

Researchers from University College London studied genealogical data from two hunter-gatherer societies: 191 adults across eleven camps in the Philippines and 103 adults across nine camps in Congo. They spent two years observing these groups to understand how early humans lived and how societal structures, including gender roles, functioned.

“Sex equality suggests a scenario where unique human traits, such as cooperation with unrelated individuals, could have emerged in our evolutionary past,” Dr Andrea Migliano said.  

While technology and societal advances have brought numerous benefits, they’ve also distanced us from the natural way of life our ancestors led and have left us physiologically and biologically unsatisfied in our most basic needs. Reconnecting with the elements of the past may offer a pathway to better health and well-being in today’s fast-paced world.

Melissa Unlu is a computer science senior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

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“Society could learn from early humans” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

Before social media apps such as Instagram or X, the way people consumed election news fostered a sense of community, balanced discourse and thoughtful engagement in stark contrast to today’s fast-paced and often polarizing media landscape. 

People still had to find a way to get election news, and this process was cultivated to their specific communities. They could form their own opinions based on their culture and customs within small communities rather than through sensationalized, often biased news.

This practice was also much less stressful with news on paper. There was a distinct lack of polarization we’ve become so used to.

“It’s making it easier to avoid politics for those disinterested… Its proliferation of one-sided information is polarizing politics, and it has pressured traditional news media to produce faster, more scandal-driven, less researched news,” said Harvard assistant professor Sunshine Hillygus.

Grabbing newspapers from local libraries, and subscribing to Sunday-only paper editions or newsletters will lead to more up-to-date information about the country and the world because traditional papers are not algorithmic. 

The newspaper cannot customize what’s on the front page; it simply shows articles with more digested takes. 

In the past, newspapers were the primary means of disseminating news, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion during a time of rising literacy among the general population. This increased reading comprehension fostered greater political awareness with newspapers serving as a focused source of information.

While misinformation and sensationalism certainly existed, the absence of modern technology meant the spread of such ideas was far less ubiquitous or amplified than in today’s online environment where even unfounded ideas can rapidly gain traction across global platforms.

Before the internet era, community meetings, town halls and local debates were foundational to political life. These gatherings allowed individuals to express concerns, hear differing perspectives and engage directly with political candidates. 

In May of 1860, forty thousand visitors descended upon Chicago, drawn by the festive excitement surrounding the Republican National Convention. 

Dozens of trains carried the delegates and supporters of America’s youngest political party to America’s fastest-growing city. All along the routes, crowds gathered at every station, sounding their enthusiasm for the Republican cause with brass bands and volleys of common fire.

This and similar examples illustrate how news traveled across the United States—not on bright, algorithmic screens that cause turbulent emotions, but with excitement and human connection. These methods bonded people together rather than driving them apart over the nuances of politics and controversies.

From the deliberate pace of newspapers to the communal nature of town halls, historical methods of political engagement highlight the importance of fostering thoughtful, balanced and community-oriented discourse.

Reflecting on these practices offers a reminder of the value of slowing down, engaging with diverse perspectives and staying grounded in our communities. In doing so, we can better navigate today’s fast-paced media landscape and reclaim a sense of balance in our political and personal lives.

Melissa Unlu is a computer science senior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

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“The internet has made news far too stressful” was originally posted on The Cougar

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As college students, our options for psychological help are often limited, with finances being a significant barrier. Many students turn to UH’s Counseling and Psychological Services which offers short-term and group counseling.

However, after the typical five sessions provided, many are left unable to afford further therapy even when they urgently need it. While UH works to meet the needs of a large public university with an ever-increasing number of new admits, students often find themselves without sufficient support and resources. 

It’s undeniable that CAPS can’t fully support a student alone. Though therapy can be a difficult pursuit, adopting a balanced framework for one’s life outside of relying on these sorts of social services can improve mental health and overall well-being.

One key pillar of this framework is craftsmanship, which emphasizes quality and mastery in one’s hobbies and other pursuits.

As students, our academic fields naturally align with this pursuit, allowing us to build confidence and reduce future anxieties by deepening our understanding of our disciplines. This clarity of purpose helps us focus on fewer, more meaningful activities rather than overloading ourselves with tasks that add unnecessary stress. 

Community is another vital aspect of this framework. Cultivating deep intentional relationships with friends, family and colleagues creates a strong support system that helps during difficult times. Being engaged with communities and spending time with different social groups also strengthens identity, providing comfort and purpose.

According to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine Research, research shows that there are significant associations between social relationships and mental health outcomes at the individual and population levels.

Physical health also plays a foundational role in well-being. Fitness activities like regular exercise and sports release endorphins, improving mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Exercise can also act as a background ritual which adds a layer of stability, especially in an often chaotic environment like college. Along with physical fitness, focusing on nutrition further supports both physical and mental wellness.

Mental discipline is also crucial for maintaining balance. Engaging in digital detox, or disconnecting from social media and technology for a set period, through analog activities such as reading or spending time in nature helps one recharge mentally. Taking time away from screens occasionally restores focus and general presence in daily life.

A deep lifestyle is also rooted in values and virtues that act as a moral compass, providing inner peace through alignment with who we want to be. For example, Buddhism and other religious frameworks promote virtues like love, kindness and compassion while stoicism and philosophy emphasize wisdom, courage and justice.

These frameworks, whether spiritual or philosophical, guide ethical living and create inner harmony, which is necessary for those who can’t always find support in therapy or other social services like CAPS. Integrating these principles into daily life enhances mental and emotional well-being, fostering resilience and clarity.

Melissa Unlu is a computer science senior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

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“Students should rely on support systems when CAPS is not enough” was originally posted on The Cougar

Stephanie Santos/The Cougar

Many of us in this generation experience a state of  “solitude deprivation” in which we deprive ourselves of alone time in favor of interacting with others.

We now live in a time where solitude can be entirely erased from our lives.

At the slightest hint of boredom, we glance at a world of posts carefully curated to fit our taste and meticulously engineered to give an immediate and satisfying dose of input.

This is a recent phenomenon in the 21st century.  In the past, isolation was not only inevitable but often sought after by those pursuing great intellectual, spiritual and emotional challenges.

When we remove solitude from our lives, we not only become more prone to anxiety but also miss out on the subtle, profound value that a wandering mind can generate. Isaac Newton, one of the world’s most influential figures, was known to thrive in solitude.

When Newton left Cambridge during a global pandemic to return to his family’s farm at Woolsthorpe Manor, he produced some of his greatest work, including the invention of calculus and the theory of gravity, all while in near isolation for almost two years.

Similarly, a more contemporary figure is the renowned filmmaker Christopher Nolan whose practices revolve around intense focus and a strict disconnection from distractions.

On set and in personal life, Nolan enforces a no-phone policy, ensuring everyone involved is fully engaged in the creative process. “I am easily distractible, so I don’t want to have access to the internet every time I am bored. I do a lot of my best thinking in those in-between moments that people now fill with online activity,” Nolan said.

Likewise, Nolan also doesn’t use email. Actor Cillian Murphy, in reference to “Oppenheimer,” told media outlets that Nolan flew from L.A. to give him the actual script rather than emailing. 

Judging by Newton’s and Nolan’s successes, solitude benefits any creative pursuit. However, this does not just apply to scientists and filmmakers. 

David McCullough, the renowned American historian behind best-sellers like “1776, The Wright Brothers,” and the Pulitzer-winning biography of John Adams, finds inspiration in a small, remote cabin with green doors and windows blending in with the forest surrounding it. 

This simple workspace includes over 1,000 books, a desk, chair, lamp and a typewriter he’s used since the 1960s. “Nothing good was ever written in a large room,” McCullough said. “People say with a computer you could go so much faster. Well, I don’t want to go faster. If anything, I should go slower.”

This attitude is also supported by numerous academic studies on solitude, including a paper published by researchers at the University of Tübingen in the “=Journal of Experimental Psychology.

Psychologists studied a group of over 250 people who were encouraged to engage in directionless contemplation or free-floating thinking, according to The Guardian.

Kou Murayama, the lead author of the paper, explained that participants not only underestimated the potential enjoyment and engagement of free-thinking, but they also proactively avoided just waiting to think. 

“That could explain why people prefer keeping themselves busy with devices and other distractions, rather than taking a moment for reflection and imagination in daily life,” Murayama said.

In a world increasingly filled with distractions, the value of solitude and reflection has been lost.  Yet, it is in those moments of stillness where our minds can flourish.

Perhaps, as we navigate the noise of the modern world, we should take a lesson from these great thinkers and embrace solitude as a means to spark our own intellectual and creative breakthroughs.

Melissa Unlu is a computer science senior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

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“We need to prioritize solitude as much as socializing” was originally posted on The Cougar

Eman Ghacham/The Cougar

On Nov. 30, 2022, ChatGPT was quietly released to the public via a tweet from OpenAI: “Today we launched ChatGPT. Try talking with it here: chat.openai.com.”

What began as a modest introduction of a new technology similar to Apple’s annual iPhone announcements quickly turned the conversation as the capabilities of this language model grew. Despite the contention surrounding it, AI has a multitude of benefits that far exceed misconceptions about it.

“Soon, you will have helpful assistants that talk to you, answer questions, and give advice. Later, you can have something that goes off and does tasks for you. Eventually, you can have something that goes off and discovers new knowledge for you,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said.

The later launch of ChatGPT Plus further expanded its reach. By March, AI assistants were everywhere—Snapchat’s My AI, Quizlet Q-chat and Google’s Search AI all jumped on board along with many others. 

The rapid adoption of AI fueled fears that it was approaching human-level intelligence. However, even with these concerns, Artificial Intelligence has brought great benefits to students and workers alike.

“People have different learning styles and learn at different rates. AI models can… learn about an individual’s progress as they work. AI can adjust content, and feedback, providing personalized learning through a program tailored to each participant,” professor of computer science Nouhad Rizk said.  “Artificial intelligence can automate this process, assess work and progress for each learner and provide personalized feedback.”

Yet, just as with electricity and the internet, the initial fears surrounding AI and ChatGPT are being balanced by the potential for significant societal benefits. “The question of whether AI is a threat… depends on the context in which AI is used,” Rizk said.

Assistant professor of computer science Dan Biediger reiterates that massive changes will open a lot more new opportunities for industries to grow.

“There will be massive changes. Moving from horses to automobiles. There was a big feat that people would go out of business…but there were a ton of new jobs in the automobile industry,” Biediger said. “So even though it will affect some things that exist now, there will be a lot more new opportunities that can come up.”

The internet, despite similar initial controversies, revolutionized the computer and communications world, opening up access to information and creating entirely new industries and opportunities.

It’s also important to note that the concept of artificial intelligence is not new. Oldest known discussions of automata date back to the sacred statues of ancient Egypt and Greece. The faithful believed that craftsmen had imbued these figures with very real minds with knowledge and emotion.

Hermes Trismegistus wrote that “by discovering the true nature of the gods, man has been able to reproduce it.”

This is a statement that alludes to the Turing test. If a machine can engage and behave like a human without being detected as a machine, it passes the Turing test, and ChatGPT is one of the only AI to pass.

The reason these models can pass the Turing Test is because they are trained on massive amounts of datasets spanning back years, such as with the rather annoying CAPTCHA, which is in fact being used to train AI systems in learning the intricacies of language, context and social psychology.

As AI continues to evolve, education systems are changing for the better with an emphasis in creativity, critical thinking and social interaction. The journey of AI, much like that of electricity or the internet, is one of transformative impact—one that, if guided wisely, will lead to profound and lasting benefits for humanity.

Melisa Unlu is a computer science senior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

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“AI is not the threat we think it is” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

Twitter was once a dependable news resource, but since several significant changes in its ownership and business practices were made under Elon Musk, the website can no longer be considered such.

This transition has had profound consequences, altering the platform’s role from a reliable source of real-time news to a more chaotic and less trustworthy environment.

“Entering Twitter HQ—let that sink in,” said Elon Musk upon completing his acquisition of the company on Oct. 26, 2022.

The next day, a Twitter employee shared a tweet from CNBC revealing that Twitter’s CEO, CFO and general counsel had been fired, along with its head of legal, policy and trust.

Thus began the downfall of Twitter’s long standing reputation.

For over a decade since its beginning in 2006, Twitter had established itself as a trustworthy news platform.

It played a pivotal role in significant events, such as the tweet by commuter ferry passenger Janis Krums that broke the story of the successful water landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River.

Additionally, it covered President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s victory against Mir Hossein Mousavi and the earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010.

Twitter’s ability to ease communication and promote movements, such as the Red Cross’s mobile giving campaign, established its crucial role in news and politics.

One of the most controversial changes under Musk’s leadership was the introduction of a monthly verification subscription. This allowed any user to obtain a blue checkmark, traditionally reserved for verified government, news and celebrity accounts. This led to immediate, widespread impersonation issues, severely undermining the platform’s credibility.

Immediately after the change, a newly verified account impersonating the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly tweeted, “We are excited to announce insulin is free now.” This tweet remained on the platform for hours before it was taken down.

The real Eli Lilly later tweeted, “we apologize to those who have been served a misleading message from a fake Lilly account.”

Eli Lilly’s stock price dropped sharply after the false message was posted, as did other pharmaceutical companies including AbbVie, which also fell victim to imitation.

Another user impersonated Tesla, Musk’s automotive company, using the paid subscriber blue checkmark. This account appeared as “@TeslaReal” and wrote a plethora of tweets, one of which read, “honestly the 53% drop in stock price doesn’t phase us. if there’s anyone who knows about Crashing it’s us.”

In 2023 Musk also came close to violating a federal privacy order with the company’s data security as stated by the US Federal Trade Commission. Despite Musk’s assurances about adhering to regulatory standards, the damage to Twitter’s reputation was evident.

“I cannot emphasize enough that Twitter will do whatever it takes to adhere to both the letter and spirit of the FTC consent decree. Anything you read to the contrary is absolutely false. The same goes for any other government regulatory matters where Twitter operates,” Musk said.

However, these assurances did little to restore the confidence of users and advertisers who had witnessed the platform’s rapid decline.

Further compounding Twitter’s issues were the recent alleged API leaks, which potentially exposed sensitive information regarding the platform’s internal algorithms and policies. Although some have cast doubt on their validity, the viral attention these leaks accumulated immediately piled onto the site’s already damaged reputation.

The alleged data showed that Twitter’s algorithms had been adjusted to disproportionately benefit conservative figures and right-leaning news outlets, increasing their visibility and reducing content moderation for these accounts.

This supposed bias in the recommendation algorithm further amplified conservative voices on the platform, leading to widespread concerns about the platform’s integrity and impartiality.

Twitter’s transformation from a trustworthy news resource to a platform riddled with misinformation and impersonation reflects a profound shift in its governance and business practices. Under Musk’s leadership, the erosion of credibility has far-reaching implications for users, advertisers and the broader public discourse.

The changes implemented under Musk’s tenure have fundamentally altered the nature of the platform, making it a less reliable source of information. As Twitter continues to grapple with these challenges, its future as a trusted news resource remains uncertain.

Melissa Unlu is a computer science senior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

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“Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover has been disastrous for the site” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

For over six decades, the “Planet of the Apes” franchise has captivated audiences through its imaginative storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of societal issues.

Its newest installment, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” continues to uphold the legacy of the series while expanding upon its themes and stunning audiences with its advanced visual effects.

Originating from Pierre Boulle’s 1963 science fiction novel, the series began with a rather goofy premise: What if intelligent apes ruled Earth?

Through the years the franchise has continued to captivate viewers while delving into complex themes and histories that resonate with modern audiences.

Director Wes Ball brought together a talented ensemble for “Kingdom of the Apes 4,” creating a visually stunning film that expertly captures the franchise’s essence.

Through immersive cinematography, exceptional sound design and intricate world-building, the film transports viewers into the heart of an ape-ruled world where moral dilemmas and power struggles underpin the narrative. This richly crafted universe compels audiences to confront ethical questions and reexamine repeated societal structures throughout history.

The newest film further expands on the franchise’s legacy by illustrating the universal desire for power and control among both humans and animals. Set generations after the reign of Caesar, the wise chimpanzee who led his clan to a new land guided by teachings of peace and unity, the film explores the lasting impact of his mantra, “ape not kill ape.” 

Although Caesar’s memory has faded into myth, his ideals continue to influence ape society, often clashing with the ambitions of those driven by power and rage.

Ball’s adaptation of Josh Friedman’s screenplay leaps the story forward in time, revealing a fractured world where apes are divided into tribes.

The film centers on Noa, an exceptional young chimpanzee who embarks on a journey to find his clan after a devastating encounter with the merciless Proximus Caesar. Along the way, Noa encounters the wise Raka, the last of Caesar’s followers, and a human.

While this latest installment may not possess the same charm as the original 1968 film, the exploration of trust, power and humanity remains just as relevant. Proximus Caesar’s ruthless pursuit of power serves as a reminder about the dangers of a constant hunger for rage, while Noa’s journey illustrates the importance of faith, empathy and compassion in the face of adversity.

One of the franchise’s strengths lies in its ability to continuously reinvent itself while maintaining its core thematic elements.

Each installment builds upon the established lore, introducing new characters and conflicts that reflect the evolving landscapes of society and culture. This adaptability has allowed the series to remain fresh and relevant, ensuring its continued appeal across generations.

Furthermore, the films’ visual effects and production design have consistently pushed the boundaries of cinematic innovation.

From the intricate prosthetics and makeup of the original films to the cutting-edge CGI technology employed in recent installments, the series showcases the power of visual storytelling, immersing viewers in the intricately crafted ape-ruled world.

The “Planet of the Apes” franchise has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, captivating audiences with its thought-provoking narratives and powerful visual storytelling.

As the series evolves, it continues to ask important questions about power, humanity and the complex dynamics of society, inviting viewers to reflect on the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead.

Melissa Unlu is a computer science senior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

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“Review: ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ is thought-provoking, immersive” was originally posted on The Cougar