Emily Kitazawa

Emily found her love of reading and writing at a young age, learning to enjoy these activities thanks to being taught them by her mom—Goodnight Moon will forever be a favorite. As a young adult, Emily graduated with her English degree, specializing in Creative Writing and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), from the University of Central Florida. She later earned her master’s degree in Higher Education from Pennsylvania State University. Emily loves reading fiction, especially modern Japanese, historical, crime, and philosophical fiction. Her personal writing is inspired by observations of people and nature.

What a Connected Society Will Be Like in the Future

What is a digitally connected society? How is society becoming more connected? What will it be like when we’re fully connected? According to author Shoshana Zuboff’s book, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, big tech companies have incentives to develop a digitally connected society. Zuboff explains that, by creating a world where we are always connected to and dependent on technology, these companies will reap the most profits. Read on to find out what Zuboff says a fully connected society would be like and what social issues arise.

ADHD and Drug Abuse: Are We Facing a New Crisis?

What’s the link between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and drug abuse? How serious is this issue? Research shows that those who suffer from ADHD respond well to treatment using medications like Adderall. However, the overprescription of these potentially addictive medications evokes unsettling echoes of the Opioid Crisis. Keep reading to learn the link between ADHD and drug abuse and if society is facing an “Adderall crisis.”

Why Practicing Delayed Gratification Is Hard but Vital

What is delayed gratification? What are some ways to practice delaying gratification? Why does your brain thrive on instant gratification? Author Anna Lembke discusses practicing delayed gratification in her self-help book, Dopamine Nation. According to her, overindulgence is fueled by the pursuit of instant gratification, and learning how to delay gratification leads to a happier and more satisfying life. Keep reading to learn Lembke’s ways to practice delayed gratification by pursuing long-term rewards.

Strongman Leaders: A Dangerous Trend We Shouldn’t Ignore

What does “strongman leader” mean? What makes citizens vote for them? And what does this mean for democracy? Strongman leaders are authoritarian leaders who mask their dictator-like actions behind a facade of democracy. From Russia’s Vladimir Putin to India’s Narendra Modi, these apparent autocrats have gained widespread appeal and are increasingly shaping global politics. Read on to learn more about strongman leaders, their characteristics, and why they pose a threat to freedom.

Ethical Issues in Information Technology: 3 Big Tech Secrets

What are the biggest ethical issues in information technology right now? What risks do they pose to society? According to author Shoshana Zuboff, Google and other tech giants have been able to mine user data with little regard for ethical data collection. She claims that there are three secret factors that have allowed big tech to carry on this way. Keep reading to find out the three ways information technology companies exploit users, according to Zuboff.

Should You Invest in Cryptocurrency? Consider These Risks

Should you invest in cryptocurrency in 2022? Which currencies are outperforming the others? What are the risks and benefits of investing? The cryptocurrency industry is large enough now that major investors take it seriously. But, before it becomes truly mainstream, it’ll need to address some basic problems that pose risks to the industry. Keep reading for an overview of the industry to help you decide if it’s worth investing in cryptocurrency.

How to Increase Your Willpower: 5 Effective Strategies

Want to know how to increase your willpower? What causes a lack of willpower? What strategies do experts recommend? According to author and addiction expert Anna Lembke’s book, Dopamine Nation, you’re wired to seek out pleasurable activities. The dopamine produced by pleasurable activities can lead to a vicious cycle of overindulgence and a chronic lack of willpower, according to Lembke. Keep reading to learn how to increase your willpower, according to Lembke’s five strategies.

Going Back to the Office: 3 Tips for Employers

How can employers help with workers going back to the office? What are the best tips for easing the transition? As the pandemic draws to a close, businesses are eager to bring employees back into the office. Most employers recognize, however, that hybrid models are likely here to stay in some capacity. Read on for three practical tips for employers facing a transition period as workers begin going back to the office.

Why Surveillance Capitalism Is Google’s Brainchild

What is surveillance capitalism? What role did Google play in its creation? What are the consequences? According to author Shoshana Zuboff’s explanation of surveillance capitalism, Google’s development of targeted advertising and data predictions played a major role in its creation. Zuboff claims that Google now holds a dangerously powerful position in surveillance capitalism and our rights to privacy. Read on to learn the connection between Google, surveillance capitalism, and advertising, according to Zuboff.

Regulation of Cryptocurrency: Why Are Lawmakers Wary?

Why are some lawmakers nervous about the regulation of cryptocurrency? What risks does the crypto industry create? The explosive growth of cryptocurrencies is attracting the attention of regulators who range from wary to enthusiastic about the industry. Cautious lawmakers worry about crypto’s potential for criminality and its susceptibility to cyberattacks. Keep reading for a brief overview of where lawmakers currently stand on cryptocurrency regulation.