Seven out of ten children and adolescents between 10 and 15 years old have a mobile phone in Spain, according to the latest data from the Spanish Statistics Institute (INE)< a i=2>. Our recent study shows that 60% of them do not have rules at home for their use. Both realities (children and adolescents with mobile phones […] … learn more→

In my research, I have spent a good deal of time speaking with people from across the world about their relationship with sound and music – how it features in their everyday lives and how it influences their attitudes and behaviour. One of the most consistent findings is that, irrespective of culture or place, we are […] … learn more→

The effect of video games on the social, affective and cognitive development of children and adolescents is of concern since they have become one of the main forms of entertainment at an early age. As an extreme case, the Chinese government limits minors’ access to video games, although with little success . The addiction of young people to video […] … learn more→

The festive season is a time for joy, family and festive cheer. However, it’s also a prime target for cybercriminals. As online shopping ramps up, so does the risk of falling prey to cyber-attacks. That’s why it’s crucial to be extra vigilant about your cybersecurity during this time. Here are some essential tips to safeguard yourself and […] … learn more→

As we get closer to Christmas, your family will probably have some kind of gathering. You will reunite with people who you might not see any other time. There will be some awkward small talk, everyone will start off on their best behaviour, there will be too much food, and presents will be exchanged. Sometimes, […] … learn more→

As the volume and variety of data about people increases, so does the number of ideas about how data might be used. Studies show that many people want their data to be used for public benefit. However, the research also shows that public support for use of data is conditional, and only given when risks such as those […] … learn more→

In any home with children, items inevitably accumulate. Throughout birthdays, Christmas parties, celebrations of events such as sporting victories or impulsive purchases, we find ourselves invaded by a flood of toys, clothes and trinkets. Parting with these possessions is a completely different matter. While some children are convinced to place their old toys in solidarity collection bins […] … learn more→

Although it may seem strange, science has a lot to say about our friendships. For example, why we have a limited number of friends. Robin Dunbar , an Oxford anthropologist, proposed his famous number 150: the average number of friendships a person can maintain simultaneously. These friendships are organized in circles : about five best friends, about ten additional good friends, and […] … learn more→

It seems like we have free will. Most of the time, we are the ones who choose what we eat, how we tie our shoelaces and what articles we read on The Conversation. However, the latest book by Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky, Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will, has been receiving a lot of media attention for arguing science shows this is an illusion. Sapolsky summarises […] … learn more→

In recent decades only, training methods have been developed to focus on plasticity, that is to say the modification, of the nervous system with a view to improving motor performance. Some involve the use of technologies which will prove to be a very good stimulant. Among these, virtual reality (VR) plays an increasingly important role. VR consists of […] … learn more→