There Is No Such Thing as a Free Bet

Sports Betting and Youths

Sports betting has grown quickly. It used to be something mainly done in Las Vegas, but it is now available to people around the world, including in Ontario. Instead of happening only in casinos, betting now takes place on smartphones, where people can place bets in seconds. This makes impulsive gambling much easier. Studies show that problem gambling increases within the same year that betting rules become more flexible. These issues effect young people the most, especially young men. Young men gamble more often than young women or older adults, and they take more risks. Advertisers know this and target young men with many sports betting ads, often using special deals to draw them in. Since young people spend so much time on social media, this is where they see most of these ads. Betting companies also partner with influencers who share promo codes and earn money each time someone uses them. Young people are at a sensitive stage of life, and impulsive gambling can lead to serious long-term problems.

Sports Betting Advertisements

A recent study examined how betting inducement ads influence people aged 18 to 24. The study tested four types of deals: signup offers, bonus bets, increased odds, and stake back deals. Earlier research showed these were the most appealing deals to this age group. Signup offers and bonus bets created the strongest interest in placing a bet, and they led people to plan to bet more money. Increased odds and stake back deals were seen to help reduce losses a little, but signup offers felt like a chance to bet for free, and bonus bets seemed like a way to bet with less money. These reactions matched the way the ads were designed. However, the study also checked whether participants read the terms and conditions. Fewer than half read them for every ad, even though they were told to do so. If participants had more carefully read the terms and conditions for each ad, they may have been more aware of the true costs and benefits of placing bets using the deals.

The Issue with Inducements

The ads in the study were modelled after real social media ads, including the same fine print. Many participants believed the deals would save them money, but the truth was more complicated. Bonus bets only apply after a minimum cash bet is made, and winnings from free bets are paid in credits that must be used inside the app, not withdrawn as cash. The study shows how these ads can mislead young people and push them toward harmful gambling behaviours. The results indicate that young people are more drawn to deals perceived as free versus cheap, but the true cost of betting is concealed behind strategically misleading language. 

Protecting Ontario’s Youth

As sports betting continues to expand, Ontario needs stronger advertising rules. Current laws focus on older media like radio and TV and do not address the risks of online or social media advertising. Effective rules should ban “free bet” offers, including signup deals. They should also require advertisers to use clear and honest language. Any ad that uses an inducement offer should be direct about what the deal provides and should not rely on misleading wording. These rules should also apply to social media influencers who may promote betting with unclear or dishonest claims. Greater restrictions on advertisers can prevent harm to Ontario’s youths.

 

Why Autistic People Hide Their Traits - and Why It Hurts

By Sara Marin

When we talk about autism, we often focus on differences in communication or social abilities. But a growing number of autistic people say something else shapes their daily lives even more: the pressure to “fit in.” A new 2025 psychology paper explains how and why many autistic individuals learn to hide their traits, and the high personal cost this brings. 

This behaviour is known as social camouflaging. It includes masking or covering autistic traits to appear more typical to the people around them. Autistic youth may force eye contact, copy gestures, rehearse conversations in advance, or hide sensory discomfort. They often learn these behaviours in childhood because the world expects them to behave a certain way.

Why Camouflaging Appears Helpful at First

According to the study, society tends to reward behaviours that look “normal.” Teachers, peers, and adults often respond positively when autistic children appear more socially typical. Research reviewed in the article shows that autistic adolescents who camouflage more are often rated as more likable by neurotypical peers.

For some individuals, this helps them avoid bullying, form friendships, or meet social expectations. On the surface, camouflaging seems to help them succeed socially.

But the Inner Cost Is Serious

While camouflaging works externally, the internal impact can be damaging. The article explains that hiding one’s real traits every day is emotionally and mentally exhausting. Many autistic young people report feeling disconnected from their true identity. They describe not knowing who they really are because so much of their behaviour is adjusted to meet external expectations.

Research summarized in the paper links camouflaging to:

• higher stress

• increased anxiety

• depression

• loneliness

• burnout

• and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts

These outcomes occur because people respond to the mask, not the person underneath. The autistic individual’s real needs remain unseen and unmet.

A Mismatch Between the Person and Their Environment

The authors use a psychological idea called person–environment fit. Normally, a good fit happens when a person’s traits and their surroundings work together and adjust to each other.

But camouflaging interrupts this process.
Instead of expressing genuine traits, autistic individuals express traits shaped by social pressure. The environment then adapts to the inauthentic traits, not the real ones. Over time, this disconnect can harm mental wellbeing and identity development.

What Needs to Change

The authors argue that instead of expecting autistic people to change themselves to fit their environment, the environment should adapt to them. This includes:

• adjusting teaching and communication styles

• educating peers about autistic communication

• reducing unrealistic social expectations

• supporting autonomy and self-determination

Camouflaging is not always fully negative or fully positive. It may help autistic individuals navigate the social world, but using it constantly can harm emotional health. The real solution is creating spaces where autistic people do not feel pressured to hide who they are.

The Many Faces of Addiction Recovery: Why Understanding Matters

What Addiction Recovery Really Looks Like

Many people imagine someone in recovery from addiction as looking broken or unstable, as if recovery has one specific “look”. However, long-term recovery (LTR) does not follow one path. A recent study found five distinct paths of LTR, each with their own identities, goals, and ways of coping. Understanding this helps us see those in LTR as individuals, not as stereotypes.

What the Study Did

To learn what recovery really looks like, the researchers interviewed people in LTR, along with their family members, and therapists. From these stories, they identified five LTR paths. These include the Fighter, Avoidant, Wanderer, Devout, and Comrade. Fighters see LTR as a battle that they keep fighting. Avoidants stay away from triggers and reminders of the past to avoid relapse. However, therapists and families sometimes see this approach as “not progressing”. Wanderers see LTR as an opportunity for growth and learning. Devouts rely on routine, which helps them feel in control. Finally, Comrades focus on building connection and belonging.

What These Five Paths Teach Us

Together, these five paths show that addiction LTR is far more diverse than many people think. The study also demonstrates that misunderstanding someone’s LTR path can make them isolated. For example, Avoidants used distance to cope, yet many therapists and family members viewed this negatively. These perceptions can make LTR more challenging because it is not just about coping, but also about feeling seen. This is also why it is important that we view those in LTR as individuals rather than stereotypes.

LTR can be compared to renovating the inside of a house. Some people knock down the walls and rebuild everything (Fighter). Some repaint or rearrange each room (Wanderers). Some keep the layout the same because it feels safest (Devouts). Some invite others in to bring life into the home (Comrades). Finally, some keep certain doors closed because they are not ready to enter those rooms yet (Avoidants). From the outside, the house may look the same, but inside, every renovation is different and personal. When we expect everyone to “renovate” their lives in the same way, we create expectations that can harm rather than help.

Why This Matters for All of Us

If there is a lesson that readers should take from this study, it is that we are more like those in LTR than we think. Wanderers seek growth, Fighters rebuild identity after hardship, Comrades search for belonging, Devouts find comfort in routine, and Avoidants shield themselves from painful memories.

Outside of addiction, we all go through our own forms of recovery when we rethink who we are, overcome challenges, or reshape our identities after life lessons. Addiction LTR is simply a more intense form of something that is part of being human. When we see those in LTR as individuals, we reduce stigma. More importantly, we respond with empathy instead of judgement. When we challenge our assumptions about what LTR “should” look like, we begin to meet people where they are at, not where we expect them to be. We also make recovery less lonely. While every LTR story is different, the desire for connection, understanding, and identity is something that we all share. This study reminds us that behind every LTR story is a person "renovating" their life in a way that makes the most sense to them. When we truly understand this, we help create communities where people feel supported, not judged.

Melodic Memories: How Music Affects Memory Recall

A Brief Background 

Music is present in many parts of an individual’s life. People may listen to music to feel emotions, connect with it through dancing, write music as a form of creativity, and more. There are many benefits to music. Another way we are linked to music is through our memories. Have you ever heard a song and felt like you were back to the first time you heard it? Research identifies a connection between music and autobiographical memory.  

Autobiographical memories develop during an individual’s life, like puzzle pieces that make up one's story. According to past studies, there is a good relationship between familiar songs and important life memories. Familiar music is more likely to draw memories and emotional responses. 

Further Studying Music and Memory

Music can produce memories and emotions. In the past, music, memories, and emotions have been studied using unknown songs. An experiment in 2023 looked at how life memories were affected by familiar music and different emotions.

 

There were two parts to this study. First there was an online study. It had 139 participants ages 18-29 years. They listened to 22 clips of music. Following were questions about their recognition of the song, whether it seemed happy or sad, and the song’s energy level. The main experiment included 100 participants of the same ages. Both familiar and unfamiliar clips of music were presented. They pressed a button if they recalled an important life memory. They did not press the button if there was no memory. 

 

The results showed how known songs and emotions drew life memories. Memories were formed quickly when listening to familiar music. Upbeat music pulled good memories while unhappy memories were connected to sadder music. 

 

To Conclude

The study grew research on memories and music. It looked at how familiar music affects memories. Due to the number of participants and music clips tested, the results of this research may not apply to everybody. Future research could include more participants listening to all music clips and examine cross-cultural differences. Music is important for many reasons and almost everyone listens to it. Understanding the link between music and memories can allow individuals to relive past moments and feel the songs. My advice is that you should listen to a song that makes you happy and let any memories flow. 

How Avoiding Social Anxiety is Making you More Anxious

Do you often think about past conversations you have had, or what other people are thinking about you in social interactions? Do you have high standards for how you act around others? Those with social anxiety highly focus on their behaviour, appearance, and speech. During and after social interactions, they may analyze and think about their behaviour. This is done to learn from experiences and improve future interactions. This leads to increased pressure to manage how others view them. They may focus on their behaviours so much that it can lead to overthinking and a fear of making mistakes. People with social anxiety believe that social interactions will go wrong. They may act in ways to reduce the risk of negative consequences such as embarrassment or not being liked. This can influence their self-presentation, by showing a guarded version of themselves. 

Safety Behaviours

Behaviours showing social anxiety include shaking, not talking clearly, awkward pauses, or seeming tense and fidgety. They may find it hard to start and keep conversations going. These behaviours are seen as a lack of social skills by others. Others also sense that they are uncomfortable and nervous during conversation. Social approach behaviours leave a positive mark on others. This includes looking engaged and friendly, and sharing interests. 

A study by Rassaby et al., (2023) looked at how socially anxious people act in social situations. There were two situations: a back-and-forth conversation and giving a speech. They found that those with social anxiety had two types of safety behaviours. Safety behaviors are things people do to feel safer in a situation. They depend on the context and anxiety levels. 

Avoidance

The first is avoiding social situations. This limits the risk of judgment or embarrassment. These behaviours include avoiding eye contact and limiting how much they talk. Those who used these behaviours in social interactions had negative moods, seemed more anxious, and were less likely to approach others. 

Self-Presentation

The second is self-presentation. This is controlling what others think to show a positive self-image. Those who self-monitor are found to think about the social event after it happens. It may look like hiding anxiety or pretending to agree with others. The findings show that monitoring behaviour gives way to better mood. They also found positive behaviours like approaching others. 

In the study, people without social anxiety were asked to use safety behaviours. They experienced anxiety when using these behaviours. This shows that trying to hide social anxiety creates more anxiety. Self-monitoring shows to be a better way to deal with social anxiety compared to avoidance. Those with social anxiety are aware of the mistakes they make during social interactions. No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes during social interactions. It can be tricky to have social anxiety since it makes it feel like only you are imperfect. 

Author: Sofi Kotilehti

Evans, R., Chiu, K., Clark, D. M., Waite, P., & Leigh, E. (2021). Safety behaviours in social anxiety: An examination across adolescence. Behaviour research and therapy, 144, 103931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2021.103931

National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness. Mental Health Information. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness#:~:text=Social%20anxiety%20disorder%20is%20an,social%20anxiety%20disorder%20is%20treatable

Rassaby, M., Smith, T., & Taylor, C. T. (2023). Examining Safety Behavior Subtypes Across Distinct Social Contexts in Social Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression. Behavior therapy, 54(3), 572–583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2022.12.009

Svennevig, J. (2014). Direct and Indirect Self-Presentation in First Conversations. Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 33(3), 302–327. https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X13512307

 

What Reducing Your Social Media Use Can Do for Your Body Image

 By: Lucy Fisher

(Credit: Oziel Valdez)

Social media has become a large part of teens’ daily lives. Teens spend on average five hours per day using some type of social media. Being a teen is challenging and is a transitional time in development. Social media helps teens form new connections and relationships. It also helps them learn new things but too much social media use can have negative influences on teens. So, what does too much time spend on social media mean for teens growth and mental health.

Research shows that spending more than five hours a day on social media is linked to teens thoughts about suicide, self-harm, and feelings of sadness. Most if this time on social media is spent making comparisons about physical appearance. Teens feel like they are not thin or attractive enough and are worrying about needing to fit into beauty ideals. Excessive social media use is also linked to lower self-esteem and more fear of missing out in teens. These behaviors contribute to teens feeling worried and at risk for mental health issues. This data also shows that teens who spend four or more hours a day on social media doubles the risk of developing negative thoughts about their body image.

 To see if spending less time on social media makes a difference, researchers had two hundred students between the ages of 17-25 volunteer to be a part of a study. This study had the volunteers lower their social media use to one hour per day or continue to use social media as they normally would. The volunteers had feelings of worry and sadness before the study. They also answered questions about their body image and the way that they look before and after the study. This time on social media was tested for three weeks. The results of this study showed that lowering social media to one hour per day improved body image and weight concerns in participants. 

Social media is an important part of our lives. Teens are going to continue to use social media and technology despite the risks. This information shows teens that lowering their usage may improve feelings towards their physical appearance. Identifying the benefits and risks can help teens begin to change their social media behaviors. In turn, contributing to a more positive body image and overall well-being. 

Cues used during social 'mindreading'

        When we think about mindreading, we often picture impressive psychic abilities - the type we see in movies and magic shows. This does not stop us from trying to mindread ourselves, of course. In psychology, mindreading is called ‘social mentalizing,’ which means predictions based on our understanding of other people. Whenever we try to figure out what someone else is thinking, we are doing something called first-order mentalizing. Second-order mentalizing is similar, but involves inferring how close others are to thinking about our own minds. Different social cues, like past experiences and tone of voice, affect how we do this in our minds.        

        If we study how these cues work, we might be able to learn how we mentalize. A 2023 paper hoped to study just that. Participants were put into pairs with other participants. Each person was then given a desk with a computer. They completed a ‘spot the difference’ task with two pictures on their screens for ten seconds. Next, participants were asked to predict how many differences they would find after another ten seconds. This task and question were used to measure second-order mentalizing. After another ten seconds, participants viewed the first ten seconds of their partner’s task. They were asked to guess how many differences the partner would find after 20 seconds. This task and question were used to measure first-order mentalizations.

        The authors suggested that during both types of mentalizations, how well one and how well the other were doing on the task are both used as cues. These cues help us make predictions when we are trying to mindread. They also suggested that future research should explore how other forms of cues, like body language, can affect how we ‘mindread.’