An indicator we must watch
I hope this post finds you well.
I want to introduce you to a new indicator, the Karen indicator. Wall street has many indicators, all used to summarize the state of our economy. However, there are few if any to indicate the mental health of our citizens. The Karen indicator is not an economic indicator but a kind of ‘state of the union’ indicator.
This indicator has two components. First the monthly Karen events, followed by the words ‘Rising’ or ‘Falling’. i.e. For the month of August, the Karen indicator is 35 – Rising. This means there were 35 Karen events and this is more than the previous month.
Let me explain why the Karen indicator is important. Humans communicate using words, hmm, well, not entirely. They also use their visual appearance and the tone of their voice. In fact, it’s 60% visual, 30% auditory and 10% words. This may not seem right, but if you think about it, you will agree this is not an exaggeration.
Facial muscles are a reflection of the mind. They indicate to loved ones if you are feeling down, happy, angry or just content. Posture, gait and stance also indicate your state of being. The tone of the words expresses the emphases and the content describes the scene. I can say a sentence and laugh afterwards and the recipients will know it’s a joke, however, if I don’t laugh, it can be an insult.
Since the 50’s our comprehension skills and our vocabulary has declined due to factors such as changing educational priorities, increased digital intrusions, reduced reading for pleasure and economic pressures. An important factor here is our vocabulary. The more descriptive words and analogies we have, gives us the ability to express ourselves.
Karen events show that our society has stressed us out and we cannot conjure the words or analogies to communicate our feelings. So, they compensate by yelling and displaying strong visual expressive emotions. In the hope they will get their point across. Sometimes I don’t agree with what they are saying, however, I commend them for speaking up, as most don’t.
To me they are the canary. They are the early warning indicator, a statement that our societies mental health is declining. You can see this in our discussions and social gatherings on media when people lash out.
Our education system is not giving us the words and analogies necessary to effectively communicate and when we can’t, we resort to being Karen’s. Although crazy they may be, I am glad they exist.
ChatGPT Discussion:
What does it mean by a canary in the coal mine?
ChatGPT responds:
The phrase “a canary in the coal mine” is a metaphorical expression that originated from the practice of coal mining. In coal mines, miners used to carry caged canaries with them underground. Canaries are very sensitive to carbon monoxide and other toxic gases that can build up in coal mines due to incomplete combustion or other factors. As a result, if the canary became sick or died, it served as an early warning sign to the miners that dangerous gases were present, allowing them to evacuate the mine before succumbing to the same toxic fumes.
Metaphorically, “a canary in the coal mine” refers to any person, group, or indicator that serves as an early warning of impending danger or trouble in a particular situation. It implies that just as the canary’s health signaled danger in the coal mine, certain signs or individuals can alert us to potential problems in larger contexts, such as societal trends, environmental issues, or economic conditions. Thus, the phrase is often used to describe a harbinger or warning sign that prompts action to prevent a larger crisis or negative outcome.
What does vocabulary mean?
ChatGPT responds
Vocabulary refers to the set of words that a person understands and uses in a particular language. It encompasses both the words a person recognizes (receptive vocabulary) and the words they can actively use in speaking or writing (productive vocabulary). Vocabulary is essential for effective communication, as it allows individuals to convey ideas, express emotions, and comprehend spoken or written language. It can vary greatly among individuals based on factors such as education, exposure to language, and personal interests. Vocabulary development is an ongoing process that begins in infancy and continues throughout life, with individuals constantly acquiring new words through reading, conversation, formal education, and various life experiences.
when was the word Karen first used to describe an outspoken woman?
ChatGPT responds:
The term “Karen” to describe an outspoken or entitled woman gained popularity in the early to mid-2010s. Its exact origin is somewhat unclear, but it seems to have emerged as a meme on social media platforms like Reddit and subsequently spread across various internet communities. The term is often used to describe a stereotype of a middle-aged white woman who is perceived as demanding, entitled, or exhibiting behavior deemed as privileged or ignorant.
How much has comprehension dropped in students since the 1950’s
ChatGPT responds:
Assessing the exact extent of comprehension drop in students since the 1950s is challenging due to various factors such as changes in educational methodologies, advancements in technology, shifts in societal norms, and variations in testing methodologies over time. However, there are indications that some measures of literacy and comprehension have shown declines or stagnation in certain populations.
For instance, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in the United States, which has been conducting assessments of students’ academic progress since the 1970s, has shown relatively flat or modest improvements in reading comprehension scores over the decades, with some demographic groups experiencing declines or minimal progress.
Several factors have been suggested as contributors to potential declines in comprehension skills, including changes in educational priorities, increased screen time and digital distractions, decreased emphasis on reading for pleasure, and shifts in family and community structures. Additionally, the complexity of modern informational texts and the prevalence of digital media may present new challenges for students’ comprehension skills.
However, it’s important to note that not all measures of comprehension or literacy show decline, and there are many individual and contextual differences to consider when assessing changes in students’ comprehension abilities over time.
how much human-to-human communication is visual
ChatGPT responds:
Human communication is highly visual, with a significant portion of the information conveyed through visual cues. While the exact percentage may vary depending on context and culture, research suggests that a large proportion of communication is non-verbal, with body language, facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact playing crucial roles in conveying meaning and emotions. Some studies suggest that up to 93% of communication can be non-verbal, though the exact percentage is debated. Visual communication is particularly important in face-to-face interactions, where individuals rely on visual cues to interpret messages accurately and establish rapport. However, it’s essential to note that the importance of visual communication may vary across different communication mediums, contexts, and cultural backgrounds.
What percent
ChatGPT responds:
It’s challenging to assign an exact percentage to the visual component of human communication, as it can vary depending on numerous factors such as cultural context, individual differences, and the nature of the interaction. However, some researchers have suggested that as much as 60-70% of communication may be non-verbal, with a significant portion of that being visual cues such as facial expressions, body language, and gestures.
It’s important to recognize that while non-verbal communication, including visual cues, plays a substantial role in conveying meaning and emotions, verbal communication (spoken or written language) remains crucial for conveying complex ideas and information. Therefore, while visual communication is significant, it often works in conjunction with verbal communication to create a complete understanding between individuals.
how much is auditory
ChatGPT responds:
Determining the exact percentage of auditory communication in human interaction can be challenging, as it also varies based on factors like culture, context, and individual differences. However, auditory communication, which includes spoken language, tone of voice, pitch, volume, and other vocal cues, is undoubtedly significant.
While estimates may vary, it’s commonly understood that verbal communication (the auditory aspect) is a crucial component of human interaction, often working in conjunction with visual and non-verbal cues to convey meaning and emotions effectively. Some studies and theories suggest that verbal communication accounts for roughly 30-40% of human communication.
However, it’s important to note that these percentages are rough estimates and can vary depending on the specific situation. In many cases, effective communication relies on a combination of auditory, visual, and non-verbal cues working together harmoniously to convey messages accurately.
how much are the words
ChatGPT responds:
The specific percentage of communication attributed to the actual words spoken or written can vary widely depending on context, culture, and individual preferences. However, words themselves play a crucial role in conveying precise meanings, sharing complex ideas, and facilitating understanding in human communication.
While estimates may vary, some research suggests that the words themselves (verbal content) account for approximately 7-10% of overall communication. This estimation highlights the importance of considering non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other contextual factors, which significantly contribute to the interpretation and understanding of messages.
It’s important to remember that these percentages are approximate and can fluctuate depending on the situation. Effective communication often involves a combination of verbal and non-verbal elements working together to convey meaning accurately and comprehensively
Recommend a book that covers this information?
ChatGPT responds:
A highly recommended book that covers various aspects of communication, including verbal, non-verbal, and visual components, is “Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life” by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D. This book offers insights into how language can either enhance or hinder understanding and connection in human interactions. It explores the power of empathetic communication, the role of language in conflict resolution, and practical strategies for improving communication skills.
While it may not explicitly provide specific percentages of verbal, non-verbal, and visual communication, it offers a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of human communication and how different elements contribute to effective interpersonal relationships. Additionally, it provides practical tools and techniques for fostering empathy, understanding, and connection in various contexts.
Overall, “Nonviolent Communication” is highly regarded for its profound insights into communication dynamics and its practical guidance for improving communication skills, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding and enhancing human interaction.
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Are there mental health indicators for the United States.
ChatGPT responds:
Yes, there are various indicators used to assess mental health in the United States. Some of these indicators include:
- Prevalence of Mental Illness: This includes data on the percentage of the population affected by mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.
- Suicide Rates: Suicide rates provide insight into the severity of mental health issues within a population. This data is often broken down by demographics such as age, gender, ethnicity, and geographical location.
- Access to Mental Health Care: Indicators such as the number of mental health professionals per capita, availability of mental health facilities, and insurance coverage for mental health services help gauge access to care.
- Treatment Rates: This includes data on the percentage of individuals with mental health disorders who receive treatment, such as therapy or medication.
- Substance Abuse: Substance abuse often co-occurs with mental health disorders. Indicators such as rates of substance abuse, overdose deaths, and admissions to treatment facilities can reflect underlying mental health issues.
- Mental Health Stigma: Surveys and studies may assess public attitudes and perceptions towards mental illness to gauge the level of stigma associated with mental health disorders.
- Employment and Mental Health: Employment status and workplace conditions can impact mental health. Indicators may include unemployment rates among individuals with mental illness, workplace accommodations for mental health, and rates of workplace-related stress.
- Educational Attainment: Education is often linked to mental health outcomes. Indicators may include graduation rates among individuals with mental health disorders and access to mental health support within educational institutions.
- Homelessness: Homelessness is associated with higher rates of mental illness. Tracking homelessness rates and the prevalence of mental health disorders among the homeless population can provide insights into mental health trends.
- Veteran Mental Health: Specific indicators may focus on the mental health of military veterans, including rates of PTSD, depression, and access to mental health services within the veteran population.
These indicators, among others, are used by researchers, policymakers, and public health officials to monitor the state of mental health in the United States and identify areas for intervention and improvement.