Young people are reporting concerning medical and behavioral changes due to social media

How TikTok affects mental health, the latest on Texas's abortion ban in the Supreme Court, and the widespread systemic issues revealed by the Alec Baldwin prop gun shooting

OCTOBER 25, 2021 THE BIG STORY   Young people, especially young women, are reporting concerning medical and behavioral changes due to social media People are already dismissing a recent Wall Street Journal article about teens developing severe tics after watching numerous TikToks from influencers diagnosed with Tourette syndrome.   The report outlines a rise in cases of teens developing new physical and verbal tics, such as physical jerks or compulsively and involuntarily repeating a word like "beans," to TikTok videos they've consumed. These movements are sociogenic, meaning they are developed socially, but have profound and real neurological effects. Doctors who were cited in the article noted that many of the teen girls with these tics were also diagnosed with depression and anxiety.   After being "fiercely sobered" by the WSJ story — and people's skepticism in reaction to it — BuzzFeed News reporter Tanya Chen reached out to neurologist Dr. Caroline Olvera, one of the few medical professionals actively studying this case and other sociogenic changes due to social media.   Olvera noted that, on the one hand, social media has "the ability to act as almost a global support group for those with the same illness." At the same time, she said, "social media use has previously been tied to worsening depression, anxiety, and eating disorders in those who may be more susceptible to these disorders. In general, tics are very suggestible, so watching them in videos may provoke them to worsen." This is an excerpt from Please Like Me, BuzzFeed News' newsletter about how influencers are battling for your attention. You can sign up here. STAYING ON TOP OF THIS   The Supreme Court won't halt Texas's abortion ban while the justices decide if anyone can sue Women's March protesters and other groups rally against the Texas abortion ban. Joshua Roberts / Getty Images The US Supreme Court rejected the Justice Department's push to immediately pause enforcement of SB 8, Texas's six-week abortion ban, while constitutional challenges work through the lower courts.   Healthcare providers in Texas will remain barred from performing nearly all abortions, at the risk of facing a civil lawsuit carrying thousands of dollars in potential penalties; anyone suspected of helping a pregnant person obtain an abortion can also be sued. The justices did not take up the question of whether SB 8 is constitutional, although this decision could shed light on how they're thinking about the question and more broadly about the court's role in protecting abortion access nationwide. On Nov. 1, the court will hear arguments on whether the Justice Department and abortion providers can sue Texas, and whether a lower court can block state court judges and clerks, private individuals, and any other state actors from taking steps to enforce the law. SNAPSHOTS   James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther in Friends, has died at 59. Tyler was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in September 2018. He died peacefully in his home in Los Angeles, his manager said in a statement to BuzzFeed News.   A man accused of killing a 31-year-old sitting in a car in front of his home has been arrested. The arrest came 11 days after the deadly shooting of Adil Dghoughi, prompting family and friends to publicly decry the lack of justice and information released on the case. Friends remember Halyna Hutchins, the "incredible" cinematographer killed on set after Alec Baldwin shot a prop gun. The director of cinematography is survived by her husband, Matt Hutchins, and her son. WORKERS AT RISK   Film crew members say the Alec Baldwin prop gun shooting fits a pattern of safety shortfalls they've had to work against Movie industry workers take part in a candlelight vigil to honor cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Oct. 23. Andres Leighton / AP Producers on the set of Rust in New Mexico, where Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed director of photography Halyna Hutchins, cut significant corners when it came to safety protocols and working conditions, according to those who were involved and familiar with the project.   Interviews with 10 production workers, documents, and emails obtained by BuzzFeed News show that those in charge of producing the movie staffed key roles with less-experienced, nonunion workers and rushed the sourcing of props, such as guns, to save money at the expense of safe and humane working conditions. Workers say the missteps involved in Rust exemplify the systemic issues that have long plagued film production and jeopardized their safety. According to industry employees, a culture of ignoring basic standards, outsourcing to less-experienced workers, and paying unlivable wages to churn out content more quickly and cheaply is a big part of why Hutchins is now dead.   YES, IT'S ANOTHER SPOOKY BOOK REC LIST, SUE ME!   23 books about witches that are perfect for Halloween In the Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace Brynn and her aunts run a bed and breakfast in the sleepy town of Evenfall, where they've used their magic for 400 years. But when a grumpy and argumentative local ends up dead at the B&B, Brynn's aunt Nora looks like the prime suspect. To get the truth and protect her aunt, Brynn will have to rely on her detective work to crack the case...and hopefully bring back something she lost.   Cackle by Rachel Harrison When Annie's boyfriend of 10 years tells her he "just wants to be friends," she throws caution to the wind and moves from New York City to a quiet village upstate. Shortly after she arrives, Annie meets Sophie, a charming, enigmatic woman. The two hit it off immediately — but little does Annie know, she's just befriended the town witch.   Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, Wendy Xu, Joamette Gil A graphic novel set in an atmospheric New England town, Nova works in her grandmothers' bookshop, used to supernatural occurrences. One evening, she stumbles upon her childhood crush, Tam Lang. Tam is a werewolf, and he needs Nova's help to prevent dark forces that are eager to claim the magic of wolves.   Dive into the full list of recommendations here. Tap into your inner witch today, Alexa 📝  This letter was edited and brought to you by Alexa Lee and BuzzFeed News. You can always reach us here.     👉 Your support of BuzzFeed's journalism does not constitute a charitable donation, and your contribution is not eligible for a tax-deduction. This is part of an effort to explore a deeper relationship with our most active supporters. 🔔  Want to be notified as soon as news breaks? Download the BuzzFeed News app for iOS and Android (available in Canadian, UK, Australian, and US app stores). 💌  Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up to get BuzzFeed News in your inbox!     Show privacy notice and cookie policy. BuzzFeed, Inc. 111 E. 18th St. New York, NY 10003 Unsubscribe