Week 6- Iris Wu

Iris Wu
Section A01
Week 6

This week’s readings are mainly focusing on mental health of college students. in the article, “On some College Campuses, A Focus on Asian American Mental Health,” Asian Americans are often reported to feel intense pressure to succeed in college studies. The reasons include their high family expectations, racism and discrimination issues, and dealing with model minority stereotypes. On the other hand, “Is Wi-Fi in School Safe?” talked about how the high electromagnetic field (EMF) brings negative health implications and can possibly lead to depression, sleep disorders, cardiovascular irregularities, etc. for college students who have been exposed to strong-radiated school Wi-Fi.

However, I believe the reasons stated in the first reading, “On some College Campuses, A Focus on Asian American Mental Health,” are more effective to college students, especially Asian American students. A lot of my Asian friends often talk about how their parents want them to go to medical schools, law schools, or pursue a job that leads to success and high income. Also, they often encounter questions like, “Since you are Asian, aren’t you supposed to be good at math and science?” in school. The fact that “Asians generally do well academically” stereotype poses another great pressure on Asian Americans.

The EMF on campus may also cause metal illness for students. However, it is important that we consider the magnitude, whether it is strong enough compared to other factors that affect students’ health. Also, the benefits it brings are unneglectable. The convenient internet connection makes communication and learning a lot easier. As we rely more and more on technologies nowadays, it is impossible to eliminate internet in our lives. All that we can do is to improve and reduce the harm. And, to find out the most effective factor of students’ mental illness.

Question: How strongly do EMFs affect humans’ mental health?

Reference:

1. Spero, B. (2015, July 24). Is Wi-Fi in Schools Safe?: Putting EMF Exposure on Your Radar of Potential Health Risks. BostonParents Paper. Retrieved from http://bostonparentspaper.com/article/is-wi-fi-in-schools-safe.html

2. Kam, K. (2013, September 13). On Some College Campuses, A Focus On Asian American Mental

Health. New America Media. Retrieved from http://newamericamedia.org/2013/09/on-some-college-campuses-a-focus-on-asian-american-mental-health.php

3. Youth, V.O. (n.d.). Mental Illness Is Real and It Is Just as Difficult as Other Illness. Retrieved from http://www.voicesofyouth.org/en/posts/mental-illness-is-real-and-it-it-just-as-difficult-as-other-illnesses