Social Issues

60% of U.S. teens have tried AI chatbots, 11.4% use them almost daily

Support local people to protect world’s nature, new report urges, as deadline for global conservation target looms

A new report by University of Cambridge researchers highlights the human context of conservation efforts, finding that protecting 30% of the world's land and seas by 2030 will impact nearly half of the global population. The team suggests substantial investment and local involvement are crucial for successful implementation.

New study finds Rx kids associated with significant reductions in infant maltreatment investigations

Could your housemates be changing your gut bacteria?

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that living with friends may alter your gut bacteria, with social closeness driving the exchange of anaerobic microbes. The research suggests that daily interactions at home, such as hugging and sharing food prep spaces, may encourage the transfer of beneficial gut bacteria.

Normative messaging bridges the partisan gap in pandemic risk-taking, study shows

Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.

Racial/ethnic disparities among people fatally shot by U.S. police vary across state lines

A new study found racial and ethnic disparities in fatal police shootings vary widely between states, with some states having much wider disparities than others. Firearm ownership rates did not explain the disparities, suggesting other factors may be at play.

New research-based approach updates welfare states to times of austerity

A new approach for welfare states updates policies to prioritize social investments and effectiveness, combining theoretical contributions and comparative studies. The approach aims to generate long-term benefits for individuals and society, with a focus on targeted solutions and systematic monitoring.

New research warns charities against ‘AI shortcut’ to empathy

A new report from the University of East Anglia warns that charities using AI-generated images risk breaking the fundamental bond of trust with the public. The study found that when AI images are used, the humanitarian cause disappears from the conversation, and the public engages with charity rather than the cause itself.

New book captures hidden toll of immigration enforcement on families

A new book chronicles the impact of immigration enforcement on young adult families, revealing a geography of deportability where no space feels safe. The research highlights the pivotal role of young adults in coping strategies, including emotional labor and navigating legal processes, amidst rising mental health concerns.

Study finds banning energy disconnections shouldn’t destabilise markets

A new study by RMIT University found that protections in place in Europe can help phase out harmful electricity disconnections without destabilizing power markets. The research highlights the need for evidence-led action to extend disconnection prohibitions and strengthen safeguards for vulnerable consumers.

Learning about public consensus on climate change does little to boost people’s support for action, study shows

A new study based on data from Germany found that learning about widespread public support for climate action policies initially makes people think such policies are more politically feasible, but these effects are small and short-lived. The study challenges common expectations about the power of public consensus to drive climate action.

British redcoat’s lost memoir reveals harsh realities of life as a disabled veteran

Shadrack Byfield's autobiography offers insight into the suffering and resilience of Britain's homecoming soldiers. The new evidence shows Byfield's tenacious pursuit of veterans' benefits, struggles with pain, poverty, and police, and his determination to design a custom prosthesis after losing his arm.

Global first: New Indigenous-led research initiative to revitalize legal orders

Next Steps: Rebuilding Indigenous Law is a new research initiative that empowers Indigenous communities to renew and rebuild their own legal systems. The project, supported by a $10 million investment, aims to rebuild entire Indigenous legal orders and revitalize traditional legal traditions.

To make AI more fair, tame complexity

Researchers found that complexity can lead to bias in AI models, highlighting the need for better modeling of real-world complexities, input from diverse groups, and ground truths. By addressing these factors, developers can create more accurate and fair AI systems.

Design Stories Warsaw

The conference examines the practices of responsibility in design, highlighting how women designers foster collaboration, reimagine design as a vehicle for storytelling, and shape cultural memory. The event features five thematic panels discussing topics such as social challenges, material storytelling, collecting, and pedagogy.

1 in 3 university students surveyed from a Parisian suburb report being unable to access desired food, with this food insecurity associated with academic dropout

A cross-sectional study in a socioeconomically disadvantaged Parisian suburb area found that 1 in 3 university students reported being unable to access desired food. This food insecurity was significantly associated with academic dropout, highlighting the need for targeted support.

Data Protection is transforming humanitarian action in the digital age, new book shows

The book highlights the risk of 'scope creep' and emphasizes the need for strong data protection frameworks to preserve trust. It argues that collaboration between humanitarian actors, academics, regulators, and affected populations is crucial to ensure technology serves humanity.

Most users cannot identify AI bias, even in training data

A recent study found that most users cannot identify AI bias in training data, unless it affects their own group. Researchers created 12 versions of a prototype AI system to detect facial expressions and tested how users might detect bias in different scenarios.

Congratulations to Dr. Neta Nadiv on being selected for the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities’ Young Scholars Forum in the Humanities and Social Sciences for the 2025-2026 academic year

Dr. Neta Nadiv, a faculty member at Reichman University's Harry Radzyner Law School, has been selected for the Young Scholars Forum in the Humanities and Social Sciences. The forum aims to create an active research community and deepen academic dialogue in Israel.

U.K. food insecurity is associated with mental health conditions

A recent study published in PLOS One found that 7.8% of U.K. households experience food insecurity, with Black/African/Caribbean/Black British households facing higher rates. Food insecurity is also associated with longstanding mental health conditions, particularly among Asian/Asian British respondents.

FAU receives $3M federal grant to prevent substance use in at-risk youth

FAU will implement evidence-based prevention strategies for at-risk youth, including LifeSkills Training, mindfulness programming, and peer mentorship. The program aims to drive long-term systems change, train professionals, and serve 600 youth annually over five years.

Transnational electoral participation of undocumented Mexican immigrants in the US

A study using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) found that factors like source of electoral information, education level, and trust in government influenced political participation. Undocumented immigrants were less likely to engage due to lack of information and distrust.

Housing associations more effective than government in supporting unemployed in deprived areas

A new study by University of East Anglia finds that housing associations are more effective than government work programmes at helping the long-term unemployed in deprived areas. The research suggests a person-centred approach with strength-based and long-term support is key to success.

Open communication only way of reaching polarized audiences, study finds

A new study published in the British Journal of Political Science found that open communication is more effective than debate-style approaches in reaching polarized audiences. The study showed that exposure to information and minimal intervention can lead to depolarizing people with extreme conspiratorial views.

Instability in foster care doubles the risk of mental health problems, UK study shows

A UK study finds that frequent placement changes in foster care increase the risk of mental health problems by more than two-fold. The research highlights the need for early, accessible support and closer collaboration between local authorities and mental health services to address this issue.

Global refugee sponsorship scheme could improve perceptions of refugees in the UK – research

A new research project found that a global sponsorship programme would improve perceptions of refugees in the UK, providing equal rights and entitlements. The existing three main schemes, Community Sponsorship, Homes for Ukraine, and Communities for Afghans, have shown success despite disparities in scale and approach.

Arts programs can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other leading causes of deaths, large study finds

A large international study found that arts-based programs can make health messages more memorable and relevant to people's lives, improving health behaviors and cultural relevance of disease prevention programs. The study suggests that arts could be a vital part of the toolkit for promoting health and preventing disease.

Social risks accumulate in specialised psychiatric care – complex life situations go easily unnoticed

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that patients in specialised psychiatric care face a variety of interconnected social risks. The most vulnerable segments of the population experience cumulative risks including financial difficulties, housing challenges, and violence.

Justice is being lost in translation – Surrey researchers build AI to fix this problem

Researchers developed a custom speech recognition system trained on Supreme Court hearings, reducing transcription errors by up to 9% compared to leading commercial tools. The AI tool semantically matches paragraphs with timestamps, allowing users to scroll through judgements and instantly watch relevant exchanges from the hearing.

Job demand, not just skills, shapes public attitudes on immigration

A recent study published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies found that public attitudes towards immigration are shaped by job demand rather than just skill level. The research showed that citizens in both England and Japan were more likely to grant visas to workers in high-demand occupations, regardless of their skill level.

Stalking, obtaining restraining order linked with increased cardiovascular disease risk in women

Women who experienced stalking and/or obtaining a restraining order had a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. The study found a 41% increase in CVD risk among women who experienced stalking and a 70% increase among those with restraining order history.

America’s divisions causing workplace dysfunction

A study by University of Miami researchers found that organizations are experiencing increased conflicts over social issues like racism, climate change, and LGBTQ rights. The 'MOB mentality' is leading to decreased productivity and employee turnover.

Instagram images could influence public opinion on certain major events

A new study has found a strong correlation between the sentiment of Instagram images and user sentiments on social media, particularly for anti-war images. The research suggests that social media images can significantly influence public opinion on sociopolitical events, with notable effects observed in comments from users.

PTSD costs the UK economy £40 billion a year, new research says

A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a significant impact on the UK economy, with average annual costs exceeding £14,781 per person. The total economic burden is estimated to be around £40 billion, which is expected to rise further due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global study of more than 100,000 young people latest to link early smartphone ownership with poorer mental health in young adults

A global study of over 100,000 young people found that owning a smartphone before age 13 is associated with poor mind health and wellbeing in early adulthood. The study found correlations between early smartphone ownership and symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment from reality, and low self-worth.

Teens report spending 21% of each driving trip looking at their phone

A new study found that teen drivers spend an average of 21.1% of each trip viewing their mobile behind the wheel, with entertainment being the most common distraction. The study also revealed that many young drivers believe they can withstand the pressure to drive distracted and perceive a social norm of the behavior.

Individual merit, not solidarity, prioritized by early childhood education policies

A study published in PLOS One finds that early childhood education policies worldwide favor competition, individualism, and talent over cooperation, solidarity, and luck. Only four countries acknowledge uncontrollable factors like health and climate disasters as contributors to success.

Is “balance” just gentrification in disguise? New study challenges Rotterdam’s housing policy

A new study by the Complexity Science Hub questions Rotterdam's 'balanced neighborhoods' policy, finding little evidence of stronger community ties despite efforts to mix income groups. The research highlights the risks of gentrification and displacement of low-income communities.

Turning social fragmentation into action through discovering relatedness

A new approach to intersectional learning prioritizes individual diversity and promotes collective emergence. By understanding the degree of relatedness between individuals and issues, stakeholders can be involved in a wider range of themes, leading to increased community engagement and learner transformations.

Book explores how ‘domestication’ of environmentalism limits who it protects

Researchers examine how modern environmental movement prioritizes property and community norms over societal concerns. A University of Illinois professor analyzed the Santa Barbara oil spill to understand this phenomenon, finding that 'ownership environmentalism' restricts environmental justice and equity.

UTA students take on public policy in DC

Through the Archer Fellowship Program, UTA students spend time in Washington, D.C., completing internships and taking courses taught by UT System faculty and policy experts. The program offers unique opportunities for students to network with professionals, learn from peers, and gain insight into federal policy-making.

FAU study explores barriers and trends in cannabis use disorder treatment

A new FAU study analyzing 16 years of national data reveals the most common reasons why people with cannabis problems don't seek help, including lack of knowledge, cost, stigma, and fear of job impacts. The study also identifies consistent predictors of access to treatment, highlighting an urgent need for targeted outreach and improved...

Study finds Americans do not like mass incarceration

A new study by University of Cincinnati criminologist Francis Cullen found that 40% of Americans agree the prison system is racist and that public punitiveness has declined. The study suggests a shift in 'penal sensibility' as Americans become less favorable towards mass incarceration.

Almost half of people in poverty feel lonely compared to only 15% of high earners, and it could be harming their health

A new study from Oxford University finds that people in poverty are more likely to feel lonely than those with higher incomes, despite similar socialization patterns. Strong social connections were shown to have the greatest symptom-reducing effects for those living in poverty.

Cyberbullying in any form can be traumatizing for kids

A national study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that cyberbullying, including exclusion and rejection, can lead to significant trauma in youth. The study found that almost 9 in 10 students experienced at least one form of victimization, highlighting the increasing ubiquity of digital aggression.

Survey: Does someone with alcohol use disorder deserve a new liver?

A comprehensive study found that the public generally supports individuals with black lung disease and genetic kidney disease over those with COVID-19 and alcohol use disorder. However, a lingering stigma surrounding alcohol use disorder led to it being considered least deserving of a transplant.

Addressing hearing loss may reduce isolation among the elderly

A new study found that providing hearing aids and advice on their use can help preserve social connections in older adults, reducing loneliness. The study showed that those treated for hearing loss retained one additional social connection over a three-year period compared to those who received no treatment.

Immigration detention for children: Research says no form is safe

A systematic review of 21 studies involving 9620 children in eight countries reveals high levels of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among those held in immigration detention. The review highlights the need for alternatives to detention, especially for children and families seeking asylum.

New research in JNCCN finds stark disparities in treatment and survival time for people with pancreatic cancer

Researchers found significant disparities in quality of care and outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients with higher social vulnerability indices were less likely to receive guideline-concordant systemic therapy, palliative care, or survive over 12 months.

Violent crime is indeed a root cause of migration, according to new study

A new study from Texas A&M University's Mosbacher Institute found that reducing violent crime in El Salvador significantly decreased Central American emigration to the US. Homicide rates dropped by 87% after President Nayib Bukele implemented a crackdown, resulting in a 45-67% reduction in border apprehensions.

Teachers express extreme concern about influence of online misogyny on students

A survey of 200 UK teachers found that 76% of secondary school teachers and 60% of primary school teachers are extremely concerned about the influence of online misogyny on their students. The study reveals that male students often reflect misogynistic ideas, while female students face victims of misogyny in schools.

Hate speech on X found to have increased under Elon Musk’s leadership

A new analysis found a 50% higher rate of hate speech on X after Elon Musk purchased the platform, with bot accounts remaining unchanged. The study contradicts previous claims of reduced hate speech and bot activity on X.

ERC Consolidator Grant: 4 million euros to Bielefeld sociologists

Professor Minh Nguyen and Professor Carsten Sauer have received ERC Consolidator Grants to investigate financialization in Asia and gender-based wage differentials in Europe. Their projects aim to understand the impact of financial markets on working lives and labor market practices.

How job ads shape gender and racial segregation in the UK workforce – new study

A new study by Lancaster University reveals that language in job ads can unintentionally reinforce or disrupt labour force gender/racial composition. Workforces with more women tend to use family-friendly policies in ads, while racial minority workers' ads lack impact, the research shows.

A third of people from Chicago carry concealed handguns in public before they reach middle age, major 25-year study finds

A major US study found that around a third of Chicago residents carry concealed firearms by middle age, with differences in gun carrying between men and women. Gun carrying in adolescence often occurs in response to direct experiences of violence, while adults are more likely to carry due to perceived threats to public safety.

Wildlife monitoring technologies used to intimidate and spy on women, study finds

Researchers found that remote monitoring devices were being misused by local governments and men to intimidate and humiliate women in northern India. The study highlights the need for conservationists to consider the social implications of using surveillance technologies and explore less invasive methods.

Hokkaido University and JAL Group to commence world's first regular flight-based ocean observation

The collaboration aims to detect red tide occurrences early and provide information to fisheries stakeholders to prevent damage to marine environments. The system will also be used for broader environmental monitoring of forests and oceans, improving accuracy through repeated validation.

Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences in child population samples

This study reveals prevalent adverse childhood experiences among children, including abuse and neglect, with notable disparities across demographics. Early identification and community interventions can reduce ACEs and mitigate future health consequences.

Major £1.25 million funding award for project investigating the politics of famine

Researchers at the University of Bath will investigate the micro politics of famine in South Sudan and Somalia using £1.25 million ERC funding. The team aims to deliver a new theory on famine politics, prioritizing community perspectives and social realities.

Early foster care gave poor women power, 17th-century records reveal

A study by University of Cambridge historian Emily Rhodes found that 17th-century foster carers were entitled to payment from the parish and had significant authority over the authorities. They often accused local authorities of mismanagement and dishonesty, leading to increased funding for their care.