Articles tagged with Society
A new study published in the journal Cognition found that people attribute less consciousness to AI than humans, even when AI behaves identically. Participants rated AI's responsiveness to its surroundings as more conscious than humans', but drew a clear line between intelligent behavior and consciousness.
Researchers identified 88 sites hosting AI-generated non-consensual intimate imagery, with 5 key players facilitating the problem. The study calls on technology providers to block or suspend services of sites hosting AI-NCII and deploy preventative safeguards.
A new study found that certain parenting approaches, such as lower supervision and inconsistent discipline, are associated with a higher likelihood of children showing behavioral and emotional problems. High positive parenting with better supervision was linked to lower internalizing and externalizing behaviors in children.
Poverty in the EU declined between 2015 and 2023, but disparities persist among nations. The study highlights the need for sustainable policy responses to address poverty, material deprivation, and digital skills gaps.
A secure sense of attachment within a group enables members to express dissenting opinions more effectively, leading to better decision-making. This approach can help organizations tap into the knowledge and insights of their most critical employees, who often remain silent due to fear of backlash.
A study found that racial and ethnic differences in US disability insurance approval rates are largely attributed to socioeconomic, health, and demographic factors. After adjusting for these factors, the disparities in allowance rates become statistically insignificant.
An interdisciplinary team created Who Eats Whom, a website drawing on iNaturalist data to explore trophic interactions globally. The platform has logged 17,000 observations of 5,700 species, showcasing the public's interest in smaller trophic relationships.
The study found that AI adoption has increased, but unevenly, with knowledge-intensive occupations and higher-educated employees benefiting most. However, there is a risk that existing inequalities will become further entrenched without targeted support measures.
A study of 8,620 US adults found that higher percentages of Republicans than Democrats justified violence to advance political objectives, with Strong Republicans more likely to anticipate being armed in a politically violent situation. Most Americans, however, reject political violence completely.
A new study reveals that workers with variable hours and incomes are more likely to rely on Medicaid or ACA Marketplace plans, which may be affected by 2027 changes. Millions of low- and middle-income workers with irregular schedules will be particularly susceptible to Medicaid disenrollment due to fluctuating work hours.
A new global study finds nearly half of children under 5 in developing regions are poor, undernourished, or both. The report highlights the urgent need for multisectoral approaches to address child poverty, with over 96 million children experiencing four to five deprivations, including undernutrition and out-of-school status.
Panelists emphasize the importance of empowering parents to make informed decisions about their children's digital lives. They argue that what works offline can also work online, with a combination of reasonable rules and genuine warmth. The discussion highlights the need for parents to understand media literacy and teach their childre...
András Tilcsik, a University of Toronto researcher, has been elected to the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists of the Royal Society of Canada. His work on organizations, occupations, and work has been recognized with numerous awards and has appeared in top academic journals.
A Pusan National University study explores how household composition and consumption type influence equivalence scales, suggesting a more nuanced approach to adjusting household income for welfare support. The findings have direct implications for Korea's National Basic Livelihood Security system, with potential applications for policy...
A new study from the University of Bath found that people with different political beliefs disagree on poverty definitions, with right-leaning individuals drawing narrower lines and left-leaning individuals adopting broader definitions. The research highlights the importance of understanding how people define poverty, as it shapes perc...
A team led by Professor Paulin Straughan is studying how urban design and infrastructure influence physical activity, mobility, and social participation among older adults. The goal is to create a sustainable approach to wellbeing-management through
A new Cochrane map has identified significant gaps in dengue prevention research, with most studies lacking synthesis into reliable reviews that policymakers can use. The map highlights areas such as vaccine implementation, adult mosquito control, and environmental interventions, which require more evidence to inform effective dengue c...
Goutham Menon, a renowned expert in social work education, has been appointed interim dean of the UTA School of Social Work. Under his leadership, the school continues to thrive, with record-setting achievements in research, student success, and community engagement.
Researchers propose 'Thermal Justice' framework to address heat-related inequalities, combining emergency measures with structural changes. The framework prioritizes exposed residents, accessible cooling, and worker protection during heatwaves, while retrofitting housing and expanding green infrastructure between heatwaves.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that potential harms co-exist with opportunities for crisis support on social media platforms. Researchers are calling for more control over content and safe spaces for connection and support, with a focus on empowering young people to make informed online choices.
A new survey finds that opposition to local data centers has risen sharply among US adults, with 61% opposing construction in their areas. Meanwhile, views on artificial intelligence remain stable, with 39% expressing concerns about its impact.
Despite scientific progress, public faith in science is collapsing due to the proliferation of digital platforms and the democratization of access to information. This erodes trust as people rely on expert opinions without evaluating scientific claims for themselves.
Teaching children emotional regulation and healthy friendships can provide a crucial buffer against social media's risks to mental health and self-worth. Strong childhood friendships are better equipped to navigate digital spaces, reducing the likelihood of online validation-based identity and self-worth issues.
A study by Goethe University found that zoo education programs can genuinely strengthen people's sense of connection to nature, especially among those with low or moderate connections. Programs with direct animal encounters and longer durations showed the strongest effects.
The American College of Chest Physicians has appointed Julie Captain as its new Director of Philanthropy, building on the organization's $1.9 million in donations and 530 engaged donors in 2025. With her expertise in legacy and charitable gift planning, Captain aims to grow CHEST philanthropy and expand its impact.
A study of over-50s in Brazil and Europe found aging-related decline begins a decade earlier in Brazil due to social disparities. The findings highlight the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthy aging.
Research found that social media influences travel plans across all age groups, but millennials were the most impacted. Younger generations, especially Gen Z, gravitated toward posts about less common locales.
All 50 US states have introduced bills to regulate social media and digital platforms for minors. A new public database, the Youth Digital Policy Repository, categorizes state legislation by location, year, and topic, providing a centralized source of regulations to inform future legislation.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model that predicts relationship outcomes by accounting for forgetting rates, attraction levels, and reaction patterns. The model identifies three key ingredients determining long-term stability: mutual attraction, emotional erosion, and individual reactions.
The University of Texas at Arlington has launched an online Doctor of Social Work program to prepare experienced social work professionals for leadership and educational roles. The three-year, part-time program emphasizes practical relevance and incorporates emerging instructional approaches.
A study from Technical University of Munich found that people perceive AI hiring decisions as unfair when the avatar resembles them in terms of gender or skin color. After receiving a rejection, trust in AI is shaken if the avatar's appearance differs from their own.
A new study by Boston College researchers found that experiencing educational opportunities in all stages of childhood and adolescence is the best predictor of higher educational attainment and earnings for disadvantaged American youth. This includes living in an enriching home environment, attending high-quality childcare facilities, ...
A new study published in PLOS One found that slower maternal vocal responses at 12 months may predict later childhood behavior disorders such as ADHD. The study analyzed data from 158 mother-infant pairs and found associations between slow maternal responses and increased odds of psychiatric diagnoses by age seven.
A new study by Keio University researchers explores the association between residential environments and subjective well-being, finding that better living conditions are linked to higher satisfaction with important life domains, which in turn is associated with greater overall well-being. The study suggests that housing design and poli...
A new study by Lancaster University found that the final vowel in words like 'happy' varies clearly by social class across Manchester. Middle-class speakers tend to use a more closed 'ee' sound, while working-class speakers use a more open 'eh' sound.
A new study by UT Arlington's Research Enhancement Program investigates how technology is used to control and monitor victims of intimate partner violence. The research team aims to identify warning signs and develop strategies to protect survivors from digital abuse.
A psychologist warns of the profound psychological implications of gifting or taking a DNA test, including identity disruption, acceptance challenges, and data security worries. The decision requires careful consideration to ensure recipients can cope with unexpected outcomes.
A new study from the University of Tokyo finds that a one-off training session increased time spent by fathers on childcare and housework, freeing up mothers to use for their own work. The training corrected common misconceptions about paternity leave and led to significant behavioral change.
A new Oxford study documents the hidden systems of emotional control sustaining Georgia's transnational surrogacy market, where intermediaries govern emotions and discipline conduct. Most women enter surrogacy through advertising on Instagram and TikTok, while staged payments reinforce financial control over their mobility.
Leading child psychologist Dr. Barish argues that grandparents have a crucial role to play in helping children develop a sense of purpose beyond personal success and in providing emotional support. He recommends practices like volunteering together and frequent family conversations about kindness and understanding.
A large meta-analysis has consistently shown that social inequality, such as poverty and racism, accelerates biological aging measured by epigenetic clocks. Newer biological aging measures are most sensitive to social conditions, with second- and third-generation clocks showing stronger associations with socioeconomic conditions.
Research by Lancaster University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur found that vulnerable families coped with food insecurity by limiting food diversity, taking loans, and temporarily withdrawing children from school. The study highlights the importance of local social networks and government support in mitigating crisis.
A new study found that social connections can help compensate for the loss of mentally stimulating interactions linked to work, with different types of relationships benefiting women and men. The researchers used data from 27 European countries and found that strong social networks appear to buffer the cognitive disadvantage of not wor...
A study analyzing the Donlin Gold deposit finds that Alaska Native communities hold multiple roles in mine development, including subsistence activities and corporate shareholders. The research highlights the tension between economic opportunity, sovereignty, and environmental stewardship on traditional lands.
A new study found that DNA methylation aging biomarkers, such as GrimAge2 and DunedinPoAm, significantly mediate the relationship between social disadvantage and mortality risk. The findings suggest that epigenetic aging measures capture the cumulative effects of multiple social and environmental stressors.
A small study of 100 Italian college students reveals that discussing fake news in a group enhances its identification, thanks to collective critical thinking and social cues. The research suggests that shared discussions can improve fake news detection, making it easier for individuals to distinguish between true and false information.
Decades of research on UK birth cohorts suggest a 'generational health drift' where more recent generations experience poor health earlier in life, particularly obesity and mental ill health. This trend is driven by worsening social and environmental exposures rather than improvements in healthcare.
Research shows that adverts featuring people with a disability increase consumer attitudes towards brands and their products. Key findings include the benefits of disability inclusion and the importance of representing individuals with disabilities as capable advocates for a product or service.
New research reveals that see-through or cut-out product packaging on a shelf increases the psychological desire to own it. Customers rely on various cues when making purchasing decisions, with visibility of a product influencing choices.
A study published in PNAS found that faster decision-making in complex strategic situations leads to better outcomes. Researchers analyzed professional chess games, correlating speed with quality and suggesting intuition plays a key role in human decision-making.
Sociologist Mona Sloane argues AI's prediction paradigm reorganizes social relations and relationships. Her book 'Predicted: How AI Is Restructuring Social Life' advocates collective governance of AI as a form of infrastructure.
Researchers found that humans are extremely selective when choosing friends and partners, evaluating all identity characteristics positively before entering a relationship. The study used data from high school friendships and marriages to validate its findings, revealing that factors like grade level, ethnic background, and age play a ...
A new study by the University of East Anglia reveals that refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors experience relentless cycles of intrusive memories, loneliness, and physical pain. Social connection emerges as a powerful buffer against distress, with many participants finding comfort in activities like cricket or prayer.
A study by Associate Professor Bettina Gildenhard explores the tensions between personal initiatives, national language policies, and professionalism in volunteer-led Japanese language classes. The research highlights the need for a balanced approach, increasing investment in professional language educators while supporting volunteer i...
Research reveals that pedestrians in Phnom Penh prefer shorter, simpler routes with fewer turns due to factors like path efficiency, street vitality, and perceived comfort. The study also found that high-traffic streets are often preferred over crowded footpaths, reflecting a desire for clarity, predictability, and ease of movement.
A study published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion found that over 40% of Japanese respondents identified as nonreligious or atheist yet still participated in rituals and believed in gods and the afterlife. The researchers highlighted the need for flexible tools to capture diverse forms of religiosity, particularly i...
Research on the 'Ndrangheta mafia network reveals that matrimonial ties between lesser-known clans play a vital role in maintaining the entire network's resilience. The analysis found that marriages between less influential families are significantly more critical to the network's cohesion.
A recent study reveals that individuals with higher education or income are more aware of and use AI tools, exacerbating social inequalities. The researchers recommend increasing engagement with AI-related topics through outreach campaigns, educational programs, and community workshops to reduce this new digital divide.
A new report highlights the catastrophic risks of nature loss on food systems, economies and societies. Chronic pressures like soil degradation and water scarcity are already reducing crop yields and increasing food prices.
A new UN Women report reveals that online violence and deepfakes are pushing women out of public life, with alarming rates of mental health diagnoses and self-censorship. The study also found that law enforcement is often failing to provide justice for survivors, highlighting the need for effective education and training.