A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Psychology analyzed responses from 6,855 young people in China and found a strong relationship between digital media use, social support, and online political participation. The research showed that young people who actively used digital platforms and experienced stronger online social connections were significantly more likely to engage in civic and political discussions online. What makes the findings important is that participat

The UNICEF report on digital civic engagement suggests that social media has transformed how young people participate in public life. Rather than engaging mainly through traditional institutions such as political parties or formal organizations, many young people now use digital platforms to discuss social issues, organize campaigns, and build communities around shared concerns. What stands out is that digital participation is not limited to activism itself, it also sha

The NECE article argues that youth activism in 2025 is no longer defined by traditional political participation, but by networked digital engagement shaped through social media platforms. Rather than viewing platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Discord as distractions, the analysis suggests they have become central spaces where young people organize, share political information, and build collective identities. What stands out is how activism itself has evolved. Digital activ

This week’s Field Notes suggest that algorithmic bias is no longer simply a technical flaw, it is becoming embedded within the systems that shape modern life. Across recent reports and analyses, a consistent pattern emerges: AI systems increasingly influence access to education, employment, healthcare, and visibility, yet the data and structures behind these systems remain deeply unequal. The Brookings analysis introduced the concept of “algorithmic exclusion,” showing

A recent Guardian report highlights growing concerns that artificial intelligence could deepen racism and sexism rather than eliminate them. Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner warned that AI systems trained on biased or incomplete datasets may reinforce discrimination in areas such as hiring, healthcare, and automated decision-making. What makes this issue especially significant is the growing trust placed in AI systems. Algorithms are often perceived as objective be