Societies

18 pages, 235 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Transformative Effect of the Let’s Talk Intervention on Parenting Styles: Experiences of Female Caregivers from Soweto, South Africa

by Sabastain Gunda, Sipho Sibanda and Daniel Doh

Societies 2025, 15(9), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090248 - 4 Sep 2025

Abstract

Gendered social protection interventions such as Let’s Talk are now appreciated as a significant component of family-based HIV prevention services. The intervention deliberately focuses on bridging the caregiver–adolescent relational and communication divides in the context of HIV prevention. This qualitative study used interviews [...] Read more.

Gendered social protection interventions such as Let’s Talk are now appreciated as a significant component of family-based HIV prevention services. The intervention deliberately focuses on bridging the caregiver–adolescent relational and communication divides in the context of HIV prevention. This qualitative study used interviews to explore the caregivers’ parenting experiences after attending the Let’s Talk programme in Soweto, South Africa. Simple random sampling was used to select four Community-Based Organisations (CBOs). Twelve caregivers were purposively sampled from the four CBOs. Data analysis was accomplished through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that Let’s Talk had positive transformative effects on the caregivers’ parenting experiences and relational dynamics with adolescents. The improved parenting experiences were characterised by better communication, mutual respect and observed behaviour improvements by adolescents. In conclusion, caregivers’ reports of improved parenting experiences provide empirical evidence of acceptability to participants, effective implementation, and Let’s Talk’s efficacy in facilitating desired outcomes. Full article

19 pages, 276 KB

Open AccessReview

The Role of AI in Academic Writing: Impacts on Writing Skills, Critical Thinking, and Integrity in Higher Education

by Promethi Das Deep and Yixin Chen

Societies 2025, 15(9), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090247 - 4 Sep 2025

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have transformed academic writing and literacy development in higher education. Students can now receive instant feedback on grammar, coherence, style, and argumentation using AI-powered writing assistants, like Grammarly, ChatGPT, and QuillBot. Moreover, these writing assistants can quickly produce completed [...] Read more.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have transformed academic writing and literacy development in higher education. Students can now receive instant feedback on grammar, coherence, style, and argumentation using AI-powered writing assistants, like Grammarly, ChatGPT, and QuillBot. Moreover, these writing assistants can quickly produce completed essays and papers, leaving little else for the student to do aside from reading and perhaps editing the content. Many teachers are concerned that this erodes critical thinking skills and undermines ethical considerations since students are not performing the work themselves. This study addresses this concern by synthesizing and evaluating peer-reviewed literature on the effectiveness of AI in supporting writing pedagogy. Studies were selected based on their relevance and scholarly merit, following the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines to ensure methodological rigor and quality. The findings reveal that although AI tools can be detrimental to the development of writing skills, they can foster self-directed learning and improvement when carefully integrated into coursework. They can facilitate enhanced writing fluency, offer personalized tutoring, and reduce the cognitive load of drafting and revising. This study also compares AI-assisted and traditional writing approaches and discusses best practices for integrating AI tools into curricula while preserving academic integrity and creativity in student writing. Full article

15 pages, 699 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Future Trends in AI-Driven Assistive Technologies: Insights from a National Delphi Survey of Stakeholder Perspectives

by Paulina Tsvetkova, Anna Lekova, Alexander Simov and Mayiana Mitevska

Societies 2025, 15(9), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090246 - 4 Sep 2025

Abstract

Advancements in assistive technologies (ATs), particularly those powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), have significantly enhanced the quality of life and independence of individuals with various disorders, thus fostering progress in education, employment, social engagement and well-being. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain in [...] Read more.

Advancements in assistive technologies (ATs), particularly those powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), have significantly enhanced the quality of life and independence of individuals with various disorders, thus fostering progress in education, employment, social engagement and well-being. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain in the implementation of such technologies in various domains, emphasizing the necessity for deeper exploration of their future development. This study examines the future trends and perspectives of ATs, providing valuable insights from a national context and comparing the results with those of international Delphi research. Using a two-round Delphi method, we engaged a panel of 23 experts from Bulgaria, representing disability organizations, academia and practice. Ten future-oriented projections were assessed, while participant demographics and attitudes toward ATs were also analyzed. The survey’s statistical findings indicate a moderate consensus among the Bulgarian experts. They demonstrate cautious optimism about the use of ATs, especially AI-driven technology, for individuals with disabilities. The results are similar with those of the international study, with only few differences, highlighting the shared perspectives of experts at both national and international levels. The research offers valuable insights into emerging trends in AI-driven ATs and provides valuable knowledge for policymakers, researchers and developers seeking to align innovation with the expectations of diverse stakeholders. Full article

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20 pages, 984 KB

Open AccessArticle

Education and Black Creative-Class Identity Among Black Homeowners: Exploring Library Engagement in Ward 8, Washington, D.C.

by Joyce M. Doyle and Nicole A. Cooke

Societies 2025, 15(9), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090245 - 3 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study examines how educational attainment and creative-class identity influence public library use among Black homeowners in Ward 8, Washington, D.C., a historically disinvested, yet resilient, Black community. Using an adapted theoretical framework (Chatman’s Small World Theory, Florida’s creative class theory, and Crenshaw’s [...] Read more.

This study examines how educational attainment and creative-class identity influence public library use among Black homeowners in Ward 8, Washington, D.C., a historically disinvested, yet resilient, Black community. Using an adapted theoretical framework (Chatman’s Small World Theory, Florida’s creative class theory, and Crenshaw’s intersectionality), the research investigates how symbolic capital informs institutional engagement in a racially homogeneous but economically stratified setting. A survey of 56 Black homeowners examined the relationships among education, income, creative-class identity, and library use. Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher educational attainment was a significant predictor of identification with the Black Creative Class^TM. However, neither income nor creative-class identity significantly predicted public library use. These findings challenge the assumption that middle-class status or creative-class affiliation ensures participation in educational or cultural institutions. Instead, they suggest that deeper dynamics, such as cultural relevance, perceived alignment, and trust, may shape engagement with public libraries. The study advances knowledge in library and information science (LIS) and urban studies by demonstrating how spatial context and class distinctions within Black communities shape library engagement. The results underscore the need for culturally responsive library strategies that recognize class-based variation within racial groups, moving beyond monolithic models of community outreach. Full article

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16 pages, 419 KB

Open AccessArticle

Psychological Capital, Workplace Stress, and Mobbing in the Context of Workers’ Mental Health

by Judit Glavanits, Kitti Hengl and Anikó Benyák

Societies 2025, 15(9), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090244 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study examines how employees’ psychological capital relates to workplace stress and mobbing (also known as workplace bullying) across three European countries. Stress has become an increasingly dominant issue globally since the second half of the 20th century, moving from clinical contexts into [...] Read more.

This study examines how employees’ psychological capital relates to workplace stress and mobbing (also known as workplace bullying) across three European countries. Stress has become an increasingly dominant issue globally since the second half of the 20th century, moving from clinical contexts into public awareness. It is now recognized as a significant health risk factor, particularly in work environments. While positive forms of stress (eustress) can enhance performance, chronic workplace stress is linked to serious mental and physical health problems. This study investigates the relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap), workplace stress, and mobbing among employees in Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Based on a cross-sectional survey (N = 89), the research applied validated instruments (PCQ, PSS-10, COPSOQ II) to measure PsyCap, perceived workplace stress, and experiences of mobbing. Results show a high average PsyCap level (M = 4.64, SD = 0.70) and a moderate perceived workplace stress level (M = 2.73, SD = 0.62) across the sample. A strong negative correlation was identified between PsyCap and workplace stress (r = −0.573, p < 0.001), while a moderate positive correlation was found between workplace stress and mobbing experiences (r = 0.323, p = 0.002). Although PsyCap moderated stress levels, it did not significantly moderate the relationship between mobbing and perceived stress. These findings emphasize the role of PsyCap in reducing workplace stress and underline the necessity of organizational interventions in promoting psychological resilience and mobbing prevention. The results also indicate a need to further examine the causal relationship between mobbing, stress, and PsyCap. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adapting to Change: Social, Organizational, and Technological Responses to Contemporary Challenges)

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20 pages, 896 KB

Open AccessReview

From Voice to Action: Upholding Children’s Right to Participation in Shaping Policies and Laws for Digital Safety and Well-Being

by Enikő Kovács-Szépvölgyi, Dorina Anna Tóth and Roland Kelemen

Societies 2025, 15(9), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090243 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

While the digital environment offers new opportunities to realise children’s rights, their right to participation remains insufficiently reflected in digital policy frameworks. This study analyses the right of the child to be heard in the academic literature and in the existing international legal [...] Read more.

While the digital environment offers new opportunities to realise children’s rights, their right to participation remains insufficiently reflected in digital policy frameworks. This study analyses the right of the child to be heard in the academic literature and in the existing international legal and EU regulatory frameworks. It explores how children’s participation right is incorporated into EU and national digital policies and examines how genuine engagement can strengthen children’s digital resilience and support their well-being. By applying the 7C model of coping skills and analysing its interaction with the right to participation, the study highlights how these elements mutually reinforce the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a qualitative analysis of key strategic documents and the relevant policy literature, the research identifies the tension between the formal acknowledgment of children’s right to participate and its practical implementation at law- and policy-making levels within the digital context. Although the European Union’s examined strategies emphasise children’s participation, their practical implementation often remains abstract and fragmented at the state level. While the new BIK+ strategy shows a stronger formal emphasis on child participation, this positive development in policy language has not yet translated into a substantive change in children’s influence at the state level. This nuance highlights that despite a positive trend in policy rhetoric, the essential dimension of genuine influence remains underdeveloped. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adapting to Change: Social, Organizational, and Technological Responses to Contemporary Challenges)

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34 pages, 955 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Occupational Stress and Burnout in the Probation System: A Quantitative Approach

by Cristina Ilie, Costel Marian Ionașcu and Andreea Mihaela Niță

Societies 2025, 15(9), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090242 - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study presents the first nationwide, system-level investigation of occupational stress and professional burnout among probation counselors in Romania, in the context of increasing caseloads, complex job demands and limited institutional support. Building on a comprehensive theoretical analysis, we employ a sociological research [...] Read more.

This study presents the first nationwide, system-level investigation of occupational stress and professional burnout among probation counselors in Romania, in the context of increasing caseloads, complex job demands and limited institutional support. Building on a comprehensive theoretical analysis, we employ a sociological research design involving a representative sample of 247 probation counselors from all 42 national probation services. Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Questionnaire, along with stress-related factors, we examine the prevalence, most important factors and typologies of burnout. Advanced quantitative techniques—including multiple linear regression, principal component analysis and K-means clustering—allow for a robust identification of key predictors of emotional exhaustion and three distinct psychosocial profiles: stress-resistant seniors, under involved younger staff and overworked, frustrated employees. We also conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to check the validity of the MBI-HSS. This typology offers a novel conceptual framework for understanding professional burnout in probation, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities and distinct risk categories. Nevertheless, limitations exist: self-reported data may underestimate stress, and omitting variables like resilience or work meaning constrains explanatory depth. Despite these constraints, this study addresses a significant gap in Romanian probation research and lays the foundation for future longitudinal and qualitative studies. These should incorporate psychological and organizational factors to improve targeted interventions and human resources strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revitalizing Workplaces: The Intersection of Public Health and Sustainable Wellbeing in Organizations)

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26 pages, 555 KB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Do We Need a Voice Methodology? Proposing a Voice-Centered Methodology: A Conceptual Framework in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism

by Laura Caroleo

Societies 2025, 15(9), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090241 - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

This paper explores the rise in voice-based social media as a pivotal transformation in digital communication, situated within the broader era of chatbots and voice AI. Platforms such as Clubhouse, X Spaces, Discord and similar ones foreground vocal interaction, reshaping norms of participation, [...] Read more.

This paper explores the rise in voice-based social media as a pivotal transformation in digital communication, situated within the broader era of chatbots and voice AI. Platforms such as Clubhouse, X Spaces, Discord and similar ones foreground vocal interaction, reshaping norms of participation, identity construction, and platform governance. This shift from text-centered communication to hybrid digital orality presents new sociological and methodological challenges, calling for the development of voice-centered analytical approaches. In response, the paper introduces a multidimensional methodological framework for analyzing voice-based social media platforms in the context of surveillance capitalism and AI-driven conversational technologies. We propose a high-level reference architecture machine learning for social science pipeline that integrates digital methods techniques, automatic speech recognition (ASR) models, and natural language processing (NLP) models within a reflexive and ethically grounded framework. To illustrate its potential, we outline possible stages of a PoC (proof of concept) audio analysis machine learning pipeline, demonstrated through a conceptual use case involving the collection, ingestion, and analysis of X Spaces. While not a comprehensive empirical study, this pipeline proposal highlights technical and ethical challenges in voice analysis. By situating the voice as a central axis of online sociality and examining it in relation to AI-driven conversational technologies, within an era of post-orality, the study contributes to ongoing debates on surveillance capitalism, platform affordances, and the evolving dynamics of digital interaction. In this rapidly evolving landscape, we urgently need a robust vocal methodology to ensure that voice is not just processed but understood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reshaping Social Reality: Digital Societies and the Data-Based Approach)

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12 pages, 238 KB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Schools as Educational Common Places in an Era of Superdiversity: Policy Debates and Proposals for Citizen Education

by Jordi Collet-Sabé

Societies 2025, 15(9), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090240 - 29 Aug 2025

Abstract

During recent decades, the commons approach has emerged as a tool with which to critically analyse current reality and propose alternatives. Using this approach, the paper asks how the common good can be promoted in education, especially in times and places of superdiversity. [...] Read more.

During recent decades, the commons approach has emerged as a tool with which to critically analyse current reality and propose alternatives. Using this approach, the paper asks how the common good can be promoted in education, especially in times and places of superdiversity. After a short conceptual presentation of the commons approach, it discusses the current approaches to the management of diversity (multicultural, intercultural, liberal, social cohesion) that, produced from the same episteme based on substantive identities and schools as ‘invited’ spaces, provide unexpected barriers to the development of schools as inclusive and participative commonplaces. With this conceptual foundation of the problem in place, the paper then examines the convivial approach as an alternative way to rethink schools as educational commons and to offer opportunities for collaboration and co-operation, generating a web of sustained connections between different actors. Finally, the paper outlines what schools as educational commons might look like in a superdiverse context and how this can be promoted as a new education policy. It focuses on specific policies that might promote conviviality and education as a common good in which schools become ‘invented’ spaces, participatory and self-governed common places, and producers of alternative citizenship, relations, and identities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Citizenship Education in Times of Social Turbulence: Education for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)

19 pages, 413 KB

Open AccessArticle

Segmenting Recreational Dance Communities in Greece: Cultural Identity, Lifelong Engagement, and Inclusive and Participant-Centered Approaches to Dance Programming

by Aglaia Zafeiroudi, Dimitrios Goulimaris, Kostas Alexandris and Georgia Yfantidou

Societies 2025, 15(9), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090239 - 29 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study explored how dance style preferences among recreational dancers in Greece reflect intersections of cultural identity, demographic background, and lifelong engagement. A total of 912 participants were analyzed using chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests, Spearman correlation, and k-means cluster analysis. Significant associations [...] Read more.

This study explored how dance style preferences among recreational dancers in Greece reflect intersections of cultural identity, demographic background, and lifelong engagement. A total of 912 participants were analyzed using chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests, Spearman correlation, and k-means cluster analysis. Significant associations were found between gender and stylistic preferences, with women favoring ballet and contemporary styles, while men preferred traditional and partner-based forms such as tango. Kruskal–Wallis tests indicated that age influenced stylistic preferences, though it did not significantly differentiate participant clusters. A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was observed between age and years of dancing experience. k-means clustering revealed four distinct participant profiles based on gender, residence, experience, and stylistic engagement, highlighting culturally shaped participation patterns. Urban dancers exhibited broader stylistic diversity, whereas rural dancers showed stronger preferences for traditional genres, emphasizing the influence of cultural heritage. These findings demonstrate how identity, environment, and experiential factors could shape recreational dance paths across the lifespan. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive, inclusive, and participant-centered dance education and culturally informed tourism programming that accommodates diverse pathways of engagement. Future research is recommended to investigate motivational factors and cross-cultural patterns to further deepen understanding and inform recreational dance communities. Full article

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14 pages, 508 KB

Open AccessArticle

Social Support and Negative Emotions in the Process of Resilience: A Longitudinal Study of College Students

by Yuqi Zhang and Hongshuo Chen

Societies 2025, 15(9), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090238 - 28 Aug 2025

Abstract

Through three-wave longitudinal research, a survey was conducted with 3200 college students from a university in China, Hebei Province, with an interval of approximately one year between each survey. In the third wave of surveys, 1495 valid samples were obtained. The questionnaires included [...] Read more.

Through three-wave longitudinal research, a survey was conducted with 3200 college students from a university in China, Hebei Province, with an interval of approximately one year between each survey. In the third wave of surveys, 1495 valid samples were obtained. The questionnaires included the Resilience Scale (RS-11), the Social Support Questionnaire (F-SozU K-14), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). There are significant differences in social support and negative emotions across gender variables. There are significant differences in resilience, social support, and negative emotions across travel frequency in the past year. There are significant differences in negative emotions across vegetarianism. Resilience and social support measured in three waves were significantly negatively correlated with negative emotions, while resilience and social support were significantly positively correlated. The results of the random intercept cross-lagged panel model analysis indicate that W1 social support can significantly negatively predict W2 negative emotions, and W2 negative emotions can significantly negatively predict W3 resilience and social support. Ineffective or insufficient social support can cause negative emotions to negatively impact the resilience process while further reducing the individual’s perception of social support. Full article

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15 pages, 271 KB

Open AccessArticle

Loneliness, Social Cohesion, and the Role of Art Making

by Olivia Sagan

Societies 2025, 15(9), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090237 - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Global interest in the rising rates of loneliness runs parallel to increased concern about weakening social cohesion. Both phenomena are described as complexly entwined with trust and agency and related to wellbeing at both an individual and societal level. Whilst opinions are numerous [...] Read more.

Global interest in the rising rates of loneliness runs parallel to increased concern about weakening social cohesion. Both phenomena are described as complexly entwined with trust and agency and related to wellbeing at both an individual and societal level. Whilst opinions are numerous and divided on how to alleviate loneliness and build social cohesion, there is some important coalescence around claims of the contribution of art making to both warding off loneliness and building social cohesion. This paper draws on the work of Hannah Arendt and contemporary readings of her theory of loneliness to suggest how art making can be efficacious and why it should play a central role in community building rather than be relegated to a peripheral desideratum. Drawing on data from two studies into community art making, the paper explores how the inter- and intrapersonal processes of being seen and showing can alleviate loneliness, begin to restore agency, and help build social cohesion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Healthy Communities)

16 pages, 912 KB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of a Perception Scale for Knowledge Acquired in Emotional Education During Initial Teacher Training

by Gerardo Fuentes-Vilugrón, Flavio Muñoz-Troncoso, Rafael Bisquerra-Alzina, Enrique Riquelme-Mella, José-Luis Ramos-Sánchez, Felipe Caamaño-Navarrete, Edgardo Miranda-Zapata, Carlos Arriagada-Hernández, Ekaterina Legaz-Vladímisrkaya and Gerardo Muñoz-Troncoso

Societies 2025, 15(9), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090236 - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Emotional education is essential in teacher training processes, but historically it has been neglected in the training system. The purpose of this study was to design and psychometrically validate the EEITT Scale, an instrument that assesses the perception of knowledge acquired about emotional [...] Read more.

Emotional education is essential in teacher training processes, but historically it has been neglected in the training system. The purpose of this study was to design and psychometrically validate the EEITT Scale, an instrument that assesses the perception of knowledge acquired about emotional education in student teachers and practicing teachers. A quantitative, descriptive and comparative approach was used with 548 participants, applying confirmatory factor analysis and invariance analysis to evaluate the model. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fit well and had high reliability scores, which backs up the validity and internal consistency of the EEITT for measuring perceptions about emotional education training. Statistically significant differences were identified between groups, with students reporting greater social-emotional learning in the four factors evaluated. Likewise, a negative and significant effect of age on the perception of emotional education training was observed. These findings highlight the importance of emotional education in teacher training and point to the need for educational policies that integrate holistic and continuous approaches throughout the teaching career. Despite its limitations, this instrument provides relevant tools for future research and for guiding the design and improvement of teacher training practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotion and Culture: Mediating Aspects for Teaching and Learning Processes)

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15 pages, 280 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Significance of the Church’s Role in Domestic Violence Cases Among Roma Women

by Petra Kleindienst, Predrag Ljubotina, Aleksandar Racz and Borut Rončević

Societies 2025, 15(9), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090235 - 23 Aug 2025

Abstract

The article examines the support structures available to Roma women faced with domestic violence, focusing on the role of the church as a sanctuary. The research includes a case study of the Roma community in Međimurje County, Croatia, which is characterized by (Catholic) [...] Read more.

The article examines the support structures available to Roma women faced with domestic violence, focusing on the role of the church as a sanctuary. The research includes a case study of the Roma community in Međimurje County, Croatia, which is characterized by (Catholic) religious homogenization. Analysis reveals that Roma women who fear the perpetrator prefer confidentiality, anticipate disbelief, or feel they are themselves to blame are more likely to seek support from the church. The findings show that Roma women who report domestic violence to the police are also likely to turn to the church for help. The research further examines the correlation between different types of violence and the likelihood of Roma women contacting the church for support. Full article

20 pages, 644 KB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Breaking the Cycle: Holistic Digital Solutions for Overlooked Challenges of Children with Special Needs in Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Communities

by Neluwa-Liyanage R. Indika, Nawoda Hewage, Hapu-Arachchige C. Harshana, Udara D. Senarathne, Anusha Kaneshapillai, Shaampavei Mahendrarajah and Samaraweera-Arachchige M. H. Kumara

Societies 2025, 15(9), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090234 - 22 Aug 2025

Abstract

In socio-economically disadvantaged communities, the challenges faced by children with special needs are often overshadowed by more visible issues such as poverty, family instability, and substance abuse. Children, especially those with special needs, are particularly vulnerable in these settings as they are disproportionately [...] Read more.

In socio-economically disadvantaged communities, the challenges faced by children with special needs are often overshadowed by more visible issues such as poverty, family instability, and substance abuse. Children, especially those with special needs, are particularly vulnerable in these settings as they are disproportionately impacted by intersecting adversities, including neglect, exploitation, and limited access to education and healthcare. These adversities create a vicious cycle, where disability exacerbates financial hardship, and in turn, economic deprivation negatively impacts early childhood development, further entrenching disability. Conventional models, which require physical presence and focus primarily on diagnosis and treatment within clinical settings, often fail to address the broader social, environmental, and contextual complexities of disability. We propose an Information Technology-based Exit Pathway as an innovative, scalable solution to disrupt this cycle. Anchored in the five pillars of the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) matrix of Health, Education, Livelihood, Social, and Empowerment, the model envisions a multi-level digital platform that facilitates coordinated support across individual, familial, educational, community, regional, and national levels. By improving access to services, fostering inclusive networks, and enabling early intervention, the proposed approach aims to promote equity, social inclusion, and sustainable development for children with special needs in marginalized communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Disabled People/People with Disabilities (Non-Medical Coverage))

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32 pages, 4168 KB

Open AccessArticle

An AI-Driven News Impact Monitoring Framework Through Attention Tracking

by Anastasia Katsaounidou, Paris Xylogiannis, Thomai Baltzi, Theodora Saridou, Symeon Papadopoulos and Charalampos Dimoulas

Societies 2025, 15(8), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080233 - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

The paper presents the motivation, development, and evaluation of an AI-driven framework for media stream impact analysis at the consumption end, employing user reactions monitoring through attention tracking (i.e., eye and mouse tracking). The adopted methodology elaborates on software and system engineering processes, [...] Read more.

The paper presents the motivation, development, and evaluation of an AI-driven framework for media stream impact analysis at the consumption end, employing user reactions monitoring through attention tracking (i.e., eye and mouse tracking). The adopted methodology elaborates on software and system engineering processes, combining elements of rapid prototyping models with interdisciplinary participatory design and evaluation, leaning on the foundation of information systems design science research to enable continuous refinement through repeated cycles of stakeholder engagement, feedback, technical iteration, and validation. A dynamic Form Builder has been implemented to supplement these tools, allowing the construction and management of pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, thus helping associate collected data with the respective tracking maps. The present begins with the detailed presentation of the tools’ implementation, the respective technology, and the offered functionalities, emphasizing the perception of tampered visual content that is used as a pilot evaluation and validation case. The significance of the research lies in the practical applications of AI-assisted monitoring to effectively analyze and understand media dynamics and user reactions. The so-called iMedius framework introduces an integration of innovative multidisciplinary procedures that bring together research instruments from the social sciences and multimodal analysis tools from the digital world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Participatory Environments: Technologies, Ethics, and Literacy Aspects)

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33 pages, 766 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Algorithmic Burnout and Digital Well-Being: Modelling Young Adults’ Resistance to Personalized Digital Persuasion

by Stefanos Balaskas, Maria Konstantakopoulou, Ioanna Yfantidou and Kyriakos Komis

Societies 2025, 15(8), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080232 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

In an era when AI systems curate increasingly fine-grained aspects of everyday media use, understanding algorithmic fatigue and resistance is essential for safeguarding user agency. Within the horizon of a more algorithmic and hyper-personalized advertising environment, knowing how people resist algorithmic advertising is [...] Read more.

In an era when AI systems curate increasingly fine-grained aspects of everyday media use, understanding algorithmic fatigue and resistance is essential for safeguarding user agency. Within the horizon of a more algorithmic and hyper-personalized advertising environment, knowing how people resist algorithmic advertising is of immediate importance. This research formulates and examines a structural resistance model for algorithmic advertising, combining psychological and cognitive predictors such as perceived ad fatigue (PAF), digital well-being (DWB), advertising literacy (ADL), and perceived relevance (PR). Based on a cross-sectional survey of 637 participants, the research employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and mediation and multi-group analysis to uncover overall processes and group-specific resistance profiles. Findings show that DWB, ADL, and PR are strong positive predictors of resistance to persuasion, while PAF has no direct effect. PAF has significant indirect influences through both PR and ADL, with full mediation providing support for the cognitive filter function of resistance. DWB demonstrates partial mediation, indicating that it has influence both directly and through enhanced literacy and relevance attribution. Multi-group analysis also indicates that there are notable differences in terms of age, gender, education, social media consumption, ad skipping, and occurrence of digital burnout. Interestingly, younger users and those who have higher digital fatigue are more sensitive to cognitive mediators, whereas gender and education level play a moderating role in the effect of well-being and literacy on resistance pathways. The research provides theory-informed, scalable theory to enhance the knowledge of online resistance. Practical implications are outlined for policymakers, marketers, educators, and developers of digital platforms based on the extent to which psychological resilience and media literacy underpin user agency. In charting resistance contours, this article seeks to maintain the voice of the user in a world growing increasingly algorithmic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algorithm Awareness: Opportunities, Challenges and Impacts on Society)

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21 pages, 822 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping (In)Formal Francophone Spaces: Exploring Community Cohesion Through a Mobilities Lens

by Suzanne Huot, Anne-Cécile Delaisse, Nathalie Piquemal and Leyla Sall

Societies 2025, 15(8), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080231 - 19 Aug 2025

Abstract

Immigration is being used as a policy lever to sustain the demography of Canadian Francophone minority communities (FMCs). As FMCs become increasingly diverse, concerns have been raised regarding their capacity to develop and sustain a sense of community cohesion. This study draws on [...] Read more.

Immigration is being used as a policy lever to sustain the demography of Canadian Francophone minority communities (FMCs). As FMCs become increasingly diverse, concerns have been raised regarding their capacity to develop and sustain a sense of community cohesion. This study draws on the mobilities paradigm to examine how community members within three different FMCs engaged within and beyond formal and informal Francophone spaces within the cities of Metro Vancouver, Winnipeg and Moncton. Using an occupational mapping method to elicit spatial and dialogic data, we analyze the descriptions of maps from 62 French-speaking participants who were born in, or who immigrated to, Canada in order to obtain diverse perspectives on community cohesion. Our findings are presented according to three themes. The first addresses socio-geographically shaped mobilities within the three FMCs, the second examines participants’ engagement in a range of (in)formal Francophone spaces, and the third explores their convergent and divergent mobilities as shaped by local dynamics. We contribute insights into the relationship between forms of spatial and social mobility that shape experiences of community cohesion within FMCs. Full article

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19 pages, 673 KB

Open AccessArticle

Convergence and Divergence in the Determinants of Happiness: A Dual-STATIS Analysis of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (2006–2022)

by Enrique Ferruzola-Gomez, Luis Brito-Gaona, Jorge Guido Sotomayor-Pereira, Marco Faytong-Haro and Patricio Alvarez-Muñoz

Societies 2025, 15(8), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080230 - 19 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study examined the temporal evolution of happiness determinants in the Andean region using the dual-STATIS method, a multivariate technique that captures structural patterns over time. By analyzing data from the World Happiness Report for Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru from 2006 to 2022, [...] Read more.

This study examined the temporal evolution of happiness determinants in the Andean region using the dual-STATIS method, a multivariate technique that captures structural patterns over time. By analyzing data from the World Happiness Report for Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru from 2006 to 2022, this study identified key trends in subjective well-being. The findings revealed a three-phase evolution in covariation structures, highlighting significant correlations between well-being and factors such as gross domestic product per capita (r = 0.536, p < 0.05) and social support (r = 0.597, p < 0.05). Healthy life expectancy showed strong temporal stability (r = 0.912, p < 0.05), while perceptions of corruption influenced both positive (r = −0.402, p < 0.05) and negative (r = 0.407, p < 0.05) emotions. The analysis identifies country-specific patterns, with Peru exhibiting the highest weight in the common structure (0.85), followed by Ecuador (0.75), and Colombia (0.70). The dual-STATIS methodology, validated through bootstrapping and cross-validation, confirmed the robustness of these relationships. These findings suggest that while certain determinants of happiness converge across the three countries, national-specific factors continue to shape trends in well-being. This study underscores the need for tailored public policies that account for both regional integration and country-specific social, economic, and institutional conditions. Full article

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