Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
ISSN 2959-6149(Print) ISSN 2960-1320(Online) Editor-in-chief ： Syed Muhammad Miqdad Mehdi （South China University of Technology） Associate Editor： Zahid Yousaf（Government College of Management Sciences, Mansehra-Pakistan） Editorial Board Member： Umer Sahil Maqsood（Xi'an Jiaotong University） Hu Liu（Weinan Normal University） Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies which provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and students to share their latest research and insights in the fields of communication and humanities. One of the key reasons why people should choose Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies as their preferred journal is its interdisciplinary focus. The journal covers a wide range of topics in the fields of communication and humanities, including but not limited to cultural studies, media studies, language studies, literary studies, and visual arts. This breadth of coverage ensures that readers are exposed to the latest and most relevant research in various interdisciplinary areas. Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies is a top choice for scholars and practitioners is its commitment to promoting research that has real-world applications. The journal places a strong emphasis on practical applications of research findings, ensuring that its articles have implications for the fields of communication and humanities. As such, readers can expect to find articles that not only contribute to theoretical knowledge but also have practical implications for professionals in these fields. All articles will be submitted to Google Scholar, Crossref, U.S. Librarian Database, ProQuest(part of Clarivate’s Web of Science), Ulrich's Periodicals Directory, SEMANTIC SCHOLAR, OpenAlex.
The Impact of Internet Usage Time on Adolescents’ Self-Confidence: An Analysis of the Mediating Effect of Perceived Social Support
In the digital era, adolescents’ online usage time continues to increase. As a core dimension of their physical and mental health and social development, self-confidence is susceptible to the influence of online behaviour. This study focuses on the association between online usage time and adolescent self-confidence. Employing quantitative research methods, the study collected data on online usage and self-confidence assessments from 527 adolescents aged 10 to 18 across different regions via questionnaire surveys. Statistical analytical methods were employed to explore the specific mechanisms through which internet usage duration influences adolescents’ self-confidence. Findings indicate that moderate internet usage positively influences adolescent self-confidence through avenues such as social expansion and skill acquisition. Conversely, excessive usage may induce self-perception distortions and withdrawal from real-world social interactions, thereby undermining self-confidence. Consequently, this study proposes targeted intervention strategies to guide adolescents towards rational internet usage and promoting the healthy development of self-confidence.
Copyright (c) 2026 Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
Study on the Dissemination Logic and Cross-Cultural Strategies of Micro-Dramas
Micro-Dramas, a growing form of online audio-visual content, have fostered a massive industrial market in China and are now extending their reach to global audiences. Therefore, this paper examines the development logic of the short-form drama market and its cross-cultural dissemination pathways. It traces the evolution of domestic short-form dramas from their emergence as differentiated short-video content to their current professionalized and high-quality production. And this study analyzes how market scale and platform architecture influence audience psychology, which in turn feeds back to shape platform structures. Focusing on overseas cultural adaptation efforts, it further considers platform ecosystem planning, while also emphasizing the need to address the key challenges encountered in this process. The results reveal that the global dissemination of short-form dramas depends on both commercial operation models and the capacity for cultural translation and localized management. These factors play a crucial role in the effectiveness of communication, hence enabling short-form dramas to achieve sustainable international reach. In the future, the core of their sustainable development lies in building a content system that balances cultural universality with regional specificity, thereby ensuring long-term market operation and audience recognition worldwide.
“Treasures from Afar”: The Cultural Characteristics and Dissemination Value of Hong Kong Travel Literature
Xia Er Guan Zhen (遐迩贯珍), founded in August 1853 and ceased publication in May 1856, spanned the terms of Governors Bonham and Bowring. This paper takes Xia Er Guan Zhen, founded in the mid-19th century, as its research object, systematically examines its distinctive status and cultural significance in the history of Hong Kong travel literature. Through literature analysis and the theoretical framework of travel literature, it unveils the innovative attributes of the journal in terms of factual writing, elegant language, and cross-cultural communication. Xia Er Guan Zhen pioneered a travel tradition integrating practical utility with literary aesthetics through the dissemination of scientific knowledge, the enlightenment of economic concepts, and comparative narratives of Chinese and Western cultures. Furthermore, its pioneering exploration of cross-cultural communication models and practices serves as a crucial precursor and methodological reference for the effective dissemination and in-depth exchange of contemporary travel literature.
Analysis of the Practical Paths for the Integration of Environmental Science and Economics
Against the backdrop of worsening global ecological problems, the fragmented development of environmental science and economics has become a key barrier to achieving a win-win situation between ecological protection and economic growth. This disconnection often leads to policy conflicts, inefficient resource allocation, and unsustainable development models that prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term ecological health. Focusing on the practical paths for integrating these two interdisciplinary fields, this study adopts a comprehensive research methodology that combines literature review, typical case analysis, data validation, and mathematical model prediction. It systematically addresses core issues in the integration process, including inadequate policy coordination between environmental and economic sectors, a weak industrial driving force for green transformation, and insufficient technical support for cross-disciplinary data processing and analysis. The research concludes that optimizing policy formulation and upgrading industrial structure are the two core and effective integration paths: policy optimization provides institutional guarantees through coordinated systems and incentive mechanisms, while industrial upgrading drives practical advancement through structural adjustment and technological innovation. Typical cases such as the EU Carbon Trading Market and China’s photovoltaic industry transformation have fully verified the feasibility and effectiveness of these paths. Additionally, quantitative tools including grey prediction and multiple linear regression models can accurately predict future development trends in investment scale, benefit growth, and talent demand, providing actionable theoretical references and practical guidance for governments, enterprises, and other stakeholders to promote the coordinated development of environmental protection and economic growth.
From “Visibility” to “Computability”: How Algorithms Transform User Labour into Symbolic Capital
In the era of digital capitalism, social media platforms have transcended their role as communication tools to become mechanisms that convert user activity into commodified data and symbolic value. This paper investigates how recommendation algorithms and platform architectures translate user interactions into symbolic capital, and how this process reshapes user behavior and identity—producing novel forms of alienation. Employing a theoretical-synthetic approach that integrates Marx’s concept of alienation, Bourdieu’s notions of field, habitus and symbolic capital, and illustrative case analysis (notably TikTok algorithmic nichification and Weibo’s Super Topic mechanics), the study traces three linked processes: (1) the encoding of user actions into quantifiable digital metrics, (2) the institutionalization of those metrics as symbolic capital, and (3) the internalization of metrics-by-users as selfevaluation standards. The findings show that voluntary user labor is appropriated and monetized by platforms, while users come to equate personal worth with algorithmic indicators, thereby deepening both labor- and identityalienation. The paper concludes with the limits of the present study and directions for empirical and comparative follow-up research.
From “Campus Thinking” to “Workplace Thinking”: Barriers and Breakthrough Strategies in the Leadership Transformation of New Professionals
The transition from “campus thinking” to “workplace thinking” represents one of the most pivotal psychological and professional shifts that early-career professionals undergo upon entering full-time employment. As organizations increasingly prioritize leadership competencies among new hires, the shift from “studentdependent mindsets” to “proactive leadership orientations” has emerged as a critical determinant of career success. Notably, such transitions are not straightforward and entail a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral barriers for new entrants. This study seeks to identify these barriers and corresponding breakthrough strategies in the context of workplace transitions for early-career professionals. Based on ten peer-reviewed studies, this research employs systematic literature analysis and comparative analysis to synthesize existing theories and develop propositional frameworks. The findings reveal that the critical barriers are the “insufficient self-leadership awareness”, “role identity deficits”, and “resistance to organizational cultural adaptation”. Corresponding breakthrough strategies include “structured onboarding”, “targeted mentoring”, “systematic mindset restructuring”, and “managerial identity cultivation”. By unpacking these processes incrementally, this study aims to enrich leadership development theory and provide organizations with actionable insights to optimize talent development practices.
A Study on Product Placement in DeWu App’s Social Media Advertising: Types, Forms, and Influence Mechanisms
With the development of social media, advertising placement has gradually become a crucial method in brand marketing. Traditional hard advertisements, due to their rigid format, are increasingly likely to be ignored or even met with aversion by users. In contrast, feed-based ads and soft placements, valued for their natural integration and non-intrusive browsing experience, are gaining greater favor among users. This paper examines the DeWu App, focusing on its advertising placement methods and dissemination effects across social media platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin. The research combines case analysis with literature review, comparing Nike’s film placements and Heytea’s Xiaohongshu promotions while integrating studies on user acceptance. Findings reveal that the DeWu App predominantly employs storytelling and short-video formats for its advertisements. This approach reduces user resistance to ads while enhancing brand identification and emotional resonance. Such advertising not only boosts user trust but also significantly increases purchase intent and conversion rates. Overall, these insights hold valuable reference and promotional significance for future digital advertising strategy development, user relationship management, and new media marketing practices.
Adolescent Schizophrenia Social Function Recovery Methods and Effects
Adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia, typically between the ages of 12 and 17, often exhibit impaired social functioning, which manifests as reduced self-care abilities, diminished interpersonal communication skills, and decreased engagement in academic pursuits. Current research, however, predominantly concentrates on adult populations, leaving a significant gap in rehabilitation strategies tailored for adolescents. The adaptation of adultcentered models is often unsuitable for the unique demands of juvenile home and school settings. In this study, we implemented a multifaceted approach, incorporating home-based, school-based, and medical rehabilitation interventions. Our findings indicate that family-centered routines led to a 40% improvement in self-care capabilities among the participants. Furthermore, modifications to school responsibilities resulted in a 30% increase in academic participation. Medical-emotional conversational therapy was effective in reducing the frequency of seizures by 25%. This study offers valuable insights for nursing professionals and contributes to the advancement of rehabilitation practices specifically designed for adolescents.
Research Progress of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Secondary School Chemistry Teaching
As a cutting-edge branch of artificial intelligence technology, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is effecting a profound transformation in secondary - school chemistry education. This study undertakes a systematic review of 31 related research papers to analyze the current application of GenAI in chemistry teaching. Through discussing four key dimensions—homework and assessment optimization, experimental teaching innovation, instructional design empowerment, and personalized learning support—the research not only unveils the underlying mechanisms of technological empowerment but also grapples with practical challenges such as data security and algorithmic bias. It ultimately proposes development paths including building human-machine collaborative teaching paradigms and cultivating critical thinking. The findings demonstrate that GenAI bolsters the personalization and efficacy of chemistry instruction via intelligent content generation, contextualized interaction design, and precise data feedback. However, the study emphasizes the necessity to address time constraints in technology application while preserving the rational essence of education.
Analysis of the Role of Different Housing Policies in Urban Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Singapore and Hong Kong
Housing policies are pivotal to urban sustainable development. This paper takes Singapore and Hong Kong as case studies, employing literature analysis, case study, and comparative analysis to explore the impacts of distinct housing policies on urban sustainability. The research finds significant disparities between Singapore and Hong Kong in housing affordability, social segregation, and environmental impact. Singapore has effectively addressed the housing needs of the majority of its residents through a government-led public housing policy, establishing itself as a global benchmark for housing governance. In contrast, Hong Kong, constrained by limited land resources and a market-driven housing model, grapples with challenges of soaring housing prices and low affordability. Through in-depth analysis of the housing policies of Singapore and Hong Kong, this paper aims to provide cross-regional experiential references for the sustainable development of high-density cities and provides useful references for other cities in formulating and implementing housing policies. This research bears significant theoretical and practical implications.
A Comparative Study of Policy Instruments for Urban Green Transition: The Cases of Shenzhen and Stockholm
Amid accelerating global climate change, cities have emerged as pivotal arenas for advancing sustainable development and carbon neutrality. As hubs of population, industry, and innovation, they serve as crucial drivers of green transformation, where local policy instruments underpin the achievement of broader national and global environmental goals. Shenzhen, representing China’s rapid urban modernization and technological dynamism, and Stockholm, renowned for its advanced environmental governance and social sustainability, exemplify two distinct yet leading pathways toward urban green transition. This study compares the policy instruments employed by these two cities to promote low-carbon development and ecological innovation. Through a systematic literature review and qualitative comparative analysis, the research identifies how regulatory, economic, and informational tools have been differentially combined and prioritized within each governance context. The findings indicate that while Shenzhen’s approach relies heavily on state-led regulation and fiscal incentives, Stockholm emphasizes participatory governance and market-based mechanisms. The comparison underscores that effective urban green transition depends on adaptive policy mixes tailored to local institutional and socio-economic conditions.
AI in Micro-Short Drama Production: A Comprehensive Review of Applications and Challenges
The rapid growth of micro-short dramas as a dominant form of digital entertainment has been significantly influenced by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This paper presents a systematic review of AI technology applications across the full production chain of microshort dramas, encompassing content creation, production, and distribution. Through a comprehensive analysis of 15 seminal works and industrial case studies, we identify and elaborate on AI’s role in three critical phases: preproduction (e.g., data-driven ideation and scriptwriting assistance), mid-production (e.g., automated dialogue synchronization and editing), and post-production (e.g., recommendation algorithms and personalized content delivery). The findings indicate that while AI significantly enhances production efficiency and the precision of audience targeting but introduces new challenges such as creative homogenization, intellectual property ambiguity, and ethical concerns regarding algorithmic governance. The study concludes that sustainable integration requires human–AI collaboration, more robust regulatory frameworks, and standardized ethical audit protocols. This review contributes a structured framework to understanding the current landscape and future trajectory of AI’s role in micro-short drama production.
Assessing Labor Market Dynamics in Southwest China: An Analysis of Employment and Unemployment Trends 2010-2025
This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the labor market dynamics within South-west China, covering the period from 2010 to 2025. Amidst China’s broader economic re-structuring, the southwestern region presents a unique case study characterized by rapid urbanization, industrial policy shifts, and significant rural-to-urban labor migration. This paper investigates the evolving trends in employment across primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, alongside a critical examination of unemployment patterns. Utilizing statistical data from national and provincial sources, the analysis employs trend analysis, correlation matrices, and multiple regression models. The findings reveal a significant structural shift, with the tertiary (service) sector emerging as the primary driver of job creation, partially mitigating unemployment pressures from industrial consolidation. The regression analysis indicates that GDP growth and foreign direct investment (FDI) remain significant factors in reducing unemployment, though the elasticity of employment to growth appears to be changing. These results underscore the importance of targeted labor policies that enhance skill development and facilitate labor mobility to align the workforce with the demands of a service-oriented economy.
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The Portrayal of Insomnia in the TV Series Insomnia and Its Comparison to Clinical Standards
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders and has been increasingly depicted in popular media. This study explores how the 2018 Russian TV series Insomnia portrays the symptoms, causes, and effects of the disorder, and compares this portrayal to clinical diagnostic criteria and findings from adolescent insomnia research. The research employs a visual analysis approach to the first three episodes of the series, focusing on scenes depicting insomnia-related behavior and its psychological and social consequences. Clinical evidence from peer-reviewed medical and psychological literature is used for comparison. The findings reveal that Insomnia accurately depicts several core features of chronic insomnia—such as cognitive impairment, emotional instability, and hallucinations—but dramatizes these features for narrative tension. The series simultaneously raises awareness about sleep health while preserving its fictional entertainment value.
Research on the Optimization of Oral Interaction Patterns in Chinese High School English Classrooms under the Guidance of TESL Methodology
Nowadays, Chinese high school oral English teaching is often constrained by an exam-oriented approach, suffering from insufficient classroom practice time and a lack of real situation communication problems, which create a gap between students’ oral application ability and language learning goals. The TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) methodology which emphasizes contextualized input, interactive exercises, and the adaptation of learners’ language needs. It can effectively address the shortcoming of traditional oral teaching and provide a scientific way to improve high school students’ practical language application abilities. This article, based on the TESL methodology, focuses on and discusses the optimization research of oral interaction patterns in Chinese high school English classrooms. This article employs the method of literature analysis. The findings indicate that English teaching in Chinese high schools is deeply influenced by exam-oriented and teacher-centered problems. This causes students to be in a ‘dumb English’ situation. In order to change this situation, this paper has proposed improvements for each of the three stages of the teaching process.
The Application of Artificial Intelligence in English Learning for Chinese Preschool Children: Based on the Zone of Proximal Development Theory
The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) theory elucidates the gap between a learner’s actual developmental level—reflected in their ability to solve problems independently—and their potential developmental level—achieved when solving problems with guidance, providing a crucial theoretical framework for scaffolding instruction in second language acquisition for preschool children. Concurrently, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in education demonstrates transformative potential, particularly in facilitating personalized and adaptive learning experiences. This paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of AI applications in English learning for Chinese preschool children, grounded in the ZPD theory. Employing a combination of theoretical review and case analysis, the study addresses three core questions: the theoretical foundations and relevance of ZPD; the current state of AI implementation in this specific context; and practical pathways for integrating AI with ZPD theory. Findings indicate that while AI applications are emerging, they often lack a robust theoretical basis. Findings suggest AI can enhance language acquisition by providing dynamic assessment, personalized scaffolding, and developmentally appropriate challenges. This integration holds promise not only for improving linguistic competence but also for fostering cognitive and socio-emotional development, thus offering a novel intelligent paradigm for optimizing early childhood English education in China.
The Construction of Female Characters and Their Social Impact in the Context of Digital Media
In the digital age, visual media increasingly permeates social life, while the global interplay of cultural homogenization and differentiation influences the production and dissemination of content. Within this context, public attention paid to female characters has intensified, while the interplay between consumerism and the media environment renders Asian female characters more susceptible to being typified. This paper explores the primary representations of Asian women in digital media, investigates the continuity in character construction and dissemination logic between traditional Hollywood cinema and digital platforms such as TikTok, and evaluates the role of commercial and algorithmic factors in shaping the depiction and cultural significance of these characters. By integrating Arjun Appadurai’s media landscape theory and Jörg Schweinitz’s fixed schema theory, this study examines film/TV and short-video content. The findings suggest that in traditional media, Asian women are frequently represented through the “Lotus Blossom” and “Dragon Lady” archetypes. Such stereotypical depictions both restrict the range of identity expression and remain open to cultural evaluation. While stereotypes such as the delicate homemaker and assertive career woman persist on digital platforms, greater diversity in female characters can be fostered through creator practices, algorithmic design, and cross-media collaboration, affecting cultural views.
Conflict and Coordination Pathways Between Environmental Sustainability and Social Equity in Public Facilities of High- Density Cities: The Case of Denmark’s Dokk1 Library
Amid intertwined global urbanization and climate change, Copenhagen’s Dokk1 Library exemplifies how high-density cities’ public facilities pursue dual environmental-social value, revealing its transition challenges. This paper employs a combined approach of literature analysis and case study methodology, grounded in relevant theoretical frameworks. It scrutinizes the design philosophy, operational model, and urban context of Copenhagen’s Dokk1 Library, aiming to reveal its effectiveness, contradictions, and integration strategies in achieving dual environmental and social objectives. Research indicates that while Dokk1 successfully integrates green technology with vibrant public spaces at the building level, it faces the risk of being regarded as a symbol of gentrification in the broader urban context. This reflects the pervasive latent issue of “unintended social exclusion” within sustainable practices. This phenomenon illustrates that outstanding architectural design alone does not automatically ensure social equity. Without forward-looking policy interventions to curb gentrification, environmentally sustainable outcomes may paradoxically erode the authenticity and inclusiveness of existing communities. Consequently, the true value of green public facilities in high-density cities lies not merely in technological sophistication, but in their capacity to serve as institutional anchors for advancing and sustaining spatial justice – a universal challenge confronting global urban sustainability transitions.
The Research on the Identity Construction and Influence of KOL in Cultural Community
With the rise of Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in the digital era and the emergence of cultural communities, the importance of KOLs within these communities has been steadily increasing. This study examines the cultural construction and influence of KOLs in cultural communities. Employing literature analysis and case study methods, the study synthesizes existing scholarship to summarize characteristics of KOL identity and influence, and conducts an in-depth analysis of the representative KOL “Tao Heihei” to illustrate relevant phenomena. The findings show that KOL identity construction is a dynamic process evolving from “symbolic meaning generation” to “interactive negotiation” and finally “structural solidification,” embedded in social structures and capital logic. KOL influence depends on multiple factors: crisis management (e.g., Tao Heihei’s handling of the “Bingyu” incident), value expression aligned with community consensus (e.g., advocating gender equality), and accessible communication skills. The study fills gaps in marketing-focused KOL research and provides references for cultural community governance.
The Impact of Electronic Device Screen Time on High School Students’ Academic Achieveme
With the deep integration of digital technology into the educational field, the screen time of high school students has shown a significant increasing trend, making its relationship with academic achievement an essential topic for educational researchers. This paper explores the complex association between the two through a systematic literature analysis. The study finds a nonlinear “U-shaped” relationship between screen time and academic achievement. Specifically, students who use moderate amounts of time (1-3 hours per day on average) derive benefits from their time, having a positive or neutral impact on their academic performance, whereas students who use too much time (>4 hours) may suffer from the negative side effects of time displacement, attention loss, and sleep deprivation. In addition, students who use too little time (<1 hour) may lack the opportunity to take part in digital learning. Further research reveals that the type of content used is an important moderating variable, with educational content use associated with positive learning outcomes. In contrast, passive entertainment use may have adverse effects. Factors such as students’ self-regulation ability and family environment significantly moderate this relationship. Based on the findings, this paper suggests that educational interventions should shift from restricting duration to guiding high-quality content use and cultivating digital literacy, helping students optimize learning outcomes in the digital age.
The Role of China’s Railway Development in Promoting Regional Economic Integration: A Case Study of the Three Northeastern Provinces
The railway system in China’s Northeast has expanded rapidly in recent years, becoming a critical component of the region’s economic infrastructure. This rapid development is of great significance because it enhances accessibility and provides new momentum for the region’s economic revitalization. Taking the three Northeastern provinces—Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang—as a case study, this paper analyzes how railway development promotes regional economic integration. The study applies document analysis and case studies of representative railway projects, such as the Harbin–Dalian High-Speed Railway and the Shenyang–Baishan High-Speed Railway. The findings indicate that enhanced railway accessibility significantly reduces travel time and transport costs, strengthens intercity linkages, and stimulates industrial transformation along major railway corridors. Railway development has not only improved transport efficiency but also facilitated the integration of markets and resources across provinces. It further contributes to upgrading the industrial structure by attracting investment and talent. Overall, railway expansion emerges as a key driver of regional economic integration in Northeast China, with clear implications for balanced and sustainable development.
Visible Voices: Street Art, Youth Identity, and the Aesthetics of Resistance
Street art has become a visible and contested practice in many global cities, closely tied to the everyday experiences of young people. Rather than being treated simply as vandalism or decoration, street art functions as a cultural form through which youth negotiate identity, belonging, and resistance. This paper takes the case of graffiti in Manchester as a point of entry, positioning it within broader debates on subcultural expression and public art. The analysis draws on case study materials and theoretical perspectives to explore two central questions: how street art functions as a medium of youth identity and resistance, and whether it can be legitimized within the framework of urban civility. This paper suggests that while street art empowers young people to make their voices visible in the city, it also exposes tensions between grassroots creativity and institutional control. These dynamics offer insights into cultural policy, urban governance, and the role of youth expression in contemporary public life.
How to Achieve True Educational Equity Through “Equity Literacy” in International Schools
Beneath the facade of multiculturalism, international schools often harbor deep-seated structural inequities, where superficial cultural inclusivity often fails to translate into substantive educational equity. This paper employs “equity literacy” as its core theoretical framework. Through literature analysis and by drawing on research by scholars such as Gorski and Warikoo, it delves into the systemic impact of implicit bias, the limitations of quantitative data, and intersectional identities on students’ experiences of fairness. Focusing on the unique educational context of international schools, the study reveals the tension between the ideal of global citizenship education and the reality of equity challenges. Findings indicate that teachers’ unconscious biases persistently shape their instructional expectations and interpersonal interactions, while schools’ overreliance on standardized data often obscures the structural roots of unequal opportunities and inequitable resource allocation. Consequently, this paper proposes advancing equity-oriented educational reform through three interrelated dimensions as follows: teacher professional development, curriculum content restructuring, and school policy formulation. Specifically, continuous equity literacy training should be implemented to empower teachers to identify and challenge implicit biases. Multicultural perspectives and content on intersectional identities should be integrated to transform curricula toward greater inclusivity and responsiveness. Equity principles should be embedded in school strategic planning and resource allocation to build learning communities that genuinely respect each student’s background and support their holistic development. This paper aims to provide theoretical foundations and practical pathways for international schools to transition from “superficial inclusion” to “deep equity.”
Gender Expressions Among Youth: The Influence of Subcultures
Youth identity formation is a complex and dynamic process shaped by social, cultural, and personal factors, with gender expression playing a central role. In recent years, subcultures such as punk, goth, hip-hop, and cosplay have become significant spaces where adolescents experiment with gender identities beyond mainstream norms. This study explores how subcultural participation influences adolescents’ gender expressions and identity construction. Drawing upon queer theory and sociological perspectives, it synthesizes existing literature and case studies, including research on hip-hop in Brazil and punk in North America, to examine how subcultures both resist and reproduce dominant gender norms. The discussion also considers the role of digital media in expanding subcultural communities and facilitating global networks of identity formation. Findings suggest that subcultures create opportunities for gender-nonconforming youth to resist traditional expectations and develop alternative forms of self-expression, while also reproducing challenges such as patriarchal hierarchies and social marginalization. These insights highlight the dual role of subcultures as both liberating and constraining forces in shaping adolescent gender identities.
Motivation, Self-Efficacy, and Language Use in English Medium Instruction: Predictors of Academic Language Challenges
This study investigates how motivation, self-concept, self-efficacy, and L2 use interact to influence students’ experiences in English Medium Instruction (EMI). While EMI programmes are increasingly common worldwide, many students continue to face significant academic language challenges, especially in writing and speaking, even when their formal language proficiency is adequate. To address this issue, the study adopts a case study approach combined with a literature review. The quantitative phase surveyed 544 EMI undergraduates using validated questionnaires measuring motivation (with three sub-dimensions), self-efficacy, L2 use, and academic language challenges. The qualitative phase included six student focus groups and eleven teacher interviews to provide deeper contextual insights. The findings reveal that both self-efficacy and L2 self-concept strongly predict students’ ease of learning, while motivated behaviour and L2 use show limited effects. These results highlight the importance of self-beliefs rather than language frequency alone. The paper concludes that supporting students’ selfefficacy and positive self-concept can significantly reduce EMI challenges and improve academic outcomes.
The Impact of Game Design on Player Stickiness
With the continuous expansion of the global gaming industry, player stickiness has become a critical measure of both game success and sustainability. This study focuses on the role of game design in shaping player stickiness, defined as the extent to which players remain engaged and return to a game over time. This research employs a literature review and case-based analysis, drawing on psychological frameworks such as Flow Theory and Self-Determination Theory, as well as practical game design elements including reward systems, social interaction, and narrative immersion. The central research questions are: (1) Which game design factors most significantly enhance player stickiness? (2) How do different genres of games create varied retention mechanisms? (3) What balance can be achieved between monetization strategies and long-term engagement? The findings suggest that balanced difficulty progression, meaningful reward structures, strong social features, and immersive narratives are core drivers of stickiness. Conversely, excessive reliance on monetization may undermine retention and damage player trust. The study contributes to both academic discussions in human-computer interaction and practical guidance for developers seeking to optimize design for sustainable engagement.
The Systematic Generation and Multiple Dilemmas of Educational Involution: An Integrative Analytical Framework
With the continued deepening of globalization, educational competition at all levels of Chinese society is becoming increasingly fierce. “Educational involution,” a social science concept describing systemic over-competition, manifests itself as a social phenomenon in which individuals and families, within the context of limited resources and development opportunities, continuously invest additional time, energy, and capital in their quest for relative advantage, resulting in diminishing returns for individuals and a continuous expansion of collective losses. This article systematically explores the root causes of educational involution in China and its broader social consequences from a multidimensional and integrated perspective. The study finds that educational involution is not driven by a single factor but rather by the combined effects of social structural tensions, intergenerational cultural and psychological inertia, and external anxieties triggered by technological iteration. These intertwined factors not only significantly suppress students’ innovative thinking and compromise their psychological well-being at the micro level, but also, at the macro level, further widen the gap in educational resource distribution and reinforce the entrenched social class structure. Consequently, this article argues that only by deeply understanding the selfperpetuating systemic cycle underlying involution can we lay the necessary theoretical foundation for transcending this predicament and reshaping a healthy educational ecosystem.
Analysis of Self-Care and Stress Management in YouTube Vlogs Targeting Adolescents
With the proliferation of new media platforms, YouTube vlogs have increasingly become a vital channel for adolescents to express themselves and gain mental health insights. This study examines 50 adolescent vlogs uploaded between 2022 and 2024, employing content analysis and thematic induction to systematically analyze representations of self-care and stress management. Findings reveal that self-care themes primarily manifest in three dimensions: physical self-care (40%), psychological adjustment (35%), and interest cultivation (25%). Stress management strategies, meanwhile, fall into three categories: study methods (45.5%), emotional regulation (31.5%), and social support (23.0%). At the expressive level, linguistic narratives, visual imagery, and interactive elements collectively form a multimodal narrative framework, enhancing the communicative impact of these themes. This study indicates that YouTube vlogs play a positive role in lowering barriers to mental health topics and facilitating peer experience sharing among adolescents. However, the study has limitations, including the insufficient scientific rigor of the content and an overreliance on online support. The findings contribute to understanding emerging trends in adolescent mental health education within new media contexts and provide reference points for intervention and guidance by families, schools, and platforms.
Portrayal of Adolescent Mental Health in 13 Reasons Why
Adolescent mental health is a global concern, with approximately one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 experiencing a mental health disorder, most commonly depression and anxiety. Media representations of these issues can significantly shape young people’s perceptions of symptoms, stigma, and help-seeking behaviors. This paper analyzes the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, examining how it depicts adolescent emotional distress, trauma, and attempts to seek help. By conducting content analysis of three selected episodes from Season 1, the study documents portrayals of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and trauma responses, as well as both successful and unsuccessful help-seeking attempts. Findings reveal realistic portrayals of adolescent distress, but predominantly unsuccessful help-seeking outcomes. These portrayals raise concerns about their potential negative effects on viewers’ perceptions of mental health support, thereby emphasizing the need for balanced media representations.
The Influence of Personality Traits and Stress Mindset on Resilience in Athletes: A Systematic Literature Review
In competitive sports, athletes face high-pressure situations that challenge their capacity to maintain well-being and performance—a phenomenon known as resilience. This systematic literature review examines how personality traits and stress mindset influence athletic resilience and evaluates the potential for interventions to enhance these components. By synthesizing empirical metaanalyses, correlational studies, and intervention research from 2010–2025, we find that personality traits such as conscientiousness and extraversion (positively correlated with resilience, r ≈ 0.35 and 0.28, respectively) and a positive stress mindset (construing stress as an enhancing factor) significantly predict robust and rebound resilience in athletes. Interventions targeting personality (e.g., 15-week challenge programs) and stress mindset (e.g., brief reappraisal videos) show promise, with mindset changes being faster and more scalable. Limitations include small sample sizes and Western-centric studies, which may not fully generalize to diverse athletic populations like those in Shanghai. For instance, in competitive youth sports settings such as APAC competitions, these factors are observed to foster team resilience. This review proposes a future mixed-methods study to compare intervention efficacy in youth athletes, offering practical implications for coaches aiming to enhance performance and mental health in sports settings.