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.
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.
Why Short Videos Make Teenagers Stigmatize Mental Illnesses
In the digital age, short video platforms have become an integral part of teenagers’ lives. This study focuses on the phenomenon of teenagers’ participation in the stigmatization of mental illnesses on short video platforms. Using literature review to answer why short videos lead teenagers to stigmatize mental illnesses. The results show that three key factors contribute to this phenomenon: the wide reach of short video platforms, the psychological vulnerability of teenagers during their developmental stage, and the misrepresentation of mental illnesses in short video content. It is crucial to raise awareness among teenagers about mental health and regulate short video content to reduce the stigmatization of mental illnesses.
Dog With A Blog: Adolescents’ Relationship Anxiety In Reconstituted Family Interactions
This study explores the portrayal of adolescents’ relationship anxiety within the reconstituted family context,, as depicted in the Disney television series Dog With A Blog. With the increasing universality of the reconstituted family, the unique psychological challenges that adolescents confront within this family structure are worthy of attention. This paper defines relationship anxiety as a psychological state in which an individual continuously feels insecure and worried about their own value, sense of belonging, and relationship stability. This study will analyze relationship anxiety in three operational dimensions: trust crisis, loyalty conflict and alternative intimacy. Media representations play a crucial role in navigating adolescents’ perspective and behavior towards these potential challenges. Through a qualitative contextual analysis of the first ten episodes of the series, this study analyzes how relationship anxieties are shown in show’s context and the way the relationship anxieties could be resolve. The analysis reveals that the plot provides a vivid representation of the three dimensions: scapegoating leads to trust deficits, the acceptance of new sibling roles drives loyalty conflicts and the pursuit of intimacy relationship through virtual relationship. When the series provide positive resolutions towards the relationship anxiety, this show may risk at creating over-simplified expectations in resolving the familial difficulties. The study concludes that while considering the guidance of the media, we also need to notice the unrealistic relational challenge that might have negative impact towards adolecents’ mental health.
Motivations for Media Use in the Development of the Internet
Against the backdrop of the rapid development of the internet, media use has become an integral part of daily life. Understanding individuals’ psychological motivations behind media use is crucial for promoting healthy media use and maintaining psychological well-being. This study, based on the frameworks of motivational theory, cognitive development theory, and emotion regulation theory, employed a mixed research method combining case studies with empirical analysis to explore the media use patterns and psychological needs of children and adolescents as they develop internet skills. The study found significant differences in media use motivations across age groups: children’s media engagement is closely linked to their cognitive development, while adolescents’ use is more influenced by identity construction and emotion regulation. Furthermore, cognitive costs play a key role in individual media choices, suggesting that media use is not a passive process but rather an active choice. This study provides a new perspective for further understanding the interactive relationship between psychology and new media and offers recommendations for education and mental health support in the digital age.
Research on the Autism and its Impact on Teenager
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Autism affects around 3.2% 8 year old children with a 2:1 ratio of male to female. Common types of disorders on the Autism Spectrum such as ASD, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Rett Syndrome are discussed. As more teenagers start to be exposed to the internet, more teenagers on the Autistic Spectrum are getting affected by how Autism is being approached online. In recent years, growing evidence has identified a correlation between ASD and comorbid mental health symptoms. This paper would explore the relationship of the use of technology and autistic teenager’s mental health. In order to prevent the further potential harm the internet has on neurodivergent teenagers, the best way is to shut down further expansion of Autism Stigmatization and raise Autism Awareness.
The Challenges of Implementing the Flipped Classroom in Chinese Higher Education: Confucian Cultural Influences
In recent years, China’s higher education system has faced criticism for its exam-oriented, teacher-centered practices that restrict creativity and critical thinking, prompting the introduction of the flipped classroom as a studentcentered alternative. Drawing on journal articles published between 2016 and 2025,, this paper analyses the challenges of implementing the flipped classroom in Chinese higher education through the lens of Confucianism, with attention to teacher practices, student experiences, and institutional frameworks. This paper’s findings suggest that cultural norms of respect, politeness, and face-saving, together with exam pressures and rigid governance, constrain the transition toward active, student-centered learning. This paper concludes that the flipped classroom holds promise in China if supported by culturally responsive adaptation, targeted teacher training, and parallel reforms in student learning preparation.
Reforming the Special and Differential Treatment Provisions of the WTO: Constructing a More Equitable and Effective Global Trade System
This article focuses on the reform of the Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) provisions within the World Trade Organization (WTO), aiming to explore pathways for establishing a more equitable and efficient global trading system. As is widely acknowledged, when addressing issues, the initial step is to identify the essence of the problem. Subsequently, an in-depth exploration of its causes is undertaken, ultimately leading to the pursuit of solutions. Based on this fundamental logic, the research topic is dissected into three distinct sections for comprehensive analysis, thereby facilitating a clearer and more structured investigation. Firstly, the background of the topic is examined, elucidating why the SDT provisions of the WTO were selected as the subject of study, which is intrinsically linked to the significance of the topic and is reflected in the article through relevant legal knowledge in the field. Secondly, the aspects requiring improvement, namely the current shortcomings, are addressed. Finally, the methodology for improvement is outlined, wherein case studies are analyzed to derive insights and summarize strategies for constructing a more equitable and effective global trading system. In conclusion, the SDT provisions and the WTO framework face multiple challenges that must be addressed to build a more efficient global trading system.
Special and Differential Treatment (SDT)
The Impact of Online Identity Conflict on Self-perception and Social Anxiety
Individuals present different identities on various online platforms, and when these identities conflict, it will cause online identity conflict. This conflict reduces the clarity of an individual’s self-concept, thereby impairing selfperception and elevating social anxiety, with particularly notable impacts on adolescents, whose self-perception remains underdeveloped.. This paper summarizes research on the impact of online identity conflict on self-perception and social anxiety. This paper constructs a theoretical framework based on impression management theory and self-concept clarity theory, emphasizing that platforms’ different functions, audience diversity, and cultural factors all influence online identity conflict. This paper also suggests that through the efforts of individuals, educators, and online platforms, more educational initiatives that promote authentic self-expression can be developed, and measures can be taken to reduce the pressure on platforms to express identity.
Academic Use of AI by College Students and Self-Regulated Learning: The Moderating Effect of Usage Motivation and the Construction/Substitution Pathways
Generative AI permeates students’ educational writing and assignment conduct, but its scholarly effects emerge less from use quantity as from qualitatively different strategic purpose types: enhancing (scaffolding planning, monitoring, reflective amendment) versus replacing (subsuming central cognitive labor). This paper sketchs and empirically validate an integrative framework that associates two motivational dispositions (Enhancement Orientation vs. Replacing Orientation) and three AI use patterns (A, B, C) with effects on two outcomes: 1) satisfaction and 2) quality, thereby contrasting use frequency with strategic purpose. Key constructs include motivational orientations, self-regulated learning (SRL), self-efficacy, and the two AI use intentions. A multidisciplinary sample of 300 university students with recent experience using generative AI completed a questionnaire, which included readapted items measuring motivation, SRL, and self-efficacy, as well as novel items assessing supportive versus substitutional intentions. Confirmatory factor analyses (WLSMV) revealed high convergent and discriminant validity (standardized loadings 0.749–0.907; AVE 0.598–0.642) of four constructs, indicating unique explanatory value for each of these four variables. Composite reliabilities ranged from 0.748 to 0.911). Structural model fit was good (χ2(194)=112.232, p=1.000; CFI=1.000; TLI≈1.00; RMSEA=0.000; SRMR=0.034). Both Enhancement and Efficiency-Avoidance Orientations increased SRL (and self-efficacy) and, both directly and indirectly, supportive intentions, and decreased substitutional intentions, (to a greater extent) through SRL. Both orientations also directly increased substitutional intentions but did not meaningfully decrease SRL. Self-efﬁcacy played a mostly protective role—it was a negative predictor of substitutional but not of supportive intention. These ﬁ ndings establish the emtwo- way motivational system: a promotive enhancement pathway routed through SRL and a more direct Efficiency- Avoidance pathway that amplifies substitution dependence.
Correlation between Social Media Usage Duration and Sleep Quality of Adolescents
Adolescents use social media at unprecedented rates, raising concerns about potential impacts on sleep. This exploratory cross-sectional study examined associations between social media use and sleep quality among adolescents using a small, synthetic dataset (n = 40; ages 13–18). Measures included daily social media duration, bedtime social media use (yes/no), average nightly sleep hours, insomnia frequency during the past week, and subjective sleep satisfaction ratings. Correlational and group-contrast analyses suggested (1) a weak, positive association between social media duration and sleep satisfaction; (2) minimal association between social media duration and insomnia frequency; and (3) no strong evidence that higher social media use was associated with shorter sleep duration in this sample.
How Social Media Platforms Increase Cyberbullying Against Marginalized Populations
Cyberbullying is one of the most pressing social issues in the digital age, with a disproportionate impact on marginalized groups—including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Protecting these populations is essential because they already face systemic inequalities and vulnerabilities, and online attacks can amplify their marginalization and cause severe psychological and social harm. This paper employs three theories—social constructivism, marginalized populations theory, and the bystander effect—to examine how platform features such as selective exposure and weak protective mechanisms exacerbate cyberbullying toward marginalized groups. It focuses on overexposure, selective suppression, and lack of protection with real-world cases. The discussion shows how platforms increase inequalities and bias, magnify harms, and deepen digital exclusion. Policy recommendations emphasize stronger platform protections, digital literacy, and school education.
Analysis of Douyin’s Communication Mechanism: A Perspective from Communication Studies
Douyin, a short-video app, has become ubiquitous. People watch it for fun, but it’s more than just entertainment—it’s a big part of how we get information. This paper looks at how Douyin spreads content and why it works so well using communication theories. We’ll examine aspects such as information dissemination velocity, Douyin’s algorithmic engagement mechanisms, and the dual role of users as both consumers and content creators. Based on communication theory, it can be concluded that Douyin’s algorithm-driven personalization and interactive features have successfully transformed user engagement from passive consumption to active participation, fundamentally reshaping media consumption patterns in China through its application of communication theories like Agenda-Setting and Uses and Gratifications. The platform’s ability to simultaneously fulfill entertainment, social connection, and information needs has established it as a powerful cultural influencer that shapes both individual behavior and public discourse while raising important questions about psychological impacts and global variations in its effects.
The Impact of Anxiety Level Changes on Foreign Language Learning in College Freshmen
College freshmen have experienced dynamic changes in four types of anxiety—environmental adaptation, classroom learning, time management, and learning efficacy—during their adjustment to university life, which systematically hinders foreign language acquisition. Using a literature review combined with a two-phase retrospective questionnaire survey (Phase I: September-October; Phase II: November-January), this paper explores the synergistic evolution of multidimensional anxiety and its impact mechanisms on language learning outcomes throughout the critical adaptation period (3-5 months post-enrollment). The study concludes that while anxiety levels generally decreased over time, time management anxiety showed a significant rebound during high-pressure final examinations; crucially, time management anxiety was found to have the strongest negative correlation with learning outcomes (r=0.443), followed by efficacy anxiety (r=0.364). Additionally, exam anxiety in the final period could trigger cross-dimensional chain reactions—transforming time pressure into self-efficacy doubts and thereby elevating affective filters. These findings provide a basis for targeted interventions, particularly enhanced end-of-term support for time management and long-term mechanisms to alleviate efficacy anxiety.