Summer 2020

Ann-Kathrin Karl

Wurzburg, Germany

Mustafa Ali Aykol

Istanbul, Turkey

Lewis Taylor

Piccadilly Circus, London, United Kingdom

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, United States

Rudolf Dvorak

Prague, Czech Republic

SLEEP HYGIENE

What Screens, Solitude and Sleep Mean for Sickness Caitlin Smyth Lack of good quality sleep can have an enormously detrimental effect on almost all our bodily systems. While you might think that the biggest detriment of staying up that extra hour to watch TikTok videos is feeling slightly groggy the next day, it may actually be leaving you susceptible to an infection you have not even been exposed to yet...

PUBLISH OR PERISH

The Legitimacy Crisis of Scientific Research Franziska Miriam Globisch The ‘replication crisis’ in the scientific method is not an exception. Incongruences are not, as we like to tell ourselves, the result of bad apples. Headlines deliberately misconstrue science, and investing companies have more and more of a say in how the research is designed, conducted, analysed and published...

BAD INFLUENCE

The Dangers of Influencer Culture Luca Iovino When you consider the extent of the influence of some social media characters, it is easy to see just how detrimental it could be when grossly, unqualified teenagers provide their audiences with mental health advice. Whilst not all of an influencer’s audience will listen to their advice, some follower counts number in the millions - influencing even a fraction of their audience means thousands of young people may be taking on board harmful advice..

A MARVEL-LOUS MILITARY

Hollywood's Love Affair with the Armed Forces Sarah O'Malley Graham Calling a film like Captain Marvel 'military propaganda' should not be seen as being countercultural or contrarian. Most Americans have no experience with war or with being a soldier and the media is the influence shaping perceptions.  Art has the ability to reach out, to birth emotions, to move. Art influences. Anybody who endeavors to make a career and life out of it should acknowledge this power...

BY THE PEOPLE

The Political Power of Social Media Marina Aspinall The last decade saw social media being harnessed by activists to spread their message, raise awareness and create networks that could ultimately coordinate huge numbers onto the streets. This has been on an unprecedented international scale. But we can’t be too quick to praise the positive power of social media. There is a dark side to these platforms that is becoming increasingly apparent as their position in society strengthens...

ABORTION

The Human Right Still up for Debate Georgia Lea Abortion is, for many people, an impossible thing to reconcile morally. For others there is an appreciable grey area. There are still places in Europe where abortion is highly restricted. Almost every abortion death and disability could be prevented through sexuality education, use of effective contraception, provision of safe, legal induced abortion, and timely care for complications. It can also bring is increased understanding and insight...