Latest Stories from Sofia
Opinion – Life online is losing its appeal
As we review the digital habits of the last few years and question what they might look like going forward, several factors point to a future in which we aren’t quite so wrapped up in the virtual world. Isn’t it strange to recall a time when social media didn’t exist? For the past decade, we’ve watched as platform after platform has materialised, some cementing themselves at the heart of our digital...
what I wanna see trending next year
if it’s not mindful, it’s sooo 2024 In case you aren’t aware (I really bloody that hope you are), our world’s in a pretty bad way at the moment. Without fail, every single day of news coverage now brings with it a slew of gut-wrenching headlines, the kind that make you want to get up and do something about it. Or at least that’s what I would hope. For whatever reason – there’s...
Does practicing gratitude make you more generous?
It’s long been theorised that giving thanks can cultivate a stronger desire to be giving. Now, there’s neuroscience to back this up, with recent research revealing a link between a grateful brain and an altruistic one. If you’re into mindfulness, then you’ll know how transformative it can be to practice gratitude. Actually, even if you’re not into all that self-reflection stuff, I’m sure that at one point or another you’ve noticed...
LFW ban on exotic animal skins criticised by experts
Scientists from one of the world’s leading conservation bodies have condemned London Fashion Week’s decision, warning that it’s ill-informed and that exotic animal skins are often far more sustainable than alternatives such as leather and synthetic materials. Amid continued protests against the use of exotic skins (think snake, crocodile, and other reptile species) in fashion, many brands, celebrities, and designers have chosen to begin pivoting away from it. Years of animal...
Does the human brain have a microbiome?
Though it’s long been assumed that bacteria can’t survive in the human brain, neuroscientists have recently been surprised to discover that it may harbour all sorts of micro-organisms. In recent years, gut health has been all the rage. This is because our understanding of the function and importance of the microbiome that lives in our intestines has improved, particularly in relation to maintaining the immune system. A microbiome is a community...
What’s sun blocking and why are scientists warning against it?
The controversial technology, which is intended to limit the effects of climate change by reflecting sunlight back into space, might not be such a great idea after all. As we know, hundreds of the world’s leading climate scientists expect our planet to breach the internationally agreed 1.5C threshold by 2027 and temperatures to rise to at least 2.5C above pre-industrial levels this century. This is due to emissions...
What happens when wildlife becomes an online sensation?
Social media is posing a new and increasing threat to vulnerable species and habitats around the world as nature enthusiasts calling attention to rare biodiversity on their platforms are unintentionally sending viewers flocking to snap their own photos of already-endangered flora and fauna. On social media, gatekeeping is standard practice. Yet as much as this irritates netizens – rightly so when it involves an item of clothing or value-for-money...
our attention spans are doomed
why does no one seem that bothered… Two things I’ve noticed recently – both while commuting to work. For one, that all I ever seem to see these days is people looking down, staring blankly at the screen in their hands. I’m by no means exempt from this, I regularly catch myself mid-scroll and wonder how long it’s been, but more and more, it appears as though we’re forgetting to engage with...
Is dating forever transformed?
Bumble seems to think so Welcome to the latest edition of The Gen Zer. This week, we’re diving into the notable ways in which social media has changed young people’s approach to relationships and what the apps are doing to adapt. We also take a look at Gen Z’s dangerous quest for gains, holiday spending habits, and more… It may well be cuffing season, but single Gen Zers aren’t fussed about finding...
Cosmetic vagina surgeries are hugely popular among Gen Z
‘Designer vagina’ surgery is one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures among young people worldwide. Recent research has uncovered that this is due to a lack of education and diverse representation. It’s never been easier to look at a vagina. In the digital age – unless parental controls are active – a quick dig through the less-regulated social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit will bombard users with a torrent of...