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The Conversation

The Conversation

Curated by professional editors, The Conversation offers informed commentary and debate on the issues affecting our world

Articles

image To be fat is to be judged

To be fat is to be judged
By Rosie Nelson What is it like to move through the world when everyone tries to change who and what you are? This is the fundamental experience that the graphic ...
image The case for lying to kids about Santa
CHRISTMAS

The case for lying to kids about Santa
By Tom Whyman I have a vivid memory of the moment I realised Santa didn’t exist. I was around six years old, it was the height of summer, and ...
image Where does Santa live?
CHRISTMAS

Where does Santa live?
By Marcus Harmes and Meredith Harmes Sending a letter to Santa can be difficult as no one can agree on where exactly Santa lives. Several countries are competing to claim ...
image Is it the season to be jolly?
CHRISTMAS

Is it the season to be jolly?
By Joana Jacob Ramalho Studies suggest that sad music may alleviate the impact of seasonal stress. It can offer solace, mitigate loneliness and promote good mental health by providing an ...
image Claus for concern

Claus for concern
By Adam Taylor It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Yes, it’s that time of year when preparations begin for the arrival of that favourite festive visitor: ...
image There are two main ways to stretch

There are two main ways to stretch
By Hunter Bennett and Lewis Ingram Picture this: you’ve just woken up and rolled out of bed. Your feet hit the floor, and your legs buckle. They are in ...
image Baobab is a superfood with growing global demand

Baobab is a superfood with growing global demand
By Patrick Maundu Baobab trees grow in arid and semi-arid parts of Africa, and have deep cultural and ecological significance. Some of these trees are thousands of years old. Global ...
image How to be more present with your kids this holiday season

How to be more present with your kids this holiday season
Julia Felton, Michigan State University and Crystal Cederna, Michigan State University Holidays are often depicted as picture-perfect moments: families blissfully united around a table filled with seasonal food favorites against ...
image Why do people always assume a connection?

Why do people always assume a connection?
By Glenn Fosbraey Many of us assume that everything a musician sings emerges from some autobiographical impulse. Pop music lyrics in particular are often read literally by fans as transparent ...
image UK benefits: AI use has brought bias and hunger

UK benefits: AI use has brought bias and hunger
Iris Lim, SOAS, University of London A freedom of information request has revealed that an AI system used by the UK government for assessing benefits cases is apparently getting it ...
image Music can change how you feel about the past

Music can change how you feel about the past
By Yiren Ren Have you ever noticed how a particular song can bring back a flood of memories? Maybe it’s the tune that was playing during your first dance, ...
image What makes you you

What makes you you
By Kelvin (Shiu Fung) Wong Spotify this week just released its 2024 Spotify Wrapped, the music streaming site’s annual presentation of each user’s yearly listening habits. It gives you ...
image Do Mom and Dad really know what’s best?

Do Mom and Dad really know what’s best?
By Annie Pezalla As a psychologist who studies family relationships, I can tell you that a parent’s No. 1 job is to keep their kids safe. When a kid becomes ...
image No need to overload your cranberry sauce with sugar

No need to overload your cranberry sauce with sugar
By Rosemary Trout The holidays are full of delicious and indulgent food and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreaming about cookies, specialty cakes, rich meats and super saucy side ...
image Fast fashion may seem cheap…

Fast fashion may seem cheap…
By Paula M Carbone Fast fashion is everywhere – in just about every mall, in the feeds of influencers on social media promoting overconsumption, and in ads constantly popping up online. ...
image Global plastic pollution talks have stalled

Global plastic pollution talks have stalled
By Steve Fletcher United Nations-backed talks for a global treaty to end plastic pollution wrapped up without an agreement in the early hours of Sunday December 1. A new round of ...