Author: TheConversation

By Pauline Jones, Professor of Political Science, University of Michigan; and Andrew Murphy, Professor of Political Science, University of Michigan When the Supreme Court ruled in 303 Creative v. Elenis in 2023 that a businessperson could not be compelled to create art that violates their religious beliefs, specifically a wedding website for a same-sex ceremony, supporters of the decision celebrated it as a victory for freedom of religion and expression. On the day the ruling was issued, the conservative Family Research Council called it “the latest in a trend of victories for free speech and religious liberty,” while the...

By Michael J. Socolow, Professor of Communication and Journalism, University of Maine In journalism, bad news sells. “If it bleeds, it leads” is a famous industry catchphrase, which explains why violent crime, war and terrorism, and natural disasters are ubiquitous on TV news. The fact that journalists and their employers make money from troubling events is something researchers rarely explore. But even if it seems distasteful, the link between negative news and profit is important to understand. As a media historian, I think studying this topic can shed light on the forces that shape contemporary journalism. The assassination of...

By Jeremy David Engels, Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences, Penn State The start of another year can feel magical to many of us. Even though the days remain short and dark, the flip of the calendar can make it seem new beginnings with new resolutions are possible. Mindfulness scholars and teachers like me call resolutions “habit breakers,” as they can overcome patterns that no longer serve individuals. However, research suggests that many resolutions fail by the end of January. But a key to ensuring that resolutions stick is to choose one that will make a meaningful difference in...

By Kerri Evans, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Ishara Casellas Connors, Assistant Professor, Public Service and Administration, Texas A&M University; and Lisa Unangst, Assistant Professor, SUNY Empire State College Pursuing higher education is often a pathway to higher income and overall better well-being. College graduates are less likely to rely on public benefits. Therefore, it’s beneficial for education leaders and policymakers to help newcomers – including asylum-seekers and refugees – to access higher education in the U.S., whether it be community college, taking advanced English courses, obtaining a certificate through training programs or going to a four-year...

By Clay Marsh, Chancellor and Executive Dean for Health Sciences, West Virginia University A national health advisory issued by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on May 3, 2023, shed light on the urgent public health issues of loneliness and isolation. The report reflected Dr. Murthy’s personal and professional experience with the damaging health impacts of loneliness. As surprising as it sounds, social isolation and loneliness have the same effect on human health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, which is to say, it can shorten life span by up to 15 years. I am a leader in academic and...