About The Study: In this cross-sectional study, social isolation was found to have increased globally after the COVID-19 pandemic, with the initial increase disproportionately seen in lower-income populations and subsequent increases broadening across socioeconomic strata. Targeted interventions for vulnerable groups and research examining country-level policies are urgently needed to mitigate high isolation levels and reduce inequities.

A new study has found that demand for jobs could be just as important as skill level in how people feel about immigration. Researchers found members of the public are as likely to grant visas to fruit and vegetable pickers and care home workers as they are to lawyers or office managers.

A new study published in the Pakistan Journal of Commerce and Social Sciences examines how AI adoption enhances the performance of manufacturing SMEs in emerging markets. The study highlights the influence of leadership vision, change management capability, trading partnerships, and competitive pressure, with AI playing a mediating role in driving performance outcomes under Industry 4.0.

A new study in ECNU Review of Education examines CHATTING, a ChatGPT‑assisted writing system designed for students with dyslexia. Conducted with 101 Hong Kong secondary students, the research found the tool increased motivation and engagement, particularly among learners with dyslexia. However, writing quality declined and plagiarism rates rose. The authors recommend teacher‑guided AI integration to maximize benefits while addressing risks such as over‑reliance, weak question‑asking skills, and ethical concerns in AI‑supported learning.