Through social media, content often appears effortless: perfect outfits, healthy relationships, dream vacations. Each post seems natural and spontaneous, as if viewers are simply watching people share their lives. In reality, much of this content is shaped by strategies designed to maximise engagement and visibility. 

Influencers operate within an attention economy where visibility becomes currency. Likes, views, and shares influence reach and income, shaping what is posted. As a result, content often shifts from self-expression to performance, influenced by what attracts engagement. When a post goes viral, creators tend to repeat similar content rather than explore new directions, as consistency is often a more reliable source of income than experimentation. 

Many accounts are also supported by social media managers who analyse data and guide decisions about timing, tone, and presentation. What appears personal may therefore be partly planned. Paid partnerships extend this further. Brands collaborate with influencers because their recommendations feel authentic, yet many promotions are shaped by agreements that influence how products are presented, sometimes prioritising persuasion over full transparency. 

Platforms also tailor content to individual users, refining what appears on each feed based on past interactions. This personalised curation keeps content relevant and engaging, while subtly encouraging continued scrolling. 
​
Ultimately, this creates a gap between appearance and reality. While users may expect content to be natural and unfiltered, creators are often driven to adapt their content to maintain visibility, as platforms reward engagement and brands invest where attention is concentrated. As a result, what appears authentic is often carefully shaped by incentives that determine what is shown and what is left out.

​Within school environments, social perception tends to operate at a rapid pace. Impressions are often formed in seconds, shaped by appearance, tone, or circulating narratives. While this may seem like a purely social habit, cognitive science suggests a more structural explanation. During adolescence, the brain is still undergoing significant development, particularly in regions associated with executive function and impulse regulation. As a result, individuals are more likely to rely on heuristic thinking, mental shortcuts that prioritize speed over depth, which can lead to premature or oversimplified judgments.

This tendency is further reinforced by the need for social categorization. Assigning labels allows individuals to navigate complex social environments more efficiently. However, such categorization often comes at the cost of accuracy. It reduces individuals to observable traits while disregarding the less visible variables that shape behavior. Background factors, including family dynamics, cultural context, and prior experiences, play a substantial role in influencing how a person presents themselves. These variables are not immediately accessible, yet they are often the most significant.
Psychological theory has consistently emphasized the idea that human identity is layered rather than singular. In psychoanalytic frameworks, particularly those associated with Freud, much of human behavior is understood to be influenced by processes outside of conscious awareness. This suggests that what is externally observable is only a fraction of a more complex internal structure. Behavior, therefore, should not be interpreted as a complete representation of character, but rather as a partial expression shaped by underlying factors.

In this context, reliance on gossip or surface-level perception as a basis for judgment reflects not only a social tendency, but also an epistemological limitation, a failure to recognize the incomplete nature of available information. Forming conclusions without sufficient depth may offer temporary clarity, but it lacks intellectual rigor. It prioritizes immediacy over understanding.
A more precise approach to social perception would require a degree of restraint, the willingness to acknowledge uncertainty and to consider the possibility of unseen influences. This does not eliminate judgment entirely, but it introduces a more analytical and less reactive framework.
​
Ultimately, individuals are not reducible to isolated observations. What is visible is structured by what is not. Recognizing this does not complicate social interaction unnecessarily, rather, it aligns perception more closely with reality.

I’m thinking of a student at school. You might know them, you might not. They are more than they seem. On the surface, they’re just another face passing by you in the hallway, or maybe they’re that colleague that sits next to you in maths, but the invisible values they hold go unnoticed every day. As the hubbub of school life passes you by, you may find yourself in awe of the discoveries you’ll make upon further interaction with this student. Through casual conversation, debate or merely class contributions, you begin to learn more about their character and how it’s been constructed. Suddenly, in your eyes, the face starts to have their own humor, quirks and habits. You’ve known them since you were toddlers and somehow, you realize you’ve never known them at all.  

Everyone is composed of their multiple experiences. The people they’ve met, the places they’ve been, their upbringing and the context they are in all play a crucial role in the formation of one’s personality and the way they are perceived. Our perception of normality depends entirely on our environment. We, as humans, were built to live in groups and therefore we are naturally inclined to want to follow communal norms and act accordingly. Except norms vary. They alter from continent to continent and even between social circles. All our experiences shape us, for better or for worse, and they originate from what and who you are exposed to. This includes TV shows, politics, religion, the school you go to, your perception of a conventional family and is generally reinforced by social media and your chosen company.  

How much of who we are is actually in our control? If you think about it, if the experiences we have shape us and if those are predetermined by our given context, then what power do you really hold over the life you live, and the personality attached to it? Despite the false sense of spontaneity you may believe exists within your actions, all of this takes place within a larger fixed narrative. This is the idea of determinism. All your actions are previously defined, and you have no control over the actions you take and the consequences of the aforementioned decisions. While often considered a controversial topic, it appears to be logical in nature. Considering the actions you take are based on your experience and trial and error, and you do not choose what happens to you or what you are exposed to, then you are the victim of world and its plans. 
​ 
In summary, it’s not by chance that you’re reading this article. It found you through science and history. Do you realize the determining factors that drove you to read it? You will never fully understand a person’s actions because you haven’t lived in their shoes and this is why empathy is so important. Unfortunately, it is a value in short supply during the modern age. That student you brush past has a detailed history you’ll never know about, imprinted on their very being, the same way no one knows you as well as you do. In order to prosper as a society, we must accept and create despite our differences – meaning we must try to understand each other beyond what lies above the surface presented if we hope to lead productive lives. ​

Think of Brazil. What comes to mind? What sets it apart? The idea of “carnaval” has likely crossed your mind and probably the minds of many others in the global community. When foreigners think of Brazil, they’ve grown accustomed to picturing sunny beaches, lively dances and the huge carnival processions in Rio de Janeiro, but there is much more beneath the surface. This world-renowned tradition has developed into its current form through the influence of several movements so that we perceive it as it is today – from the colonial period to urbanization to the modern era, this festival continues to expand and gain recognition for its varied rhythms, colours and its commemoration of Brazilian culture.  

Brazil has endured several hardships that shape its culture and customs, from slavery to poverty, these practices have always derived from the people and their ability to maintain an optimistic view in times of struggle. Every single element found in your typical “carnaval” stems from authentically Brazilian heritage. This includes the samba dance and musical genre, which has its origins from the end of 19th century Brazil, in the northeastern state of Bahia, with West-African roots from the colonial slave trade. Samba, the style used for the expression of joy, sadness and everything in between, emerged from the courage to resist. It was looked down upon by the elite and was criminalised for some time due to its link with the impoverished communities and its accessibility, or its failure to comply with the standards of the epoch, which were extremely rigid, especially following the classical era and its European influence still found in Brazil.  
​
The prominent and vibrant colours that establish carnival is a fusion of all the ethnicities that have had an impact on Brazil, ranging from indigenous origins to African and even European sway. A common element, though, is the consistent connection to nature and the commemoration of life itself, with the consistent use of feathers and flowers as garments on the streets. Upon reflection, you’ll find that Brazil itself is the blend of all the best parts of its global inhabitants. You won’t find anywhere else in the world that encapsulates what it means to embrace immigrants and belong to a spirited society – the ability to showcase all of Brazilian history, good and bad, through dance and song whilst maintaining global respect and recognition is something uniquely Brazilian that is sure to instill a sense of pride within the population. ​

​Every year, as Rio de Janeiro erupts into feathers and samba drums, one group commands a reverence that no spectacle can overshadow. They are the Baianas: the elder honour of the samba schools. Without them, no parade through the Sambódromo is considered complete.

By regulation, every samba school competing in Rio's top league must include a wing of Baianas, traditionally women over fifty dressed in wide hoop skirts, lace blouses, and stunning turbans. Their costumes honour the Afro-Brazilian women of Bahia who, centuries ago, preserved the traditions that eventually gave birth to samba. In a festival often associated with youth and exposed skin, the Baianas are an act of remembrance.

Their role is unmistakable. As they spin slowly down the avenue, skirts dancing outward like blooming flowers, they create a rhythm entirely different from the explosive energy around them. Where drummers attack, the Baianas float. Judges actually score their performance, and a school can lose points if its Baianas fail to spin in unison.

But their significance runs deeper than choreography. Many have paraded for decades, carrying the memory of their schools in their bodies. In communities where samba schools function as social institutions, offering education, healthcare, and identity, the Baianas represent continuity.

In a celebration often reduced to its most lively surfaces, they offer something quieter and more powerful: the reminder that joy has ancestors, and the most meaningful celebrations honour where they came from.

Every year, Brazil turns into a huge stage of music, color, and celebration during Carnival. People fill the streets, dancing, singing, and living in the moment. For many, it feels like a break from reality. From the outside, especially for tourists, Carnival appears to be pure happiness and glamour. 

​But there’s another side to it that people don’t always notice. 

One of the most famous parts of Carnival is the samba school parade. Even though they are called “schools,” they are actually community groups, often originating from poorer areas, such as favelas. These communities spend months, sometimes the entire year, preparing for their performance. They create costumes, build massive floats, write songs, and rehearse endlessly. It’s not just fun, it’s hard work and serious dedication. 

What’s interesting is that the same people creating these incredible shows are often dealing with financial struggles in their everyday lives. On TV, everything looks expensive and perfect, but behind the scenes, resources can be limited. This creates a strong contrast between the image of luxury and the reality of many participants. 

At the same time, Carnival is not just about money or appearance. For many communities, it serves as a means to express identity, culture, and pride. Samba schools often choose themes that talk about history, politics, or social issues. In that way, Carnival becomes a space where people can tell their stories and be heard. 

Tourism is also a big part of Carnival. People from all over the world come to Brazil to experience it, and the event generates a lot of money. But it raises an important question. Who actually benefits the most from all of this? While businesses and the tourism industry grow, the communities behind the performances don’t always receive the same level of reward. 
​
Carnival is still an amazing and powerful celebration. But when you look a little closer, you start to see that it’s more than just a party. It reflects both the beauty of Brazilian culture and the inequalities that are still part of everyday life. 

To most people, Brazil’s Carnaval is a celebration of music, color, and joy. However, behind the spectacle lies a highly structured and competitive system, where samba schools invest millions in order to compete, not only for artistic expression and cultural pride, but also for significant financial returns. In reality, Carnaval has evolved into a powerful economic industry. 

​This year, the scale of Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro highlights just how structured and competitive the event truly is. The Special Group, the highest division of samba schools, consists of 12 schools that perform over three consecutive nights at the Marquês de Sapucaí. Each school presents a carefully planned parade that is evaluated by judges across multiple criteria, including costumes, floats, choreography, and thematic coherence. These performances are not improvised displays of celebration, but the result of months of preparation, coordination, and strategic planning. Revealing how the spectacle of Carnaval relies not only on creativity, but also on structured planning and coordinated effort. 

The economic significance of Carnaval is further reflected in the scale of public investment and funding that supports it. In 2026, the Special Group alone received approximately R$ 77.8 million, contributing to a total of around R$ 123.6 million in public funding directed toward samba schools. Each school in the top division was given around R$ 2.15 million, with additional financial support from federal and state governments as well as private sponsors. These substantial investments demonstrate that Carnaval extends beyond cultural celebration, relying on complex financial structures to sustain its scale and impact. 

Despite the scale of funding, participating in Carnaval remains a costly and risky pursuit for samba schools. Parades in the Special Group require investments of millions, covering elaborate costumes, large-scale floats, and teams of designers, choreographers, and performers. However, financial returns are not guaranteed. Only the top six schools receive a share of the prize-related revenue, while those that rank lower gain significantly less. For the school that finishes last, the consequences are even more severe, as it faces relegation to a lower division and loses access to the financial advantages of the elite group. This demonstrates that the Brazilian Carnaval involves high financial risk, where outcomes have direct and meaningful consequences. 

Ultimately, Carnaval is not only an artistic expression, but it is an industry driven by investment, competition, and financial return. While it continues to represent Brazilian culture and identity, the scale of money involved demonstrates that this celebration in Brazil has become a complex economic activity in which success is measured by recognition and by financial outcomes. 

On 16 January 2026, a trade and partnership agreement was finally signed between the European Union and Mercosur, marking the culmination of 25 years of diplomatic relations that led to the signature. This agreement is a free trade treaty between members of the EU and members of Mercosur, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, including measures such as the gradual elimination of all tariffs between the nations involved and the prohibition of imitating certain European products. Consequently, a boost in the export of South American commodities and European industrial goods, as well as a diversification of trade following tensions with the USA and China, are expected consequences of the new partnership for both sides. However, there is strong opposition to this, which leaves the question: Is this the next step toward globalist prosperity or failure?

Supporters of the agreement argue that it represents one of the largest free-trade zones ever established, linking a market of over 700 million people. European manufacturers will gain greater access to South American markets for cars, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and technology, while Mercosur countries are expected to expand exports of agricultural products such as beef, soy, sugar, and coffee. For developing economies in South America, this could mean increased investment, job creation, and stronger economic integration with one of the world’s most advanced economic blocs.

Advocates also claim that the agreement arrives at a crucial geopolitical moment. As global trade becomes increasingly influenced by tensions between major powers, partnerships such as EU–Mercosur offer countries an opportunity to diversify their economic relationships. In theory, this reduces dependency on dominant economies and strengthens the stability of global supply chains.

Yet critics view the agreement far less optimistically. European farmers and agricultural unions have voiced strong concerns that cheaper South American imports could undermine local agriculture and rural livelihoods. Environmental groups are equally sceptical, arguing that expanding agricultural exports may accelerate deforestation in sensitive ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest. Several European governments have already faced internal political pressure to reconsider aspects of the treaty due to these environmental concerns.

On the Mercosur side, some economists warn that the agreement could reinforce an old economic pattern: South America exporting raw materials while importing higher-value industrial goods from Europe. If this imbalance persists, critics argue, the region may struggle to develop its own advanced industries, remaining dependent on commodity exports vulnerable to global price fluctuations.

Ultimately, the EU–Mercosur agreement reflects a broader debate about globalisation itself. Supporters see it as a pathway to prosperity, economic cooperation, and mutual development. Opponents fear it could intensify environmental damage, economic inequality, and dependence between regions. Whether the agreement becomes a milestone of international cooperation or a controversial experiment will depend largely on how it is implemented. Policies protecting the environment, supporting domestic industries, and ensuring fair competition will play a decisive role in determining its outcome. For now, the EU–Mercosur partnership stands as a bold but uncertain step in the evolving landscape of global trade.

It may be hard to believe that 2025 is coming to an end – this extraordinary year has been filled with unforgettable and record-breaking moments, many of which may have gone unnoticed. As we look back, it may be difficult to perceive how much has changed in such little time, but there are various feats to reflect upon.

In this day and age, we continually break records for the amount of free information made available to the public, facilitating health, safety and educational progression. Today, everything is documented online and news travels instantaneously, ensuring everyone is kept informed on current topics all the time. For example, it’s currently easier to discover whether your destination of choice is hazardous or simply atmospherically uncomfortable (since we have access to the hourly temperature across the globe) and can we communicate instantly and freely with friends, family or peers through social media platforms. All aspects of everyday life are exceptionally convenient and have evolved significantly both economically and socially speaking.

Economically, the world has never been better. With record economic production, as shown by GDP rates, people have more financial freedom than ever before. Stock markets are at record highs, news agencies are providing more detailed and up-to-date reports plus apps provide updated statistics on all sorts of threats related to nearly any topic imaginable, including career, health, politics, crime, conflict, and even sport.

The last formal declaration of famine was in 2017 in South Sudan. At the start of the century, the demographic spread of large-scale famine shrunk significantly and there has been no major famine in Europe since the 1940s, North and South America since the late 19th century, and few in recent decades in Asia. This is the result of the progress made in reducing global hunger nearing the end of the 20th century. Undernourishment in developing countries fell from 1 in 3 (as 33% in 1970) to 12% in 2015 and notable changes can still be seen and measured today from the awareness raised online to the prestigious programs (like those from the UN) that aim to resolve these pressing predicaments.

The world is healing. Slowly but surely, the needless suffering and scars of our ancestors begin to fade into history books, not to be forgotten, but to serve as an incentive for community, guidance and support. We must move into this new era together, as a group of social beings who can benefit and provide for one another, empathize with the ache of our fellow equals and have the ability to speak up, impact the flow of resources to where they are desperately needed and make the world a better and safer place for our children.