The (negative) impact of social media on young people in Serbia

written by Lenka Nedeljkov Srbinoski, Romina Begaj, Serbia

Social media’s impact on mental health among Serbian youth is concerning. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat dominate their daily lives, and often promote some unattainable beauty standards and fostering feelings of inadequacy. These platforms serve as spaces where young people compare themselves incessantly to influencers and peers, which can cause anxiety and depression by its users.



For women’s right to abortion

written by Ksenija Petrović, Serbia

In 2021 a young Polish woman, Izabela, was admitted to the hospital due to pregnancy complications. Her fetus had many problems and disorders and could not survive. But doctors were hesitant to operate on her because of a new law in Poland that bans abortion except in cases of incest and rape. Isabella’s condition worsened. She texted her mother: “my temperature is rising, I don’t think they will operate on me until the fetus’s heart is beating, and by then I could get sepsis.” She died a few hours later.





New Hope for a Free and Inclusive Twitter?

written by Mehmet Demir, Germany

Recently, Musk posed a question to his audience on Twitter about whether the company should find a new CEO. This interaction with users showcases his openness to community opinions and willingness to listen to their voices. In the end, Musk fulfilled his promise and handed over the CEO position to Linda Yaccarino.



Pro-Family Outcry: Reproductive and Gay Rights Draft Policies Spark Debate in Albania

written by LINDIANA AGOLLI, Albania

In May and June 2024, The Albanian Pro Family and Life Coalition led a campaign opposing a draft policy concerning reproductive rights. Two primary concerns raised by the coalition were the provision allowing abortions for girls over 16 without parental consent and the proposed legalization of surrogacy. Subsequently, on May 19th, the municipality of Tirana… Continue reading Pro-Family Outcry: Reproductive and Gay Rights Draft Policies Spark Debate in Albania





Young People and Their Relationship with Nature and Sports: How It Has Changed

written by Lindiana Agolli, Albania

The relationship between young people and nature, as well as their interest in sports, has undergone significant changes over the past decades. Shifts in technology, lifestyle, and health perceptions have all played a role in transforming this relationship, creating both new opportunities and challenges for the younger generation. The Rise of Technology and Decreased Physical… Continue reading Young People and Their Relationship with Nature and Sports: How It Has Changed



Preserving Identity While Contributing to a Shared Future

written by Zhaklin Begaj, Albania

Albania’s journey toward European Union membership represents far more than a political or economic aspiration, it is a strategic and cultural commitment to becoming an integral part of the European family while remaining deeply rooted in its national identity.



Macedonia’s Female Presidency: full emancipation of women

written by Jovana Spasovska, North Macedonia

The recent election of Gordana Siljanovska as the first female President of Macedonia arguably marks a huge step towards the full emancipation of women in Balkan politics. Just a generation ago, such a thing seemed unimaginable, that even the male population would vote for a woman as their leader on popular elections. Therefore, this seems… Continue reading Macedonia’s Female Presidency: full emancipation of women



Therapeutic potential and risks of using magic mushrooms

written by Marija Đakonović, Montenegro

Psychedelic mushrooms and mental health Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, have been used for centuries in various cultural and spiritual contexts. Recently, these fungi have attracted the attention of the scientific community due to their potential therapeutic effects on mental health disorders. Are these mushrooms harmless and are there any risks? Mental health… Continue reading Therapeutic potential and risks of using magic mushrooms