#DigitalAge

In decades past, getting a driver’s license was a symbolic leap toward adulthood and independence for many teenagers. But for Generation Z, this milestone holds far less appeal. New data and expert interviews reveal a dramatic decline in teens seeking the freedom of the open road, raising questions about changes in youth culture, mental health, and mobility trends with global resonance—including for Thai families navigating a rapidly evolving social landscape.

A recent cheating scandal made global headlines not simply for the act itself but for the extraordinary audacity with which it played out. At a Coldplay concert in the United States, two top corporate executives were caught sharing an intimate moment on the stadium’s giant screens, triggering a tidal wave of speculation and analysis across social media. This “kiss-cam couple” incident has renewed interest in the psychology of affairs, particularly why some individuals engage in infidelity in such public, high-risk ways. Insights from the latest psychological research indicate that cheating is rarely just about sexual desire—it reflects deeper emotional, personal, and relational complexities, highlighting issues around emotional connection, the craving for novelty, the thrill of breaking rules, and even cries for help within relationships.

A groundbreaking new report by the World Health Organization has revealed an alarming truth: loneliness is claiming lives at a rate of roughly 100 people every hour—outpacing some of the world’s deadliest diseases and amounting to more than 871,000 deaths per year globally. Despite living in the most connected era in human history, the persistent reality of social isolation has emerged as a severe threat to physical and mental health on a global scale, an issue that resonates deeply for Thai society grappling with rapid digital change and demographic shifts.

A new wave of anxiety is sweeping through Generation Alpha, children born after 2013, according to recent research highlighted by Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com). Surprisingly, smart devices and the relentless pursuit of daily convenience—rather than screen time alone—may be fueling this phenomenon. This research is significant for Thai families and educators as it points to a broader transformation in childhood resilience, skills that are critical for success and well-being in a rapidly changing world.

A wave, a smile, or even a brief exchange of small talk with a stranger on the BTS might seem trivial, but new research underscores how such acts of “psychological generosity” can be transformative—both for ourselves and for Thai society. According to a new article by Professor Linda R. Tropp, published recently in The Conversation (theconversation.com), these tiny social behaviors—like making eye contact or greeting strangers—do much more than oil the wheels of polite society. They offer profound benefits to our psychological well-being, strengthen community ties, and help combat the creeping epidemic of loneliness, an issue not only facing the West but increasingly relevant here in Thailand’s bustling urban centres.

Millennial parents are facing parenting pressures and challenges more complex—if not downright unimaginable—than those experienced by earlier generations, according to new research and real-life accounts. From the insistence of “always-on” work culture to soaring living costs, a childhood defined by digital immersion, and a barrage of social expectations, the millennial parenting experience is rewriting what it means to raise children in the 21st century. The implications are profound—not just for families, but also for schools, community institutions, and Thai society navigating rapidly shifting social norms.

A groundbreaking new analysis reveals that simple acts such as making eye contact and engaging in polite small talk with strangers offer far more than fleeting pleasantries—they represent a form of “psychological generosity” that can significantly enhance individual and societal well-being. Published on May 21, 2025, in The Conversation by a noted professor of social psychology, this research underscores how daily habits in social attention are fundamental to fostering community, decreasing isolation, and building a healthier, more connected society (The Conversation).