#Education

A surge in innovative educator-driven strategies is reshaping how computer science is taught in schools, as new research and classroom experiences reveal fresh methods to engage young learners and equip them for a digital future. A recent story from EdSurge highlights how a blend of professional learning and grassroots creativity is making computer science “click” not only for students, but for teachers with little or no prior technical background (EdSurge).

New research and recent analyses highlight a simple, powerful strategy for strengthening parent-teen relationships: exercising together. For Thai families juggling digital distractions, busy schedules, and shifting roles, a family jog, bike ride, or gym session may be as important for emotional closeness as for physical health.

A 2025 analysis in the Journal of Human Biology spans decades of data and shows that physically active teens also report stronger emotional connections with their families. The study frames exercise as social glue, not just a health habit. In Thailand, where family cohesion is highly valued, shared activity offers a practical, non-confrontational way to foster communication. A walk in a city park or a rural bike ride can become meaningful moments for dialogue and trust.

Recent research and a new analysis highlighted by The Wall Street Journal have brought fresh attention to a simple yet powerful method for deepening parent-teen relationships: exercising together. With Thai families navigating modern challenges—including digital distractions, increasingly busy schedules, and generational divides—this growing body of evidence signals that a family jog, bike ride, or trip to the gym may be as essential for emotional closeness as for physical health (WSJ, MSN).

The rise of generative AI is urgently reshaping the global publishing landscape, as powerful chatbots undermine the traditional flows of traffic, revenue, and recognition on which news and book publishers depend. Recent research and first-hand industry accounts suggest this disruption could threaten the very existence of independent journalism worldwide, especially if Thai publishers and readers fail to adapt to this new reality.

Generative AI platforms—such as ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, Claude, Grok, and Perplexity—can now summarize and answer questions about online articles and books, often by drawing on vast troves of written content without explicit permission from authors or publishers. According to a comprehensive study referenced in The Atlantic’s “The End of Publishing as We Know It,” Google’s AI Overviews feature alone has slashed website traffic from search results by over 34%. As a result, news providers reliant on digital traffic for advertising and subscriptions are experiencing dramatic declines in visitors, forcing staff layoffs at prominent outlets and sparking anxiety about the future of professional journalism (The Atlantic).

Recent research highlights a global shift: with the average human lifespan rising rapidly, younger generations are poised to experience profoundly different careers, family lives, and retirement than any generation before. According to a new analysis shared by ROAR Forward and featured in a US media report, life expectancy in developed nations has ballooned from 62 years a century ago to approximately 80 today, with experts forecasting over 20 million centenarians worldwide by 2100. This longevity revolution is sending ripple effects across societies—and nowhere are those effects more relevant than in rapidly aging Asian nations like Thailand.

A global shift is underway: people live longer, and younger generations will build longer careers, healthier families, and fuller lives than any generation before. A recent analysis from ROAR Forward, highlighted in U.S. coverage, shows life expectancy in developed nations rising from about 62 a century ago to around 80 today, with experts predicting more than 20 million centenarians worldwide by 2100. In Thailand and other aging Asian societies, these trends are reshaping education, work, and social policy.

Recent research shines a light on misokinesia, a visceral aversion to watching others perform small, repetitive movements. Studies suggest up to one in three people may experience noticeable discomfort, with implications for social life, work, and education—issues that resonate in Thai communities as well.

Misokinesia is defined as a strongly negative emotional reaction to seeing minor repetitive movements such as finger tapping, foot bounce, pen clicking, fidgeting, chewing, or nervous tics. While the term may be new to many, researchers at the University of British Columbia and colleagues reported in reputable journals that a significant portion of the population experiences this visual sensitivity. The findings come from a survey of more than 4,000 people, revealing that roughly one-third reported meaningful distress triggered by such movements. For some, the impact is minor; for others, it can shape where they feel comfortable, how they work, and how they socialize. In Thai workspaces and classrooms characterized by close collaboration, these effects can be especially pronounced.

A recent wave of scientific research has brought attention to a previously little-known condition called misokinesia—an aversion to the sight of others’ repetitive movements—which is now estimated to affect nearly one in three people worldwide. Emerging evidence indicates that this visual sensitivity is as pervasive as it is misunderstood, profoundly influencing social interactions and mental well-being, including within Thai society.

Misokinesia, a term translating literally as “hatred of movement,” refers to the strong negative emotional responses—ranging from mild annoyance to intense psychological distress—that some individuals experience when witnessing small, repetitive movements performed by others. Examples include finger tapping, leg bouncing, pen clicking, fidgeting with objects, chewing motions, or nervous tics (Futura Sciences). While the concept may be unfamiliar to the general public, new research led by psychologists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and published in Nature/Scientific Reports in 2021 has shown it is far from rare.

Telling small white lies to children — from claiming the tablet is “broken” to insisting ice cream trucks only play music when out of ice cream — is a parenting tactic familiar to many. While these fibs often seem harmless and sometimes feel like necessary tools for exhausted parents, new international research warns that such deception can carry significant unintended consequences for a child’s trust and honesty, even shaping their behavior well into adolescence and adulthood.

A wave of teacher-led innovations is reshaping how computer science is taught in schools. New studies and classroom stories show methods that engage students and prepare them for a digital future. A recent feature highlights how professional learning and grassroots creativity help teachers, even those without a strong tech background, make computer science feel approachable and relevant.

For Thai readers, the shift carries immediate relevance. Thailand aims to boost digital literacy and STEM skills among youth as the economy becomes more data-driven. The article follows Utah educators who advanced computational thinking through targeted professional development, weaving CS principles into the early grades and high school subjects. Their approach offers a practical blueprint for making CS accessible, sustainable, and meaningful across diverse classrooms.

A recent commentary by a retired psychologist in The Mercury News has sparked fresh debate about whether gentle parenting is enough for toddlers who lash out. The piece argues that while empathy, emotional labeling, and non-punitive guidance are valuable, they may not quickly curb persistent or physical aggression in young children. The discussion has global relevance and resonates in Thailand, where changing family dynamics and evolving parenting norms are shaping how families respond to misbehavior.

Small white lies may feel convenient for tired parents, but new international research suggests they come with lasting costs to trust and honesty in children. The findings indicate that deceptive parenting can shape a child’s behavior into adolescence and beyond, undermining confidence in close relationships.

A major study led by researchers from a top Singapore university and a prominent education institute in Ontario confirms a global pattern: most parents report telling lies to influence emotions or behavior. More than nine in ten adults say they were lied to by a parent in childhood, and the majority of current parents admit to lying to their own children.

Emotionally intelligent individuals have a secret weapon for escaping the trap of overthinking—and it can be summed up in three powerful words: “Give it a try.” This action-oriented phrase, now supported by new research and psychology insights, offers a pathway for anyone paralysed by indecision to regain momentum and clarity in decision-making, with lessons that are especially relevant to Thai readers navigating work, relationships, and family choices.

Overthinking is a familiar, often stressful reality in modern life. Whether it’s the anxiety of picking a career, choosing a school for your child, or simply deciding which restaurant to visit with friends, the cycle of endless analysis can feel overwhelming. The significance of this news lies in its practical, research-validated advice for moving past hesitation—a common concern among Thais, where cultural emphasis on kreng jai (consideration of others’ feelings) can magnify decision-making anxiety. As reported by the American Psychological Association, a staggering 73% of adults admitted to feeling overwhelmed by overthinking at least once a week in a 2020 survey (APA).

A recent opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal—titled “AI’s Biggest Threat: Young People Who Can’t Think”—has sparked intense debate across global education circles and among Thai educators. The article raises urgent concerns that artificial intelligence (AI), while transformative, may expose and even accelerate a crisis of eroding critical thinking skills among today’s youth. The implications reverberate beyond technology, stirring questions for education systems in Thailand and across the world about how to prepare the next generation for an AI-dominated future.

A wave of AI-driven decision making is prompting a rethink of what it means to think. A recent expert-led analysis argues for “matter over mind”—a focus on body, environment, and action as sources of cognition. BEAM thinking reframes intelligence as distributed and enacted through movement and surroundings, not just neural processing.

BEAM thinking shifts away from the idea that the brain alone contains all intelligence. It emphasizes how bodily sensations, physical spaces, and purposeful actions influence thinking. This approach argues that AI cannot fully replicate embodied cognition, which underpins decision-making, creativity, and problem-solving in real life.

A viral claim suggests that children born in certain months—especially January, February, and March—are more likely to show higher intelligence. Yet the science behind these statements remains unsettled, and many headlines blur fact with speculation. This is a timely topic for Thai families and educators who want evidence-based guidance for nurturing young minds.

Thai audiences are highly attuned to educational outcomes. Schools, families, and policymakers continually seek ways to optimize learning. The question of birth months taps into broader discussions about school start ages, cognitive development, and how to support every child’s potential.

Emotionally intelligent individuals are tapping into a simple, powerful strategy to break free from overthinking: act. The phrase “give it a try” shifts attention from perfect outcomes to actionable steps, a mindset supported by recent psychology research. This lesson is especially relevant for Thai readers navigating work decisions, family choices, and educational paths.

Overthinking is a common source of stress in today’s life. From choosing a career to selecting a school for a child or deciding where to dine with friends, endless deliberation can stall progress. In Thailand, the struggle is often intensified by kreng jai—the consideration for others’ feelings— which can fuel hesitation. Data from a major psychology survey shows many adults feel overwhelmed by overthinking weekly, underscoring the need for practical strategies.

A prominent psychiatrist has expressed deep remorse over his role in transforming the landscape of autism in America—a change that saw US autism rates leap from 1 in 2,000 children in the 1980s to approximately 1 in 31 today. The surge, he says, is largely attributable to expanded diagnostic criteria introduced in the 1990s and further broadened in the 2010s, with far-reaching consequences for families, public health policy, and social attitudes across the globe—including in Thailand.

In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven decision-making, new research is calling for a renewed embrace of what it means to “think like a human.” According to ideas introduced in a recent Psychology Today article by a business professor and leadership expert, the mantra “matter over mind”—highlighting the critical role of our bodies, environment, and actions in cognition—should become central for individuals and workplaces striving to stay relevant and resilient in the digital age (Psychology Today).

A new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has ignited debate over the cognitive impact of AI writing tools like ChatGPT, revealing that their use significantly reduces brain activity and leads to less creative, more “soulless” work. The findings, published in June 2025, raise questions over the future role of artificial intelligence in education, as policymakers and educators across the world—including in Thailand—navigate the integration of new technologies in the classroom.

A wave of new research shows that reading fiction can lessen loneliness and strengthen brain health, offering a low-cost path to well-being for Thais across ages. As isolation rises in cities and villages alike, health professionals urge a return to the cherished habit of storytelling—not just for entertainment, but as a practical tool for mental and social resilience.

Experts note a growing loneliness crisis worldwide, a trend now echoed in Thailand where urbanization, shifting family structures, and digital lifestyles contribute to social disconnection. While AI chatbots and scrollable feeds promise companionship, researchers warn that virtual solutions cannot replace real human connection. Studies are turning a bright spotlight on reading’s social and psychological benefits.

A wave of groundbreaking research has found that reading fiction can significantly alleviate feelings of loneliness and foster brain health—offering a potent, low-cost remedy to a growing problem among Thais of all ages. With isolation surging in both urban and rural communities, health experts encourage a return to the much-loved tradition of reading stories, not just for entertainment but as a powerful tool for mental and social wellbeing.

The modern loneliness epidemic, recently highlighted by global leaders and the World Health Organization, is now recognized as a crisis affecting 25% of older adults and up to 15% of adolescents worldwide, with Thailand seeing parallel trends driven by urbanization, changing family structures, and the rise of digital lifestyles (psypost.org). While AI-enabled chatbots and social media often promise companionship, experts caution that these virtual solutions can never replace meaningful human connection. As such, recent studies are putting a fresh spotlight on the social and psychological benefits of reading fiction.

A provocative debate is unfolding in Thai tech circles and beyond about whether a computer science degree remains essential for a thriving technology career. Critics argue that advances in artificial intelligence, low-code tools, and a shifting IT job market are redefining what skills matter most. The question now is whether formal CS education still provides the best return on investment for Thai students and professionals, or if practical, applied routes can deliver comparable or better outcomes.

A respected psychiatrist expresses regret over how autism understanding expanded in the United States, a shift that helped drive a sharp rise in diagnosed cases—from about 1 in 2,000 children in the 1980s to roughly 1 in 31 today. He says broader criteria in the 1990s and again in the 2010s reshaped families, health policy, and social attitudes worldwide, including in Thailand.

This reflection comes from a prominent Duke University scholar who led the team that revised the DSM in 1994. The decision to include milder forms, such as Asperger’s syndrome, aimed to give more children access to support. The psychiatrist’s current view is tinged with concern about unintended effects, including labeling challenges that might be better viewed as variations of typical development rather than a single disorder.