Stuck in a Bubble
Sometimes, the very things that connect us can be the same things that drive us apart. With 24/7 access to news coverage on the other end of the world, we can grow numb rather than develop an understanding of the tragedies others face. And while this can feel like a dystopia of its own, exploring both ancient and novel ideas takes us to inconceivable places. In an increasingly interconnected world, shaping who we are in relation to what we find most meaningful is no easy task. So, for our ‘Disconnect’ issue, we invite you to reflect on the bubble(s) you find yourselves in.
Cover by Anushka Sabhanam
We begin our issue by spotlighting this year’s VSPA Conference on the theme of relationship psychology. Our first article by Emma considers whether simple coping mechanisms can cross the line into dangerous habits of escapism, while Sara invites you to explore the interconnectedness between nature and human consciousness. Are we in the midst of a loneliness epidemic? Aki considers the invisible nature of feeling alone. While some feel relieved to put a label to their struggle, Katie captures the lonely reality of receiving a mental health diagnosis. Ayla takes a critical look at pregnancy-related research, unveiling its lack of nuance and focus on the woman’s experience, while Avanti reviews the heartfelt, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, for the Tabula Rasa column. Presenting a hypothetical scenario, Vadim challenges us to confront the roots of discrimination and prejudice in everyday interactions. Information wars and our limited capacity to empathize – Tanvi addresses our perception of conflict, and our active role in shaping it. Following this, Viktor draws upon his own experience in the classroom and discusses how we can best accommodate children with ADHD. Then, Kamila uses her personal experience to discuss acculturation and how it can unfold in different ways. Anushka and Berenike return with Let’s Mingle, where they dive into the benefits of improv for autistic youth together with Saskia van der Maas. Tan encourages us to stop and consider how the omnipresence of technology in our lives affects us. Shriya maneuvers the moral minefield of simulated chatbots and considers their psychological implications. Finally, Nitya wraps up our print issue with a thoughtful piece detailing her internal dissonance, living somewhere very different to her home.
We hope you enjoy the issue!
Anushka & Evita
Stuck in a Bubble
Sometimes, the very things that connect us can be the same things that drive us apart. With 24/7 access to news coverage on the other end of the world, we can grow numb rather than develop an understanding of the tragedies others face. And while this can feel like a dystopia of its own, exploring both ancient and novel ideas takes us to inconceivable places. In an increasingly interconnected world, shaping who we are in relation to what we find most meaningful is no easy task. So, for our ‘Disconnect’ issue, we invite you to reflect on the bubble(s) you find yourselves in.
Cover by Anushka Sabhanam
We begin our issue by spotlighting this year’s VSPA Conference on the theme of relationship psychology. Our first article by Emma considers whether simple coping mechanisms can cross the line into dangerous habits of escapism, while Sara invites you to explore the interconnectedness between nature and human consciousness. Are we in the midst of a loneliness epidemic? Aki considers the invisible nature of feeling alone. While some feel relieved to put a label to their struggle, Katie captures the lonely reality of receiving a mental health diagnosis. Ayla takes a critical look at pregnancy-related research, unveiling its lack of nuance and focus on the woman’s experience, while Avanti reviews the heartfelt, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, for the Tabula Rasa column. Presenting a hypothetical scenario, Vadim challenges us to confront the roots of discrimination and prejudice in everyday interactions. Information wars and our limited capacity to empathize – Tanvi addresses our perception of conflict, and our active role in shaping it. Following this, Viktor draws upon his own experience in the classroom and discusses how we can best accommodate children with ADHD. Then, Kamila uses her personal experience to discuss acculturation and how it can unfold in different ways. Anushka and Berenike return with Let’s Mingle, where they dive into the benefits of improv for autistic youth together with Saskia van der Maas. Tan encourages us to stop and consider how the omnipresence of technology in our lives affects us. Shriya maneuvers the moral minefield of simulated chatbots and considers their psychological implications. Finally, Nitya wraps up our print issue with a thoughtful piece detailing her internal dissonance, living somewhere very different to her home.
We hope you enjoy the issue!
Anushka & Evita
