Obsession with cannibalism as the metaphor for love

By Asma Qayyum Digital depression refers to the negative impact of excessive screen time, information overload, and unhealthy social media use on mental health. In today’s digital age, smartphones, social media platforms, and the internet have become an essential part of everyday life. While these technologies help people communicate, learn, and work more efficiently, their excessive use can have serious consequences for mental well-being. Digital depression is a condition in which prolonged use of digital devices and online platforms contributes to feelings of sadness, anxiety, loneliness, emotional exhaustion, and low self-esteem. It is becoming increasingly common, particularly among teenagers and young adults, who spend a significant portion of their day online. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects approximately 280 million people worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of disability. Although digital technology is not the sole cause of depression, research shows that excessive screen time and unhealthy social media habits can significantly increase the risk of mental health problems. A 2023 advisory by the U.S. Surgeon General reported that adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media are at a greater risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Similarly, DataReportal’s 2024 Global Digital Report found that the average internet user spends approximately 6 hours and 38 minutes online each day, highlighting how deeply digital technology has become integrated into modern life. Several factors contribute to digital depression, including excessive use of social media, constantly comparing one’s life with idealized online images, cyberbullying, online harassment, poor sleep caused by late-night screen use, smartphone and internet addiction, and reduced face-to-face interaction with family and friends. The effects of digital depression can be both psychological and physical. People may experience persistent sadness, anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, headaches, eye strain, fatigue, and reduced productivity. If left unaddressed, these problems can negatively affect academic performance, professional life, and personal relationships. Fortunately, digital depression can be prevented by adopting healthy digital habits. People should limit their daily screen time, avoid using electronic devices before bedtime, take regular breaks from social media, engage in physical exercise, spend more quality time with family and friends, and seek professional help if symptoms persist. Schools and parents should also educate young people about responsible technology use and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline life. In conclusion, digital technology has transformed modern life by creating countless opportunities for education, communication, business, and innovation. However, when used excessively or without balance, it can seriously affect mental health. By promoting digital awareness, developing healthier online habits, and supporting those experiencing emotional difficulties, society can reduce the impact of digital depression and encourage a healthier relationship with technology.

By Absara Kashaf  The international political landscape is undergoing a noticeable transformation. For many years, the United States was widely regarded as the world’s most influential political, economic and military power. However, recent global opinion surveys indicate that public perceptions are changing. Countries around the world are increasingly evaluating global powers not only by their military strength but also by their economic cooperation, development assistance, investment and diplomatic engagement. The Latest Pew Research Center Global Attitudes Survey (july 2026) provides important evidence of this shift. Based on interviews with 42,151 adults across 36 countries, the survey reveals that China now enjoys a more favorable public image than the United States in a majority of the countries included in the study. The findings highlights China’s growing international influence, particularly among developing and middle-income nations. One of the survey’s most significant findings is that China is viewed more favorably than the United States in 30 of the 36 countries surveyed. This represents a remarkable change in global public opinion. While the United States continues to enjoy strong support in few countries, particularly among some of its long-standing allies, China has gained considerable public approval across Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe. This shift suggests that many people now associate China with economic opportunity, infrastructure development, and long-term cooperation rather than viewing it solely as an emerging global competitor. China’s growing popularity is closely linked to its expanding economic partnerships around the world. Over the past two decades, China has invested billions in infrastructure projects, transportation networks, energy development, industrial zones, digital connectivity and trade agreements. Through initiatives such as Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has financed highways, railways, ports, power plants, and industrial zones in numerous developing countries. These projects have contributes to economic growth, employment opportunities and improved connectivity in many regions. As a result, public opinion in several countries increasingly reflects appreciation for China’s contribution to national development. The survey further shows that 69 percent of respondents in 17 middle-income countries consider China to be somewhat or very reliable international partner. This finding is particularly important because middle-income countries often seek foreign investment, technology and infrastructure financing to support their development goals. Many respondents appear to believe that China provides practical economic cooperation without imposing extensive political conditions. Whether this perception fully reflects reality remains a subject of academic debate, but it undoubtedly contributes to China’s improving international image. Another major finding concerns confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to the survey, global confidence in Xi Jinping has improved compared to previous years. Across many countries,  larger number of respondents believe that President Xi will make responsible decisions regarding international affairs. Although confidence levels differ from one country to another, the overall trend indicates that China’s leadership is gaining broader international acceptance. Leadership perceptions often influence how countries are viewed internationally, making this finding particularly significant for understanding China’s growing diplomatic influence. Among all the countries surveyed, Pakistan recorded one of the strongest levels of support for China. According to the survey, 90 percent of Pakistanis expressed a favorable opinion of China, while 83 percent reported confidence in President Xi Jinping to do the right things regarding world affairs. These are among the highest approval ratings recorded anywhere in the survey. In contrast, only 15 percent of Pakistanis expressed a favorable opinion of the United States, while confidence in former U.S President Donald Trump stood at just 12 percent. These figures demonstrate the exceptionally positive image that China currently enjoys among the Pakistani public. Several factors help explain Pakistan’s strong support for China. The two countries have maintained close diplomatic and strategic relations for decades, often referring to their friendship as an “all-weather strategic partnership”. In recent years, this relationship has expanded significantly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), one of the flagship projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. CPEC includes investments in roads, highways, ports, power generations, industrial zones, and communication infrastructure. Many Pakistanis associate these projects with improved economic opportunities, enhanced connectivity, and future development. Consequently, China’s image among Pakistani Public has become increasingly positive Beyond Pakistan, the survey also suggests that China is increasingly perceived as a contributor to global peace and stability. One notable example is South Africa, where the proportion of respondents who believe China contributes positively to global peace increased from 47 percent in 2023 to 64 percent in 2026. Similar improvements were observed in several other developing countries. China’s active participation in diplomatic negotiations, peacemaking missions, humanitarian assistance, and international development initiatives appears to have strengthened its reputation among many respondents. The survey also explores whether people believe China considers the interest of developing countries when making international policy decisions. Among respondents in the 17 middle-income countries, 57 percent stated that China takes the interests of countries like their own into account. This finding reflects an important aspect of China’s international strategy. Many developing countries view China as a partner that understands their development challenges and provides economic cooperation through investment, trade, infrastructure financing, and technology transfer. Whether this perception continues in the future will depend on China’s policies and long-tern outcomes of its international projects Despite China’s growing popularity, the survey also demonstrates the global opinion remains diverse. Several countries continue to express stronger support for the United States than for the China. These include Japan, India, Philippines, Israel, Poland, and South Korea. Historical alliances, security partnerships, regional geopolitical concerns, and territorial disputes continue to influence public opinions across countries. The findings also illustrated the growing importance if soft power illustrates the growing importance of soft power in international relations. Soft power refers to a country’s ability to influence others through attraction, cooperation, culture, diplomacy and economic engagement rather than military force. China’s engagement in infrastructure, trade, education techonolgy in many developing countries have strengthened its soft power in many developing countries. Public opinion surveys such as Pew’s demonstrate that these efforts are increasingly shaping how ordinary citizens perceive China’s global role. The finding offer important insights

Marriage is often described as a situation where “those who marry regret it and those who do not marry regret that too.” Now, scientists have revealed a surprising effect that marriage can have on couples. According to researchers, the first two years of marriage can bring significant changes to the personalities of newly married couples. A joint study by the University of Georgia and the University of California found that personality changes during the first two years of marriage can have important long-term effects on marital relationships. According to the study, newlyweds experience noticeable changes in their personalities and these changes can influence their satisfaction with their relationship with their spouse. The research found that during the first 18 months of marriage, husbands tend to become more dependent on their wives and increasingly focus their attention on their wives rather than the outside world. The study also found that wives experienced reductions in anxiety, depression, feelings of inferiority, restlessness and stress. These positive personality changes were observed among couples of different age groups. However, researchers also noted one negative development: compatibility between husbands and wives tended to decrease. The researchers said that, overall, the findings show that men and women undergo significant personality changes soon after marriage and these changes can be important for developing a healthy long-term relationship. The findings of the study were published in the journal Developmental Psychology. Spousal support and stress Earlier, a study conducted by Binghamton University in the United States in April 2024 found that feeling a lack of support from a spouse can increase physical stress. This feeling can raise levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Cortisol works with parts of the brain involved in regulating mood, motivation and behaviour. Researchers said that people’s perceptions of their spouse’s support become stronger over time allowing them to predict how their partner is likely to behave in different situations. They further noted that support from a spouse is more important than people may expect.