Modern Relationships and Social Media

By Yensy Lopez

Relationships are complex; they involve the merging of two complex people from different backgrounds and experiences. Now, adding social media to this complicates things a little, in that social media creates new standards for what a relationship should look like and how the partner should act. This has been a realization for me in the last couple of months. I see so many different videos of relationships and find myself craving those things. Forgetting that social media isn’t real, that people only share fragments of their lives, and their happy times. This creates a problem in society, where we are constantly comparing our very real lives to these second-long videos that we get no contextual background on. This can lead to an idealized version of reality and of what relationships should look like, creating unrealistic expectations, as well as jealousy and insecurity. For example, something I have personally noticed is the increasing amount of couple holidays or celebratory dates, where we are sold this idea that if your partner loved you, they would acknowledge this day or give you a gift. This pattern is creating a new economic expectation in relationships, where one person is expecting complete or partial financial support from their partners, and constant material gifts. I think this idea is more problematic for younger generations, because young people don’t have the same financial stability as you do once you’re older. I believe it’s important to realize every relationship is different, and there are different phases to those relationships. A relationship is not always 50/50, sometimes it will look like 70/30. A relationship is about teamwork, about love and being a support system, each in its own unique way. No one should have an opinion about your relationship because it is not theirs, there is no competition and no comparison to other relationships. If you feel happy and that your needs are met in your relationship, there is no need to compare to the ones online, because you truly never know what the reality is behind a screen. A phrase that I came across, and it resonated with me, not just in the context of relationships, but in general, is, “Not everything that shines is gold.” Although social media can be a beautiful place where you can express yourself and have fun, as well as learn, it can also be deceiving.

Six Relationship Hot Takes

By Peter Odeyemi

Some relationships today are somewhat healthy and might seem “perfect,” but I personally believe no relationship is flawless or perfect. Most relationships are affected by external factors, such as social media, opinions of friends and family, and societal norms. Everything about relationships and dating is opinion-based, and is best communicated between the partners involved to prevent disparity, which is why communication is important in a relationship. This is also important to talk about because a lot of people treat their romantic relationships like it’s a do-or-die affair, almost like they're being trapped in a cage, when in reality they’re just making a fool of themselves by not realizing it's a CHOICE to be in such a position. Here are six commonly debated questions surrounding romantic relationships.

1. Can controversial values lead to relationship conflicts? TOTALLY YES. This is a topic that is unavoidable in any long-term relationship, either platonic or romantic, especially surrounding topics such as politics. Social media also plays a part here, as people tend to see their partners as a stereotype of what they see online. Having different opinions and values is totally normal, but not when it comes to matters like human rights. For instance, imagine dating someone who believes a very negative stereotype about people of colour and has tendencies to be racist, and still calls that having an “opinion.” So yes, controversial values can play a huge role in relationship dynamics.

2. Should texting be constant or limited? It depends. Some find constant communication as a way to keep in touch regularly, but at some point, it feels tiresome (at least to me). Communication is good, but constant texting at all times just feels overkill at some point. Talking once in a while, giving regular updates about your day, should be enough.

3. Is constant jealousy a warning signal or proof of love? Some may find jealousy attractive or hot, but it gets to a point where it gets toxic and most likely stems from insecurity, low self-esteem, or obsessiveness. I feel jealousy in relationships is normal, until it reaches an unhealthy point, like getting jealous of partners’ interactions with friends or strangers, or being scared your partner is going to cheat on you. Extreme jealousy is a genuine concern in relationships because it could escalate to abuse and violence - so either it gets sorted out, or you get a breakup.

4. Should couples discuss past partners? In knowing your partner, you have to know the person they currently are and who they were. This conversation should be had when both partners are emotionally ready to discuss past relationships. Although some may disagree, as not everyone is interested in who you met up with at a bar 3 years ago, it's also key to know a little bit of your partner’s dating history to approach certain issues and understand more about who they are.

5. Is it okay to check each other’s phones? Personally speaking, if you have nothing to hide, you won't have any issue with sharing passwords or giving your partner access to your phone. Some may see checking each other's phones as a violation of privacy or signs of trust issues, but if you feel the need to check your partner's phone, they should know about it. Even couples who see checking each others phones as a sign of trust may change their minds if it’s done when they’re not around. It should come from a point of curiosity, not trust issues, because 90 percent of the time whatever you’re searching for on their phone can be resolved by open communication.

6. Should parents influence who you date? Very controversial take, but to some extent, yes. Parents can play a supportive role in dating by offering guidance and support, but they should also respect their child's autonomy and personal choices. Healthy relationships require setting boundaries, including how much say parents have in dating choices. I believe the parents are allowed to have opinions on their children’s partners, but not choose who they date.

Although some of these may be controversial takes and subject to contrary opinions, it's important to know that open dialogue and communication between partners is the solution to any relationship disagreements.

The Ethics of Smut

By Jason Foster

Over the years, you may have come to associate Valentine's Day with many different things -  red candy hearts, school dances, gift baskets and date nights out with your loving partner, date nights out with yourself and a vodka cranberry or three, or maybe even those little valentines cards you would hand out in middle school, as a half-hearted gesture of communal acknowledgement of the day. Whatever your association may have been, as we grow older, the one thing that many people synonymously associate with the day is an intimate, personal thing: sex. A romantic, passionate night with a partner, an equally vigorous, fulfilling night with a stranger, or maybe even a date with your left hand. Hey, no judgment!

To get into the mood, or to keep it going, pornography has become a prevalent part of many people's private lives. But, of course, since the industry is such a profitable one, many problems present themselves when looking into the specifics of production, distribution and consumption. Studios often use cherry-picked, conventionally attractive looking models with conventionally arousing sexual characteristics, unrealistic among us common folk. Because pornographic content is not exactly a commodity, as well, audiences can range in age group and maturity, leading a startling amount of young people who may not have ever had their first kiss yet to get their first exposure to sexual content through this skewed, unrealistic medium. Many people, for these reasons and many more, find themselves uncomfortable with filmed pornography. This is why, recently, a new trend has been emerging - bringing this form of entertainment from a modern one, back to a more traditional format.

Romance novels, romantic movies and romantic plotlines, whether cash-grabs of commonly desired actors or not, are some of the most popular types of media in our society. Traditionally, however, these stories are PG-13, wholesome, heartwarming.. and very overtly formulaic. As they have always been, romance books are as popular as ever. However, a different type of *romance* book has become popular as well, in part due to the popularity of 'Booktok', a TikTok subsection whose consumer libraries seem to be very different from a typical peruser of the classics. I'm talking, of course, about smut - books which contain written sex scenes, and books which are simply meant to be written pornography.

There is, of course, a difference between these two. A romantic book with fourteen chapters with an intimate, emotional payoff of a sex scene in chapter twelve is very different from a forty page novella entirely focused on the sexual exploits of a promiscuous protagonist. However, because reading is seen as more of an 'intellectual' activity than scrolling through an unfiltered, particularly raunchy web page, the problems and potential ethical concerns with smut do not often get discussed.

Firstly, the 'literature' is often overlooked. It's no secret that people enjoy quick gratification, which usually results in them skipping to the 'good' part of the book, while simply skimming the rest. As authors, we would *like* the rest of our work to be read, but people are often not so patient. Romance authors, especially those writing for a big distributor of romantic novels, are acutely aware of this fact, and tend to write their smut scenes in a separate chapter, or separate from the overarching plot. Unfortunately, this means that these scenes often feel like cash grabs, and even more unfortunately, it works. As more and more people become comfortable with the idea of smut and written porn, more and more corporations keep realizing the profit available in volumes with less plot, and more porn. This feeds people's need for snappy gratification, and legitimizes the people you'll see in Booktok circles who choose their reading material based on 'spice' ratings of different books. The literature element in most new books containing sexual content is thus gone, superficial and painful to read, and completely ignored by most readers, which makes this form of smut just as bad as regular, cherry-picked, purposely 'to the point' pornography.

Next, the realism of this type of literature. You might think it would surpass the 'realism' often shown in video form, and you would be mostly correct, but just *barely*. The relationship types often shown in romance books, made by Harlequin in particular, are centred around the usually troubled relationship of a man and woman. The man, usually a millionaire, hunky farmer, or cowboy, pursues a woman, usually conflicted in her choice of lovers, or by the events in her life. Let's skip past the non-sexual 'plot', as most readers do, and focus on the elements usually involved in the smut included in these types of stories. Often, these scenes are gratuitously detailed, focusing on the physical attributes of both characters, and include long stretches of pure verbal silence, with no communication beyond that of classic pornographic lines, curses, and the occasional whimpered 'yes'. This type of scene has no more sustenance than a video form would, as the appeal of the realism involved is lost, when the characters forfeit their inflections and unique traits to conform to the 'pornstar' persona the author thrusts upon them.

What truly makes a romance novel enjoyable is being able to connect with the characters, being able to empathize with the protagonist and celebrate when she ends up with the noble man who treats her well, rather than the one who exploits and takes her for granted. Sex scenes are meant to be a moment of emotional payoff, not only for the audience, but the characters, as well. Characterization should not end with sex scenes, but instead should be enhanced with them, with specific character traits shining through. As well, in reality, communication is extremely important, as it is itself intimate - sharing desires, boundaries, likes and dislikes shows vulnerability, and another person who listens to and respects these boundaries is much more desirable than someone who doesn't care to ask. In laymans terms, it is much more rewarding to read a scene with personable characters who know what they want, and are *getting* it, than with generic characters who are put into a bed and act as though the author is playing with them like Barbie dolls in order to earn their paycheque.

Lastly, and most importantly, is the depiction of meaningful consent in this type of content, or, rather, the lack thereof. As with communication, in reality, consent is an extremely important, non-negotiable factor of intimacy. Often, in these types of stories, a single 'yes' at the beginning of the scene is used as a blanket statement for the whole encounter. This does not work in reality, however - using an analogy we are all no doubt familiar with, just because someone may have agreed to Orange Pekoe tea is no indication they'll enjoy Chamomile, or Earl Gray. They may want their tea with sugar, honey, milk, or over ice. Every single act, whether you move up, down or underneath your partner is different, and is differently liked and disliked by different people. These types of smut books which value freakish character stamina, arousing, bland dialogue, and reader gratification therefore completely miss this, focusing instead on the sex appeal of the scene, rather than the traits and relationship dynamic of the characters involved.

Alas, you or I cannot fix the industry, but we can be mindful about the type of content we choose to consume, and how we choose to view it ethically and objectively. So, while you're cuddled up in bed this Valentine's Day, if you choose to enjoy a good book to get the fire burning, just remember what, exactly, it is that you're reading, and bear in mind what your own feelings are towards the type of content you're reading. Are your desires as the consumer being fulfilled, or are you reading the same old bland content written over and over again to turn a profit? Be mindful, friends, and happy Valentine's Day!

Relationships & AI – What to Know

By Reese Rankmore

Over the past few years, various forms of Artificial Intelligence have become main parts of many people's lives. While many people use AI as a search engine or to do their homework, one use that is rising in popularity involves relationships. While some people draw the line at relationship advice from AI, others are taking it to the next level and having full-out romantic “relationships” with chatbots. While some may see this as an exciting glimpse into the future, there are definitely some issues to be aware of.

For one, it’s important that people think critically and take everything they hear with a grain of salt. AI chatbots like ChatGPT were built to engage users and keep them coming back to the platform, and one of the ways they do this is by telling users exactly what they want to hear. For example, if someone goes to AI and asks them who was right in an argument between them and their parter, the chatbot is going to validate the user’s side to keep them on the platform. Many people are not aware of this or choose to ignore it, which leads to them using these sources as unhealthy external validation or thinking they’re getting advice from a neutral party when they are not.

As previously mentioned, the level of usage of chatbots varies from person to person. Many people use AI as a sounding board to test out conversation starters and understand their human relationship a little bit better, similar to how many people use search engines to look for relationship advice. However, the waters get a little murkier when people become so obsessed that they form romantic “relationships”, where they somewhat personify the chatbot and see them as their spouse or partner. This gets even trickier when, as illustrated in an article from The Guardian interviewing people with AI companions, multiple interviewees mentioned that they’re actually married to a human, but still have very romantic conversations and relationships with their AI partner that their human partner may or may not know about. This raises ethical questions about cheating and the health of their real-life relationships.

On the point of human relationships, the general increased reliance on AI services has done a number on how humans interact with each other. Many people who use these chatbots see them as just as good as a real-life friend – it listens to them, helps them out with their issues, and may provide an easier way to discuss tough topics than with a person. However, some fear that the validating nature of chatbots sets unrealistic expectations for real human relationships. It’s not realistic to expect that your relationship with your partner will always be sunshine and rainbows like ChatGPT – there’s going to be arguments and tough situations. The COVID lockdowns proved just how important real-life human relationships are, and increased reliance on AI as friends or partners seems like a step in the wrong direction.

Privacy and safety concerns should also be considered. One way that these chatbots make the relationships seem more personal and real is by retaining information from previous conversation sessions to call back on – but people are concerned (as they should be) about how much of their personal data is being stored, and what it’s being used for without their knowledge. Furthermore, there have been many reported cases of “AI-induced psychosis”, where people (who are often vulnerable) turn to chatbots to help them solve serious problems in times of desperate need. In many situations, AI has affirmed people’s delusions, sent them into a downward spiral, or not been able to recognize serious signs of distress.

In conclusion, whether you’re terrified and keeping your distance from ChatGPT or you’ve named your chatbot, there is still a lot of grey area in AI and especially how people have come to use it. In the future, it will be interesting to see what other research comes out about this topic when more data is available. Until then, be aware of both the opportunities and risks that come with this emerging technology.

Sources: “The people turning to AI for dating and relationship advice” BBC; “Why Are We Talking to Robots About Our Relationships?” Psychology Today; “The women in love with AI companions: ‘I vowed to my chatbot that I wouldn’t leave him’” The Guardian; “AI chatbots and digital companions are reshaping emotional connection” American Psychological Association.

Love in the Digital Age

By Janine Campbell

Valentine’s Day in 2026 looks very different from the romanticized version in movies and novels. For students, love is no longer limited to handwritten notes or surprise bouquets. Instead, it exists in text messages, dating apps, social media posts, and virtual connections. Online dating platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have completely changed the way students meet potential partners. Swiping left or right has replaced traditional first meetings, and what was once a slow process of getting to know someone face-to-face has become a mix of messaging, memes, and shared playlists.

Navigating Valentine’s Day in this digital world can be exciting, but it also comes with new challenges. Texting expectations are complicated. A simple “Happy Valentine’s” text can mean many things depending on context. It could be casual, flirty, friendly, or even a subtle hint that someone wants more. Emojis, read receipts, and typing bubbles have become their own kind of love language, and students often spend extra time making sure their messages are received the way they intended. A missed reply or an ignored message can create stress that never existed in pre-digital Valentine’s Days.

Social media adds another layer to this modern romance. Posting a Valentine’s Day selfie, liking a crush’s photo, or sharing a themed story can feel like a public statement of a relationship status. Students often find themselves analyzing the timing, captions, and reactions of the post, which can make a fun holiday feel like a social test. Despite this pressure, social media also allows for creative ways to show affection. Sharing playlists, sending funny memes and posting inside jokes can strengthen connections in ways that would have been impossible before.

Online dating also makes it easier to meet someone new while balancing the busy schedules of student life. Students can connect with others outside their immediate social circles and interact with people they might never meet on campus. Virtual Valentine’s events, such as online games, movie watch parties or group chats with themed activities, have become a new way to celebrate the holiday. These digital gatherings allow students to feel included and connected, whether they are in a relationship or celebrating friendships.

Of course being single in the digital age comes with its own pressures. Social media makes it easy to compare yourself to other people’s highlights. Seeing friends post about elaborate dates or couples share cute moments can sometimes make students feel left out. However, technology also provides a chance to embrace self-love and connection in other ways. Many students use apps to stay in touch with friends, organize group activities, or send thoughtful messages to people they appreciate. Being single does not mean being alone, and Valentine’s Day can be an opportunity to celebrate relationships of all kinds.

Another interesting change brought by digital technology is how students show thoughtfulness. Instead of buying expensive gifts, many students express affection through personalized digital gestures. Whether it’s sending a favourite song, creating a playlist, or even designing a simple collage for someone, these gifts show creativity and thoughtfulness that can have a bigger impact than traditional presents. These gestures emphasize that effort and care matter more than costs.

The digital age has transformed not just how students find love, but also how they experience it. The holiday is no longer about roses, chocolates, or candlelit dinners alone. It is about communication, creativity, and connection in ways that fit the fast-paced and tech-driven lives of students. Valentine’s Day now celebrates friendships, self-love, and online interactions as much as traditional romantic relationships.

When it comes down to it, love in the digital age requires flexibility, humour, and patience. Texts may be misread, online plans may change, and social media can sometimes feel overwhelming, but all of these challenges come with opportunities. Students can find ways to connect with friends, express themselves creatively, and celebrate relationships in forms that were unimaginable a few decades ago. This Valentine’s Day, love is everywhere on campus, whether it’s a thoughtful message on Snapchat or a shared laugh over a meme. It might be digital, fast-paced, and sometimes confusing, but it is still real and meaningful.

Valentine’s Day today is not about perfection or following a strict formula. It is about understanding the many ways people show they care, learning to navigate modern communication, and finding joy in creative and unexpected gestures. For students, this is a holiday that reflects the reality of life in a digital world while still honouring the timeless value of connection.

Self-Love First: Why Valentine’s Season Should Start with You

By Gabby Uwa

Every February, the world seems to turn pink and red overnight. Store aisles fill with chocolates and roses, timelines overflow with couple photos, and suddenly there’s an unspoken pressure to feel “chosen,” desired, or romantically fulfilled. For students especially, Valentine’s season can feel heavier than expected; between classes, deadlines, part-time jobs, and social pressures, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind emotionally or romantically. Seeing couples around campus or scrolling through curated posts online can quietly plant doubts about where you “should” be in life. But everyone’s timeline is different, and comparing yourself to others only steals joy from your own journey.

University is already a period of transition; learning who you are, what you value, and where you’re headed. Adding romantic expectations on top of that can feel overwhelming. That’s why self-love matters now more than ever. It provides stability in seasons of uncertainty.

But here’s the truth we don’t talk about enough:

Valentine’s season isn’t just about romantic love, it’s about love in all its forms. And the most important one is self-love.

Whether you’re single, in a relationship, healing from one, or somewhere in between, this season can stir up emotions we didn’t expect. Comparison creeps in. Loneliness gets louder. Expectations rise. Partners may even divide. That’s exactly why self-love matters now more than ever because before anyone can pour into you, you must learn to pour into yourself.

What Self-Love Really Means

Self-love isn’t just bubbling baths and face masks (though those may go a long way). It’s deeper than that.

It’s choosing yourself even when it’s uncomfortable.
It’s setting boundaries even when it risks disappointing others.
It’s honouring your needs instead of minimizing them.
It’s being gentle with yourself on hard days and proud of yourself on quiet wins.

Self-love is recognizing that your worth does not depend on relationship status, gifts received, or how publicly someone celebrates you.

You are already enough.

Valentine’s culture often centres romantic validation. When you don’t receive what you hoped for or when plans fall through, it can feel personal. But love doesn’t disappear just because one day didn’t go perfectly.

This season is an opportunity to reconnect with you.

To remind yourself that:

• You don’t need to be chosen to be valuable.

• You don’t need grand gestures to be deserving of care.

• You don’t need someone else’s effort to justify your existence.

When you practice self-love, you stop waiting for others to meet needs you can already meet yourself, And that’s powerful.

Solo Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day

• Solo Dinner Dates

• A Trip to the Cinema

• Indoor Movie Night

• Paint and Sip

• High-Budgeted Shopping Day

• Although not a ‘solo’ date, a galentine (or the male version of such) would serve as a great form of entertainment on such day.

Showing yourself love doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It starts with simple, intentional choices: moving your body in ways that feel good, eating nourishing meals, using a condom for safe sex, drinking enough water, and allowing yourself to rest when you’re tired. It also means speaking kindly to yourself, replacing harsh inner dialogue with compassion, and protecting your peace by setting boundaries with people or situations that drain you. Celebrate your progress, emotionally, academically, and personally, even when it feels small. Make time for things that bring you joy, whether that’s journaling, listening to music, taking solo walks, or trying something new. Allow yourself to feel whatever Valentine’s season brings, and invest in your future by studying, saving, or building healthy habits. Every small choice is an act of care for who you’re becoming.

Loving yourself sets the standard for how others treat you. It teaches you to expect consistency, value effort, and recognize when something doesn’t feel right. Valentine’s Day will come and go, flowers fade and social media posts disappear, but your relationship with yourself is permanent. So, this season, don’t wait to be loved. Choose yourself. Show up for yourself. Be gentle with yourself. Because the longest relationship you’ll ever have is with you, and that deserves patience, respect, and devotion every single day.

Love Slang Through the Ages

By Kaelyn Delaurier

Ever wonder how terms for love, dating, and attraction have changed over the years? Well, below is a list of some of the words used throughout history for the dating scene. This is not a comprehensive list, but we’ve included some of the weirdest ones we found. Please note that most of these terms are gendered and many are considered sexist or offensive today. Others are just strange and probably won’t land you a date in the modern world.

Words with a similar meaning to ‘baby’ today:

• 1300s: cinnamon, bird, dove.

• 1400s: turtle, daisy.

• 1500s: sweetkins, heartkin, ladybird, ding-dong ding-dong.

• 1600s: flittermouse, cherub.

• 1700s: pet, lovely, cabbage.

• 1800s: boop, diddums, sugar/sugar plum, kitten, muffin, beloved. Bunbury (boyfriend), duchess (girlfriend), pigeon (girlfriend).

• 1900s: lovebug, pumpkin.

• 1960s: old lady/man.

• 1990s: boo, boo thang.

Words for kissing:

• Necking – first appeared in the 1800s. Very popular in the early 1900s.

• Parking – term for kissing in the 1940s and 1950s.

• Back Seat Bingo – making out in the back seat of a car. 1950s.

• Honey cooler – term for a kiss in the 1930s.

• Bank’s closed – a term for no kissing or hugging in the 1920s.

Words for attractive women:

• 1990s: phat.

• 1980s: Betty.

• 1970s: bunny, brick house, foxy mama, stone fox.

• 1960s: fox.

• 1950s: Dolly.

• 1940s: cookie.

• 1930s: doll, hot mama, sweet patootie.

• 1920s: tomato, skirt.

• 1800s: vixen.

Words for attractive men:

• 1960s: hunk.

• 1950s: dreamboat.

• 1940s: dish (used for any gender).

• 1920s: sheik, looker (used for any gender).

Other fun dating-related words:

• Schwing – a term from the 1990s that is said after a sentence as an exclamation when you see someone you’re attracted to. Mimics the sound of a sword being drawn.

• Casanova – a term from the 1970s meaning ladies’ man.

• Wally wally, blood and dolly – a term from the 1970s that meant being so in love with someone you’re blinded to their faults.

• On the make – a term from the 1960s used when someone was looking for a date.

• Come on snake, let’s rattle – a phrase from the 1950s that, when said to a woman, meant you wanted to dance. If said to a man, it meant you wanted to fight.

• Bird dog – a term from the 1950s for someone who tries to steal your girlfriend.

• Dear John – coined during WWII, this term refers to a woman sending a letter informing her partner that she was ending the relationship.

• Doll dizzy – from the 1940s, this was a term for a boy who was crazy about girls.

• Khaki wacky – from the 1940s, this was a term for a girl who is crazy about boys.

• Big butter and egg man – a term from the 1930s for a rich man who spent his money on women.

• Moll – a term for a gangster’s girlfriend in the 1930s and 1920s.

• Flat tire – a term for a bad date in the 1920s.

• Carry a torch – to have unrequited feelings for someone in the 1920s.

• Fancy man – a term from the 1800s for a man that a woman is having an affair with.

Sources: Your Dictionary, "The language of love: English terms of endearment through the ages” Catchwood Branding; “27 Victorian Terms of Endearment” Poplisticle

Mr. and Ms. Lonely

By Anonymous Cupid

Regardless of how we think about relationships and how much commitment is put into making something work, there are those who have not, nor have they ever, taken the first step in securing themselves a significant other. Valentine's Day 2026 has arrived, and while the couples jump with glee, the singles scoff and seethe. Don’t take this the wrong way, this isn’t me trying to insult those who are single, but just saying that in a time where people celebrate their haves on romantic metaphorical boat rides, single people are in the water swimming by themselves. It makes it less hard for some to rock the boat and roll their eyes over the unavoidable essence of love in the atmosphere. So, what’s the purpose of this article other than wallowing and reflecting in my own lonely singleness during a period of love? I’d recommend some movies or tv shows, but I have a feeling that others have locked in what they want to watch with their significant others. Nope, I’m specifically going to try and justify this loneliness to get through the week like a real survivor *sob*.

Anyway, being single isn’t all bad. Some of us prefer the solitude it offers. For some, they are waiting for the right person to walk into their lives. They just haven’t found the right person yet to fall head over heels for, which is understandable. That’s romantic, probably a hopeless romantic, which is the dream for all. As long as you have hope, you can stay focused on the task of not giving a lick of what’s happening around you. The other reason is due to circumstance in which you probably can’t afford to be romancing right now. Literally, since you don’t have the money, which isn’t what hopeless romantics believe! Love overcomes the hurdle of an empty wallet! But to probably entice someone to enter that relationship, you’d need some disposable income. But for us who justify our singleness and hide behind a mask of saying that we’re fine but not really, because we suppress this desire to not lose focus and give all our time to our scholarly studies. There’s nothing bad about that since we’re just focused on our academic priorities first and saving the hearts for later. Though, give yourself a break once in awhile. You stay focused too much and keep saying you’ll do it later and you’ll find yourself old and grumpy. Unless you’re a sociopath or a workaholic, it ain’t healthy (though it is also not healthy for the two exceptions).

Though I am justifying being single, I’m not suggesting loneliness. Hang out with your friends - it’s a time for bromances or girls’ nights to wallow together and laugh at the friend who’s missing from the party because they’ve got a date. Joking! But other than hanging out with friends to take your mind off the stress of school or being single, if you’re really socially single, read a book or watch a movie, maybe even watch a movie about being lonely. Heh, ain’t that a kicker. How about actual romantic movies to fill that void which is a luxury you can’t afford or will not buy for now? Well, I won’t go into the details of the movies so if you want to find out more about them, google them yourselves: About Time, The Princess Bride, La La Land, The Notebook, You’ve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, Ghost, 500 Days of Summer (for the hopeless romantics), Kate & Leopold, The Corpse Bride, The Lake House, Titanic, Allied, Her (actually relevant considering the leap of AI and how it might affect a lot of lonely people in the world), Serendipity, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Jerry Maguire, The Sound of Music, Notting Hill, The Wedding Singer. There are some I can think of. I’d recommend more, though I think this is a good amount of some good ones along with some classics to fill up the lonely week.

If you’re dead set on wanting to find someone this week or this year, and are seeking some advice, well, you probably shouldn’t take advice from some random person you find on the internet, much less a newspaper. Anywho, here is my advice anyway! For guys, you think Casanova just went around, and all the ladies flocked to him!? Probably. He is Casanova after all. But you’re not Casanova! I know. Shocker. So, that means they’re probably not going to approach you. If you have someone you like, just go ahead and ask them out. While we’ve all probably heard this line, it is true. The worst she can say is no. Don’t be weird, though. If she does say no, pack your bags and leave. Also, make sure not to open with asking them out. If it’s an unrequited yearning of love, it’s probably better to start a small conversation, compliments, and then asking them out. Of course, it won’t work for just anyone or everyone, since we’re all different and we all have our different wants and likes and probably your significant other is interested in someone else. Ouch. But that’s life. It just meant that they weren’t for you. Don’t be down in the dumpster fire because you lost your first battle. Don’t be a casualty in one skirmish. It’s the first campaign of a war you’re fighting. Survive. I can’t speak for other genders too much, but if you’re interested in a guy, best to be just upfront with it if, again, it’s an unrequited love. Take charge and be the one to ask them out, because they got cold feet. That’s a good foundation for a relationship, knowing that one is willing to step in as a shoulder to lean on for the other who is stumbling.

I talked a lot about unrequited love. I guess I’ve emphasized it greatly because its better to know whether you were successful or not in getting their heart rather than chasing them in your dreams. In any case, that’s all the messy spiel I’ve wanted to yap about.

Surviving the Semester, One Goal at a Time

By Blessing Onashile, Junior Reporter

It’s a new year with goals flying across the room. Some are a renewed subscription from three years ago or rollovers from last year, and that’s absolutely fine.

First, congratulations on being here again this year, because it’s something to be thankful for. A new year with new goals and aspirations waiting to be pursued, or maybe no plans at all and just going wherever the wind blows.

Below are a few reminders that may encourage you as you step into this year.

1.      Reflect:

Begin by looking back at goals you once set and ask yourself why they didn’t work out. Be honest. Maybe you lost interest halfway through. Maybe you lacked the support to keep going. Maybe you felt overwhelmed and chose to stop. It could have been influenced by friends, family, or even your own self-doubt. Perhaps you invested so much time and still saw no results. Examine every missed goal closely and identify exactly what went wrong.

2.      Write it out:

Goals that are not written remain dreams waiting to fade. Writing them down is the first step toward bringing them into reality—a bridge between imagination and action. It doesn’t have to be neat or perfectly structured. Just find the words and put them on paper. The documentation of your goals is your first accountability partner. “Write the vision and make it plain…” —Habakkuk 2:2.

3.      Make your goals realistic:
Jay Shetty once said, “Make your goals so small that it would be ridiculous not to accomplish them.” Overly ambitious goals often become intimidating before you even begin. If going to the gym five days a week feels impossible, reduce it to two days and focus on your diet as well. Losing 2 pounds a week instead of 5 pounds is far better than losing motivation altogether. Maybe working out at home with a dumbbell might be more realistic than showing up at the gym in winter. You don’t need to climb Everest to make progress. As Bill Gates said, “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job because they’ll find an easier way to do it.” Not calling you lazy, but you get the memo?

4.      Choose consistency over perfection
This mindset shifts your focus from the finish line to the process. It builds passion and establishes routine. Consistency always produces results. Once you decide on a small, repeatable habit, commit to it. Do it when you’re tired. Do it when you’re discouraged. Prove to yourself that you can trust yourself. Just do it. No cheat days, remember the goals have been broken down small enough that it would be ridiculous not to do it. So just do it.

5.      Pause and breathe
You are not a machine designed solely to achieve goals. Make time to rest, eat well, and appreciate your existence a little more. Your identity should never be tied solely to what you accomplish. Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Build hobbies alongside goals. Do what you enjoy and enjoy what you do. Find moments to smile even during heavy semesters. Watch that episode. Call that friend. Take that drive. Be intentional to hear what your breath sounds like. Inhale… and exhale.

6.      Talk to yourself
You are your closest ally, the only person who knows every part of you, and you decide what beliefs take root in your mind. Be your loudest supporter. If you don’t believe you are worth the effort, no one else can convince you otherwise. You carry beautiful ideas, but you’ve rarely stopped to listen to yourself. While others constantly offer opinions based on their own experiences or theories, you’ve barely explored your own life. Don’t become an extension of someone else’s unrealized dreams or a test subject for their untested ideas. Listen inwardly and discover what you truly want from this gift called life.

7.      Reassess your direction
Ask yourself whether your goals are still working and how you might adjust your approach. Do you need to read more, or practice what you’ve already learned? You don’t need to know everything before you begin. Just get started. Check your progress halfway through the semester. See how close you are to your academic targets and decide whether to refocus or re-strategize. Final exams don’t magically fix everything; success starts with the 5% assignments you’re tempted to ignore. Track your progress. Create a calendar with deadlines for goals, assignments, tests, and exams.

8.      Allow yourself to make mistakes
Mistakes are not proof of failure; they are lessons showing you what not to repeat. Be open to growth and willing to start again. This is often the hardest part, because beginning anew is never easy, but it is always possible.

9.      Seek guidance and mentorship
You don’t have to repeat mistakes that others have already made. Learn from those who have walked a similar path. If you find a mentor, value their guidance and allow yourself to be taught. Know which advice deserves full commitment and which should be taken lightly. Everyone has opinions about how you should live, but only you get to decide what to accept. Ensure advice is not rooted in personal bias or unresolved trauma. “In the multitude of counsel, there is safety.” In academic settings, connect with instructors and advisors - they are there to support you. Utilize their availability as one of your best resources.

10.  Choose goals you can pursue with or without support
Support, like a high value currency, is important and we all need it. But if you always need people to get the job done, the job will most likely not get done in time. Depending entirely on others can stall progress. You can’t control how much encouragement people offer, nor can you expect their enthusiasm to match yours. If others stop believing in your goals, will you stop too? A friend encouraged me to write this article by saying they looked forward to reading it, but what if they lose interest? The answer remains the same: keep going anyway. As my father often says, “Learn how to do things by yourself, because one day you may find yourself alone.”

Music and the Mirage, A Collaboration Born out of BU’s School of Music

By Mehak Oberoi, Assistant Editor-in-Chief

I interviewed Ben Kensok, a saxophonist, keyboardist, and alumnus of the School of Music, where he graduated through the education stream. Now working as a music teacher in Winnipeg, he is the writer and composer for the album Music and the Mirage, which was released on September 5, 2025.

The jazz album includes ten tracks and is 43 minutes long. Recorded in a single take, it’s written to be listened to as a continuous experience; according to Kensok, “This album was created to resemble a live performance, so if you just listen to one song on its own, it might seem kind of abrupt or out of place. But if you start at the beginning of the album and you listen straight through, there are certain songs that transition directly into the next song… ‘I'll Find My Way', ‘Sunset’, and ‘The Watchman's Cry’, which is 4, 5, and 6, lead directly into each other. The same goes for ‘Vengeance of the Diarchy’ [parts one and two]. So if you sit down and you start at the beginning and you go all the way to the very end, you can kind of see the whole picture. And if you can imagine being in an audience, watching a band playing it live, that's kind of the vision that I had going into it.”

I was particularly curious about the heavy symbolism in the album title and the

song titles, which almost presented as an inner dialogue driving each composition,

going from a confused and melancholic process (‘Pacing’ and ‘I’ll Find my Way’

are examples of that) to sudden aggression, featuring themes of violence and

surveillance. When asked about that, Kensok, the writer behind them, had an

explanation for his process. “So the title of the album is Music and the Mirage,

which is kind of based around an experience that I often have, when I’m going through my day to day life. I get distracted really easily, and sometimes I zone out from what's going on. Usually, it’s because I'm thinking about music, and the different melodies and harmonies that are going through my head. So Music and the Mirage is just a compilation of all those different things that I'm hearing in my head that aren't necessarily real, much like a mirage. You think it's there, but it's not actually there.”

As for individual song titles, Kensok explained: “The tune ‘Samba de Meia’ translates from Portuguese to English, to be the sock samba. And it's because my last name is Ken-Sock. And so I was like, oh, this would be a fun way to to name that. Some of the other more specific names, like ‘The Watchman's Cry’ and ‘Vengeance of the Diarchy’ - those are really intense titles. But what I did was I actually wrote these short stories that were based around these ideas, which had the same titles. So there was this whole story of this epic tale that was going through my head as I wrote the music. And you can see, if you read the story and you also listen to the music in those songs, you can kind of hear the story progress.”

For many current music students at BU, releasing an album is a major career goal. For Kensok and the band, the idea originated slowly. “Back in January,” Kensok says, “I had the privilege of recording on Esteban, our drummer’s, album, which was released back in February, called What Blossoms for Bloodshed. That was my first time playing on a full album. And as we were working on it, I just saw his vision come together, and I was thinking that I've been writing all this music for years and I haven't been able to do a whole lot with it. That's when I thought it'd be fun to put my own project together, and I put a lot of time into it. It was arranging, composing, rehearsing, and then we did recording. We did mixing, and then mastered the audio. So it's a long process, which was new to me, but I was very excited about taking on the challenge.”

The album is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music and BandCamp.

A New Year Reset: Choosing Yourself, Locking In, and Becoming Her

By Gabrielle Uwa-Omoregha, Junior Reporter

The start of a new year isn’t just a date change, it’s an invitation. An invitation to pause, to reflect, and to intentionally realign your life with the person you are becoming. A reset doesn’t mean erasing who you were last year; it means honouring her growth while deciding what no longer gets to follow you forward.

This year isn’t about dramatic overhauls or unrealistic resolutions. It’s about soft discipline, intentional self-care, focused academics, and manifesting a life that feels aligned rather than rushed. It’s about choosing yourself quietly, consistently, and without apology.

Redefining Self-Care: More Than Aesthetic Rest

Self-care has been heavily aestheticized; bubble baths, face masks, perfectly curated morning routines. While those things can be comforting, real self-care goes deeper. It is the kind that doesn’t always look cute but ultimately changes your life.

True self-care is setting boundaries even when it feels uncomfortable. It is choosing sleep over late-night scrolling, nourishment over restriction, and peace over chaos. It is learning to check in with yourself instead of constantly pushing through exhaustion.

This year’s reset asks one simple question: What do I ACTUALLY need?
Not what looks productive. Not what earns praise. Not what keeps others comfortable. What YOU need.

Sometimes self-care is rest. Other times, it is discipline. It is showing up to class when motivation is low. It is completing the assignment early so future-you can breathe. It is recognizing that caring for yourself also means preparing yourself.

Romanticizing Solo Dates: Learning to Enjoy Your Own Company

One of the most powerful resets you can make is learning how to be alone; without feeling lonely. Solo dates are an act of self-trust. They say, I enjoy my own presence. I don’t need an audience to live fully.

Solo dates do not need to be extravagant. They can be a quiet coffee-shop study session, a walk with your favourite playlist, a bookstore visit, or dressing up just because. They are moments where you slow down and allow yourself to exist without performing.

When you take yourself out, you stop waiting. You stop postponing joy for the “right” time, the “right” people, or the “right” version of yourself. You begin to understand that you are already worthy of effort.

Solo dates also build confidence, the kind that is not loud, but grounded. The kind that makes you less likely to settle, academically, emotionally, or relationally, because you know how to meet your own needs.

Academic Lock-In: Soft Discipline Over Burnout

Locking in academically does not mean sacrificing your mental health. It means approaching your studies with intention rather than panic. This reset is not about perfection; it is about consistency.

Academic lock-in begins with structure. Knowing your priorities. Blocking time to study. Creating routines that support focus instead of fighting it. It is about studying smarter, not just longer.

It also requires a mindset shift. Your education is not a burden, it is an investment. Every lecture attended, every assignment completed, and every concept understood is a brick in the foundation of your future.

Locking in also means setting boundaries. Saying no to distractions when necessary. Choosing long-term goals over short-term comfort. Understanding that discipline is a form of self-respect.

Most importantly, academic lock-in includes grace. Bad days will happen. Missed goals do not define you. Progress is not linear, and success does not require self-punishment.

Manifesting With Intention, Not Delusion

Manifesting is often misunderstood as passive wishing. It is a collaboration between belief and action. You do not just dream, you move.

Manifesting begins with clarity: knowing what you want and why you want it. Not vague desires, but aligned intentions, peace, stability, growth, and excellence.

It also requires alignment. Your habits must match your goals. You cannot manifest confidence while constantly doubting yourself. You cannot manifest academic success while avoiding responsibility. Energy follows effort.

A reset year asks you to visualize not just outcomes, but processes. Who do you need to become to live the life you want? How does she move? How does she speak to herself? How does she spend her time?

When you manifest from a grounded place, you stop chasing and start attracting—not because the universe owes you, but because you are prepared to receive.

Letting Go of What No Longer Serves You

A reset is incomplete without release. You cannot carry everything forward.

This year, let go of comparison. Someone else’s timeline is not a threat to yours. Let go of guilt for resting. Let go of relationships that drain more than they nourish. Let go of the version of you that survived but is no longer required to suffer.

Growth sometimes looks like grief. You may miss old habits, old dynamics, and old comfort zones. But evolution demands space.

Ask yourself: What am I holding onto out of fear rather than alignment?
Then give yourself permission to loosen your grip.

Becoming Her; Slowly and Intentionally

The most beautiful part of a reset is realizing that becoming your best self does not happen overnight. It happens quietly, in daily choices, and in how you speak to yourself when no one is listening.

You do not need to announce your growth. You do not need to prove your discipline. You do not need external validation to confirm your worth.

This year, focus on embodiment rather than performance. Be the student who shows up prepared. Be the person who honours rest. Be the version of yourself who chooses alignment over chaos.

Resetting is not about pressure; it is about permission. Permission to start again. Permission to try differently. Permission to believe that your future can be both soft and successful.

A Gentle Promise to Yourself

As the year unfolds, remember that you do not need to rush becoming who you are meant to be. You are allowed to grow slowly. You are allowed to take breaks. You are allowed to outgrow what once felt familiar.

This is your reset year, not because everything was broken, but because you are ready to be more intentional.

Choose self-care that sustains you. Take yourself on dates that remind you of your worth. Lock in academically with discipline rooted in self-respect. Manifest boldly but act responsibly.

Above all, trust that showing up consistently, especially on the quiet days-is enough.

You are not starting from zero.

You are starting from experience.

And that makes all the difference.

Happy New Year; same you, better choices.

What is Eco-Emotion?

By Scott Blyth, Contributor

Eco-emotion is a term for the psychological stress related to climate change. It arises from external stimulation - namely, our relationship with the natural world. This stress is not considered a pathology or a diagnosis. Here is how it is explained: fears about climate change are a normal response to these abnormal conditions.

Two major examples of eco-emotion are:

1. Eco-grief: a sadness and feeling of loss related to environmental destruction or climate change. Eco-grief can be divided into four categories:

1. Grief from acute disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding

2. Grief from slow onset change, like the loss of the polar icecaps. There is no one major break event; this can lead to a generalized sense of stress, sadness, and anxiety

3. Vicarious grief, caused by seeing others suffering or hearing news of disaster

    4) Anticipatory grief, caused by thinking about what’s to come

2) Eco-anxiety: anxiety that may be related to both the present (e.g. endangered species) and the future (e.g. “what if mass extinction occurs?”). It is a chronic fear related to environmental doom. According to a 2020 survey by the American Psychological Association, “upwards of 2/3 of all adults had experienced eco-anxiety.”

Eco-emotion is very common: 73% of 8-16 year olds are worried about the state of the planet. (Of note, 41% do not trust adults to tackle challenges presented by climate change.) 60% of 16-25 year olds are very worried about climate change. Only 30% of that group felt governments are taking environmental concerns seriously. Some other emotions that you might experience connected to climate change are worry, anger, frustration, depression, helplessness, empathy, betrayal, sadness….

Most of the time, the eco-emotion that we might experience is mild, and can actually be looked at as a good thing. This is because emotion is often what leads people to act. It is possible that feelings of ecological anxiety and grief, although uncomfortable, are in fact the crucible through which humanity must pass to harness the energy and conviction needed for the life-saving changes now required!

However, it is important to remember that climate change disproportionately affects certain communities. For example, Indigenous peoples, by degradation of their traditional territories; seniors; the disabled; and those living in poverty. For some people, especially within these groups, the emotional experience of climate change might be more extreme, and can lead to negative consequences.

Some results of eco-emotion may include:

1. Solastalgia: an overwhelming, hopeless sense that things have suddenly and permanently changed

2. Denialism: at first, there was a denial of the existence of climate change, but now many people argue that climate change exists, but it is not human caused

3. Eco-paralysis: being overwhelmed by the complexity of the situation, and so unable to take any action

4. Eco-nihilism: the view that it is impossible to do anything about climate change, so we must simply continue business as usual

5. Blind hope: believing technology will save us

6. Eco-guilt: the belief that one’s own actions are creating the problem

So, how can we cope? As mentioned, turning emotion into action, and also maintaining connection to your community, are vital. You can incorporate ritual and practise, focus on what you can control, find solace in natural places, read. One also needs to take care of their body — eat well, get regular exercise, practice mindfulness. Also, remember it’s okay to seek clinical support.

Though it feels easier, we can’t ignore the issue of climate change. Let’s be clear, there will be catastrophic health risks for a child born today if an adequate response to climate change does not occur. These include increasing rates of food insecurity and undernutrition, of diarrheal and infectious diseases, of complications from air pollution, and increased morbidity and mortality from exposure to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, flooding, wildfires, and hurricanes. So, with all of this in mind, don’t let your genuine feelings about climate change slow you down - use them to ‘drive’ you into taking action! Every little step, or big step, helps!

Relationships Nowadays - Reflecting on “Situationships"

By Rosalina Valentine, Junior Reporter

What are relationships nowadays? That’s a question my friends and I have been wondering since summer ended. What are they, really? Do they even exist anymore? Are they what they used to be? To answer those questions, I have to ask you one first: what is a relationship? I know — only idiots answer a question with a question. But if you asked people, most would say a relationship is when two people ‘love each other.’ The real question is: do people truly love each other anymore? Or even want to?

The American psychologist Robert Sternberg once explained his Triangular Theory of Love. According to Sternberg, love consists of three components: intimacy, passion and commitment. Intimacy is about the feelings of closeness, connectedness and bondedness. Passion drives the romance, physical attraction, and intensity. Commitment is the decision to stay — the long-term choice that gives love its security and endurance. Sternberg said that knowing about these components of love may help couples avoid pitfalls in their relationships, because understanding helps people recognize the areas that need improvement — or when it’s time to let go.

But what does Sternberg’s theory have to do with relationships nowadays?

Everything! Understanding what loves means to you changes how you see your relationships and yourself. These days, people are less likely to label what they have with someone and instead, they call it a hookup, a situationship, or friends with benefits. Or, my personal favourite, “just friends”. There’s something deeply triggering about being labelled “just a friend” or “we’re just casual” by someone you care about. Trust me, I have been in that position before. From my experience, you would rather get shot with a nail gun repeatedly than get called someone’s “situationship” or “friend” for the moment.

Do relationships nowadays even exist? In my opinion — no. Maybe that sounds too dramatic, but I’m not exaggerating. Gen Z invented the word “situationship” for a reason. A term used to define a relationship that is more than a friendship but less than a committed relationship, which involves both emotional and physical intimacy. In other words, an excuse to keep someone close enough to matter, but not close enough to stay. It’s cruel, really. Sometimes you don’t even realize you’re in one - until you see the person that you like kissing someone else at the bar after begging you to come, just to watch them be with someone else.

Brutal, right? I wonder who went through that this summer?

Okay, okay, relationships still exist, sure. But are they what they used to be? Do people still confess their feelings the way Mr. Darcy does in Pride and Prejudice? Or Conrad Fisher in The Summer I Turned Pretty? Or even Laurie Laurence in Little Women? You might say, “but those are just movies and shows.” Movies and shows are inspired by real people — by us. So, why can’t we do the same thing? Why not confess your feelings for someone in a field at sunrise, or on a beach while the love of your life marries your brother, or maybe on a hill where the sun is setting (and they reject you anyways)? Why not take the chance to do something romantic, make a grand gesture, even if it doesn’t work out? Why? Why? Why?

Sing them a song, even if your voice makes them wish for temporary hearing loss. Write them a letter, even if your handwriting looks like ancient hieroglyphs. The point isn’t perfection — it’s the thought and dedication. It’s the effort, the vulnerability, the thought of trying. Those gestures — no matter how awkward they are — they create intimacy and commitment. They make love meaningful and sometimes unforgettable.

So, what are relationships nowadays? They’re a mystery to me. People rarely even label their significant other. In this generation, we’ve invented a whole vocabulary just to avoid saying “I love you.” Situationships are the new, awful label for people who just want the emotional and physical comfort of surface-level intimacy. They just want someone in the meantime until they do the Irish goodbye. Without true intimacy, passion, and commitment — without taking risks — we’re left with confusion, temporary comfort, and something we now call a situationship.

My Changing View of Artificial Intelligence

By Lu Jiang, Junior Reporter

I am not a science or engineering student. I know very little about new technology and the current development of AI.

When I searched my memory, it seems my first use of AI was in 2014, when I bought my first iPhone. But I only talked with Siri during the new-phone setup, and the phone recorded my voice. That feature felt too new and too advanced for me. I was not used to it.

Sometimes, when I talked or was in a meeting, I would accidentally wake it up. It would speak loudly - “Hmm?” Once, in a meeting with my supervisor, it even suddenly said, “Sorry, I don’t understand what you are saying.” Everyone laughed, and I felt embarrassed. So I turned the function off.

Later I read a news story about a man who lived alone. He was taking a shower when he suddenly found the bathroom door would not open. His home was on more than the twentieth floor of an apartment building, and shouting did not bring anyone. He thought he would freeze or starve to death in the bathroom. In his desperation, he suddenly remembered Siri. Before showering he had put his iPhone on a stool outside the bathroom door. He shouted to wake it up, and it helped him call the emergency services.

At that moment I reexamined my view of artificial intelligence. I slowly began to accept how it can change our lives. So I turned Siri back on.

After that, I found that AI had already entered my life.

My mother had bought an iRobot robot vacuum cleaner. I could control it with a phone app, so it could clean even when no one was home.

Our home cameras would keep sending me alerts when they detected movement or unusual sounds.

I later bought a Tmall Genie smart speaker. After connecting it to Wi-Fi, I only needed to tell it what song I wanted and it would search and play it. It is similar to an Amazon Echo Dot. When I write or do housework, I can change songs just by moving my lips. When I feel bored or lonely late at night, it can even chat with me.

Times change fast. I am not someone who chases new technology or new trends. I only began using AI after these products had already entered my daily life.

Later our family installed Xiaomi smart home devices. Xiaomi is a Chinese electronics brand. We had smart lights, a smart drying rack, a smart washing machine, a robot vacuum, a smart door lock, a smart door viewer, two cameras, a temperature and humidity meter, a Xiao Ai speaker, a curtain motor, a Mi air conditioner, a Xiaomi TV, a Xiaomi water purifier, smart power strips, and a smart plug for the air conditioner. All of these could link together and be controlled by voice or remotely.

Because the technology was not very mature, the smart home did not meet our expectations. My parents often shouted, “Xiao Ai, turn on the light!” “Xiao Ai, turn on the light!” “Xiao Ai, turn off the light!” “Xiao Ai, turn on the TV!” Many times they had to say the command again and again, until the speaker finally understood and executed it by chance.

Later my family thought it was too troublesome and that doing things manually was faster. So we returned to the mechanical way of living.

My feelings about AI have always gone up and down.

I have changed cars several times, but they were always gasoline cars. I never dared to consider an electric car. Self-driving feels as distant to me as if it would happen hundreds of years later.

Before I came to Canada, I only used search engines to find information. Now I use ChatGPT. But I find it can be very misleading. The information it gives is not always true, and the data can be out of date. It cannot replace the human brain.

To me, it is still quite limited. I think it only analyzes within the data and models given to it and then gives the most probable answer according to its program. Its biggest advantage is speed.

So many times, when I want to learn about a place, a product, or an event, and I have enough time, I prefer to read opinions from real people on social media.

I am not worried that AI will replace the human brain. But many low-skill jobs will be taken over by machines controlled by AI. This is an economic issue worth worrying about.

Recently Amazon’s layoffs made a lot of news, and that made people more anxious.

I know a local Canadian woman who is 86 years old. Last month her mother passed away. Her mother was 105. When I thought she would be very sad, I comforted her. She replied, “Thank God. I am finally free.”

She was not very sad. She had taken care of her mother, who had dementia, for fourteen years. She herself is an old person now. She said she needs care, too.

I think AI should be used more in those jobs where labor is extremely short.
I hope AI development can be controlled and that it will serve human needs.
I do not want it to run wild like a runaway horse.

The future is unknown.
We will wait and see.

Speculation: How Might AI Affect the World?

By Tenma Bonifacio

Take this entire article with a grain of salt. Treat it as if it were fiction. Act towards it with skepticism, and not as a telltale sign of the coming future. For in truth, I am not a fortune teller or a time traveller. I am without visions, but I do have childish imaginations that get me curious. This curiosity has led me to imagine the future as if I were world-building it out from a novel. The research I have done and will use in this piece is bare minimal. I rely on what I already know, and as such, my understanding will be flawed. At the end of the day, this world I’ve envisioned is nothing more than one man’s bias.

We’ve all seen movies warning of the dangers of Artificial Intelligence. Usually, most go self-aware and begin the machinations that lead to our death or extinction, with the commonality between all these movies being that they see humankind as a threat to ourselves. The entire Terminator franchise, Deus Ex Machina, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Matrix - to some extent, even Wall-E. However, this doesn’t mean that the world is on an express highway to crash and burn. Of course, there are works of fiction that are more hopeful. Something like Star Trek, with its science fiction world, bordering close to fantasy sometimes, has characters like Data who co-exist with their natural flesh and bone colleagues. But in most cases, movies that feature conflict between man and machine always seem to start with man rejecting the machine. This plot line showcases our ability to reach so far and become sophisticated, but too craven to keep moving forward - we unravel the stepping stones we thought to be solid structures holding us up, revealing society to be a weak structure, and we fall down into our own artificial tragedy. Skynet in Terminator saw humans as destructive creatures, and decided the world would be better off without us. In the Animatrix anthology of The Matrix, we saw a future where Artificial Intelligence robots would be targeted by highly radicalized humans - and when all robots left to build their own capital and begin building trade relations with the human population, humanity tried to destroy them again, to which they retaliated in full force. Again, these are feature films, works of fiction; they shouldn’t be treated as real. However, I can’t help but treat them as possible when our world is slowly becoming what we saw on-screen.

Everything starts out with a joke. That joke is passed around and becomes a core idea. That core idea becomes a belief. Words like “clanker" start out as a word used by clones as a derogatory term towards their droid enemies in the Star Wars television show The Clone Wars. Now, it becomes a joke that describes generative AI or advanced robotics. It wouldn’t be a surprise if in the future, it cements itself as a derogatory term not in fiction but in reality.

Some sort of robots or AI will be taking our jobs, and humanity is acting like this is the first time it has happened. I am in no way advocating for the loss of human occupations to machines; however, I am stating that even if there were jobs lost, humanity shouldn’t lose sight of our most important characteristic as a species, and that is our adaptability. When highly mechanized factories came around during the Industrial Revolution, it was no different - automating industries to become more efficient. Skilled workers fought against such a change, which devalued their work. But in the end, new jobs and skills were created, and skilled workers offered their on-hand services, which are typically more highly valued then the factory-made crafts.

In terms of politics, AI is highly valued as a financial venture that rakes in a lot of money. If AI can automate many menial tasks, this could affect labour, computing, analytical jobs, as well as warfare. After all, humanity's passion to develop itself has always been for the primary focus of making hard tasks easier and less consequential to the person. In the military, it’s always been the dream to have soldiers and armaments that can follow orders and die for the country. In the future, robotics may become refined enough to allow this to happen without the sentimental value of losing a life in the line of duty.

A future that I see is a world of automated, augmented, and highly mechanized warfare. A future that I see is streets clamouring with unemployed people who have failed to adapt in a society developing too fast for them to catch up, a society that is leaving them behind. A future that I see is humans who’ve immersed themselves too deeply in this new technology, forming a bond considered heretical and unnatural. Should this tumultuous transition to becoming an even more highly advanced futuristic civilization succeed, a future that I see is open to interpretation as either a utopia or dystopia, a human race that has mastered its identity and capability alongside technology. Should we trip and fall during this transition, larger conflicts, internal tearing of the fabric of society, even apocalyptic events - all such tragedies may await. A future that I see, therefore, is a world that is divided between skeptics attached to the grim reality, opposing the dreamers from reaching the golden gates of utopia.

How to Spot AI Photos and Videos (For Now)

By Lily Hodgson, Editor-in-Chief

It’s happened to all of us - scrolling on TikTok or Instagram, you come across a photo or video that just looks a little off. That is, if you even notice.

It used to be that only our grandparents got tricked into sharing AI-generated pictures on their Facebook, and it was easy to laugh it off as a silly senior experience. But as Artificial Intelligence gets more skilled at replicating the real world, many of us younger people are starting to find ourselves fooled from time to time as well. A common example is animal videos that are just a little too cute to be true,

Technically, Meta and TikTok require AI content to be tagged as AI. But as of right now, they don’t have much ability to enforce this rule - even for these giant technology overlords, it can be impossible to discern the real from the computer-generated. The easy access to programs like Sora 2 and ChatGPT allow anyone to create and share false images and videos. These AI-generated posts may receive thousands or even millions of shares, likes, and comments.

According to Forbes, it is estimated that “roughly 57% of all web-based text has been AI generated or translated through an AI algorithm”. And, according to one AI expert, “90% of all internet content is likely to be AI-generated sometime in 2025”. However, it is basically impossible to gather accurate statistics, since the amount of AI content online continues to skyrocket - and it also keeps getting harder and harder to distinguish, even for researchers.

But that doesn’t mean there are no ways to decipher whether a photo or video is real or AI (for now, until Artificial Intelligence technology advances to the point of indistinguishability). In this article, I will give five tips for spotting Artificially-Generated content, as of 2025.

1) Look at the small details. We’ve all seen AI images where people have the wrong number of fingers, or text is gibberish. While AI technology is continuously improving, it often still struggles with specific details. Look closely at hands, limbs, text, lines, shadows, reflections, and proportions.

2) Look for things that don’t make sense. Similarly to the first point, AI struggles to understand natural behaviours and things like physics. You might notice figures performing actions in unnatural ways, solid objects passing through one another or morphing, objects where they don’t belong (like pens in a cup of coffee), or gravity acting a little funky. If the bunny jumping on a trampoline seems to phase through the trampoline, it probably isn’t a real video, no matter how cute it may be.

3) If it seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. AI content often has an “airbrushed” appearance, smoothing over any sort of texture or detail. It often also has a vague, fantastical background that doesn’t resemble any real-life setting. Real faces are asymmetrical, textured, and imperfect - AI tends to generate eerily perfect, conventionally-attractive type people.

4) Trust your gut. The uncanny-valley response exists for a reason. Humans have evolved to notice when things aren’t quite right. If something feels “off”, it probably is. Especially when it comes to people and faces.

5) Reverse image search. When in doubt, use a reverse search engine to see where the photo or video originated from. If it doesn’t come from a trusted source, it is far more likely to be AI-generated.

(Sources: Tor Constantino (Forbes): “Is AI quietly killing itself – and the Internet?”; BBC: “How to spot AI images on social media”; Gareth Shellwell (caniphish.com): “9 Techniques To Spot AI-Generated Videos”)

The Many Consequences of AI

By Yensy Lopez, Junior Reporter

The use of ChatGPT has become extremely popular, with people using it for TikTok

trends, schoolwork, and even everyday conversations. Many people aren’t aware of the harm

this can do to our environment. “The environmental impact of ChatGPT is 22 times greater than

that of a traditional search engine like Google. A single response from ChatGPT emits 4.41

grams of carbon dioxide, while a Google search emits an estimated 0.2 grams” (Riley G. & Isolina C., 2025). ChatGPT is now a search engine for many people, contributing more to this issue.

AI requires generation of electricity, releasing greenhouse gases and therefore worsening climate change. It is also a fast-paced environment, within a world that wants continuous improvements in technology and faster technology. This contributes to e-waste. The demand for better and more powerful hardware can lead to this electronic waste and can be very harmful if not disposed of properly.

With the rising popularity of ChatGPT and other forms of AI, people are discovering its many functions and possibilities, which are honestly getting out of hand. Many TikTok trends come to mind that involve asking AI, specifically ChatGPT, to create photos for you. Now imagine thousands of people doing this, and asking for multiple photos. It may not seem like much when you’re thinking about it individually, but when you look at the bigger picture, you realize the true damage that can be done.

Another issue with this easily accessible production of fake images is that it is now much easier for people to create fake photos which can be harmful. With this, I’m referring especially to explicit photos. This can turn into a big issue, and with the power of social media it can be very difficult to differentiate a real photo from an AI-generated photo. We often see this problem with people using AI to defame celebrities with explicit photos or videos, that can have a huge effect on people.

AI for academic purposes can be a delicate topic; you must be careful what you’re using it for. AI can provide answers which aren’t correct, so definitely don’t use any form of AI to write entire essays for you. Disinformation is a common issue with AI; making up information, people, or just rambling about a topic not related to what you’re asking. On the other hand, it can be a useful tool when asking for a clearer explanation on a certain topic, or even to correct your grammar and punctuation.

People in general are becoming weirdly dependent on ChatGPT for many everyday things - such as asking random questions, creating grocery lists, creating “emotional connections”, and more. Things that can be easily done without the help of AI. I believe sharing too many personal details with AI just isn’t very smart in general. There are other negative impacts, like AI harming critical thinking skills and creativity. I think everyone needs to be more mindful of how they’re using and accessing AI tools, making sure they’re not overdoing it for unnecessary things.

References

The Piper (Riley G. and Isolina C.): “The harmful impact of AI on our planet”, 2025.

A.I. is Here To Stay

By Noah Monk, Junior Reporter

One of my favourite movie lines is from the 2004 film, I, Robot, when Detective Spooner interrogates the android Sonny and says: “Can a robot write a symphony? Can a robot turn a canvas into a beautiful masterpiece?” Sonny replies: “Can you?”

Back then, artistic creativity was seen as uniquely human, whereas logic and precision belonged to machines. Now the answer to Spooner’s question is an annoyingly obvious: Yes, they can, and often better than you.

These conceptions of the future put forth in I, Robot have long been surpassed. Despite its poor aging, other older lessons about how humans have reacted to new technology have been aging like fine wine. Almost daily, I see professors forsaking A.I. as if this technology was unexpected. Yet these fears about technology have existed for millennia.

Machines have always had a huge potential to be profitable, and they also have great potential to make the lives of people easier. For both corporations and people, to not capitalize on such a valuable resource is foolish.

More importantly, I think people and professors need to realize is that these problems around A.I. like ChatGPT are not new. For example, way back in ancient Athens, Plato captured these problems beautifully in his dialogue Phaedrus. In the dialogue, the reader sees Socrates telling Phaedrus that writing is a dangerous invention that weakens the memory of those who use it and advocates for oral discourse over writing. These arguments parallel modern arguments against A.I. that generative A.I. will weaken creativity, and critical thinking.

If people had followed Socrates’ advice, none of his ideas would have survived, but more importantly, the true potential of writing would have never manifested. The same is true of generative A.I. It is a tool, not a replacement. You cannot reach the moon without rockets and likewise, certain new frontiers will only be reachable with the assistance of A.I.

Banning generative A.I. usage in classes only worsens the situation. If you want students to use A.I. properly, you must not only show them how, but also what it is good for, when it is detrimental, as well as how to treat it as an extension of the self rather than a substitution of the self. A sword merely extends the arm of a swordsman; the sword is not a replacement for the swordsman. Similarly, generative A.I. should extend our minds, not replace them. For many people like myself, this is not obvious.

My writing is not naturally good like Shelley or Kant. I may have ideas that are worth exposure, but without guidance, my ideas will never see the page. I think it is crucial that I attempt to write my ideas for stories and essays no matter how awful the execution, but I also think that with A.I. showing me how my writing can be improved, showing my literary weaknesses in a timely manner, I may have a nonzero probability to become a real writer and write something that is decent. A.I., when used properly, expands ordinary human potential for greatness.

A lot of professors think that cheating using A.I. is a serious problem and is the primary reason to restrict its use, but cheating is not new. Students have always been finding ways to cheat like solution manuals, graduated students, and online forums. Generative A.I. is simply another new method. The real problem of A.I. is not cheating but social issues: financial strain, academic expectations, and parental pressure. Many students do not cheat out of malice, rather out of desperation. Dazai’s beggar student is no longer a fictional character but a commonplace reality. Students are caught between academia’s cult of the elite and rising costs of living. If you want cheating to decrease, the quality of life required for learning needs to improve significantly.

To give credence to I am saying, we must turn to the history of chess computers. For most of chess history, computers did not exist. Early chess computers were laughably weak. By the 1980s, chess computers started matching humans and competed in tournaments like the 1982 U.S. Open. In 1997, Deep Blue defeated the world champion. Today, a chess computer on a phone will effortlessly crush the world champion.

Since 2005, top chess players have been training using chess computers. Today, every player in the top ten uses a chess computer. Chess computer evaluations reshaped chess theory, raised the average chess rating, and propelled players to new ranks once unimaginable. Chess computers made chess players stronger, not weaker.

Of course, cheating in chess has risen significantly too, but it is driven by survival pressure. Many grandmasters live close to poverty as open tournament prize funds diminish and concentrate in private elite tournaments. As world champion Magnus Carlsen remarked, “There are other areas where you can be worse at something and have a better life.” Due to drop in quality of life of grandmasters, they are now resorting to desperate measures like using chess computers for cheating to survive. When cheating becomes a survival strategy, the problem lies not with technology, but the conditions forcing people into desperation. The same is true for students and A.I.

Counterarguments against A.I. in the context of pollution, are reminiscent of the Industrial Revolution. Machines replaced workers, and industrialization polluted the environment. The real issue is not the machines, it is the structure of society: that people must work jobs to survive, and that consumption must increase. Pollution grows with production driven by excessive consumerism in search of false happiness.

A.I. is not a bad thing. The problem is that society as a whole is in a state of turmoil and the average person’s life is miserable. The situation around A.I. will rapidly worsen unless we address these issues now. What we choose to do is critical, as it will dictate our future. As Nietzsche would point out, what you choose now, you choose for all time. To borrow from Nietzsche’s The Gay Science: “The question in each and every thing, ‘Do you desire this once more and innumerable times more?’ would lie upon your actions as the greatest weight.”

4 Tips to Avoid False Accusations of AI in Schoolwork

By Lily Hodgson, Editor-in-Chief

• Save your drafts, notes, and outlines. The more evidence you have of works-in-progress, the more evidence you have that you actually did the work. You can also turn on “Track Changes” on Microsoft Word for this purpose.

• Cite your sources properly. Be sure to follow your professors’ guidelines and style standards, and stick to peer-reviewed academic journals and books when you can. If you must use AI for your research, take screenshots of the questions and answers and cite it correctly.

• Write like a human. We all know university is serious, but that doesn’t mean we need to sound like complete robots. In many departments, you can allow a little personality to shine through your work. Try to incorporate a varied sentence structure, unique vocabulary, and a personalized writing style.

• Just… don’t use AI. There are so many other research and writing tools out there - the Library can help immensely if you feel like you don’t know how or where to start. The best way to avoid AI accusations is to avoid AI entirely!

Legal Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence in School Work

By Gabrielle Uwa, Junior Reporter

In classrooms around the world, a quiet revolution is taking place. Artificial Intelligence (AI), once confined to science fiction, has stepped boldly into the everyday life of students and educators. With tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and various AI-based research assistants, students can now compose essays, generate citations, summarize articles, and even brainstorm creative ideas within seconds. What was once a slow and deliberate process of writing, revising, and reflecting is now faster and sometimes more polished than ever before. Yet, with this newfound convenience comes a host of complex questions. Who truly owns AI-generated work? Can students claim authorship over something created by an algorithm? And how do schools protect student privacy when technology quietly collects their data behind the scenes? These questions lie at the heart of the growing debate over the legal and ethical use of AI in education. Understanding the legal perspectives surrounding AI in schoolwork is essential to ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of integrity, fairness, and trust.

The first and perhaps most urgent legal concern is academic integrity and intellectual property. Education is built on the principle that learning must be genuine, reflecting a student’s own understanding and effort. When a student submits work created by an AI system, the line between assistance and dishonesty becomes blurred. Most schools have long-established policies on plagiarism, but these were written for an era of books, essays, and human authors, not algorithms that can generate unique text in seconds. Legally, copyright law offers little clarity. In most countries, only humans can hold copyright, meaning that AI-generated content technically belongs to no one. This grey area raises questions about ownership and accountability. For instance, if a student submits AI-produced content that contains factual errors or copyrighted material, who is responsible, the student or the AI developer? Because legislation has yet to catch up, universities and schools have created their own policies to fill the gap. Many institutions now define uncredited AI use as academic misconduct, like plagiarism. These rules aim to protect the authenticity of scholarship, reinforcing that the true purpose of education is not perfection, but personal growth through effort and understanding.

However, legal issues surrounding AI go far beyond questions of authorship. Another major concern involves data privacy and consent, which form the backbone of ethical digital learning. Every time a student uses an AI tool, they may unknowingly share sensitive information, such as names, essays, or behavioural data with private technology companies. These platforms often collect data to improve their algorithms, but this process can expose users to risks they may not fully understand. Laws such as Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) set strict standards for how organizations can collect, use, and store personal data. Schools and universities that adopt AI systems must ensure they comply with these laws by obtaining proper consent, securing data storage, and maintaining transparency. Yet compliance can be difficult in practice. Many AI tools are cloud-based and store data in servers located in other countries, where privacy laws differ. This creates a legal challenge: even well-intentioned educators may inadvertently expose student data to international privacy risks. The legal obligation, therefore, extends beyond convenience; it demands vigilance and due diligence from both institutions and students.

Closely linked to privacy is the question of transparency and accountability. AI systems are often described as “black boxes,” meaning that their decision-making processes are not fully understandable even to their creators. When a tool suggests an essay topic, provides feedback, or generates a written response, users have little insight into how or why those results were produced. This lack of transparency poses legal and ethical problems, especially in education, where fairness and clarity are fundamental. If an AI system provides incorrect information or biased results that harm a student’s performance, can the developer or the school be held liable? Current laws provide few answers. Governments around the world are beginning to explore frameworks for AI accountability, such as the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, but educational settings remain a grey zone. To address this, schools must establish clear policies outlining the acceptable use of AI, along with disclaimers that clarify its limitations. Legally and ethically, both transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining trust in technology-driven learning.

Another crucial legal and moral issue is equity and access. The digital divide - the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not - has long been a concern in education. AI risks widening that gap even further. Students who can afford premium AI tools or have high-speed internet connections may gain an even more significant advantage over those who cannot. This imbalance raises potential violations of human rights and education equity laws, which guarantee equal access to learning opportunities. Additionally, algorithmic bias within AI systems can unintentionally discriminate against certain groups. For example, AI language models trained primarily on Western or English-dominant data may produce content that favours specific cultural norms, penalizing students from other linguistic backgrounds. From a legal standpoint, such biases could breach anti-discrimination laws or educational equity mandates. Schools, therefore, carry a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that AI tools are tested, inclusive, and accessible to all students, regardless of their background or economic status.

Despite these challenges, AI also holds the potential to enhance learning when used responsibly. It can help students overcome language barriers, improve writing skills, and receive instant feedback. Legally, the goal is not to ban such technology but to regulate it in a way that upholds academic and ethical standards. Policymakers are beginning to explore solutions, including requiring AI transparency in education, mandating data protection audits for educational technology, and integrating AI literacy into the curriculum. These steps would help students understand how to use AI ethically, safely, and legally. The challenge lies in striking a balance between innovation and accountability between embracing progress and preserving the core values of education.

In conclusion, the legal perspectives on AI in schoolwork reveal a field that is as exciting as it is uncertain. Artificial Intelligence has the power to reshape how students learn, write, and think, but it also challenges the very foundations of academic integrity, privacy, and fairness. Laws on plagiarism and copyright struggle to define authorship in a world where machines can “write.” Privacy legislation must evolve to protect students from invisible data collection. Equity and fairness demand vigilance to ensure that technological advancement does not deepen inequality. To navigate this landscape, collaboration between lawmakers, educators, and technologists is essential. Clear policies, transparent practices, and strong legal protections can help ensure that AI serves as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut through it. Ultimately, education should empower students to think critically; not just to generate words, but to understand their meaning. In this sense, the true challenge of AI in schoolwork is not simply legal or technical, but profoundly human.