The Hidden Psychology of Sports Rivalries: How the ‘Us vs. Them’ Game Drives Fan Culture

Sports rivalries aren’t just high-stakes matches—they’re shaped by deep psychological dynamics that influence how fans think, feel and act. A key factor is the concept of group identity: when fans start to see their team as their group, rival teams become the “out-group,” which sharpens loyalty and provokes emotional responses.  This isn’t merely about competition—it’s…

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Understanding Athlete Burnout: How Mental Health Impacts Performance & Longevity

Athlete burnout is more than exhaustion—it’s a silent threat to both mental well-being and sporting careers. Defined by emotional and physical exhaustion, a sense of reduced accomplishment and sport devaluation, athlete burnout is increasingly identified in elite and developing athletes alike. For example, recent research indicates that while only 1-5 % of elite athletes may…

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Optimised Daily Movement, A Simple 3-Part Regimen For Lifelong Health

Regular physical activity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s foundational to health, longevity and well-being. Scientific reviews emphasise that meeting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity) delivers measurable benefit, including lower risk of cardiovascular disease, improved mood and better metabolic health. Importantly, recent molecular studies show exercise triggers…

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How Media Coverage Shapes Public Opinion: Insights into Influence and Governance

In today’s media-rich environment, the role of coverage in shaping public opinion and guiding social behavior has become far more visible and consequential. Scholars define “media influence” as the impact mass communication exerts on audience perceptions, attitudes, and actions—spanning sociology, psychology and communication studies. Research points especially to two key mechanisms: agenda‐setting, where media determine…

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Beyond the Wrist, How Smart Skin Patches Are Shaping the Future of Wearables

Wearable technology is evolving rapidly, and in 2025 one of the most promising frontiers lies in smart skin patches—thin, flexible, adhesive devices that monitor vital signs continuously without the bulk of traditional wearables. These patches can track metrics like hydration levels, blood pressure, and glucose trends in real time. Unlike wristbands or rings, they conform…

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When Strength Shatters Limits, Hafþór Björnsson’s 510 kg Deadlift and the Science Behind Record-Breaking Feats

In 2025, Icelandic strongman Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson stunned the world by deadlifting 510 kg during the World Deadlift Championships — not just breaking a world record, but redefining what was considered humanly possible in strength sports. This feat was all the more astonishing given the conditions: executed outdoors on a faulty carpet platform at 1…

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Sports Diplomacy and Soft Power, How Nations Play Beyond the Game

In today’s interconnected world, sports diplomacy is increasingly embraced as a tool for nations to project influence, foster cross-cultural ties, and enhance soft power. Governments, international bodies, and NGOs strategically use sporting events, athlete exchanges, and grassroots programs to build goodwill and shape foreign perceptions. From Qatar’s investment in global sport infrastructure to the U.N.’s…

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Student-Athletes’ Mental Health, Rising Pressures & What’s Being Done

In recent years, research has increasingly shown that student-athletes are facing high rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use. A 2025 study examining varsity student-athletes (aged about 18-25) found that over 60% reported symptoms consistent with moderate to severe anxiety; similar rates appeared for depression.  Many also admitted using alcohol or other substances—often as a…

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