The widespread application of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the film industry is fundamentally reshaping the basic logic of image production, actor performance and identity construction. From LED-based virtual production environments to deepfake and digital de-ageing technologies, digital actors are increasingly created through advanced algorithmic tools. While these innovations transcend the physical constraints of traditional screen performance, they also provoke complex disputes concerning portrait rights, public image ownership and intellectual property. In response to these emerging challenges, this study focuses on the phenomenon of digital resurrection, examining how AI-driven image simulation, identity collage practices and shifting performance norms collectively destabilise the boundaries of authenticity in cinematic representation. To conceptualise this disruption, the article introduces the theoretical notion of the ‘Frankenstein Effect’, which highlights the aesthetic inconsistency, legal ambiguity and cultural dislocation embodied in synthetic performance entities that lack physical presence and authorial origin. Ultimately, this research aims to reveal the ethical tensions inherent in post-human performance under algorithmic governance. It calls for a renewed ethical framework that not only protects creative agency but also addresses the structural asymmetries introduced by generative AI in the evolving relationship between the actor’s body, digital performance and technological power.

This study examines the validity and reliability of the Kyrgyz version of the Online Gaming Motivations Scale, initially developed in English and comprising 12 items across 3 factors: achievement, social and immersion. The scale was translated into Kyrgyz, and subject matter experts verified language accuracy. Following content validation, the construct validity and reliability of the Kyrgyz version were assessed through factor analysis using data from 329 adolescents. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate construct validity, while reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficients. The results of these analyses confirmed that the Kyrgyz version of the scale demonstrates both validity and reliability.

The number of media representations of climate activists has increased dramatically in Sweden recently. Some climate actions have attracted particular attention from Swedish media, such as when activists stopped traffic and disrupted public events. In this article, I present an analysis of media representations of both supporters and critics of climate activists in terms of strategies of legitimisation and de-legitimisation. The study is based on an examination of 98 Swedish media texts. The results reveal that risk-taking, self-sacrificing, heroisation, normalisation and personification are legitimisation strategies, while de-legitimisation strategies involve de-politicisation, rigid opposition, undermining the motive and stigmatisation. A conclusion is that the identified (de)legitimisation strategies are an expression of and contribute to increased polarisation between those who support the activists and those who criticise them. This polarisation takes different forms (partisan polarisation, affective polarisation and cultural polarisation) and risks contributing to an antagonistic debate where political opponents are transformed into enemies to be destroyed.

There is currently a lack of sociological research surrounding the analysis of discriminatory memes on social media, with it appearing that their usage now has a home online, often without any condemnation from other users. This article explores the footballing Twitter community and its creation and use of insensitive racialising memes during the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship final between England and Italy. Twitter removed almost 2,000 tweets following the Euro 2020 final, with most tweets coming from the UK. This qualitative study collected tweets regarding the Italian footballer Giorgio Chiellini’s foul on the English player Bukayo Saka during the final match. Two main concepts were identified, humour and Othering, where the Othering of Black footballers was often concealed by humour. However, this article focuses on the representation of Othering through humour and memes. Ultimately, this article analyses memes’ formulation and commentary on football Twitter, often including problematic racialised narratives. The article concludes by reflecting on how critically understanding meme usage can help to challenge racialised discrimination on football Twitter specifically.

Counter-stereotype advertising is a new phenomenon to portray gender roles in contemporary advertising. Advertisers no longer stick with the traditional portrayals of women but instead promote gender equality in household and office chores. The necessity of teaching household chores to a man is a trend in recent advertisements. The study aims to identify factors affecting young men’s perception towards counter-stereotype gender role portrayals in contemporary Indian advertisements. The sample included 200 young men from central universities located in Delhi. Five factors were identified that affect men’s perception of gender role portrayals. The study will help advertisers understand what men are liking in cross-gender advertisements. On this ground, advertisers can introduce new strategies to attract maximum male audiences.

Looking at the hashtag #depression on Instagram, this article examines how the topic is presented and which effects this may have. As a sample shows, the hashtag is often used by people from the field of counselling/therapy, but also by micro-influencers. Posts offer information, advice and self-disclosure, aiming at affected individuals and their social surroundings. It can be assumed that the phenomenon has positive effects both for people posting through the chance of communication and networking and for affected recipients, especially as most other posts on Instagram present people very positively and provoke social comparison. Of course, the hashtag can also be misused for attention-seeking, and misinformation is also conceivable. Despite the potential of art for mental well-being, artistic works are hardly used, which may be due to the difficulty of creating such posts—but could represent interesting options in the future, especially through image generation using artificial intelligence.

Journalism has emerged as a crucial avenue for creating awareness of the increasing importance of addressing environmental risks that transcend national boundaries. This study examines the Guardian newspaper’s coverage of environmental issues in Bangladesh, a country profoundly affected by climate change and natural disasters. Through analysing 345 news articles from 2011 to 2021, this research employs topic modelling to explore the international framing of climate concerns. The findings reveal thematic framing across various topics, including occupational environment, health and safety in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry, flooding along transboundary rivers, and Bangladesh’s stance on the Paris Agreement and its approach to climate change. The Guardian emphasises ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. It sheds light on the impact of flooding on vulnerable communities and discusses Bangladesh’s energy policies in the context of global climate goals. Nevertheless, the study also highlights some limitations, such as the absence of comprehensive coverage of Bangladesh’s diplomatic efforts at global climate forums and a lack of emphasis on developed nations’ responsibility.

The India–China border clash in Galwan Valley in June 2020, the first deadly skirmish between the two Asian giants in the Himalayan border area in over four decades, highlighted the need to examine the notion of ‘authenticity’ in journalistic practices. Information from such remotely located, sparsely populated and not well-demarcated international land borders has limited sources, restricted to official sources with their narrative. Geopolitical goals and ambitions embolden narratives of nationalism in the media, and these often challenge the notion and understanding of authenticity in journalism. The Indian press, contrary to the state-owned Chinese press, is diverse and confrontational, where narratives of nationalism are differentially interpreted, embedded and realised. This article examines how authenticity has become a variable, rather than a constant, in conflict reporting of the Sino-Indian border clash and how authenticity is interpreted similarly or differently in conflict journalism. The article reports qualitative textual analysis of two leading English-language newspapers: The Times of India and The Hindu and two mainstream regional-language newspapers: Amar Ujala (Hindi) and Anandabazar Patrika (Bengali), to evaluate how representations of information function in conflict reporting and recontextualise (and thus change or modify the meaning of) that which they represent, and with what political and cultural implications.