Postmodernism Problems

Social Legitimacy of AI Influencers

2026-04-29T17:46:45+03:00

This study examines the perceptions of Bulgarian audiences toward AI influencers, specifically those created for the social experiment "The Dundarevs’ Family" on TikTok. Findings from an online survey of 131 respondents indicate that simulacra elicit positive emotions such as laughter, sympathy, and a sense of closeness. Nevertheless, respondents express caution regarding the authenticity and social legitimacy of these virtual entities. Age emerges as a significant factor: younger users are more adept at recognizing synthetic content and tend to be more critical, whereas older users exhibit greater hesitancy. The exposure effect is also evident, as regular interaction with AI content increases both tolerance and willingness to follow virtual influencers. Despite these trends, skepticism remains prevalent, resulting in a gap between conceptual acceptance and actual willingness to engage with synthetic images. The status of AI influencers within Bulgarian digital culture is currently fluid; while simulacra effectively engage and entertain, they have yet to achieve social legitimacy.

The Role of Social Values in The Influence of Civic Groups on Institutions in Social Media: A Case Study Research

2026-04-29T18:07:26+03:00

In the conditions of the 21st century, civic groups exert a significant communication impact on institutions through social media. Social values manifest themselves in the process of interaction, strengthening the influence on state bodies, as they reveal the moral guidelines used in public pressure. The purpose of the study is to highlight the key role of value dimensions in this process and to show how they can contribute to the formation and change of public attitudes towards institutions in the digital environment. By applying a case study approach as a type of qualitative methodology, social values are tracked that are most often articulated in the Bulgarian media and have the potential to strengthen the communication influence of civic groups. The results obtained show that the emphasis on moral standards in the communication process is a significant factor in the effectiveness of the impact on institutions in social media. The analysis of cases is important because it shows how the influence of civic groups on institutions in social media is carried out - a process that is gaining increasing importance in the modern world.

Shaping the Citizens of Tomorrow: The Challenge of Practical Teaching

2026-04-29T18:21:05+03:00

This study aims to analyze the institutional and pedagogical challenges in the practical application of theoretical knowledge for the development of civic competencies in higher education. Specifically, the research assesses students’ perceptions of their mastery of theoretical knowledge and their engagement in its practical application, as well as identifying student-centered teaching strategies that prove most effective in this regard. A mixed-methods research methodology was used to conduct this study. The quantitative approach was conducted through a structured online questionnaire administered during the period October–December 2025, while the qualitative approach was supported by a literature review. The study included students from the teaching programs of the Faculty of Education at "Aleksandër Moisiu" University in Durrës, and from the Faculty of Educational Sciences at "Aleksandër Xhuvani" University in Elbasan, Albania. The study sample consists of 460 randomly selected students, of whom 47% were enrolled in Bachelor’s programs and 53% at the Master’s level, thus providing a broad representation of academic perceptions. The data demonstrate an exceptionally positive assessment of active teaching methods, with 98% of students emphasizing that they increase their engagement in lectures and 92% confirming increased motivation. Interactive competencies, such as communication (72.4%) and group collaboration (65.3%), emerge as the most developed. However, the study identifies a weakness in the connection between theory and practice, with 31% of students reporting difficulties in the practical application of theoretical knowledge. Furthermore, competencies such as problem-solving (38.8%) and digital skills (23%) remain problematic. Student-centered teaching is essential for the development of civic competencies, but its effectiveness is hindered by deeply theoretical curricula. Overcoming this challenge requires a thorough institutional review of study programs to integrate theoretical knowledge with direct practical engagement of students, as well as improving the quality of academic staff training in the use of contemporary teaching methods.

Social Inequalities in Western Attica: Challenges and Perspectives

2026-04-29T18:34:07+03:00

The present study investigates educational inequalities and the challenges of intercultural education in Western Attica, a region characterized by intense socio-economic and spatial inequalities, a high concentration of vulnerable social groups, and significant cultural heterogeneity. Drawing on empirical data from primary research, as well as contemporary theoretical approaches in the sociology of education and intercultural pedagogy, the study highlights the mechanisms through which the school reproduces or, potentially, alleviates social inequalities. The analysis focuses on factors such as students' socio-economic background, linguistic and cultural diversity, the infrastructure of school units, and the educational practices implemented within the teaching framework. The findings demonstrate that, despite institutional efforts to promote inclusion, significant barriers to the equal access and participation of all students in the learning process still exist. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the teacher as an agent of change, as well as the need for systematic training in intercultural competence and differentiated instruction. At the same time, the importance of educational policy and local administration in shaping a more just and inclusive school environment is highlighted. The study concludes with proposals for strengthening educational equality in Western Attica, underlining the need for holistic interventions that combine pedagogical, social, and political dimensions. The findings contribute to the broader scientific dialogue on education in socially vulnerable areas and can be utilized in the design of targeted educational policies.

Between Inclusion and Isolation: The Influence of Social Media Algorithms on Intercultural Education and Equity

2026-04-29T18:44:54+03:00

As social media increasingly dominate human interactions, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in determining the integration processes of immigrant students in host societies has become a central theme in educational research. This study sheds light on the dual influence of social media algorithms on the integration of immigrant students within the Greek educational context. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 102 educators in order to examine their perceptions of AI as either a bridge or a barrier to inclusion. Data reveal a lack of consensus concerning the effectiveness of AI to create bonds between immigrant students and members of the local school community, with a significant percentage of respondents remaining neutral, suggesting that the influence of algorithms is often invisible. Analysis of the data further reveals that even though algorithms can facilitate integration by exposing users to diverse content, they can also reinforce stereotypes by creating filter bubbles. Educators expressed concerns about data privacy, the spread of misinformation, and the dissemination of xenophobic narratives resulting from the presence of AI in the digital world. The study concludes that for AI to foster inclusion, systemic changes are needed, including content moderation and diverse representation. The importance of this study lies in its ability to reveal the hidden digital barriers that often impede students’ integration in educational settings. These findings can have direct applications for educational policies, highlighting the need for AI-specific digital literacy training for educators and the development of more transparent algorithmic curation.

Internal Communication Standards as a Tool for Organizational Management and Trust

2026-04-29T18:50:15+03:00

In the context of dynamic social and technological transformations, internal communication has emerged as a key factor for the effective functioning of modern organizations. This article examines the role of internal communication standards as a strategic instrument for improving management processes. It outlines theoretical approaches to internal communication and communication management, with a particular emphasis on the importance of standardized communication practices for enhancing managerial transparency, ensuring efficient information exchange, and fostering employee engagement. The study draws on examples from institutional and corporate practice, as well as findings from an empirical survey conducted among employees across various organizations in Bulgaria. The results indicate that the presence of clearly defined communication rules, procedures, and channels contributes to more effective management of organizational processes and strengthens trust between leadership and employees.

Don Juan and Casanova: The Two Poles of Male Desire - A Psychoanalytic Reading

2026-04-29T18:55:03+03:00

The present article offers a psychoanalytic and culturally critical reading of two of the most influential archetypes of male love in the Western tradition – Don Juan and Giacomo Casanova. Through the prism of Freud, Jung, Rank, Kierkegaard, Lacan, de Beauvoir and Benjamin, the motives, ethical implications and attitudes towards women in these figures are analysed. Don Juan is examined as an archetype of destructive, narcissistic passion – compulsive conquest, objectification of the partner and denial of intimacy, which leads to tragic self-destruction. Casanova, by contrast, embodies mature, reciprocal hedonism – the pursuit of mutual pleasure, respect for the woman as an equal subject and emotional harmony, without mythical punishment. The comparison highlights the two poles of male desire: destructive narcissism versus constructive Eros. In a contemporary context – the era of digital dating platforms, the #MeToo movement and the critique of toxic masculinity – the article discusses how these archetypes continue to influence intimate relationships and public debates on consent, emotional responsibility and equality.The feminist and Lacanian perspective shows that Don Juan remains a warning about objectifying power, while Casanova offers a (controversial) model for ethical erotica based on reciprocity and humanity. The conclusion emphasises the need to transcend these poles towards a more responsible and egalitarian form of love.

The Negative Impacts of AI on Education: A Critical Approach and Contemporary Challenges

2026-04-29T18:59:13+03:00

We live in an age where artificial intelligence has permeated our daily lives in many ways. One area in which artificial intelligence has penetrated is education. Its rapid development has significantly impacted the field of education, creating new opportunities but also raising serious concerns. This article systematically examines the negative impacts of artificial intelligence on the educational process, focusing on issues such as the decline in critical thinking, students’ dependence on algorithmic tools, issues of academic integrity, inequalities in access, ethical issues such as the rise in school bullying and the fostering of empathy, the legal issues these problems entail, and the implications for the role of the teacher. It is truly alarming how much daily life in schools, as well as the out-of-school lives of pupils and teachers, has been affected by artificial intelligence. Through a review of recent literature, we can see that the uncontrolled integration of artificial intelligence is very likely to undermine fundamental pedagogical principles, making a critical and balanced approach necessary.