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1.Spanish Locals Fight Back: Protests Erupt Against Mass Tourism Driving Up Housing Costs
Across Spain—especially in hotspots like Barcelona, Mallorca, Madrid, and Ibiza—local residents have staged growing protests against the negative impacts of mass tourism. Demonstrators are pushing back against skyrocketing housing costs and limited availability in their cities, largely attributed to short-term rentals and tourist-focused property development. Authorities, responding to mounting pressure, are exploring measures such as banning new tourist apartments, imposing visitor limits, and introducing new taxes.
- How does the growth of short-term rentals (like through Airbnb) affect local people’s ability to find housing and feel at home in their own neighborhoods?
- Some say tourism brings money and jobs, but do you think this benefit is shared fairly? How might tourism harm local culture or everyday life?
- What kinds of rules or solutions could help balance tourism and residents’ needs—without hurting local businesses or jobs?
- Tokyo receives millions of visitors every year. What could it do to welcome tourists while also protecting the comfort and needs of people who live and work in the city?
2.UK, Australia Mandate ID/Credit Card Verification for All Major Social Media by December 2025
A hot topic in the news, particularly in the UK and Australia has been the new laws introduced requiring people to provide their Government issued IDs / Credit card numbers to online platforms to prove they are adults. Platforms such Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Bluesky and Youtube will all have this new law implemented by December 2025.
- What do you think of this new law? Have you heard of it, or anything similar?
- What are the pros and cons of requiring people to give their ID to websites?
- How would a requirement for all websites to verify user ID affect online privacy and freedom, as well as security and accountability?
- How might a future where ID is required for all online activity impact both the benefits and challenges of how people express opinions and use social media?
3.From Politics to Academia: Why Public Figures Are Now Using Online Trolling to Grab Attention
An emerging trend sees public figures, brands, and even universities using trolling—sharp, provocative commentary—to capture attention online. For example, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s satirical posts have significantly increased engagement, though experts warn trolling may grab notice more than it delivers substantive messaging
- Do you think trolling is an effective way to share an important message? Why or why not?
- What’s the difference between humor and trolling? Where is the line?
- Do you think trolling works better in some cultures than others? Why?
- Imagine you are in charge of a brand or organization and you have been tasked with using this “Trolling” style of engagement. Which brand do you choose and how would you implement this style?[/responsivevoice]
