The Conversation Canada recently joined the Quarter Life series launched by our colleagues at The Conversation UK. The series is all about highlighting the issues that most matter to, and impact the lives of, younger people. Here’s what it’s about:

No one’s 20s and 30s look quite the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping on dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter where you are in life, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

Whether you’re in this demographic or not, we hope you enjoy these articles aimed at the younger generations, and share them with friends or family in the Gen Z or Millennial age groups.

Today we have two articles highlighting some of the personal and professional issues young people might be facing. Carrie Jenkins from the University of British Columbia talks about the ways modern relationships are changing and explains polyamory — being open to having more than one romantic partner at the same time, with everyone’s knowledge and consent. More young people are turning away from traditional monogamous relationships, or choosing to remain single. Jenkins outlines how people can deal with the stereotypes that often come with having a lifestyle that bucks social expectations.

Jason Walker of Adler University discusses workplace connections, and how we can maintain healthy friendships with our colleagues. Having friends at work can improve our professional lives, but those relationships can also come with problems if they lead to favouritism or blur the lines between personal and professional. Walker provides some helpful tips to help us navigate friendships with our colleagues.

Also today:

All the best.

Ibrahim Daair

Culture + Society Editor
A recent report has found that a growing number of people in Canada are in polyamorous relationships. (Shutterstock)

Thinking about polyamory? You’re not the only one

Carrie Jenkins, University of British Columbia

Polyamory is on the rise, yet at the same time, younger people are turning away from romance and dating. Does Gen Z want multiple partners or none at all?
When employees are happy, engaged and productive, and the organization is meeting their individual needs, they are more likely to meet their full potential. (Shutterstock)

Workplace besties: How to build relationships at work while staying professional

Jason Walker, Adler University

For young people in their 20s, the workplace is an ideal place to connect and make friends. Here’s how to make the most of these relationships.
Workers lay pipe during construction of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion on farmland, in Abbotsford, B.C. in May 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Why the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion is a bad deal for Canadians — and the world

Amy Janzwood, McGill University

The Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline is a bad deal for Canadians, the federal government and our planet. The only question now is how best to mitigate the damage.
Presenting their ‘human self’ as well as their ‘professional self’ allows doctors to role model healthy behaviours for peers and trainees, and be more relatable to their patients and the public. (Shutterstock)

Doctors engage the public by bringing a human side to social media

Alice Fleerackers, University of British Columbia; Lauren A Maggio, University of Illinois Chicago

Doctors use social media for reasons ranging from the strictly professional to the highly personal: They connect with colleagues, raise awareness of social issues and educate the public on health topics.
Suburban bus riders often have to deal with infrequent bus service. (Shutterstock)

Using smart devices to schedule on-demand public transportation can save time and money

Seyed Mehdi Meshkani, Concordia University; Nizar Bouguila, Concordia University; Siavash Farazmand, Concordia University; Zachary Patterson, Concordia University

On-demand transit services use smart devices and real-time network information to schedule rides for passengers.

La Conversation Canada
Les gens croient aux fausses théories du complot pour un large éventail de raisons, y compris le fait qu'il existe de véritables complots. (Shutterstock)

Comment savoir si une théorie du complot est probablement fausse ?

H. Colleen Sinclair, Louisiana State University

Les théories du complot sont légion. Que faut-il croire - et comment s'en rendre compte ?
Rappers Kendrick Lamar (left) and Drake have released a series of diss tracks attacking each other recently as part of a growing feud. (AP Photo)

Querelle Drake-Kendrick Lamar : Que dit la loi sur les paroles diffamatoires ?

Lisa Macklem, Western University

Les « diss tracks » des rappeurs Drake et Kendrick Lamar soulèvent des questions intéressantes sur la diffamation dans les paroles de musique.

Culture + Society

Health

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    Trish Greenhalgh, University of Oxford; C Raina MacIntyre, UNSW Sydney; David Fisman, University of Toronto

    A previous review suggested that masks don’t work. We can assure you – they do.

Politics