Tourists, go home

Edition: US - Today's top story: The travel industry has sparked a backlash against tourists by stressing quantity over quality [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 18 December 2017 [[The Conversation]Academic rigor, journalistic flair]( Editor's note From Spain to New Zealand and Iceland to Yosemite National Park, heavy tourism is damaging many of the world’s most scenic destinations. Global travel generates jobs and revenues, but this year anti-tourism protesters took to the streets in Barcelona, Dubrovnik and elsewhere to say enough was enough. Penn State University’s Carter Hunt, who studies how tourism affects destinations, offers some guidelines for travelers about [ways to avoid wearing out your welcome](. While many Americans have recovered from the job losses suffered during the Great Recession, one age group hasn’t: 16- to 24-year-olds, about half of whom aren’t working today versus 40 percent a decade ago. How can we get them back to work? It starts with a stronger economy, argues Ohio State economist Randall Olsen, [who believes the Republican plan]( to cut the corporate tax rate is the right medicine to do just that. And – as 2017 draws to a close – we’re asking for your feedback on our most popular and memorable stories of the year. The results will be announced in a special newsletter next week. Please answer our one-question survey and [let us know](. Jennifer Weeks Environment + Energy Editor Top stories The view of Cartagena, Colombia from Tierra Bomba. Despite being one of the most visited cities in South America, Tierra Bomba remains highly impoverished. Why doesn’t large-scale tourism benefit such a community? Carter Hunt [The travel industry has sparked a backlash against tourists by stressing quantity over quality]( Carter A. Hunt, Pennsylvania State University At many popular destinations, residents are protesting against crowding, rowdy visitors and low wages. With some research, travelers can use their visits to enrich host areas instead of harming them. House Speaker Paul Ryan talks about the GOP tax plan. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin [Why the Republican tax plan can help put American youth back to work]( Randall Olsen, The Ohio State University Unlike other age groups, 16- to 24-year-olds haven't recovered the job losses they suffered during the Great Recession. Spurring investment and growth are key to getting them back to work. Ethics + Religion - [How parenthood has changed the way I read ancient stories of Joseph and Mary's relationship with Jesus]( Christopher A. Frilingos, Michigan State University Family is not a clearly defined structure in the story: It isn’t biological or reflective of some 'norm.' It is instead a choice to stick together, come what may. Politics + Society - [Black voters won Alabama for the Dems. Here's what they need in return]( Sharon Austin, University of Florida Almost 100 percent of black Alabamians voted for Doug Jones. The Democratic senator-elect can thank this key base by addressing his home state's problems with rural poverty, education and health care. Health + Medicine - [You (and most of the millions of holiday travelers you encounter) are washing your hands wrong]( Michelle Sconce Massaquoi, University of Oregon With holiday travel in full swing and people packed together in small spaces, it's important to try to stop the spread of germs. But can we really get our hands clean with a few seconds of cold water? Science + Technology - [Skip fights about digital devices over the holidays – instead, let them bring your family together]( Shelia R. Cotten, Michigan State University Older relatives often object to younger people using their smartphones and tablets during family gatherings. But digital devices can connect distant relatives year-round. Economy + Business - [When cringeworthy gifts are worse than inconsiderate]( Deborah Y. Cohn, New York Institute of Technology Sadly, people sometimes deliberately give bad presents. Trending on site - [For baby's brain to benefit, read the right books at the right time]( Lisa S. Scott, University of Florida Psychology researchers bring infants into the lab to learn more about how shared book reading influences brain and behavioral development. - [Will artificial intelligence become conscious?]( Subhash Kak, Oklahoma State University Researchers' views depend in part on what technology is (or will be) capable of – and in part on what consciousness actually is. - [When should you unfriend someone on Facebook?]( Alexis Elder, University of Minnesota Duluth The combination of a divisive political climate and widespread use of social media networks to share controversial material has many people asking this question. Here's what Aristotle would say. Today’s quote [With the upcoming holiday travels, asking how to prevent the spread of disease-causing pathogens isn’t just for aspiring microbiologists but a great question for everyone.]( [You (and most of the millions of holiday travelers you encounter) are washing your hands wrong]( Michelle Sconce Massaquoi University of Oregon [Michelle Sconce Massaquoi] [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 625 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139 USA