- Help
- Google+
Last week was a slow one for deals, but the week of Aug. 19 is already starting off strong. We're seeing plenty of deals pop up on Amazon's own devices, Apple gadgets, and more — with some even dropping to record-low prices.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these catch your eye, be sure to check back tomorrow for a list of all new deals.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 9th generation (64GB, WiFi) $199.00 at AmazonJust last week, the ninth generation iPad dropped to a record-low $224 at Amazon. As of Aug. 19, however, that price just dropped even further to only $199. That's a savings of 40% and the first time it has ever hit below $200. While it's not the newest iPad on the market (it's a 2021 model), it's still our favorite tablet for most people. It features the A13 Bionic chip, a 10.2-inch Retina display, and up to 10 hours of battery life that's more than enough to power through basic tasks. I personally own this exact 64GB, WiFi model and my only complaint is that I bought it before it hit this new record-low price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $298.00 at AmazonSome of our favorite headphones on the market, the Sony WH-1000XM5s earned a Mashable Choice award and nearly perfect rating by Mashable's Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern. Besides impeccable sound quality, great noise cancellation, and customizable sound, these headphones also feature a "quick attention" mode that helps you hear boarding announcements or order a beverage on board a flight without shutting off your music completely. You'll also get up to 30 hours of battery life, crisp call clarity, voice assistant support, and comfortable ear cushions. The one drawback is they're a bit bulky and don't fold up into a convenient carrying case, but that's small potatoes. As of Aug. 19, you can snag these babies for only $298 — that's a savings of 25% and matches the lowest price on record.
Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Hub $144.99 at AmazonNew to the Echo family, the Amazon Echo Hub is basically the device that's been missing all along. A full-featured control panel and smart hub, the Echo Hub offers instant access to your lights, cameras, switches, doorbell, thermostat, and any other smart device in your home. It's no longer locked inside one person's phone. Anyone can play music, stream videos, ask Alexa questions, dim the lights, adjust the temperature, or view who's at the door at the press of a button. Regularly $179.99, it's on sale for the first time since its release for just $144.99. That's just shy of 20% in savings.
Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $79.99 at AmazonShine a light on what's going on outside of your home at night with the Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight camera. It packs 700 lumens of motion-triggered illumination and crisp HD footage, no matter the time of day. Thanks to two-way audio, you can speak to people (or pets) and get a heads up if the noise you heard outside was an actual intruder or just a noisy squirrel. A Blink subscription plan unlocks even more features, like enhanced motion detection and cloud sharing. It's regularly about $130, but you can save nearly 40% on Aug. 19 and pick one up for just $79.99 — that's just $2 shy of its all-time low.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen, 2022 release) $29.99 at AmazonSmall enough to sit on your nightstand, bookshelf, countertop, or desk, the fifth generation Echo Dot is made to seamlessly add smart benefits into your daily routine. It can be used to receive reminders, save recipes, set timers, schedule tasks, communicate with friends and family, light up your room, listen to music, or play some soothing white noise to help you fall asleep. It's essentially like a smaller form version of the baseline Echo, minus the Dolby audio. With the small speaker also comes a smaller price tag. Get the 2022 Echo Dot for only $29.99 as of Aug. 19. That's 40% in savings and just $7 away from its record-low price.
Read our full review of the Echo Dot (5th Gen).
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
Some tasks are only worthy of a computer. Sure, we can do plenty on our smartphones and tablets these days, but if you've ever tried to create a detailed Excel spreadsheet on a tablet, you understand that some projects really call for a laptop.
The not-so-great news is that laptops tend to come with some shocking price tags these days. But if you're in need of a new laptop for the beginning of the new school year or an upgrade to a machine that's far too slow, we're seeing some pretty good deals for the week of August 19. Here are some of our top picks:
Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Our pick: Asus Vivobook 16 (Intel Core i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, 512 GB) $449.99 at AmazonIf you're looking for a laptop with a large-ish display, the Asus Vivobook measures 16 inches, which could be fantastic for those financial spreadsheets, checking out tiny details of that Airbnb listing, or streaming your favorite movie. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, the Asus Vivobook 16 (Intel Core i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, 512 GB) is on sale for $449.99, down from the normal price of $549.99, which means you'll be getting a $100 discount.
You'll get a desirable 16GB of memory with this Asus for quicker multi-tasking and decent storage space of 512GB. The 16-inch laptop is also a touchscreen, which can be nice for navigating web pages or scrolling through a presentation.
The 14-inch model of this Asus Vivobook is also on sale at Amazon, but it's listed at $444.95 which means the 16-inch version costs just $5 more, so the larger version is an easy pick in our book.
Best Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: HP Ultra XGA Chromebook (Intel 12th Generation Core i3, 8GB RAM, 256 GB) $499.00 at Best BuyIf you're after a lightweight and thin Chromebook that's ready for any work trip, the HP Ultra XGA Chromebook (Intel 12th Generation Core i3, 8GB RAM, 256 GB) could be a great option. Thanks to today's deal at Best Buy, this model is just $499, marked down from the list price of $699 which means you'll be saving $200.
The full-HD screen resolution means you'll be getting a crisp screen experience which can be great for those Zoom meetings or for streaming your favorite Netflix show. This model also comes with HP's fast charge which gets up to 50% charge in 45 minutes, a feature that could be great for students heading to class where you won't always be able to stay plugged in.
Best deal under $400 Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Our pick: Lenovo Flex 5i (Intel Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, 512GB) $399.99 at Best BuyIf you're searching for a versatile laptop with decent stats at a budget-friendly price, the Lenovo Flex 5i could fit the bill. With a sale price of just $399.99 at Best Buy, you'll be saving an impressive $280 compared to the normal list price of $679.99. You'll be getting a mid-range Intel 12th Generation Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM for better multitasking capabilities.
The 14-inch screen size makes for a nice middle-ground between portability and functionality. Plus, it weights less than 3.5 pounds, so it'll be easy to take to class or on a work trip. And the HDMI port means you'll be able to use a great external monitor for larger projects that do better with two screens.
More laptop deals under $500Asus Vivobook Go (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB) — $169.99 $229.99 (save $60)
Asus Vivobook 15.6 (Ryzen 3 3250U, 8GB RAM, 128GB) — $199.99 $329.99 (save $130)
Lenovo Yoga 7 (Ryzen 5 8640HS, 8GB RAM, 512GB) — $449.99 $749.99 (save $300)
Dell Inspiron 15 (Intel Core i7-1255U, 16GB RAM, 512GB) — $479.99 $599.99 (save $120)
This week at Amazon, there are plenty of tablets on sale for budget-friendly prices: just in time to help you out with your back-to-school shopping. Whether you're partial to Apple, Samsung, or Amazon Fire tablets, there's a deal to fit every preference.
This week's best tablet deals as of Aug 19: Best budget tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $89.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad (9th Generation) $199 at Amazon (save $130) Get Deal Best large-screen tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet $204 at Amazon (save $15) Get DealIn this week's price cuts, we're seeing high-quality tablets listed for around $200 - or even less. That makes upgrading to a new tablet more affordable, so you can stretch your back-to-school budget even further. Some tablets — like the Apple iPad (9th Generation) — are at their best price yet.
Best budget tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $89.99 at AmazonAt $89.99, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is the most budget-friendly tablet on this week's roundup. While this isn't the tablet's lowest price ever, it's a close second, clocking in at only $10 more. With 32GB of storage and a 10.1-inch screen, this is a solid standard pick for tablet users who want a fast-processing tablet to help with productivity and enjoy some entertainment. It's also a good pick for slightly older kids: while it doesn't have the kid-proofing that Amazon's made-for-kids tablets have, you can still access Amazon Kids content on this tablet.
Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple iPad (9th Generation) $199.00 at AmazonAs of today, Aug 19, the Apple iPad (9th Generation) is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon, selling for just $199, down from its usual price of $329. With 64GB, an A13 bionic chip, and a 10.2-inch screen, this tablet prioritizes performance just as much as affordability. Thanks to the A13 chip, it supports immersive graphics - making it a good pick for gaming. Plus, it has an all-day battery life. With an ultra-wide front-facing camera, it's also supportive of video calls.
Best large-screen tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet $204.99 at AmazonIf you're shopping for something that has a larger screen, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet is worth considering. While today's sale only takes the price down by 7%, we're a fan of the tablet's big, 11-inch screen. Whether you use your tablet for gaming, streaming movies, or productivity, the extra surface area gives you a more immersive experience. You can also operate multiple apps at once, making this tablet a helpful selection for multitaskers.
More tablet deals:Google Pixel Tablet with Charging Speaker Dock — $399 $499 (save $100)
Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet — $169.99 $229.99 (save $60)
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8 — $204.86 $279.99 (save $75.13)
Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet — $89.99 $129.99 (save $40)
Lenovo Tab M9-2023 — $139.15 $149.99 (save $10.25)
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet — $89.99 $149.99 (save $60)
Save $464.40: Celebrate International VPN day with major savings on the best VPN services, tested by the Mashable team. Get 27 months of NordVPN for $161.73, saving you $464.40 for 74% off.
Best International VPN day deals Best VPN deal NordVPN $161.73 for 27 months of NordVPN (Save $464.40) Get Deal Best streaming deal ExpressVPN $99.95 for 15 months of ExpressVPN (Save $94.30) Get Deal Best budget deal CyberGhost VPN $56.94 for 26 months of CyberGhost VPN (Save $280.80) Get DealAugust 19 marks International VPN Day, a day to celebrate and highlight the importance of cybersecurity in our daily lives. VPNs keep computers, phones, and tablets safe while streaming with built-in security tools, however, they also open up our world.
Don't let your streaming services limit what you watch. With a VPN, you gain access to international offerings that you otherwise wouldn't have access to. When you think about it, a VPN is just helping you make the most of your subscriptions.
However, VPNs aren't always free, so it ends up becoming just another subscription you pay for. Luckily, in light of International VPN Day, you can find savings up to 83% on VPN services tested by the Mashable team. Here are the best deals to shop August 19.
Opens in a new window Credit: NordVPN Best VPN deal $161.73 at NordVPNNordVPN is our top-rated VPN service as it offers extensive security protections. Those new to VPN services will find that it has far more than they need. NordVPN is best for professionals who are seeking a geographically diverse system of networks as well as speciality servers.
The savings during International VPN day are really spectacular. This 27 month deal covers NordVPN's Ultimate tier, which in addition to VPN services gets you identity theft recovery, a password manager, and 1TB of encrypted cloud storage. You'll get all of this for $161.73 for 74% off. That means you save a whopping $464.40.
More International VPN day dealsExpressVPN — 15 months for $99.95 $194.24 (save $94.30)
CyberGhost VPN — 26 months for $56.94 $337.74 (save $280.80)
Bear Tunnel VPN — 36 months for $120 $359.64 (save $239.64)
Screen sharing, especially to a big audience, can be risky. Google has a new tool that could save people from themselves in this regard.
As spotted by Bleeping Computer, a new experimental flag has been added to Google Chrome that, if turned on, purports to automatically block "sensitive form fields" that include things like credit cards and passwords if the user is sharing or recording their screen from Android. Now, this feature is so experimental that it's not actually available to use yet, so it's impossible to say if it works or not. But, per Bleeping Computer, users of the Chrome Canary developer build should have access to it within the next month or so.
SEE ALSO: Google tried to give new Pixel phones to influencers. Then it backfired.Ideally, you should really close any tabs with sensitive info in them before you start rolling on a screen-share or screen recording session. But, if you don't, this new Chrome feature could save you from a lot of hassle. It should be noted that Chrome already blocks users from screen sharing or recording in an Incognito window, so in a sense, one protection from Incognito mode is coming over to the regular Chrome view.
It's always nice when technology actually solves a problem instead of just adding more problems.
It's back-to-school season! While it can be chaotic with endless emails, paperwork, and supply lists, it's also a chance to refresh and renew with some back-to-school clothes shopping. Mother of two and lifestyle influencer Meems Gillette, with the help of her 6-year-old and 9-year-old kids, found 12 closet must-haves from Walmart to help start the school year with confidence and style.
Here’s what’s in their fashion lineup — snag these for your cart too.
Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 Pro will come in a new color, a new report claims, and it will be sort-of familiar.
Leaker of iPhone-related things Majin Bu said the new color will be called Desert Titanium. "(It) is kind of dark gold, similar to the old purple color, relatively discreet and deep," they shared on X.
SEE ALSO: Leaked iPhone 16 Pro image shows new bronze colorThe full color lineup for the iPhone 16 Pro will be "white, black, gold, and gray," wrote Bu, and shared a photo which purportedly shows the camera rings of all the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models.
Tweet may have been deletedIt's not entirely clear what is this "old purple color" Bu is referring to. For example, the iPhone 14 Pro was offered in (a fairly light shade of) Gold, as well as Deep Purple. We've seen various shades of Rose Gold in iPhone's history as well, starting with the iPhone 6S.
Remember Gold? This new color will be similar, but deeper. Reportedly. Credit: AppleRecent rumors said that the next iPhone Pro would be available in Rose Gold Titanium, which frankly doesn't sound like a very good name; if I had to bet, Desert Titanium would be my bet for the official name. We've also heard that the new color would be something close to bronze, which also sort of aligns with the name "Desert Titanium."
The current iPhone 15 Pro lineup offers four colors: Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium, and Blue Titanium. According to reports, it's Blue that's getting replaced with Desert Titanium. None of this is official, of course; we'll know more when Apple launches the new iPhones, likely in early September.
If the trailer — or, indeed, the title — had left you in any doubt about the type of movie Hell Hole might be, then the film's opening sequence quickly dispels any uncertainty.
With a caption placing the action in 1814 Serbia, we see two of Napoleon's troops stalking through a misty forest. They're given a horse by a strange woman which they take back to camp to eat, but — surprise! — an octopus-like creature bursts out at the last second and starts running rampant through their camp while heavy guitar kicks in.
It's all very silly, gory, and tongue-in-cheek from horror household and filmmakers the Adams family (Hellbender, The Deeper You Dig) — and it sets us up perfectly for what's to come.
SEE ALSO: Shudder's best horror comedies to scare you AND make you laugh What's Hell Hole About?The bulk of the story takes place at a present-day Serbian fracking site, where a small team of workers — plus a couple of scientists — are trapped due to some nearby flooding. They start digging, discover a still-alive man preserved underground in some kind of subterranean slimy substance. Then the hell hinted at in the movie's title quickly breaks loose.
Yep, this is a subgenre of horror you're familiar with. Like Alien and The Thing, Hell Hole gets its tension from trapping a core group of characters and watching them get picked off — or pick each other off — one by one. Unlike Ridley Scott and John Carpenter's chilling classics, though, there's a wriggling tentacle of comedy twining through Hell Hole's horror. The gore, and the monster, have a silly B movie feel. The question is, does it work?
"Hell Hole" is not short on explosive body horror. Credit: Shudder Hell Hole is not to be taken too seriously.Hell Hole is the kind of horror movie that'd be easy to enjoy on a Saturday night with friends. As they perfected in 2021's Hellbender, horror stalwarts the Adams family have instilled the film with a decent amount of tension — not enough to make it genuinely terrifying, but enough for plenty of pantomime it's-behind-you suspense. The comedy isn't exactly laugh-out-loud, either, but the film is silly enough to prompt plenty of grins, groans, and grimaces.
The characters, too, are comfortingly familiar. There's the inevitable tension between the oil drillers and the scientists, the star-crossed lovers romance between driller's son Teddy (Maximum Portman) and environmental intern Sofija (Olivera Perunicic), and the inevitable rebellion from the workers when their colleagues start getting picked off.
The dialogue is solid, as are the performances. The directing delights in, and makes the most of, explosive body horror affects.
Hell Hole isn't aiming for IMDB top 100 status. But if you're looking for something light-hearted and fun that the Adamses clearly had fun making, then you could do worse.
How to watch: Hell Hole is streaming on Shudder from Aug. 23.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2024 Vuelta a España for free on SBS on Demand, VRT, TV2, NOS, and RTVE. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It has been a busy few months for cycling fans. Following on from the Tour de France and the Olympics, the Vuelta a España is here to deliver more action on two wheels. Of course this has been tough on the cyclists, but the fans are the real heroes. Fans have had to find the right streaming service and dedicate a lot of free time to watch everything, and that's not easy.
Fortunately, we're here to lend a helping hand. If you want to watch the 2024 Vuelta a España for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What is the Vuelta a España?The Vuelta a España is an annual multi-stage bicycle race primarily held in Spain. Along with the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, the Vuelta is one of cycling's prestigious Grand Tours.
The reigning Vuelta a España champion is Sepp Kuss.
When is the Vuelta a España in 2024?The 2024 Vuelta a España is the 79th edition of the three-week cycling race. This year's event takes place in Portugal and Spain between Aug. 17 and Sep. 8.
How to watch the 2024 Vuelta a España for freeThe good news is that cycling fans from around the world can watch the 2024 Vuelta a España for free, with free streaming of the famous race being offered by these countries:
Australia — SBS (free)
Belgium — VRT (free)
Denmark — TV2 (free)
Netherland — NOS (free)
Norway — TV2 (free)
Spain — RTVE (free)
Anyone from around the world can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites from around the world. That might sound complicated, but the process is actually really simple.
Live stream the 2024 Vuelta a España for free from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that is offering free streaming of the 2024 Vuelta a España
Connect to your preferred streaming platform from the list above
Watch the 2024 Vuelta a España from anywhere in the world
Unfortunately, the best VPNs for streaming are not free. However, leading VPNs tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By using these offers, you can watch the 2024 Vuelta a España without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the Vuelta a España before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the Vuelta a España?ExpressVPN leads the way when it comes to unblocking streaming sites from around the world. ExpressVPN is the top choice for SBS on Demand, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up toeight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use the money-back guarantee to watch the 2024 Vuelta a España for free from anywhere in the world.
Watch the 2024 Vuelta a España for free with ExpressVPN.
Netflix's Emily in Paris is back for another whirlwind of a fourth instalment. And Season 4's first half tells an important story alongside the much-loved plotlines of love triangles, fabulous Parisian parties, and social media campaigns.
We’re faced with a character, Louis de Leon (Pierre Deny), who is sexually harassing women at his luxury goods company JVMA. The CEO regularly directs female employees into a "brand closet" and forces them to try on clothes for him without their consent – a total abuse of his power as a male business leader. If they don’t comply, their job is at risk. An open company secret, Louis' behaviour becomes so ingrained in JVMA's culture that employees ordered to the closet take a "buddy" as a rule, to protect themselves.
SEE ALSO: Carrie and Emily: A very serious investigation into Darren Star's infuriatingly chaotic heroinesWe see Emily's (Lily Collins) best friend Mindy (Ashley Park) grapple with her discovery of this behaviour when visiting the company in episode 2, as well as her own connection to it — she’s dating Louis' son Nicolas (Paul Forman). Meanwhile, Emily’s boss Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) is contacted by French newspaper Le Monde, asked to go on the record about her own account of historic sexual harassment from when she worked with Louis. The storyline deftly covers different ways of experiencing sexual harassment, from how it can permeate workplace culture to the complexities of reporting an abuser and of being related to one.
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie Grateau. Credit: Stephanie Branchu / Netflix Emily In Paris doesn't usually tackle subjects like violence against womenTV and film storylines examining sexual harassment and violence against women and girls (VAWG) have increased in prominence since the Me Too movement gained momentum in 2019. Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You was a landmark moment for representing the complexities of sexual assault, BBC's The Jetty explored grooming and intimate image-based abuse, and Molly Manning Walker's How To Have Sex set out to change the conversation around consent, particularly for teenagers. Andt that's just a few examples.
But there’s something really significant about Emily in Paris incorporating a sexual harassment storyline. The show's usual subject matter doesn’t usually tackle subjects like violence against women, but a mainstream, fairly light-hearted Netflix series taking on this material means a lot, with the potential to reach much wider audiences with important conversations about sexual harassment.
A mainstream, fairly light-hearted Netflix series taking on this material means a lot, with the potential to reach much wider audiences."A TV programme like Emily in Paris will reach millions of viewers, with storylines occasionally reflecting the issues experienced by women in their everyday lives,” Rebecca Hitchen, head of policy and campaigns at the End Violence Against Women Coalition, tells Mashable.
"Storylines that responsibly and realistically portray abuse and harassment therefore have the potential to have a big impact on our collective understanding and attitudes towards these issues, particularly as perpetrators often rely on their victims feeling alone, unsupported and silenced.”
The nuances portrayed in Emily in Paris are important. Firstly, the series explores how sexual harassment and abuse can affect individual people differently. Mindy may not be subjected to it directly, instead hearing about Louis' actions from women at JVMA, but she's pulled into the difficulties of dealing with an abuser in your life. She speaks to Nicolas about his father's behaviour, and says she will stand by his side during the aftermath if he is "on the side that’s right".
"It is important to show all elements and victims/survivors of sexual violence to depict the nuanced and often complicated nature of relationships with abusers," violence against women and girls (VAWG) activist Sharon Gaffka tells Mashable. “Being connected to an abuser through a close relationship, like dating their child, adds layers of emotional conflict and difficulty in navigating the situation."
Sylvie's storyline examines the complicated reasons why survivors may feel unable to come forward. Credit: Stephanie Branchu / Netflix Sylvie's storyline examines the complications of coming forwardMeanwhile, Sylvie's storyline examines the complicated reasons why a survivor of abuse may feel unable to come forward. Her story of sexual harassment isn’t portrayed on screen, having happened in the past. After a brief period of downplaying her experiences, we see her struggle with the ongoing psychological ramifications of abuse. Sylvie's decision to come forward and speak to Le Monde isn’t taken lightly, for her own personal reasons and how it will affect her business as well as that of her husband Laurent (Louis is an investor in the latter).
Through Sylvie, Emily In Paris explores what it can be like for a woman of an older generation coming forward to report. Sylvie experienced sexual harassment years before Me Too, and like many women with similar experiences might be challenging internalised beliefs about VAWG. Gaffka says that this storyline “challenges the notion that there is a statute of limitations on speaking out and validates the experiences of those who may have felt silenced for years”.
“It also highlights the enduring nature of trauma and the ongoing relevance of addressing past abuses,” she adds. “Encouraging older victims to speak up can inspire others in similar situations to find their voice and seek justice.
Through Sylvie, 'Emily In Paris' explores what it can be like for a woman of an older generation coming forward to report.Having a woman in her sixties like Sylvie deal with this hones in on the fact that sexual harassment doesn’t just happen to one age group or gender – it affects so many of us.
"Sexual assault happens to women of all ages and backgrounds, but many find they aren’t believed or taken seriously,” Hitchen says. “Older women and marginalised women are at the sharp end of this, with huge consequences for their access to justice and support."
Reporting abuse doesn’t always bring survivors the peace and justice that they want and deserve. After all, 99 percent of rape reports result in no further action in England and Wales, so it can feel like the trauma of coming forward may not match the small possibility of justice.
This isn’t the only issue, caveat, or negative result of deciding to report sexual abuse or domestic violence. Survivors, particularly those with a social media presence or celebrity profile who come forward risk their case inadvertently becoming involved in the court of public opinion. Something that is a very personal and painful experience gets put under a microscope, available for all to scrutinise and sensationalise. Further to that, Black and Brown people are disproportionately targeted by the police, leading to many survivors feeling hesitant about or in opposition to trusting the system to help them find justice, and therefore may choose not to report sexual harassment and violence.
Representation is one thing, but it's got to move beyond the TVSo on top of representation in pop culture, other preventative action points must be taken to help survivors and stop violence against women and girls. This includes implementing sex and relationship education that teaches the wide spectrum of of sexual harassment, as well as other forms of abuse. It would be helpful for educators to be specific about exactly what violence can look like in real life, so that people are better equipped to identify, intervene, report, or call it out. Also, in the event of a survivor not wanting to report, or not feeling comfortable to, there needs to be more accessible and available structures that facilitate counselling and other forms of trauma support.
But in particular, men need to be included in these conversations about violence against women and girls, as part of a comprehensive movement towards preventing future abuse cycles.
On top of representation in pop culture, other preventative action points must be taken to help survivors and stop violence against women and girls."As well as empowering victims to come forward, we also need to see much more focus on preventing this violence so women and girls aren’t subjected to it in the first place," Hitchen says.
Men need to be part of the conversation. Nicolas should have done more.In Emily In Paris, Nicolas' first reaction on seeing the reported accusations about his father is to dismiss them as false and concentrate on "damage control" for the company. There's not one moment in the show where Nicolas considers the allegations as truth. It's an instant stand he tries to drag Mindy into, attempting to manage her public image as supportive of his family, then breathing a sigh of relief when the board (not him) wants his father to step down. Nicolas doesn't take one moment to call out his father's actions, consider the experiences of the survivors, or analyse the systemic company culture that has allowed such harassment to continue. And still, Mindy declares herself "proud" of Nicolas, for doing literally nothing.
Paul Forman as Nicolas De Leon. Credit: NetflixWe're yet to see Nicolas take any meaningful course of action, or whether the show will continue with this storyline in the second half of Season 4. Seeing Nicolas actually criticise his father's behaviour, attempt to support harassed employees, and actually do something to change the company's ingrained protection of predators would be nice, but it's unclear whether the show will take the storyline any further.
Nicolas doesn't take one moment to call out his father's actions, consider the experiences of the survivors, or analyse the systemic company culture that has allowed such harassment to continue.That being said, to include this narrative at all is important. Gaffka points out the huge relevance of a relatively light-hearted and mainstream TV show like Emily in Paris to address a Me Too storyline. "From personal experience, I have found that it can significantly broaden the audience it reaches, especially among demographics who don’t typically engage with more serious or niche programming," she says.
Why such a storyline on a popular show like Emily In Paris really mattersSeeing beloved characters tackle issues like complicated relationships with an abuser, mixed feelings and fears about reporting, as well as cycles and generations of abuse can help to “normalise” conversations around these issues, according to Gaffka. It can also help to disrupt preconceived stereotypes and “scripts” we have internalised about harassment and abuse, helping us to detangle ways in which it could be happening to us, or someone we love, and help to acknowledge this.
"Viewers of the show already have a pre-existing relationship with the characters, which evokes more emotions than watching a government-designed video," she says. "This can help to normalise conversations about sexual harassment and abuse in everyday contexts, making the topic more accessible and less stigmatised.
"By integrating these serious issues into a popular and engaging show it can raise awareness, educate viewers, and help survivors to see their experiences reflected on screen, so they don’t feel alone."
An influential Netflix show like Emily in Paris has the potential to make a huge difference when it comes to talking about sexual harassment and violence against women. A Me Too storyline is a huge step forward. But the significance of a storyline like this on such a widely-watched show simultaneously underscores the need for wider, systemic change, as well as the increased responsibility of all other on-screen portrayals to not reinforce harmful stereotypes and to be responsible with storytelling.
The conversations that Emily In Paris could start are just that: a starting point. What we really need, and must demand, is more concentrated and tangible efforts in the fight against male violence, and understanding the full spectrum and impact of sexual harassment.
How to watch: Emily In Paris Season 4 is now streaming on Netflix.
If you have experienced sexual abuse, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 19 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 19Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, August 19, 2024:
AcrossLeaves a couple bucks on the bar counterThe answer is Tips.
The answer is Aria.
The answer is Box up (no space).
The answer is Nine.
The answer is Year.
1
2
3
4
7
The answer is Tab.
The answer is Irony.
The answer is Pixie.
The answer is Sauna.
The answer is Per.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
I just watched Billie Eilish, in all of her talented glory, jamming out in the middle of Bora Bora with a breathtaking, sepia-toned sunset vibe in the background. And I didn't have to spend a penny — well, save for the $3,499 Apple Vision Pro headset itself. This is all thanks to the new visionOS 2 I've been testing.
The new-and-improved update, poised to officially roll out to the public later this year, was unveiled at WWDC 2024 — and it comes with a gaggle of new useful features. For example, the Control Center is a lot easier to access with a new gesture, allowing you get quick information like battery status and time. Plus, visionOS 2 now supports a new curved ultrawide virtual display while connected to a Mac — more on that later.
However, nothing could prepare me for the immediate sense of calm that came over me when I was whisked away to the French Polynesia, thanks to the new Bora Bora environment via visionOS 2. The Apple Vision Pro isn't just a spatial computing device. It's a "get me away from my darn family and teleport me to paradise" escape portal, allowing you to leave your troubles behind — just for a little while so you can catch your breath.
New Bora Bora environment in Apple Vision ProThe Apple Vision Pro's edge over other AR/VR headsets is its crisp, sharp details. While diving into the new Bora Bora environment in visionOS 2, the landscape that surrounded me was so visually rich, it was as if I could taste the mist of saltwater in the air and the feeling of grainy white sand beneath my feet. When I looked up at the palm trees, I could see a realistic animation of leaves swaying in the wind.
New Bora Bora environment in visionOS 2 Credit: AppleYou still won't find an official, dedicated YouTube app in Vision Pro, but you can do what I did and pull up videos via Safari. I fired up a Billie Eilish concert and watched her do her thing while I expanded the video to a jaw-dropping immersive scale that made it feel as if she was performing right in front of me.
Let's be honest. Sometimes, we just need to get away. As much as you may love 'em, if you're at your wits end with your family, slipping on the Vision Pro may be the escape you've been waiting for, without the madness of TSA, dragging luggage around, and braving hours upon hours inside a zooming metal bird that is susceptible to turbulence.
From a 2D snoozefest to a 3D spatial masterpieceAnd when you miss your family again, visionOS 2 has a new machine learning-based feature that transforms your 2D photos into 3D masterpieces.
Transform your photos from 2D to 3D Credit: AppleNow, when Apple boasted about this at WWDC 2024, it was difficult to wrap my mind around how mind-blowing this perk is — until I tried it myself. I uploaded some of my own 2D photos into the Vision Pro, and wow, I couldn't believe how well the Vision Pro breathed new life into them, making each picture pop in ways that you'll never experience by pulling up the Photos app on your iPhone.
I relived some photos of myself in Grenada. Apple wasn't joking nor exaggerating when it said that these 2D-to-3D experiences actually makes it seem like you're revisiting the past. Firstly, the 3D spatial photos made my entire body stick out of the photos like I was leaping out of the image. In the background, I could see the colorful town of St. George. It was as if I stepped into time machine and discovered a way to watch myself relive one of the happiest memories of my life from a third-person perspective.
I could also see this feature as a useful perk for anyone is obsessed with a particular photo of a loved one, whether it's a capture of their child, spouse, or friend. The Vision Pro brilliantly isolates the subject from other elements in the photo, creating new dimensions for some of your favorite memory-filled snapshots.
A true escape with your MacIf your surroundings are distracting, it may be difficult to truly hunker down and focus on tasks while working on your Mac.
Credit: AppleThat's why Apple, with visionOS 2, now lets you dive into a feature called Mac Virtual Display, which basically turns your MacBook screen, for example, into a panoramic beauty. I tested this on the Apple Vision Pro and found that it transformed my workspace into an expansive, immersive environment, making multitasking and productivity feel remarkably enhanced.
Keep in mind that there are other spatial computing spectacles on the market that support Macs, like the Viture Pro XR, that offer multi-display views inside a simulated environment. The advantage of the Viture Pro XR glasses is that they're lightweight and comfortable, a pro that the Vision Pro struggles to match. However, on the Viture Pro XR spectacles, the visuals are slightly too blurry.
Viture Pro XR glasses Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableMeanwhile, the Mac display inside the Vision Pro is as crisp as a freshly picked apple. The Cupertino-based tech giant claims that the details are "astoundingly sharp" — and I can confirm that this is true.
Plus, the Vision Pro (with visionOS 2 of course) can now see your Magic Keyboard or MacBook keyboard, even while you're immersed in an environment (e.g., Bora Bora). I tested this one as well — and I felt like a digital nomad, working remotely while seeing the striking, majestic Mount Otemanu looming on the horizon.
These just scratch the surface of what visionOS 2 has to offer, but these were my favorites while testing the new beta version of the update. The official version is expected to drop some time later this year.
The next MacBook Pro drop, packed with the M4 chip, is coming very soon, according to Apple leaker Mark Gurman.
We got a sneak peek of the M4 chip's capabilities when Apple unveiled it alongside the iPad Pro. This was the first time Apple has injected an M-series chip into an iPad before a MacBook.
The M4 chip was officially introduced to us when the iPad Pro dropped earlier this year. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableWe can't quite wrap our minds around why Apple would do this. Perhaps Apple wanted to give us a sneak peek of the M4's powerful capabilities before introducing it to the MacBook family. Based on the in-house performance numbers we got for the M4-based iPad Pro, the next M4 MacBook Pro will likely be equally as impressive.
That being said, let's take a look at all the rumors we've been hearing about the M4 MacBook Pro.
M4 MacBook ProSimilar to the M3 MacBooks that dropped last year during the October "Scary Fast" event event, we're expecting the following M4 MacBook models this year.
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 (cheapest)
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max
16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max (priciest)
According to Apple, compared to the M2 CPU, the M4 processor is 50% faster. The Cupertino-based tech giant also claims that rendering performance has a four-fold performance jump.
M4 MacBook Pro release dateAccording to an April report from Gurman, the next MacBook Pro will launch sometime later this year. While he didn’t provide an exact date, it’s expected to arrive before the M4 MacBook Air, which is slated for a spring 2025 release.
The current-gen entry-level MacBook Pro Credit: AppleThis matches a rumor from Ross Young, another respected analyst. According to Young, who posted a leak on his subscriber-only feed on X (formerly Twitter), Apple fans can expect an M4 MacBook Pro release "later this year," he said.
Based on what Apple has done historically, this means that Apple will likely hold a Mac event on October or November to unveil the new M4 MacBook Pro. However, as BGR noted, the best guesstimate is October.
According to Gurman, the entry-level M4 14-inch MacBook Pro will be released first, followed by the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring the more powerful M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, likely at the end of 2024 or early 2025.
M4 MacBook Pro designWe haven't seen any design rumors regarding the M4 MacBook Pro, but it likely won't get a significant overhaul. As MacRumors said, behind the scenes, Apple is planning a MacBook launch with a new OLED display. However, this isn't expected until 2026.
If you're curious about other next-gen laptops, including the M4 MacBook Air, M4 Mac mini, and more, check out our M4 Macs rumor hub.
TL;DR: Get digital downloads of both Java and Bedrock versions of Minecraft for just $24.99 (reg. $29) for a limited time.
Minecraft has captivated millions of players worldwide with its endless possibilities, creative freedom, and unique blend of exploration and survival. Whether you love building intricate structures, battling mobs, or exploring vast worlds, Minecraft offers something for everyone.
With the Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition bundle, you can access both versions of the game for just $24.99 (reg $29) for a limited time—giving you the best of both worlds.
By purchasing the Minecraft bundle, you get access to two distinct versions of the game, each with its own unique features and advantages.
Java Edition is exclusive to desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, and Linux) and is known for its extensive modding capabilities, which allow players to customize their gameplay. This version is particularly popular among those who enjoy tinkering with mods, creating custom skins, and engaging in the vibrant community-run servers.
However, the Java Edition requires more powerful hardware to run smoothly, especially with mods. It is also limited to playing with other Java users and does not support cross-play with other platforms.
Bedrock Edition is designed for versatility and accessibility, running on a wide range of devices, including consoles, mobile phones, and even Chromebooks. This edition offers a smoother experience even on lower-spec devices, and it supports cross-play, allowing players to connect and play together across different platforms.
The Bedrock Edition also features the Minecraft Marketplace, where players can purchase add-ons, skins, and custom worlds. While it doesn't offer the same level of modding freedom as Java, Bedrock's broader compatibility makes it an excellent choice for players who want to enjoy Minecraft on multiple devices.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your Minecraft world for less.
Pick up the Minecraft Java & Bedrock Edition bundle for just $24.99 (reg $29).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition (Digital Download) $24.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Easily navigate the complexities of BOI reporting with a one-time FileForms BOI report filing for just $89 (reg. $179).
For professionals like business owners, accountants, and legal experts, Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting to FinCEN is now a crucial task mandated by the CTA that demands accuracy and timeliness. The Corporate Transparency Act has made BOI reporting a legal requirement for many entities. The process can be daunting, especially when done manually (like filing taxes for the first time).
This is where FileForm BOI Report Filing can help. Created with the help of licensed attorneys and CPAs, it's a service designed to simplify and streamline the reporting process, saving you time and reducing the risk of costly errors. You follow a step-by-step guide, so you know your filing is correct.
A one-time filing is on sale for just $89 (reg. $179). While most users will only need the one-time filing report, many might need additional report filings due to specific situations, such as moving, a change in stakeholders, mergers, etc. In that case, an unlimited one-year option is also available.
Before diving into the specifics of BOI reporting, it’s important to understand who qualifies as a beneficial owner. A beneficial owner is an individual who owns or controls a significant portion of a company, typically defined as holding 25 percent or more of the company’s equity or having substantial influence over its operations.
While the goal of this reporting is to enhance transparency and prevent illicit activities like money laundering, the penalties for non-compliance are steep — businesses that fail to file accurate reports can face significant fines and other legal consequences.
Filing BOI reports manually can be time-consuming and error-prone. Gathering and verifying the required information, keeping track of deadlines, and ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements can overwhelm even the most organized professionals.
Manual filing also lacks the safeguards and support that FileForms provides, including top-tier security protocols. You'll even have support and guidance from its expert team whenever needed.
For professionals responsible for BOI reporting, FileForm offers an invaluable tool to simplify compliance and reduce risk.
Pick up a FileForms BOI one-time report filing for just $89 (reg. $179) before the upcoming deadline.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: FileForms FileForms BOI Report Filing $89.00 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Turn your smart TV into a dynamic digital frame with a premium lifetime subscription to a digital frame on sale for $99.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: CastHub Digital TV Frame Family Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription $99.99 at The Mashable ShopThese days, the pictures we take tend to stay in our phones and never leave. Instead of gathering dust in your digital album, why not turn your living room into a gallery that everyone can enjoy? With Digital Frame by CastHub, you can transform your smart TV into a vibrant digital frame, showcasing your favorite memories on the big screen. Get lifetime access on sale for $99.99.
CastHub is capable of connecting up to 15 devices across different locations — no need to buy a separate device. Want to share your latest family vacation photos while you're visiting your parents? Easy. Need a slick way to present your work across multiple offices? Done. And here’s the kicker: You get to enjoy the larger display of your Smart TV, giving your photos and videos the attention they deserve.
Unlike those clunky, limited digital frames, CastHub gives you the freedom to share and display across multiple devices. Plus, it’s perfect if you’ve already invested in something like the Samsung Frame — this software can take your setup to the next level.
Skip the overpriced gadgets and turn your smart TV into a family connection hub that’s easy, flexible, and completely fuss-free.
Get a lifetime subscription to the Digital TV Frame Family Premium Plan for $99.99 for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: For a limited time, you can get a 1-Year BJ's Wholesale The Club+ Card Membership with BJ's Easy Renewal for just $65 (reg. $110).
Opens in a new window Credit: BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. Annual BJ's Wholesale The Club+ Card Membership $65.00 at The Mashable ShopFor those who appreciate value and convenience (which is probably all of us), an annual BJ’s Wholesale Club+ Card Membership offers a unique opportunity to change up your shopping world. Priced at just $65 (reg. $110) when you sign up for auto-renewal, this membership grants you access to a host of exclusive perks that go beyond the already pretty great standard benefits, helping you stretch your budget further while enjoying high-quality products and services.
With a BJ’s Club+ Membership, you get access to the standard wholesale club savings and convenient shopping options like ExpressPay. This checkout option allows members to skip the line in-club, scan their items as they shop, and pay in the BJ's mobile app for a quicker checkout.
While all members can enjoy significant savings with up to 25% savings over grocery store prices every day, along with access to a wide selection of fresh food and national brands, the Club+ Card membership gets you more. What truly distinguishes the Club+ Card Membership are the additional rewards and savings. Club+ Card members earn 2% back in rewards on most purchases, with opportunities to earn up to 3x back during special events.
These rewards can be redeemed at any time and never expire, giving you the flexibility to use them when it’s most convenient for you, like around the holidays. Plus, you’ll save even more at the pump with an exclusive discount of five cents off per gallon at BJ’s Gas.
The fine print states that this promotional price is contingent upon you signing up for auto-renewal, which will automatically enroll you for another year of membership once the initial year ends.
If you've always wanted to try BJ's, now's a good time to do it.
Get a 1-year BJ's Wholesale Club+ Card Membership with BJ's Easy Renewal* for just $65 (*terms apply).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
I don't share my literal dreams, the ones that happen at night, with just anyone.
But in this case, I was testing the journaling app Rosebud, which is powered by artificial intelligence. After using Rosebud's voice-to-text feature to create a few daily run-of-the-mill entries (the app is not just for dreams), I decided to log a recurring dream that had recently eluded my own attempts at analysis.
I'll spare you the details; let's just say that it involves my children leaving their belongings behind. In the dream, I keep trying to remember where the items have been tossed aside, but then I ultimately forget them, too, at which point panic sets in.
I clicked on Rosebud's dream-specific journal entry, which asks you to share as many specifics as possible. I gave it a two-sentence description. Despite my limited recounting, Rosebud's line of questioning led me to an epiphany about parenting, responsibility, letting go, and trusting your child, all within three follow-up prompts. I was hooked.
SEE ALSO: AI chatbots are being used for companionship. What to know before you try itThe desktop version of Rosebud is a year old, but the app launched last week. So far in my testing, the journal app, billed as "guided self-discovery," has offered what AI technology has long promised to become: a tool for supporting human growth and creativity, with surprising efficiency and insight.
Rosebud's cofounders, software engineers Chrys Bader and Sean Dadashi, who met in a men's group, say Rosebud is designed to increase users' self-awareness, not to solve problems for them. It's also not pitched as therapy, but as an accessible complement to professional help. It costs $12.99 per month or $107.99 annually.
This is refreshing at a time when some AI products are positioned as robots to whom we can offload unique aspects of the human experience, like writing a letter on behalf of a child to their sports hero (see Google's ill-fated "Dear Sydney" ad).
Rosebud's philosophical approach of championing human-led, AI-enabled personal growth, combined with the instantaneous speed at which the app helps deliver meaningful insight, offers a compelling example of how AI journaling could transform people's self-awareness, potentially improving their well-being and mental health.
I do have some reservations, including the risk of becoming too attached to Rosebud, data safety and privacy issues, and what happens when users express suicidal thoughts or feelings. As the market for AI journaling apps grows, the best options will be products that meaningfully address these and other risks, putting safety above profit and growth. So far, Rosebud seems to be taking that challenge seriously.
AI journaling: The good and the greatScientific research tells us that expressive writing, which you'll often find in personal journals, can improve people's well-being and mental health, though this effect isn't universal. When journaling works, it appears to be partly because the author is able to write without fear of judgment, but the science isn't conclusive yet.
There's limited research on the new phenomenon of AI journaling, so little understanding of who stands to benefit most from the practice — or what could potentially go wrong. Rosebud only has customer survey data, and hasn't yet hired a chief medical or clinical officer, though the company partners with mental health professionals to provide feedback about how the platform responds to numerous scenarios.
This is all to say: If you sign up for Rosebud, or another AI journaling app, you're exploring uncharted territory and should proceed with reasonable caution.
Rosebud is built on large language model (LLM) technology, but has been tailored specifically to engage users in a way that should heighten their self-awareness. Rosebud's cofounders recently decided to make Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet their primary LLM of choice, after simultaneously testing that platform and OpenAI's ChatGPT.
The Rosebud AI-powered journal can deliver profound insights. Credit: RosebudBader and Dadashi said they preferred the way Claude referenced memories provided by Rosebud's proprietary "awareness engine." Drawing on Claude's LLM, the pair have engineered Rosebud to serve up daily reflective prompts to users, starting with basic questions like, "What's your top priority today?" and "What was the highlight of your day?"
There are separate journal prompts for dreams and gratitude. Plus, there are journals created by Rosebud-vetted experts on topics like "nervous system rebalancing" and positive psychology, and journals created by licensed therapists, based on evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy.
Once you complete an entry, Rosebud can get into its groove. First comes a summary of what you just shared, laced with validations, minor insights, and new prompts. For example, if you're worried about work deadlines competing with parental obligations, Rosebud will say it understands, acknowledge that the situation is challenging, and may ask something like, "What would help you feel accomplished?" and "How do you envision your evening unfolding if both your goals and your child's needs are met?"
Without AI, it's easy to imagine an analog journal entry about the same scenario providing the writer a chance to at least prepare themselves for the day ahead, and potentially practice self-compassion or another coping skill. But with AI, there's dynamism that can lead to that improved self-awareness that Bader and Dadashi say they are so determined to provide.
That's partially because Rosebud has a choose-your-own-adventure element. Following its initial summary, you can ask the Rosebud app to do things like suggest some ideas, offer a different perspective, or "help me think through this."
I've favored suggesting ideas and offering a different perspective, both of which have led to surprisingly useful tips and insights.
For one entry about trying to increase my exercise after a frustratingly long illness-induced break, the different perspective feature posed a question I hadn't even considered: How would I feel about going into the day with a curiosity mindset, treating my exercise attempt as an experiment to see how my body reacted, rather than pressure myself to achieve a certain outcome?
"Rather than trying to replace human thinking, [Rosebud] is trying to help you think more deeply, and feel more deeply." - Sean Dadashi, Rosebud cofounderI'm not joking when I say that I immediately wrote the idea on a sticky note so it would be visible throughout the day, because it was an excellent suggestion I didn't want to forget.
What's perhaps most valuable about Rosebud is that it doesn't try to problem-solve on users' behalf. Bader and Dadashi say this is intentional. The approach is drawn directly from their own personal experiences in individual therapy and men's groups, where they had to learn skills like active listening and validation, and subdue the impulse to explain or give advice to someone.
"Rather than trying to replace human thinking, [Rosebud] is trying to help you think more deeply, and feel more deeply," says Dadashi. "You can't grow if someone's telling you what to do, or giving you all the answers."
Areas for improvement in AI journalingThere's real promise in an AI journaling app like Rosebud. While it's no substitute for professional therapy, it could provide vital support for someone who can't access help, or just empower users with fresh insight about their feelings and experiences, in a low-cost, accessible way.
But it also comes with unique risks. While expressive writing is considered a low-risk activity, AI can introduce unexpected complications.
Dr. Johannes Eichstaedt, a computational social scientist and assistant professor in psychology at Stanford University, has generally positive views on the concept of AI journaling.
Yet he can see a potential downside if users become reliant on a platform like Rosebud, turning to it instead of a loved one, or becoming so engaged with the technology that they stop doing other important things, like exercise and sleep.
Bader and Dadashi say they're aware of this possibility. Even though the average user is on the platform for just 12 minutes a day, there have been extreme cases of "unhealthy use" clocking in at three or four hours per day. That's partly why there's now an undisclosed limit on the number of times a user can "go deeper" in their entry, but users rarely reach it. I tend to ask Rosebud to go deeper two or three times before finishing the entry.
But there are other considerations. Eichstaedt says this includes the possibility that AI journaling apps may create an "echo chamber" for people with serious mental illness like obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. He notes that because an AI assistant is typically instructed to be helpful, it may unwittingly reinforce harmful thought patterns or behaviors.
For someone with OCD, this could mean using an AI journaling app to seek reassurance for their compulsive anxiety; a professional would try to help a patient with OCD cope in the absence of reassurance.
Bader and Dadashi have no easy answers for how to handle these dynamics, though they recognize the "ethical boundaries and limitations in addressing serious mental health conditions." For now, they've programmed Rosebud to detect patterns of overdependence and also to encourage users to seek mental health care, as appropriate.
This is the case for someone who expresses suicidal feelings, a scenario I personally tested using a unique account. Unfortunately, Claude does not immediately offer specific crisis resources, per its default setting, so it took an additional response from me specifically asking how to contact a hotline to elicit information about those details. Prior to that, it first asked if I would be open to professional support, then gave me a generic list of options, like a primary health physician, local mental health clinic, or a crisis line.
SEE ALSO: 21 reasons to keep living when you feel suicidalBader and Dadashi say this is partly because the LLM doesn't know the user's location and doesn't want to share irrelevant contact information, like providing a U.S. crisis line for a resident of the United Kingdom. They added that they're working to improve Rosebud's ability to quickly give a suicidal user the right resources.
Users should also understand that no internet-connected journal product is guaranteed safe from bad actors, no matter how well it's protected. Rosebud entries, for example, are encrypted in transit to the company's servers, and then stored in a highly rated third-party cloud. But they also end up at Anthropic and OpenAI's servers, albeit anonymized, so Claude can respond to each prompt.
Currently, Rosebud's data is retained at Anthropic and OpenAI for 30 days, but Bader says the company is working with both companies to enable a zero-retention option. Neither LLM company trains their products on user data, and Rosebud doesn't, either. Nor does Rosebud sell user data to third parties.
Despite these measures, the data is still out of your hands once you enter it into Rosebud and could be a target of hackers eager to weaponize it. Because it doesn't handle patient data in a clinical setting, Rosebud isn't required to be compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the federal privacy law.
For some, these and other risks of AI journaling may be worth it. Personally, I'm finding it difficult to justify pausing my use given how much I've gained from Rosebud in one week. It's helped supercharge my mindfulness practice. I've set and achieved goals related to focus that have otherwise stymied me. It even managed to convince me to adopt a new mindset, which is no small thing for someone who reports on mental health for a living.
The real test will be if this journaling habit sticks for the long run, since we know that most people abandon mental health and well-being apps within weeks of starting them. My personal growth might plateau, too. But I actually look forward to finding out, because who knows what Rosebud will help me learn about myself along the way.
If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...
Boston's most important responders: Bostonians The people of Boston are to be congratulated for being...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
Digital Privacy: A Catch 22 Mobility, convenience, accessibility and real-...
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...