Mashable

"Hinge, Tinder…and Feeld." That's the answer I've heard again and again from my single friends when I ask what dating apps they're on — and it's surprising. Has Feeld, the dating app where you can toggle between Shibari enthusiasts, a polycule looking to add a fourth or fifth, and a Burner well-versed in Tantric sex, become the new dating app du jour?  

I joined Feeld in 2017, when it was a far smaller and more self-selecting community. As someone seeking casual sex with people who were comfortable talking about it, the app was a godsend. I told all my friends about it, but most recoiled as soon as I said "kinky," so I'd accepted it as an "if you know you know" app; a place where, as Tinashe sings, I could find someone to match my freak. 

SEE ALSO: People are using AI to date you

In the past few years, the app's public profile has risen — from articles in The New Yorker and the New York Times to TikTokkers singing its praises. And since 2022, Feeld has seen an average user growth of 30 percent each year according to Fast Company, and confirmed by a spokesperson for the app. Today, in-between hearing my friends gush about Feeld and swiping past frat boy look-alikes claiming they're "on here to see what it's all about hahah," it seems that Feeld has gone from niche to mainstream. This may have less to do with more people exploring non-monogamy or kinks, and more to do with being fed up with traditional dating apps. With vanilla people infiltrating Feeld, there's a concern that new users are on there not for sexual exploration — but to find an easy hookup. 

Feeld was a breath of fresh air

Emily, 28, who asked to go by her first name for privacy reasons, joined in March 2023. She was interested in exploring kink, but mostly, she was getting tired of the "vanilla and boring" guys she met on Hinge, who were bad in bed and flaky communicators. Feeld was a breath of fresh air. The men on the app weren't just kinky — they were honest, communicative, and kind. 

"It was so refreshing to [talk] with people in a way that was sexual, but not transactional…it was based in understanding and respect and communication," Emily said. There was no expectation of sex when she went on dates with men from Feeld, but if they did decide to sleep together, the sex was great. 

The experience was transformative for Emily. After so many bad dates, she'd accepted that every man had internalized toxic masculinity that they couldn't shake. But Feeld actually healed her relationship with men. She said, "Feeld showed me that there are men out there who can exist in a way that is fully rooted in equity and respect."

Lena, 28, who asked to go by a pseudonym, found Feeld to be a welcome break from other dating apps, too. Lena's ex-boyfriend hadn't been comfortable discussing sex with her, and after they broke up, she was set on finding that quality in a partner. Everyone she spoke to on Feeld was "super straightforward and communicative…and I think them being super open made it easier for me to be open." She liked how her Feeld matches would ask what she was looking for within the first few messages. It cleared up expectations from the get-go. This was a shift from Hinge, where those conversations happened on the first or second date. Her Feeld matches were also way more responsive in messaging, whereas on Hinge, the conversation often stalled out. 

It's obvious from online discourse that dating is not going well right now: People, primarily women, are complaining that men are noncommittal, dates feel transactional, and sex is disappointing. So hearing about Lena and Emily's experiences, it makes sense why so many women are drawn to this app — a place where expectations are clear, people are honest, and sex is good. It's the same reason why I got on Feeld so long ago. I wanted sex — good sex, sex with people who were comfortable saying what they wanted, who were curious about what I was into, who understood consent, and valued comfort and communication above all else. 

There's nothing objectively kinky about that desire. People should be able to have those conversations on "vanilla" dating apps, but that's not the case. Sam Cat, a queer and polyamorous sex educator said, "I don't know if a mainstream audience is looking for that level of sexual openness by default." (Disclosure: Sam Cat created content for Feeld previously.) 

"I think everybody should do this work, but it is a lot of work," Cat said, referring to the work of dismantling the ideas around compulsory monogamy and sexual shame. "And for a lot of people, if you're not looking for an alternative form of relationship, there's not a huge incentive to do that work. I [understand] wanting to bring a sex positive kind of openness to a mainstream dating app, but it really comes from the users, not necessarily from the app itself."

And that's the issue hitting Feeld right now. 

Judgments and assumptions hit Feeld

A crop of new Feeld users are misinformed about the nature of the app, and are bringing their misogyny and sexual judgments with them. A few months ago, I matched with a guy who pestered me with questions about non-monogamy (my partner and I are open and our profiles are linked on the app). At first, they were sure my boyfriend would "beat them up" if we ever met. Then they decided my boyfriend had to be a cuck, right? I didn't want to engage with someone who was so ill-informed and closed off to ideas around non-monogamy, so I stopped responding. Then he called me a "pretentious c***." 

I'd expect this behavior from someone on Hinge, or Bumble, but not on Feeld. This app was designed for users like me. And it was now being infiltrated by the same judgments I'd sought to escape. Why was someone like that even on Feeld? 

A representative from Feeld told me that "55 to 60 percent of new Members share that they are into kink, enm [ethical non-monogamy], poly, threesomes, etc." According to Feeld's own research with Kinsey Institute fellow Dr. Justin Lehmiller, however, younger people are actually fantasizing about monogamy (81 percent of Gen Z have, while 44 percent do so often). Still, despite this romanticizing of traditional relationship styles, Gen Z seems to be pretty kinky, too: 56 percent of Gen Z reported having BDSM fantasies, while 55 percent of Gen Z Feeld users said they discovered a new kink since getting on the app.

Regardless of the fantasy, Feeld is a place where many people, like the women I spoke to, can be open and honest about sex. But somehow, in-between expressing how much they love the honesty and communication on the app, the message has been distorted. To some, the takeaway isn't that Feeld is a place for open-minded individuals curious about kink or polyamory — it's the spot to find a quick one-night stand. Emily told a male friend she was on the app, and he said, "That's the really easy hookup app for horny people, right?" 

This app was designed for users like me. And it was now being infiltrated by the same judgments I'd sought to escape.

Eli, 29, who also asked to go by a different name, is on the app to explore kinks and non-monogamy. But when he tells his friends about Feeld, he can see that they don't quite get the memo. "Their ears perk up…[and] I definitely think a few of them had the intention to [use the app to] easily sleep with people." 

It's not hard to spot users who think like this. They're mostly straight cis men who wouldn't look out of place in a frat house. They don't have any bio, and their only listed desires are: "fun" "casual" "fwb" (friends with benefits) and "ffm" (female-female-male threesome). (How kinky! A threesome with one straight guy and two women!) 

But perhaps most worrying is the sexual expectations they bring. Emily matched with a guy on Feeld who was more vanilla than her usual type, but she enjoyed chatting with him, so they set up a date. Immediately after making plans, he pressured her for nudes. She said no and he continued to press, and once she finally told him, "No means no," he replied, "Well, why are you even on this app?" Emily told me, with many of these users, "There's this expectation that, 'You better f*** me tonight because, the fact that we matched on this app, to me, is like a blanket consent agreement.'" 

SEE ALSO: Is sexting right away on a dating app a red flag?

The male entitlement that many women had tried to escape by downloading Feeld has now infiltrated the app. I've always valued my matches on Feeld more than those on any other app, and I was far more likely to talk to a Feeld match. Being on Feeld had been a sign that a person was open-minded, sexually comfortable, and respectful. I trusted that we had more aligned values. But with this influx of new users, being on the app isn't the same vote of confidence it once was.      

Keeping Feeld kinky and open

When asked to comment generally for this article, Feeld's global head of communications Ashley Dos Santos said, "We're very thoughtful about how we grow the platform to educate our Members about our Safety and Community guidelines, which we evolve regularly based on their feedback. This approach empowers our community to navigate their unique journeys of self discovery with a level of honesty and transparency that's hard to find elsewhere." 

I want Feeld to remain a place where people can discover more about themselves, sexually. I want it to be a space for people who are open-minded and communicative. But I also need new users to understand who the app is for, and to respect the ethos of it before downloading it. 

I asked Cat if they had any advice for new users entering this space. "I don't know that there's any way around the awkwardness of being a beginner, [but] as long as you have humility and willingness to learn alongside people who've been doing it, rather than bringing the entitlement and unpacked assumptions," it'll be okay. 

Cat has several books they recommend, including Polysecure and The Ethical Slut. They admitted, however, that even though "upfront education is helpful so you have a little bit of perspective into the world…unfortunately, some of it is going to be trial and error." 

Feeld still has the power to be a transformative place. Emily knows her life wouldn't be the same if she hadn't joined Feeld. It was through the app that she connected with a sex-positive offline community, and had her first experience with a woman. Since then, she's been dating women consistently. "Without Feeld, I'd still be saying I'm the straightest person alive." 

This column reflects the opinion of the author.

The internet loves cute animals. (Shocking, I know.) But more than a fact of life, it's practically a pillar supporting the weight of the online world's entire infrastructure.

Some of the earliest internet moments — Keyboard Cat, for instance — centered on critters. And that hasn't changed, even as the internet grew infinitely more complex and vast. The online world today is hardly what it was in 2020, let alone what it was in its infancy. Yet, all this time, cute animals have been a staple of killing time online.

Enter Moo Deng, the wildly cute baby hippo that has gone viral over the past week. She is a shiny, rotund, two-month-old female pygmy hippopotamus at Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Everywhere you look, people post about her. Interestingly, it's not only the kind of cringe, doggo-core adoration you'd expect from millennials with a mortgage. You might catch some of the more jaded, chronically online posters in your life posting about Moo Deng.

SEE ALSO: The internet has fallen in love with baby hippo Moo Deng Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

So...why? Why is everyone posting about Moo Deng? First and foremost — and let this be imminently clear — because she is really freaking cute. That little rolly-polly face is wonderfully squishable. She is often seen screeching and bouncing around like a tusked Roomba. Moo Deng is, effectively, an exotic, somewhat slimy English bulldog. What is there not to love about that?

The Washington Post noted that studies have shown that particularly cute animals have the sort of "baby schema" — physical baby-like features — that trigger our evolutionary urge to provide care. Moo Deng's big eyes and skin rolls make us go into parent mode — even if she's a pygmy hippo.

"When we see these infantile features — those big eyes, large foreheads, small chins, and pudgy bodies — we interpret that as helplessness and as dependency, and it motivates us to care for them,” Daniel Kruger, a research scientist in evolutionary psychology at the University of Michigan and the State University of New York at Buffalo, told the Post.

But there's more than just that going on. We're not even seeing these animals in person, yet we constantly grant these creatures celebrity status. Think: Grumpy Cat, Doug the Pug, Marnie the Dog. Hell, there's even the previously mega-viral hippo Fiona at the Cincinnati Zoo. What drives us to make these animals so popular?

We see open-mouthed, blurry snaps of Moo Deng, and we get to make her a mischievous, cherubic little character.

For one, animals are not going to let you down like, well, most other internet celebrities. In the cycle of virality for people, there's typically the moment where they get Milkshake Ducked, which is a meme that's become shorthand for discovering the often offensive or unpleasant past of a newly viral celeb. It stems from a Twitter joke from @pixelatedboat where a viral duck that drinks milkshakes has its racist past uncovered. The joke works because a viral animal is the only viral star to which this cannot happen.

Tweet may have been deleted

It's OK to stan a silly little hippo because a silly little hippo is never going to make a hard rightwing turn or have its unsavory Reddit account uncovered. In some ways, a cute little creature is a blank slate. We get to anthropomorphize a personality unto them as a collective. We see open-mouthed, blurry snaps of Moo Deng, and we get to make her a mischievous, cherubic little character. In the absence of, you know, animals being able to express themselves, we do it for them. It's sort of what we do with our own pets. Together, we make an adorable creation.

That's part of the appeal as well. Everyone loves animals—Republicans, Democrats, Robert Kennedy voters (well, maybe not that last one). In a time when even the most popular recording artist alive sparks division, it's nice to have something we can all agree on online.

That's quite a lot to rest on Moo Deng's little shoulders. Though she doesn't seem to mind.

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Thankfully, I packed My Medic's first-aid kit for pets — and you can get it on sale right now for only $19.99.

What happened next

Cooper started freaking out. I don’t blame him; I know how much a bee sting hurts. And that explains why he ran into a tree and cut the side of his nose, too. Thankfully, I had plenty of supplies with me.

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If you hit the trails or the great outdoors often, pick up one of these pet emergency kits for $19.99 (reg. $24.95).

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There are funhouse mirrors in space.

Objects in the universe can be so massive — often clusters of galaxies — that they warp the cosmos, like a bowling ball sitting on a mattress. This creates a curved cosmic lens, bending and distorting light, while also magnifying and brightening the light. It's an invaluable natural telescope for astronomers, and researchers have recently discovered an extremely potent such lens (also called a "gravitational lens").

From our view on Earth, it's a rare alignment of galaxies. There's a foreground cluster of galaxies (the lens) located some 5 billion light-years away, and behind that, there's an impressive line of seven galaxies.

"This is an amazingly lucky ‘galactic line-up’ – a chance alignment of multiple galaxies across a line-of-sight spanning most of the observable universe," David Schlegel, an astrophysicist at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab who coauthored the research, said in a statement. "Finding one such alignment is a needle in the haystack. Finding all of these is like 8 needles precisely lined up inside that haystack."

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

The research recently published in the peer-reviewed journal The Astrophysical Journal. This unusual, warped cluster makes impossible deep space observations a reality. "By virtue of its ability to drastically magnify background sources, strong lensing allows for significantly deeper and further observations than otherwise possible," the researchers wrote.

The cluster is labeled below. Here's what you're seeing:

- The cosmic lens: The most massive four galaxies in this weighty foreground cluster, 5 billion light-years away, are labeled "La, Lb, Lc, and Ld." For reference, a single light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles.

- Magnified galaxies: These distant galaxies, located between 7.6 to 12 billion light-years away (that's quite far; the oldest light in the galaxy is some 13.8 billion years old), are labeled 1 through 7. But they appear numerous times, as they're warped around the lens. Each repeated appearance is given a letter.

- Giant Einstein Cross: "Of particular interest is the discovery of an Einstein Cross – the largest known to date – shown in galaxy number 4’s multiple appearances (indicated by 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d)," the lab wrote. "This rare configuration of multiple images around the center of the lens is an indication of the symmetrical distribution of the lens’ mass (dominated by invisible dark matter) and plays a key role in the lens-modeling process."

The labeled cosmic lens, showing the foreground galactic cluster and distorted seven galaxies. Credit: William Sheu (UCLA) / Hubble Space Telescope

It's been dubbed the "Carousel Lens," because the background galaxies form circular structures around the center, similar to a carousel. It wasn't easy to find. Observations from multiple telescopes and observatories, such as the NASA Hubble Space Telescope and The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), helped locate the lens and confirm its magnifying abilities.

"Clearly, there is much more to be learned from this system," the researchers wrote. "The coincidental alignment of seven galaxies and a foreground galaxy cluster can give us unprecedented insight into the Universe, whether it be high-redshift galaxies, cluster properties, or cosmology."

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Not the most appetizing-sounding meal in a bowl.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 18 Hurdle Word 1 answer

GRUEL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Goals, deeds, and people can all be this.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 19 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

NOBLE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

An informal word for something.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 19 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SLANG

Hurdle Word 4 hint

"_____ ye, maties!"

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 19 Hurdle Word 4 answer

AVAST

Final Hurdle hint

A word describing a variety of religious or spiritual beliefs for more than a 1,000 years.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

PAGAN

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

So you're considering investing in a VPN? That's the first step. The second step is somewhat harder. Deciding to invest in one of these powerful cybersecurity services is the easy part, but actually picking the right VPN for you and your tech is tricky. But do not fear, because we can help you make an informed decision.

Here's everything you need to know before subscribing to a VPN.

What is a VPN?

A VPN provides vital protection for your data and identity when you're online by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. This network forms a protected tunnel that you send all of your information through, so instead of sending and receiving information in the open, everything happens under the cover of an encrypted connection. The result of this process is that nobody can see your data, and all of your activity is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN for your iPad?

We all know that iOS devices are generally more secure than devices operating with Android, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't invest in some form of cybersecurity for your most prized possessions. That's because every time you browse the web or connect to public WiFi, your data could be exposed to online threats. To keep your data protected in transit, you need a VPN.

SEE ALSO: Tech worker wore an Apple Vision Pro at his wedding

The other reason to consider partnering your iPad with a VPN relates to streaming. VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another location. This quick and easy process can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are connecting from another country, meaning you can watch all the content that is normally locked to that location. If you want to watch extra content from the likes of Netflix and Prime Video on your iPad, you should seriously consider a streaming-friendly VPN.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are a lot of free versions of top VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. With this in mind, why would you ever pay for a VPN?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There are always catches with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will work fine for some people, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading on the move, it isn't going to work. Free trials work differently: they come without limitations, but don't tend to last very long. Trials give you the opportunity to test out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution if you're travelling.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up.

What is the best VPN for your iPhone?

Whilst there is no one-size-fits-all service, there are plenty of VPNs that can partner effectively with iOS devices like the iPad. To help you pinpoint the best service for you, we have listed the best VPNs to protect your iPad. There should be something for everyone in this list, with popular services like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN making the cut.

These are the best iPad VPNs in 2024.

Streaming and VPNs are a match made in heaven.

You can be subscribed to every streaming platform in existence and still find yourself without anything to watch. It's at this point of desperation that VPNs enter the picture to save the day. With a VPN by your side, you can significantly increase your content options, and the process of accessing these extra shows and movies is actually really straightforward.

You just need to know how.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

SEE ALSO: Best documentaries streaming now on Prime Video

The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country, thereby providing access to all the content that is normally locked to that location.

Do you need a VPN?

VPNs are primarily designed to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. These tools can also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location, which is fast becoming the main reason that people subscribe to VPNs.

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you could watch all the films and shows on ITVX that are not usually accessible outside of the UK. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN.

Everyone is in need of something that can bypass geo-restrictions to access all of this blocked entertainment, and that something is a VPN. These services are keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love.

How do you unblock and watch ITVX with a VPN?

The process of unblocking ITVX from abroad is actually really easy with a streaming-friendly VPN.

All you need to do is sign up to a top VPN, download the app for your favourite operating system, and then connect to a secure server in the UK. This quick and easy action makes ITVX think you're in the UK when you're actually abroad, so you can watch all that great content that is normally blocked.

Should you use free VPNs?

The good news is that free versions and free trials of VPNs can be easily found. The bad news is that these free options often come with frustrating limitations that get in the way of everyday activities like streaming.

You can't stream content from around the world if you are using a service with restrictions like limited data usage. These plans will work if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, you are going to end up looking elsewhere. Free trials tend to offer everything you get with a paid plan, but obviously, they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

The best free VPN out there is probably ProtonVPN, but even this impressive free version has trouble unblocking streaming sites like Netflix and ITVX. The fact is if you want to gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you will need to pay up.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

There are plenty of VPNs out there that can access ITVX from anywhere in the world, but which is the best for you? To help you make this difficult decision, we have shortlisted a selection of streaming-friendly services that should suit just about everyone. You'll find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and more right here.

These are the best VPNs for ITVX in 2024.

Have you ever sat back and actually considered how many streaming platforms we have to choose from these days? There's a lot of them, which is a good and bad thing. Sure, it's great to have so many options to consider, but there's also such a thing as too much choice.

With so many streaming sites on offer, it can feel like you're drowning in a sea of online content. There's simply no way to subscribe to everything without taking out a small loan, and who actually has the time and energy to check out what's being shown on every platform anyway? No, this is definitely not the way to do things. Instead, you should try and maximise your content options with your favourite streaming site.

With popular streaming platforms like Netflix, you can actually unlock extra content from around the world. For this task, all you need is a VPN.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are powerful cybersecurity tools that provide protection for your personal information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. Your online activity remains untraceable and secure with a VPN because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

It's the act of hiding your real IP address that means you can access extra content from around the world with a VPN.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

The protection for your sensitive information is obviously super important, but this isn't really the reason that VPNs have surged in popularity is recent years. A lot of new users are interested in VPNs ability to access content that is normally blocked in your location.

SEE ALSO: The best sci-fi movies on Netflix to escape reality

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you can watch all the films and shows on UK Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the UK. Whether you live in another country or you're travelling outside of the UK temporarily, you can use a VPN to watch all your favourites from this massive library of content.

How do you unblock UK Netflix with a VPN?

This might be surprising, but the process of accessing UK Netflix with a VPN is actually really simple:

1. Sign up to a streaming-friendly VPN

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the VPN app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Log in to your Netflix account to watch movies and shows from the UK content library

We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed. Understood?

What is the best free VPN?

We should start with the good news: There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs. Unfortunately, there are always catches with these free VPNs.

The most common restriction you get with free VPNs is limited data usage. This is going to be fine if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this simply isn't going to work. Free trials tend to come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

The reality is that to gain access to advanced security features and the ability to unblock streaming sites, you are going to need to cough up some cash.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

There are a lot of VPNs that can effectively unblock UK Netflix from global locations, but which is the best? It's a difficult question to answer, particularly as everyone will have different needs and preferences. To help you make an informed decision, we've handpicked some of your best options.

These are the best VPNs for UK Netflix in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Finding your soulmate is worth every penny, but do you really need to use a paid site to find a real relationship? Does a monthly fee really weed out people who aren't taking the process seriously?

This wasn't really an issue before 2012, but the Tinder-led surge of 30-second profiles and instant access to all single folks within 10 miles gave sites with tedious personality analyses and upscale subscriptions a run for their money — literally.

Vox said what we're all really thinking: "At what point in the completely nightmarish process of online dating does one decide that it’s worth spending money on making that experience slightly less terrible?"

Should you use free dating sites?

According to Reddit and Consumer Reports, not really. This Consumer Reports survey found that free sites actually scored better than paid sites on this when it came to overall satisfaction because they're "better value." Unless you're absolutely lost without those heavy-duty matchmaking algorithms, many free sites still offer the questionnaires, detailed bios, and compatibility ratings that indicate red flags and users you wouldn't get along with.

There's no one dating site that everyone is particularly pumped about. Swiping exhaustion and creepily persistent users are an omnipresent part of all online dating. Sorry, but a paid subscription isn't a metal detector that pulls all of the upstanding, faithful singles up out of the crowd. When there are sites that can offer millions of users for free and success stories to prove they work, why not try them before spending £20 per month elsewhere?

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites and apps for women

A hefty price point doesn't guarantee the absence of fakes or catfishes, either. Many free sites are just as big on privacy and safety, requiring users to verify themselves through Facebook to increase transparency about age and first names. No paid sites have the safety features that Tinder does, which is the first of the Match Group apps to offer 911 assistance and location services to make meeting a stranger safer.

The aesthetic experience certainly isn't what your money is going toward, either. Many of the older, subscription-based sites have been slow to modernise their UX designs, still relying on the very 2000s style of bombarding you with notifications for every wink, message, and whatever else.

Can you find a serious relationship online?

We've all accepted that online dating is great for finding a friend with benefits, but telling family members that it's getting serious with that person you met online still takes convincing. However, recent studies show that meeting online can foster a pretty reliable romantic foundation.

A 2017 study cited in the MIT Technology Review found that people who meet online are more likely to be compatible and have a better chance at a healthy marriage if they decide to get hitched. Another study found that heterosexual couples who met online were quicker to tie the knot. These stats don't take anything from correlation to causation, but they do make the case that people who sign up for dating sites that require thoughtful responses are in a better spot to settle down.

There's an unspoken assumption that people on free dating sites are young, horny people with no disposable income and that people on paid dating sites are mature, employed individuals who are ready to settle down. But eharmony, Match, Tinder, and OkCupid have rather similar age demographics, all with surprisingly close splits between people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Which dating sites are actually free?

Waters get muddied when basically every dating site has some sort of paid and free version. True free apps let users do all of this as a baseline, and then offer paid perks such as the ability to see everyone who has swiped right on you or boosting your profile for a certain amount of time. Free-but-not-really apps are the ones that are technically free to use, but you have to pay to do just about anything including read or respond to messages.

Premium memberships of free apps are an affordable way to give more control over your pool of potential partners, but they probably don't do much to expedite the grueling swiping process. When Tinder released Tinder Gold, it beat Candy Crush as the Apple Store's top-grossing app. People were that willing to pay to see who swiped right on them. That might be handy knowledge if you're looking to get laid, but it's hard to tell if it would help find someone that you like enough to share your life with. No one I know has kept a paid version of a free app for more than a month. 

At any rate, there's a certain serendipitous feeling that comes with the possibility that, out of the millions of users Hinge could have shown you that day, your soulmate popped up in the crowd of 10 likes you can give out per day (compared to the unlimited likes that come with Hinge Preferred). 

What is the best free dating site?

To help you find the perfect free dating site for a serious relationship, we have lined up a selection of the best dating sites and apps for you to consider. There is something for everyone in this list, including seriously popular sites like Hinge and OkCupid.

We recommend talking some time to seriously check out everything in this roundup, and consider which site fits your preferences most closely. Once you have made that decision, all you need to do is actually go online and find love. Easy, right?

These are the best free dating sites for finding a serious relationship in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Dating over the age of 40 may seem intimidating. Unlike your 20s or 30s, you can't assume everyone your age is single and looking.

While meeting people organically in public still happens, it can be easier to meet potential partners where they're actively seeking a romantic connection — on dating sites. There's a comfort in knowing that the people you find on dating apps are single and looking for a romantic relationship, so at least you're both on the same page from the start.

What we're trying to say is that there is nothing to fear about dating again at 40.

How do you start dating again at 40?

The first step to start dating after a break is simply acknowledging that you're ready. From there, you can decide how and where you want to try to meet people. Dating apps have been around for decades, which means they are totally normal and shouldn't be a last resort.

You'll also want to be direct with what you're hoping to achieve. A serious relationship? Casual hookup? Friendship that might lead to more? Whatever it is, be upfront because you don't want to fall for someone who isn't looking for the same thing. Honesty is always the best policy.

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites and apps for women

Dating in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or older can feel lonely when all your friends are married or in relationships. If you want to find a community of people experiencing the same things as you, we recommend visiting the subreddit r/datingoverforty — it's full of people sharing stories of success, heartbreak, bad dates, good dates, and more. It's worth checking out, especially if you're stepping back into the world of online dating for the first time in years.

Can you find a serious relationship with dating apps?

According to Pew Research Centre, 57% of online daters describe their overall experience as positive. A lot of factors add up to whether online dating will be successful for you. Some apps use super in-depth compatibility quizzes that lead to really specific matches, whilst others just present you with a bunch of singles in your area within your specified age range. Both methods have their perks. 

One thing to remember is to have patience. Finding a partner who ticks most of your boxes doesn't happen overnight. You will most likely go through some duds and have some bad dates, but hopefully that will lead you to a healthy and happy relationship.

What is the best dating site for singles over 40?

The best dating site for you depends on your set of personal preferences. If you want something serious, Match will help you find someone compatible who is also looking for a serious relationship. eharmony also specialises in serious relationships, but the site is really for people who want to marry their next partner, so it really isn't for something casual.

People who don't want to jump into anything too serious just yet should utilise Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble. There really is a dating site for everybody, but it just might take some time to find the one that strikes gold for you. We have tried to highlight a selection of dating sites and apps that should appeal to everyone, with popular names like Match, eharmony, and EliteSingles making the cut. You just need to pick a favourite, and get back out there.

These are the best dating sites if you're 40 or older in 2024.

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: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, September 19, 2024:

AcrossWith 4- and 5-Across, opposite of fantasy land

• The answer is The.

See 1-Across

• The answer is Real.

See 1-Across

• The answer is World.

Bend in the road

• The answer is Curve.

Be in the driver's seat

• The answer is Steer.

DownFrench for "earth"

• The answer is Terre.

Slice in two

• The answer is Halve.

___ statesman

• The answer is Elder.

Overwhelming victory

• The answer is Route.

Rooms with toilets, in European shorthand

• The answer is WCs.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 19 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Work out the bugs

These words are a literal interpretation of the hint.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are all related to tools

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is CreepyCrawlies.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 19

• Beetle

• CreepyCrawlies

• Millipede

• Spider

• Earwig

• Termite

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

TL;DR: If you need high-quality scans anywhere, anytime, get SwiftScan VIP. A lifetime subscription to this iOS and Android-compatible OCR scanner is now only £36.42 (reg. £151.78) when you use the discount code SAVENOW. 

If you're tired of cleaning the papers out of your desk, help this year go differently. Get an OCR scanner app that makes short work of digitising notes, documents, and even pages from books. 

SwiftScan is a simple scanner for iOS or Android devices that produces high-quality scans in seconds. Normally, a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP would be £151.78, but you can get one on sale for £36.42. 

How is SwiftScan different from other scanners?

In the grand colosseum of scanners and scanner apps, SwiftScan may come out on top for a few reasons. First, if you're comparing SwiftScan to a desktop scanner, the app is a great find on price alone. Sure, it can't print your scans like a physical scanner could, but it also doesn't take any desk space and doesn't require expensive ink to access half its functions. 

When it comes to scanning capabilities, the app captures premium quality scans starting at 200 dpi, and it even automatically enhances scan quality with colour filters and auto-optimisation. Trembly hands? There's blur reduction. Once you've scanned your documents, you can save them as a PDF or JPEG. The app also lets you do multi-page scans. Combine that with the OCR capabilities, and you can turn a few pages of your textbook into a scan you can search. You can even annotate your documents, add signatures, redact text, or reorder pages. 

Don't worry. All those documents don't need to take up your phone's limited memory. SwiftScan integrates with cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox, so you can save or scare your scans seamlessly. Kicking it old school? This scanner can even send a fax. 

Save £115 with this code

Get a scanner that doesn't take up any extra room in your office or dorm. 

Get a Lifetime Subscription to SwiftScan VIP for £36.42 (reg. £151.78) at the Mashable Shop when you use the code SAVENOW. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription £36.42 at the Mashable Shop
£116.87 Save £80.45 Use code 'SAVENOW' Get Deal

TL;DR: Watch Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's the final day of the WNBA regular season. It's now a question of heading into the WNBA playoffs with as much momentum as possible, with a chance to play for the 2024 title.

Both Seattle and Phoenix have secured their playoff berths following relatively strong seasons. But which of these teams will clinch the win on the final day of the regular season?

To watch the Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury?

Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

How to watch Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury

You can watch this latest fixture with the WNBA League Pass. But remember that the WNBA League Pass doesn't stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas. However, you can sidestep these restrictions with just a few simple steps. You'll need to use a VPN, a useful tool that hides your real IP address and connects you with secure servers in other locations. This will allow to watch the few remaining WNBA League Pass games live.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, 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 secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight 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 gives you a whole year of unlimited cloud backup along with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's the last day of the WNBA regular season, which can mean only one thing: the WNBA playoffs are just around the corner.

Before the playoffs get started, Dallas Wings visit the Las Vegas Aces. Dallas are playing for pride at this point, as they're already ruled out of the playoffs. But eyes will be on Las Vegas, who'll want to go into the playoffs with some momentum and challenge for a third consecutive WNBA championship.

The great news is that you can stream Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces from anywhere in the world. Read on for all the information you need.

When is Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces?

Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA starts at 9 p.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

How to watch Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces

Basketball fans can watch Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

The WNBA League Pass doesn't show games in the participating teams' local areas. But there are ways to get around these blackout rules. All you need to do is sign up for a VPN. VPNs are super useful tools that work by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This will allow you to watch the final games on WNBA League Pass live.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, 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 secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on sale for a limited time only at $99.95 — which is 49% off the regular price. This deal gives you a bonus three months of usage at no extra cost, plus a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig in the Champions League for free on RTL ZWEE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The new Champions League format is great, but we think the best thing about this new season of Europe's premier club competition is that you can watch a bunch of top fixtures without spending anything. There's a simple hack that fans can use to access free streaming platforms from around the world.

If you want to watch Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig?

Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Metropolitano Stadium.

How to watch Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig for free

Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig is available to live stream for free on RTL ZWEE.

RTL ZWEE is geo-restricted to Luxembourg, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Luxembourg, meaning you can unblock RTL ZWEE to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Luxembourg

4. Sign in to RTL ZWEE

5. Watch Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for RTL ZWEE?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTL ZWEE, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Luxembourg

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Atalanta vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Atalanta won the Europa League in style last year, but the Champions League is going to be a challenge on another level. And it doesn't exactly start with an easy fixture, as they face an in-form Arsenal side fresh from beating Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. It's set to be a fascinating tactical battle between two strong sides, and you can watch all the action without spending anything.

If you want to watch Atalanta vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Atalanta vs. Arsenal?

Atalanta vs. Arsenal in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.

How to watch Atalanta vs. Arsenal for free

Atalanta vs. Arsenal is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Atalanta vs. Arsenal on RTÉ Player by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland

4. Sign in to RTÉ Player

5. Watch Atalanta vs. Arsenal for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Atalanta vs. Arsenal (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTÉ Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Atalanta vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.