Mashable

Bumble has dropped its annual dating trends for 2025. Last year, the dating app predicted that singles would date based on values, emotional intimacy would be key, and daters would want to get off the self-improvement hamster wheel. According to Bumble's chief marketing officer Selby Drummond, "2025 is going to be a transitional year for dating and we can see this in how single people, especially women, are getting very clear about what they want and need, and what they are no longer willing to tolerate when it comes to dating and relationships."

Here's what could be in store for next year, according to more than 40,000 millennial and Gen Z Bumble users polled in September:

The return of romance

Earlier this year, Bumble identified the "Lover Girl" trend, where the majority of UK women surveyed by Bumble embrace romance and lovey-dovey gestures. This trend will continue into 2025, Bumble predicts, with 55 percent of women in the U.S. proclaiming themselves as romantics.

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites for geeks and nerds

A majority (88 percent) agree that how we show love and affection has changed and now includes "micro-mance" behaviors like sending memes, a playlist, sharing inside jokes, or taking a morning coffee walk. Nearly half (49 percent) of Gen Z singles say that geeking out on something together is a form of intimacy. Who says romance is dead?

Half of U.S. women said a lack of romance has had a negative impact on their dating lives — but 87 percent of people on Bumble experienced many positives of dating this year, including the excitement of meeting someone new, building their confidence, and exploring new attitudes about what they want.

Stability is in

With so many unknowns about what's to come, nearly all (95 percent) of singles say their worries about the future are impacting who and how they date.

Fifty-nine percent of women value stability more now, looking for a partner who is emotionally consistent, reliable, and who has clear life goals. One in three women (34 percent) are discussing topics like budgeting, housing, climate change, and job ambitions earlier than before.

Nearly three in four (72 percent) of Bumble users are looking for a long-term partner in the next year — perhaps someone to ride out all the uncertainties.

Love in the age of the internet

If your FYP is full of dating content, you're not alone. From courting dance trends to endless "theories," there are so many videos about how to find and keep a mate.

Bumble found that half of women in the U.S. are noticing more authentic dating and relationship content showing not only the highs but also the lows of dating like post-date debriefs. How authentic a TikTok can be is debatable, but at least we're past the Instagram aesthetic version of showing our lives online. And it's helping 46 percent of women who feel less self-conscious and lonely due to this content. Around the same amount of women (45 percent) say that realistic, positive dating content leads to optimism about their own love lives.

Evolving masculinity

From looking for a man in finance to a Timothée Chalamet lookalike, 34 percent of Bumble users agree that there have been more conversations than ever on male stereotypes in 2024. Thirty-one percent of U.S. men say these tropes make them uncomfortable because people make assumptions about their character and intentions.

Over half of women (53 percent) say that the conversation on masculinity needs to evolve to allow men to define what positive masculinity looks like for them.

At the same time, 2024 has led to the rise of the guy best friend. Thirty-one percent of single women say they're more open with their men friends than they used to be about their dating lives, and 22 percent ask them to filter potential dates. More than half, 57 percent, of women in the U.S. rely on the men in their lives to help explain men's dating behavior.

"These trends embody exactly what we are hearing and seeing from people on Bumble as they pertain to focusing on self-expression, being vocal about their future and expectations, and overall, carving their own path when it comes to dating," said Bumble sex and relationship expert Shan Boodram in the announcement.

A few days ago a rumor started going round that Stephen King had been booted off X (formerly Twitter) after joking that Elon Musk was Donald Trump's "first lady".

The horror master's X account still appeared to be live, though, and — although King does frequently go after Musk, and has been critical of his support for Trump – there was no "first lady" post about Musk.

SEE ALSO: Every single Stephen King movie adaptation, ranked

Finally, on Wednesday, the man himself took to X to clear things up.

"I see there's a rumor going around that I called the Musk-man Trump's new first lady. I didn't, but only because I didn't think of it," wrote King. "There's also a rumor going around that Muskie kicked me off Twitter. Yet here I am."

Tweet may have been deleted

So: No ban for King, and no plans from him to let up on his criticism of Musk.

SAVE $90: As of Nov. 13, the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet has dropped from $229.99 to $139.99. That's a 39% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet $139.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal

Ahead of the Black Friday shopping event, Amazon has been dropping quite a few deals that are worth checking out. One that immediately caught our eye was on the Fire Max 11 tablet — our pick for the best budget tablet — which has returned to its lowest-ever price for a limited time.

Amazon's Fire Max 11 tablet is currently on sale for $139.99, 39% off its list price of $229.99. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this also marks a return to its lowest-ever price. Amazon has this tablet listed as a 'limited-time deal', so you'll want to act fast to pick one up at a reduced rate.

SEE ALSO: Score $320 off a curved gaming monitor in Walmart's early Black Friday sale

We sang the praises of this tablet in our Fire Max 11 tablet review, with writer SaVanna Shoemaker saying that it's "the sleekest and largest Fire tablet available, and it packs some impressive specs behind the moderate price tag we’ve all come to expect." We've also ranked it among our list of the best tablets as our favorite budget pick.

Whether you want a tablet for work or play, the Fire Max 11 is here to assist. As the review stated, its got the specs that make it worth the price tag, too. Packed with 64GB of storage, an octa-core processor, and a 14-hour battery life, it'll keep you busy. Not to mention, all of this is packed into a sleek design with a large 11-inch display.

This limited-time deal won't last long, so grab this discount on the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet before it's gone.

Amazon will have even more in store once Black Friday sales officially kick off. If you're looking to pick up some more early deals, though, it's worth having a look at our breakdowns of Walmart, Best Buy, and Target's Black Friday sales. These retailers have been offering some nice early discounts for shoppers ahead of the big sale event that are worth checking out.

Amber Ruffin wrote an "Amber Says What" segment for "Late Night with Seth Meyers" before the election. Now, she's leaning on "inspirational Instagram quotes" to get through it.

SAVE $50: As of Nov. 13, Beats Studio Buds are on sale at Target for $99.99, 33% off their list price of $149.99. That saves you $50.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds $99.99 at Target
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

With Black Friday right around the corner, several retailers are dropping some great deals ahead of time for shoppers to take up. If you've been looking to get new earbuds to listen to your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks, look no further than Target where you can scoop up Beats Studio Buds at a fantastic low price.

The noise-canceling Beats Studio Buds are currently enjoying a $50 discount at Target, dropping their price to $99.99 from their list price of $149.99. That's a discount of 33% and worth jumping on given their fancy features.

SEE ALSO: Score $320 off a curved gaming monitor in Walmart's early Black Friday sale

These earbuds offer Active Noise Canceling and Transparency modes, which are an absolute game-changer when it comes to your personal listening. Having the ability to tune in or out of your surroundings makes a huge difference, whether you're listening on the go or in the quiet of your home. On top of that, Beats also offer excellent sound quality. In our Beats Studio Buds review, writer Alex Perry said they "deliver punchy bass to go along with crystal-clear sound in all other circumstances."

Noise-canceling earbuds like these ones are worth every cent, so don't miss out on this deal for the Beats Studio Buds at Target.

If you're looking for some early Black Friday deals, Target has more to check out through its "Deal of the Day" program that runs until Dec. 24, alongside the official sale event that starts online on Nov. 28 at the retailer. Walmart and Best Buy have also dropped some early deals that are worth having a look at, and more retailers are sure to jump in on the seasonal sale fun in the next couple weeks, too.

"Daily Show" host Jordan Klepper roasted Trump's new cabinet picks during Tuesday's monologue.

SAVE OVER $300: As of Nov. 13, the 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G5 Curved Gaming Monitor has dropped from its list price of $549.99 to $229 as part of Walmart's early Black Friday sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G5 Curved Gaming Monitor $229.00 at Walmart
$549.99 Save $320.99 Get Deal

Quite a few retailers are starting up the Black Friday season early with some excellent discounts. In particular, Walmart has a wide variety of offers available in its early Black Friday sale, whether you're looking for some new items for your home or to upgrade your favorite bits of tech. In terms of the latter, this deal on the curved Samsung Odyssey G5 is one you definitely don't want to miss if you've been hoping to pick up a new monitor.

As part of its first wave of Black Friday sales, Walmart's slashed the price on this massive 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G5 curved gaming monitor to $229, $320.99 off its list price of $549.99. That's an incredible discount on such a large monitor, and a great investment if you've been looking for a bigger screen to feel absorbed in the games you play.

SEE ALSO: Save over $300 on this impressive robot vacuum ahead of Black Friday

The beauty of this monitor is its curved display which not only gives you more screen space to work with, but can help you feel a bit more immersed in the games you like to play. It also offers a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for smooth gameplay alongside AMD FreeSync Premium. Not only that, but you're getting a 3440x1440 resolution to boot.

If you've been looking to set yourself up with a new monitor for your PC setup, don't miss out on this fantastic 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G5 curved gaming monitor deal at Walmart.

Walmart is not the only shop with some early Black Friday deals worth checking out. Both Target and Best Buy are also dropping discounts in the weeks leading up to the big day that are worth having a look at. Plenty more retailers are sure to follow in the coming weeks, and we'll make sure to keep you updated on more Black Friday news as it appears.

ChatGPT saved someone's life according to a viral Reddit post that made the rounds last week. It correctly identified that the user was experiencing early symptoms of a heart attack, prompting the user to go to the emergency room and get help.

The only problem is that never happened. The Reddit post was written by ChatGPT.

Reddit

Shortly after the original post was published, Redditor, u/sinebiryan admitted to the hoax, saying they "asked ChatGPT to write like a reddit post and the post is about a story about how ChatGPT saved my life." But not before the post received 50,000 upvotes and 2,000 comments.

Reddit

For a subreddit dedicated to ChatGPT, it's not surprising that this post got so much attention. It's also not surprising that so many ChatGPT enthusiasts were eager to believe in its life-saving capabilities. Regardless, it's a good reminder to not believe everything you read on the internet. Especially now that AI-generated text has become so difficult to identify.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Sam Altman had an AMA on Reddit: 5 takeaways about ChatGPT and more

The post, which was published in the ChatGPT subreddit, duped many. Users commented with their own experiences using ChatGPT, sharing how they use it as a therapist, for relationship advice, and dealing with toxic family members. "As a nurse who specialises in cardiac emergency, yes you were saved by your curiosity and chatgpt," said one user. "This is the power of ai and it’s increasingly showing its true potential."

But others weren't so convinced. Many users quickly speculated that the post was AI-generated, claiming that there are telltale signs, like the frequent use of hyphens, long prose, and a gut instinct that "something felt fishy." One user even compared the writing style of the post with the user's other post and concluded that the "[original poster's] style of writing in other posts does not match at all."

Despite many Redditors glorifying its life-saving uses, some simply refused to give ChatGPT that much credit even before finding out the post was a hoax. "You listened to your intuition here too, which also saved you," said one user. Others pointed out that the original poster also could've just googled the symptoms and received the same answer.

Astronomers have found a world outside the solar system that could be a stink bomb, with air that smells of rotten eggs and burnt matches. 

The exoplanet would owe its signature fragrance to sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, colorless gasses known for their stenches, according to a new study. Those chemicals in the planet's atmosphere could hint at the planet having a molten or volcanic surface. 

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, an international cooperation of NASA and the European and Canadian space agencies, a team of scientists peered at L 98-59 d, a so-called super Earth that's a bit larger and heavier than Earth. This potentially rocky world orbits a red dwarf star about 35 light-years away in the constellation Volans. 

If the team's findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters on Nov. 1, can be confirmed in follow-up studies, it will hold the record as the smallest-known exoplanet with an atmosphere.

"This discovery was surprising, as it stands out in stark contrast to the atmospheres of rocky planets in our own solar system, where water vapor and carbon dioxide are much more prevalent," said Agnibha Banerjee, lead author of the study, in The Conversation, a nonprofit news site written by scholars and researchers. 

SEE ALSO: Scientists haven't found a rocky exoplanet with air. But now they have a plan. Scientists are using the James Webb Space Telescope to learn whether rocky worlds orbiting closely to red dwarf stars can retain atmospheres. Credit: NASA GSFC / CIL / Adriana Manrique Gutierrez illustration

Red dwarfs, sometimes referred to as M-type, are the most common stars within the Milky Way, yet nobody knows whether planets closely orbiting them can hold onto atmospheres, Néstor Espinoza, a co-author of the paper, previously told Mashable. Though the host stars aren't as hot as the sun, nearby circling worlds, such as L 98-59 d, would be subjected to episodes of violent stellar radiation.

But the new exoplanet findings are tenuous at best. The team used transmission spectroscopy to collect data for the study. This technique uses starlight from the host star that has filtered through a planet's atmosphere. Molecules within the atmosphere absorb certain light wavelengths, or colors, so by splitting the light into its basic parts — like a rainbow — astronomers can detect what light segments are missing to discern the molecular makeup of an atmosphere.

So far the team has only had the chance to analyze the planet's atmosphere once, from a single time it crossed in front of the star. The team "only slightly prefers the atmosphere" explanation over the possibility that the data was contaminated by stellar spots, Banerjee said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Scientists seek to learn more about the habitability of worlds orbiting red dwarf stars. Credit: NASA / JPL / Ames Research Center / Daniel Rutter illustration

Most astronomers agree that detecting atmospheres is crucial in the search for habitable worlds. NASA has playfully called Earth's own atmosphere its "security blanket": Without it, the type of life flourishing here wouldn't exist. This cocoon holds oxygen in the air and filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, all while keeping the world warm. Furthermore, it creates pressure that allows liquid water to pool on the surface.

Earth's atmosphere is filled with nitrogen, oxygen, and traces of water vapor. Venus has a thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide, and Mars has a thin atmosphere of carbon dioxide. Based on the terrestrial worlds humans are familiar with, no one expected to find a similar type of planet with a sulfur-rich atmosphere. 

If the team's results are confirmed, the exoplanet wouldn't seem to be a good fit for life. But astronomers say its potential volcanic activity is intriguing. One idea posited is that the exoplanet is similar to Jupiter's moon Io, the most volcanic world in the solar system. Jupiter's gravity squeezes Io's core as the moon moves closer, then slackens as it moves farther away. This swelling and contracting causes Io's interior to heat up, triggering tidal volcanism. 

The plumes seen here along Io's surface are either blasting out of two vents from one enormous volcano or two separate-but-snug volcanoes. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / Andrea Luck

Espinoza is heading up the implementation of a massive Webb telescope study of rocky worlds outside the solar system, specifically to discover if planets orbiting closely to small cool stars could have air. The campaign, first reported by Mashable, will take a closer look at a dozen nearby-ish planets over the next two years.

As for L 98-59 d, the Webb data so far implies large amounts of hydrogen sulfide in the planet's atmosphere. 

"So large that in an atmosphere like ours, it could give rise to you even losing your sense of smell!" Espinoza said in an email. "So probably not nice."

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for November 13 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Wednesday, November 13, 2024:

AcrossBe in debt

• The answer is Owe.

The basis of life

• The answer is Carbon.

Weak or delicate

• The answer is Frails.

Avatar, Titanic, and The Matrix use it

• The answer is CGI.

Contend for

• The answer is Vie.

Too

• The answer is Aswell.

Granted property for rent

• The answer is Leased.

Shows yourself

• The answer is IDs.

Down____-Wan Kenobi

• The answer is Obi.

Ridley Scott parents

• The answer is Wolves.

Store on a farm

• The answer is Ensile.

Chlorofluorocarbon

• The answer is CFC.

Mountain sheep

• The answer is Argali.

Reared

• The answer is Raised.

Antiquity, in antiquity

• The answer is Eld.

Used to be

• The answer is Was.

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.

No, you probably don't need another device. But you might need a Kindle. There are a decent number of e-readers on the market, but having tried many of them, Kindles are the best. But which Kindle is the best? Well, that's the Kindle Paperwhite, especially after this year's update.

After a few years of waiting, Amazon finally released a new batch of Kindles. The lineup includes upgrades to every model, including the addition of the Kindle Colorsoft, the brand's first foray into a color e-reader. While we've yet to try the newest entry, we did get our hands on the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite.

The Kindle Paperwhite remains as good as ever, even if it's missing some updates we were hoping for. It's quick, lightweight, and easy to use. Here's why the Kindle Paperwhite is the best e-reader of the moment.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle for every type of reader Kindle Paperwhite price and specs The Kindle Paperwhite is a full-inch bigger than the standard Kindle model. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The 2024 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite costs $159.99 for the ad-supported device, while the model without lock screen ads costs $179.99.

In the past, Amazon has offered different storage options for each Kindle model, but 16GB is the new standard, and to upgrade to 32GB, you have to opt for the Signature Edition. Now, the only choice you have to make when purchasing the Kindle Paperwhite is whether to have ads or go ad-free.

No matter which version you go for, these are the specs for the 2024 Paperwhite.

• 7-inch display, up to 94 nits brightness and 300 ppi resolution (up from 6.8 inches on the 2021 model)

• USB-C charging port with up to 12 weeks of battery life

• 16GB of storage

• IPX8 waterproof rating can be fully submerged in water for up to one hour

• Comes in black, raspberry, and jade

It's fast, with a vibrant screen

Before testing the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite, I thoroughly enjoyed the prior model, and I didn't think there was much to improve upon. It was already a quick-moving e-reader that made reading more convenient. However, the most significant upgrades come to the performance and screen.

The latest Kindle moves fast. The previous generation was already quick, so the 25 percent increase in speed isn't quite noticeable if you're moving from there, but it still improves the reading experience with far less loading in between page turns or stalling when opening and exiting books.

SEE ALSO: Kobo's first crack at a color e-reader should have Amazon worried

While the brightness and resolution specs haven't changed from the previous model, the screen on the 2024 model does look higher resolution, edging closer to the resolution of a tablet and away from the classic, dim e-reader. The Paperwhite's screen still sports a matte finish that is as easy to read outside on a sunny day as in a dark bedroom.

Building a library is cheap and convenient You can buy or borrow books to build your Kindle collection. Credit: Samantha Mangino

You might not believe me when I say buying a $160 device makes your reading habit cheaper, but trust me when I tell you it will. The cost of a Kindle Paperwhite is the same as about five to six hardcover books, but luckily, Kindle e-books are a lot cheaper. If you plan on buying books from the Kindle store, eventually, the Kindle will earn itself in savings. Plus your purchases earn you points through the Kindle Rewards system, where every 300 points is turned into $3 in Kindle book credits. But there are even more affordable ways to read.

If you don't want to buy books, reading library books on your Kindle is so simple. With the Libby app, you can check out e-books from your local library and send them to your Kindle with the press of a button. It's the most effortless Libby integration besides the Kobo's. However, I prefer the Kindle integration as you can use multiple library cards to check out books, while the Kobo only allows you to use one at a time.

Another affordable reading option is the Kindle Unlimited Program. The subscription program lets users borrow books for as long as they want for a monthly fee of $11.99. You don't need a Kindle to use the program, as long as you have the Kindle app you can subscribe. However, with the purchase of a Kindle, you gain access to a free three-month trial.

Amazon also has a First Reads program where Prime members get free early access to editor-selected e-books. During Prime Day months, members get to select two free books.

The library interface is clunky

As much as I love how easy it is to read library books on my Kindle, they can also make the Kindle library clunky. After you read a library book and the loan expires, you won't be able to read the book. However, the cover still appears in your Kindle library.

Just like I want my books tidy IRL, I want them organized on my e-reader, too. However, there's no filter to hide your library books. Instead, if you want to hide the expired titles, you need to make a collection in your Kindle library to separate your library books from those you own.

The Paperwhite is better than the Signature Edition for this one reason

I have spent weeks with both the Paperwhite and the Signature Edition, and despite the SE's extra features, I prefer the Paperwhite. The reason is the ad-free lock screen. Yes, ads are annoying. However, the lock screen with ads forces you to swipe past the screen when you turn it on. This is different from the SE's screen, which automatically pushes past the lock screen when you hit the power button.

On its face, that sounds super convenient, saving you a step. That is until you throw the Signature Edition in your bag and pull it out to discover you've lost your page in your book because it accidentally turned on. Meanwhile, this was never an issue with the Paperwhite, which stayed locked while I was on the go.

This issue will be on any ad-free Kindle, not just the Signature Edition. You can add a PIN as a workaround, but like many users, I'd rather just swipe.

All these updates, but there's still room for improvement

From the previous model, the Kindle Paperwhite remains our favorite e-reader. However, it's missing a few upgrades that I was really hoping to see. Amazon should have moved the power button to the top of the Kindle rather than keeping it on the bottom. I hit the power button while holding the device constantly because of its placement. It could be fine if the Kindle had an internal gyroscope like the Kobo Libra Colour does, and the Kindle could rotate the page, but alas, another missing feature.

Another perk the Kobo Libra has over the Kindle is page-turning buttons. Amazon devastated users by discontinuing the Kindle Oasis in June 2024, taking away the only Kindle with page-turning buttons. I was hopeful that meant this new batch of Kindles would feature buttons, but they're noticeably absent. While the buttons aren't necessary — the Kindle's touchscreen is plenty responsive — having the buttons is just a better reading experience, which is why, in terms of ergonomics, the Kobo Libra is much better.

None of these missing features are dealbreakers, but they do remind us that the Kindle Paperwhite isn't perfect.

Is the Kindle Paperwhite worth it? You can't beat the displays on the Kindle Paperwhite. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Kindle Paperwhite is not just the best Kindle but the best e-reader overall. It's compact and lightweight, just the right size for toting around. The screen strikes the balance of tech and paper, and the adjustable warmth makes reading in the evening better for your eyes. With the release of the 2024 model, it's the fastest Kindle yet, which is good news. When you turn the physical page, it never buffers, so digital readers deserve the same.

While Amazon still leaves some to be desired, it remains the best e-reader you can buy. It's $10 more expensive than the last model but is still a good value.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) $159.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

We now know the identities of the hackers behind the massive AT&T data breach – and we now know exactly how much data was stolen, too.

The U.S. has indicted two individuals, Connor Moucka and John Binns, according to new documents, for hacking third-party cloud data storage and analytics company Snowflake. The Snowflake hack led to data breaches at numerous companies using the platform such as AT&T, Ticketmaster, and more than 150 other corporations.

As TechCrunch pointed out in its report, while the victims are not mentioned by name in the indictment, the descriptions of the victims are quite clear in some cases. For example, AT&T is referred to as Victim-2, which is described as a "major telecommunications company located in the United States." The indictment states that the data breach occurred on April 14, aligning with AT&T’s original statement that it became aware of the breach on April 19.

New details of the data breach

New details have emerged about the Snowflake hack that led to the data breach, revealing information that was previously unknown.

For example, while AT&T originally said it would notify around 110 million customers who were affected by the data breach, it was unclear just how much data had been stolen. According to the indictment, Moucka and Binns extracted around 50 billion phone call and text message records, including dialed numbers.

While the content of those calls and texts weren't stolen, the records alone were apparently enough to extort affected customers. The two hackers extorted at least three victims, obtaining a total of 36 Bitcoin. The indictment says that the Bitcoin amount was worth $2.5 million at the time.

Furthermore, as previously reported, the hackers were able to get AT&T itself to pay $370,000 in exchange for deleting the data they stole.

Both Moucka and Binns have been arrested and are currently being held in custody.

It dwells in the midnight zone.

Scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute identified an intriguing new deep sea species off of California. It's see-through, can glow, and nabs prey with a large hood. At one point while filming, researchers watched it detach one of its finger-like appendages, likely as a decoy for a predator. The glowing appendage floated away.

"When we first filmed it glowing with the ROV, everyone in the control room let out a loud 'Oooooh!' at the same time. We were all enchanted by the sight," Steven Haddock, a senior scientist at the institute, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: A dominant shark lurks in the deep, dark ocean. Meet the sixgill.

Below, you can view brilliant footage of the animal, which biologists have dubbed the "mystery mollusc." It now also has a scientific name, Bathydevius caudactylus, and after years of observation and genetic testing, scientists have concluded it's a species of nudibranch, more popularly known as sea slugs.

But this creature might not resemble, nor behave, like a typical bottom-dwelling slug.

It primarily lives between some 3,300 to 13,100 feet below the ocean surface, a vast region of the lightless sea called the midnight zone (this zone accounts for some 70 percent of seawater on Earth but is largely unexplored). To eat, it uses a hood to "trap crustaceans like a Venus fly trap plant," the institute explains. It's a hermaphrodite (like other sea slugs), and exploits its transparency to hide in plain sight. But as described above, when needed it can detach parts of its body as a decoy.

Behold the "mystery mollusc":

Tweet may have been deleted

Bathydevius caudactylus is so unusual that it took 150 deep water sightings over 20 years before marine biologists could accurately identify the animal. The discovery has been published in the science journal Deep-Sea Research Part I.

"What is exciting to me about the mystery mollusc is that it exemplifies how much we are learning as we spend more time in the deep sea, particularly below 2,000 meters," Haddock said. "For there to be a relatively large, unique, and glowing animal that is in a previously unknown family really underscores the importance of using new technology to catalog this vast environment."

Ocean research organizations, like the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, are now vigilantly documenting and mapping the deep sea. Scientists want to shine a light — literally and figuratively — on what's down there. The implications of knowing are incalculable, particularly as deep sea mineral prospectors prepare to run tank-like industrial equipment across parts of the seafloor. For example, research expeditions have found that ocean life carries great potential for novel medicines. "Systematic searches for new drugs have shown that marine invertebrates produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organisms," notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Lines are a part of life. The grocery store, the DMV, Target on a Sunday — we're bound to queue up. I remember a time, however, when this was a bad thing.

And you might be thinking, it's still a bad thing, dummy, and to that, I say: Are you sure about that? Nobody would claim to enjoy lines, but we've let them become a far too significant part of our lives. So much so that, I'd argue, the line is now the point of a thing rather than an unfortunate side effect. Let me explain.

Think of anything someone has told you that you had to try recently: the best croissant in town, an exclusive sale, some new pop-up. How often does that thing involve waiting in a long line? I'd wager it usually does.

I blame the internet. It seems counterintuitive, but it tracks. Facebook, then Instagram, and now TikTok have flattened our IRL experience into what's trending. The internet's promise of expanding our respective worlds came true, but then, faced with that vast expanse, we (the royal, cultural We) retreated into the comfort of things people have already said are good. The lines followed.

Let me be clear: This is not everything and everyone. But, overall, line culture has gotten out of control.

Think of the way a song goes viral on TikTok these days. You hear it once, and a second later, you hear it again, and by the end of the week, you know every word of Gracie Abrams' "That's So True" despite never playing it on purpose. Now, imagine you had to line up IRL to play that song on Spotify. It'd be one hell of a line. And you wouldn't even be certain you enjoyed the song. That's effectively what's happening with real-world experiences.

Let's talk about one of life's finest pleasures: tacos. I live in New York City — I know, I know, the whole world is NYC, and NYC is the whole world — and recently, El Califa de León, Mexico City's only Michelin-starred taqueria, opened a pop-up where they cooked their tacos at a local chain. Naturally, it blew up on TikTok, particularly among NYC's food influencer set. Hourslong lines followed, only for many people to give the tacos middling reviews. But the trend — aka the line it wrought — was the point. You had to try that taco if you lived in NYC.

Now, let's talk more tacos. My neighborhood spot, Taqueria Ramirez, blew up last year. It cracked the New York Times' Top 100 restaurants and, in turn, became a destination folks would post about online. Last year, there were so many posts about the spot, and, in turn, the lines were godawful. It'd take 45 minutes of queueing up to get a few (albeit delicious) tacos. As a result, I almost never went to the amazing spot I pass every day.

But then a magical thing happened. Ramirez fell off the Times' Top 100 list. The tacos are no less delicious. They remain the best tacos I've ever eaten. But the lines have shrunken by at least 50 percent. What once stretched around the block is like a dozen people long. What changed? You can no longer make a social media post bragging, "I tried the New York Times' only taqueria in its list of Top 100 restaurants." That's it. Seriously, all those TikToks I linked above were the top hits, and they were all from 2023. Two taco spots of reportedly quite different quality, but the lines only follow the trend of it all — not the deliciousness.

I'm not saying a line always isn't worth it, but I'd argue often it's not. And they are everywhere. We've reached peak Line Culture. Sample sale lines are so out of hand that people can make $500 just to stand there for 12 hours. Tourists sardining themselves for a Mona Lisa selfie has, in part, sparked the Louvre to reconsider how it displays the masterpiece. Swifties flooded Miami's Hard Rock Stadium 24 hours before Taylor's concert to wait 2 hours to purchase tour merch. Does anyone need a T-shirt — that you could maybe even get online — that badly?

Things have gotten so bad that folks have taken to guerrilla measures. Londoners, for instance, "love bombed" a touristy, average spot called Angus Steakhouse to draw social media attention away from the good restaurants overrun by visitors.

SEE ALSO: Don't @ Me: I hate iPhone Tapbacks

The spots with long lines are like field trips for the internet. Often, those field trip recommendations become the same thing for everyone — because the internet has flattened the world into what's viral. You don't have to wait in line for something; you get to wait in line for the Big Thing. What started with the Cronut ridiculousness a decade ago has morphed into its logical endpoint. If you're not fighting for a reservation, you're waiting in line.

That's not to say lines were somehow invented in the last few years. But they've become unnatural. It used to be you showed up somewhere, there was a line commensurate with reality, you waited, did the thing, moved on. But now, thanks to posts like "I waited two hours to get X thing," people line up just to get the thing that requires two hours in line. A line does not a good thing make!

And lest you think this is just me whining about NYC problems — which, fair, I kind of am — it's become a problem pretty much everywhere. A town in Vermont, for instance, banned tourists last year after a horde of influencers descended on the town to snag foliage pics after TikToks about a local spot called Sleepy Hollow Farm went viral. The little town of Pomfret was overrun with traffic (aka lines) and unruly tourists trying to get their shot. Never mind that beautiful fall leaves exist...pretty much anywhere in the Northeast. Sleepy Hollow Farm was the viral spot.

I'm not saying I'll never wait in another line. Hell, I still have to wait in line to get my favorite neighborhood tacos. But maybe next time the internet tells me I have to try something, I — and perhaps you — can leave that job to everyone else.

NBC's St. Denis Medical is a charming workplace sitcom from Superstore and American Auto creator Justin Spitzer and writer Eric Ledgin.

Told as a mockumentary, the series follows a group of nurses and doctors at an Oregon hospital. Between its format and its focus on a group of harried, underfunded employees just trying to do some good, St. Denis Medical contains shades of other shows like Abbott Elementary and Parks and Recreation. But will it also feature the classic workplace sitcom staple of an office (or in this case, hospital) romance? Who will be St. Denis Medical's Jim and Pam? Its Leslie and Ben? Its Janine and Gregory?

SEE ALSO: I was tired of slow-burn sitcom romances. 'Abbott Elementary' changed that.

As of the show's first two episodes, nobody! Kind of. Yes, St. Denis Medical hints at the possibility of a workplace romance between nurses Matt (Mekki Leeper, Jury Duty) and Serena (Kahyun Kim, Cocaine Bear). But it also subverts that same hint in a way that feels genuine, smart, and potentially refreshing for the genre.

Our first hints at a St. Denis Medical romance come less than five minutes into the episode, when head nurse Alex (Allison Tolman) tells Serena their new floor nurse is a "young guy from Montana."

Serena's response? To playfully dry hump the front desk and imagine it's the new nurse, something she straight-up tells St. Denis doctor Ron (David Alan Grier). Who needs boundaries in a hospital anyway?

However, whatever fantasies Serena may have had about the Montana nurse fly out the window when she actually meets him. Matt may be a pleasant goofball, but, to put it simply, he is not smart. He administers an EpiPen to himself instead of a patient on his first day, for crying out loud. Serena can only watch on in horror.

Kahyun Kim in "St. Denis Medical." Credit: Ron Batzdorff / NBC

Later, though, she gives him a small pep talk about how he stepped up during a medical emergency. She even nudges his shoe with her own, a small bit of physical contact that makes Matt's face light up.

In a confessional directly following that scene, Matt reveals that he's starting to think he's got what it takes to be a nurse. "Also," he says conspiratorially, "I might have met the girl of my dreams. So, yeah, I think I'm in the right place."

Cut to Serena, who has a very different thing to say to the documentary crew: "He's definitely getting fired. He's so, so bad."

Serena's response is a great comedic undercutting of Matt's excitement about his "dream girl," but it also shuts down the possibility of any romance between them kicking off right away. After all, if you introduce mutual attraction in your first episode, like Jim and Pam in The Office or Janine and Gregory in Abbott Elementary, you've set yourself a ticking time bomb. The audience knows immediately that these characters will get together at some point. But if that will-they-won't-they dynamic overstays its welcome, you risk exasperation and unfortunate narrative drag. (Yes, Jim and Pam pushed me to my limits.)

That St. Denis Medical seemingly cuts the Matt-Serena romance off at the head means that the show might not even be engaging with a genre trope that's grown a tad overplayed. Or, it could just be buying itself more time, letting the characters develop organically and separately before nudging them together down the line. At least we won't be force-fed pining glances right from the jump.

OK, Matt may still be pining, but Serena will be too busy being competent to notice. Maybe if he learns how to properly work an EpiPen, he'll be worthy of her, and I'll be more ready to root for their pairing.

St. Denis Medical airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock.

TL;DR: Ditch subscriptions with these lifetime licenses to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro, now $52.97 (reg. $438) through November 17.

Like most people, you probably rely on Microsoft apps to get through your personal tasks or workday. If you're accessing them through Microsoft 365, you may be unnecessarily paying for a recurring subscription.

Rather than deal with recurring fees, why not own your essential apps and software with a lifetime license? Gain greater peace of mind and security knowing your tools are truly yours by investing in this bundle featuring Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro. For four more days, you can get this productivity-enhancing package for only $52.97 (reg. $438).

Though it's not the latest edition, Microsoft Office 2021 is equipped with the classic apps you know and rely on daily: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. You'll get unfettered access to these apps to accomplish personal and professional tasks.

Create documents, spreadsheets, meetings, presentations, and other items seamlessly, as each app offers a ribbon-based interface for ease of use. Since this license is yours for life, you won't experience service interruptions or have to deal with subscription renewals ever again.

Windows 11 Pro is tailored for modern professionals, housing security, productivity, and AI-powered features within a sleek interface. Compute without fear of tampering or cybercrime, as it arrives with measures like biometrics login, Smart App Control, and TPM 2.0. You can maximize your productivity with Copilot, the new AI-powered assistant that can answer your queries, summarize web pages, and more.

Aside from the significant savings you'll gain in investing in this bundle, you may find you have more freedom to use these tools without any restrictions that might come with a standard subscription.

Ditch the subscriptions for your most-used apps and software.

You have until November 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT to grab these lifetime licenses to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for just $54.97. Act now while supplies last!

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle

Only $52.97 at Mashable

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Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $52.97
$438.00 Save $385.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Score permanent access to Skoove Premium piano lessons on sale for $119.99 (reg. $299) while supplies last through Nov. 17.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $119.99
$299.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal

Thinking of fulfilling a lifelong goal of learning to play the piano? Finding an instructor to teach you every week will quickly set you back hundreds, if not thousands — not to mention the coordination of both your schedules. And learning from YouTube can be hard without a solid direction.

Thankfully, there's a way to combine the personal approach from an in-person teacher and the flexibility of learning from videos: interactive piano lessons from Skoove Premium. You can get lifetime access on sale for $119.99 for just four more days.

Skoove uses artificial intelligence to identify and understand what you're playing so it can give real-time feedback. You'll get access to over 400 piano tutorials that are tailored to your preferences, with a variety of genres to choose from like popular music by The Beatles, Adele, and more, as well as classical music by Beethoven, Mozart, etc. And if you need additional help, Skoove music instructors are there to give one-on-one support to supplement your studies. 

Every month, new videos and songs are added, so you'll never get bored. And lifetime access means you only have to pay once — but along with the cost comes the desire to get your money's worth.

If you're ready to tickle the ivories and learn to play the piano on your own schedule, consider Skoove.

Until November 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT, score a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium piano lessons marked down 60% at the price of $119.99. Supplies are limited, so act while you still can.

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TL;DR: Upgrade for the new year with a new, open-box Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 laptop on sale for just $579.99 (reg. $1069.99). It's powerful, versatile, and ready to support your 2025 goals.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 (Intel 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $579.99
$1,070.01 Save $490.02 Get Deal

If a tech upgrade is part of your New Year's resolutions, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 laptop is here to make that dream come true. For $579.99 (reg. $1,069), you get a laptop packed with powerful features, designed to support your productivity and creativity. It also makes a generous gift.

Labeled as a new, open-box item, this model is in top condition, offering all the functionality you expect from a new laptop at a fraction of the price. Open-box models are typically just excess inventory from store shelves, so it's still new.

If you’re looking for a device that handles both business and creative tasks with ease, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 stands out with its 360-degree hinge, allowing you to switch effortlessly between laptop, tablet, and tent mode — whether you’re presenting to clients, designing graphics, or simply relaxing with a video.

The 16-inch WUXGA touchscreen display brings clarity and vivid color to all your work, so your spreadsheets look as sharp as your digital art. With TÜV Low Blue Light Certification, you can spend extended time in front of the screen without worrying about eye strain.

The IdeaPad 5i features an Intel® Core i7-150U processor with 10 cores, helping it tackle intensive tasks like video editing, graphic design, and data analysis. Its 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD provide more than enough speed and storage to keep multiple projects and large files within reach.

Rapid Charge Boost gives you up to two hours of battery life from a quick 15-minute charge. The device also includes advanced security features like a fingerprint reader and a webcam privacy shutter, adding peace of mind whether you're working in a coffee shop or a client meeting.

Get the new, open-box Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 laptop for just $579.99 (reg. $1,069) while it's still in stock.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: This 9" wireless car display has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, phone mirroring, and is on sale for $94.97 (reg. $179) through November 17.

Is accessing your apps, music, and messages challenging while driving? If you happen to have an older car or a vehicle without a wireless hub, there are options to make access easy. This 9" wireless car display is designed with an easy installation process, and it's on sale for $94.97 (reg. $179) until November 17.

You don't need to go car shopping just yet. Immerse yourself in clear visuals with the 1024x600 FHD 9" display, providing ample screen real estate for viewing maps, multimedia, and more. Whether navigating through busy city streets or enjoying your favorite music and podcasts, the larger-than-a-phone display offers easy visibility at a glance. It's also a touchscreen, making it simpler and quicker to use on the road.

Enjoy seamless integration with your smartphone's OS, whether you're an Apple or Android user. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, you can easily access your favorite apps, make calls, send messages, and navigate using familiar interfaces. It also has phone mirroring capabilities.

You'll be able to use Bluetooth to transmit audio to your car stereo speakers for playback. There's also the option to use FM wireless transmission audio and AUX output audio.

Don't miss out on a modern driving experience with your digital world safely at your fingertips.

Order this 9" wireless car display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility while it's on sale for just $94.97 (reg. $179) while inventory is still available. This offer ends November 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT!

9" Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility & Phone Mirroring

Only $94.97 at Mashable

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Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 9" Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility & Phone Mirroring $94.97
$179.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal

SAVE $120: As of Nov. 13, the Google Nest WiFi Pro is on sale for $279 at Amazon. That's a 30% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Nest WiFi Pro $279.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $120.99 Get Deal

Black Friday sales have already started at a range of retailers, including Walmart and Best Buy, and while Amazon's Black Friday deals don't officially begin until Nov. 21, there's a range of active discounts that are worth your attention.

The Google Nest WiFi Pro is now at its lowest price in 2024. As of Nov. 13, this WiFi system is reduced to $279, a saving of 30%. This deal is for the three-pack option in the snow color, however, there are discounts available across all options.

SEE ALSO: Save over $300 on this impressive robot vacuum ahead of Black Friday

The Nest Wifi Pro setup offers up to twice the speed of WiFi 6, so if you work from home, stream regularly, or enjoy non-laggy gaming, this is the connection for you. It has a three-router setup, so you'll be covered with up to 6,600 square feet of connectivity. It even monitors itself, diagnoses network issues, and can even fix some common issues on its own.

However, this router system is not compatible with earlier Google or Nest WiFi models but offers superior, automatic adjustments to network performance. It also supports three bands, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.

For security, the Nest Wifi Pro shows all the devices connected to your WiFi network so you can easily pause access for unknown devices that you don’t want to connect. Also, for ultimate privacy, you can create a guest network that uses a different password, so you don’t have to share yours.

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal at Amazon.