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Survey: Teens regularly see harmful content, messages on Snapchat

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 14:00

Teens on Snapchat frequently encounter unwanted or dangerous content on the platform, according to a new survey.

A third of the poll's 1,016 respondents said they'd seen or received unsafe content or messages in the past week. More than half said they'd had at least one such experience in the past year.

The findings suggest that Snapchat, a platform where messages vanish once viewed by the recipient, is far less safe than parents may assume, said Sarah Gardner, CEO of The Heat Initiative, the advocacy group responsible for the research.

Top dangerous experiences on Snapchat

The top three types of dangerous experiences reported by up to a third of teens were unwanted contact, bullying, and sexually suggestive content and messages. Roughly 1 in 6 respondents said they'd seen content related to hate speech and drugs or alcohol. Smaller percentages of teens confirmed they'd encountered graphic violence and self-harm on the platform.

More than 40 percent of respondents who'd received unwanted messages believed the sender was an adult.

SEE ALSO: What to do when your teen replaces you with a chatbot

Gardner said the survey results contradict Snap's assertion that its safety features prevent strangers from sending minors unsolicited messages.

"These findings directly go against that claim and show that it is absolutely not happening," Gardner said.

Mashable contacted Snap for comment, but didn't receive a response prior to the story's publication.

Last December, the Heat Initiative, which focuses on online safety and corporate accountability, surveyed Snapchat users between the ages of 10 and 17. The advocacy groups Anxious Generation, ParentsTogether Action, and Design It 4 Us partnered with Heat Initiative on the research.

As major social media companies scramble to defend their youth safety record, the survey results illustrate the prevalence of harmful content on one of the most popular platforms in the U.S. In 2024, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel said in Congressional testimony that more than 20 million American teens use Snapchat.

In January, Snap settled a lawsuit brought by a teenager who claimed that Snapchat's design features, like algorithmic recommendations, led to addictive use and mental health harms. Soon after, Snap introduced new parental controls for teens.

A separate poll of teens conducted last fall by the Pew Research Center painted a different picture of Snapchat as a platform that strengthened their friendships and didn't negatively affect their mental health.

How teens handle harmful content on Snapchat

Snapchat's community guidelines prohibit many of the experiences reported by teens in the survey, including the sale and glorification of illicit drugs, the depiction of graphic violence, hate speech, and bullying.

Forty-four percent of survey respondents said they had not seen unsafe content or messages in the past year.

Two in 5 of teens who did responded by closing the app or ignoring the experience, according to the survey. More than half of those who did so said they'd grown "used to it."

Gardner told Mashable that she finds it "alarming" that so many minors have become desensitized to these encounters.

"Right now, Snap is putting the onus on the kids themselves to navigate a minefield of unwanted content," Gardner said. "What you see in the poll is that kids have sort of succumbed to it."

While Snapchat allows users to block and report content they deem harmful or unsafe, teens were far more likely to block a user than report them to the platform. Past research conducted by the nonprofit organization Thorn has found that minors typically prefer to block instead of report a user after a harmful online experience.

Dr. Mitch Prinstein, co-director of the Winston Center on Technology and Brain Development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told Mashable that the survey should be a wake-up call for parents.

"It’s really important for parents to know that kids’ social media looks very different from their own," said Prinstein. "The survey tells us what kids have been informally telling us about for a long time: social media is not simply a safe place to hang out with friends."

Prinstein has served as a witness in cases against Meta and other social media companies, though not Snap. He was not involved in the Heat Initiative's research.

Adults may be contacting teens on Snapchat

Dr. Brian Levine, director of the UMass Cybersecurity Institute, told Mashable that the survey results are concerning but not surprising, provided the research sampled a representative set of teens who use the platform.

Levine, who has consulted for The Heat Initiative in the past but was not involved in the new survey, said that it's questionable for major social media platforms to recommend adults and children to each other via an algorithm.

Levine, an expert in preventing child exploitation who has testified for the state in New Mexico's child safety case against Meta, argued that Snapchat could do more to prevent adults from mixing with teens.

Snapchat says it makes all accounts private by default and that users can only communicate with mutually accepted friends or people in their contacts. Users may, however, need to manually turn off showing up in the platform's "Find Friends" feature. One in 6 survey respondents said that the feature recommended accounts of strangers that appeared to be run by adults.

"Nobody's looking for a perfect score here," Levine said. But, he added, "where else in society do we liberally mix kids and adults in an algorithmic way?"

Levine said platforms can generally improve youth safety by enacting policies and practices like high-quality age assurance, providing end-to-end message encryption for adults only, and prohibiting children from connecting to their service through a virtual private network.

He also questioned Snapchat's specific design features, including vanishing messages, which prevent minors, parents, and authorities from gathering evidence in cases of sexual exploitation and sextortion: "To erase all the messages – is that really the safest product for children?"

Grab a $100 Nordstrom Rack gift card and get a $15 Best Buy gift card

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:35

BUY $100 GIFT CARD, GET $15 BEST BUY GIFT CARD: As of June 3, buy a $100 Nordstrom Rack gift card at Best Buy and get a $15 Best Buy gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon $100 Nordstrom Rack gift card + $15 Best Buy gift card $100 at Best Buy
  Get Deal

Planning on getting some shopping done? Nordstrom Rack has tons of goodies to choose from, with a wide variety of your favorite brands at discounted prices. A $100 gift card for you or someone else is a great investment. But you know what's even better? Buying a gift card and getting one back. That's exactly what you'll get with this Best Buy deal, which basically is giving you money in return to go on a shopping spree at Nordstrom Rack.

As of June 3, buy a $100 Nordstrom Rack gift card at Best Buy and get a $15 Best Buy gift card. You'll get it in the form of an e-gift card, and it'll be sent out when your order is fulfilled or when you pick it up in-store. All you need to do is provide your email address, which you'll need to do anyway for a Best Buy online order, and you'll be set. You'll have to look out for an email to respond to confirm your gift card, and that has to be done within 60 days.

SEE ALSO: Set up a deal alert with Alexa and you'll automatically be entered to win a $1,000 Amazon gift card

You can use the Nordstrom Rack gift card in-store and online and at Nordstrom itself, Nordstrom Rack, and HauteLook. As far as your Best Buy gift card, it works just like a normal one would, so you can use it to take some cash off of a purchase or give it to someone else if you're feeling generous.

This is a great way to get a bit of cash back for just doing regular shopping, so if you're already buying a gift card, it's a good idea to go ahead and grab one (or two) for gifting.

Get the PlayStation DualSense controller (midnight black) for $54 at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:32

SAVE 28%: As of June 3, you can get the PlayStation DualSense wireless controller in Midnight Black for just $54 at Amazon, down from $74.99. That's a 28% discount or $20.99 savings.

PlayStation DualSense wireless controller $54 at Amazon
$74.99 Save $20.99   Get Deal at Amazon

I know we're still a few weeks out from Prime Day (starting June 23), but Amazon's throwing out early discounts left and right. And if you're looking for a new PS5 controller, now's the time to get one.

SEE ALSO: Surprise, surprise: Target Circle Deal Days will go head to head with Amazon Prime Day this year

As of June 3, you can get the PlayStation DualSense wireless controller in Midnight Black for just $54 at Amazon, down from $74.99. That's a 28% discount or $20.99 savings. It's also the lowest price we've seen this controller go for since last December.

This controller comes with features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, plus a built-in mic and a headphone jack, so you can chat with your friends. You also don't need a console to use it; you can connect the DualSense controller to a PC, Mac, or phone using Bluetooth or a USB-C cord. (The controller doesn't come with a cable, so you'll have to use one you already have at home.)

There’s a "deal selling fast" badge right on the listing, and I believe it. Over 10,000 people have bought one in the past month alone. So if you need an extra controller or just want to replace a busted one, you might want to jump on this deal before it's gone.

Sonys WH-CH520 headphones are only $38 at Amazon right now

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:16

SAVE 46%: As of June 3, you can get the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones for $38 at Amazon, down from $69.99. That's a 46% discount or $31.99 savings.

Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones $38 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $31.99   Get Deal at Amazon

With Prime Day right around the corner (can you believe it's that time of year again?), Amazon's getting customers ready with Early Prime Day deals — there's a little tab for it and everything.

SEE ALSO: Review: The Nothing Headphone (a) are the best headphones from the brand yet

One of the best deals I've seen so far is on the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones. These babies will usually cost you around $69.99, but Amazon's selling them for $38 right now. Of course, there's a "deal selling fast" badge on the page, because this is obviously a steal. It's also the lowest price we've ever tracked for these headphones. (If Amazon's already giving us record-low prices, then we can't wait to see what they'll do when the actual sale's here.)

For less than $40, you'll get up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge (if you run out of juice, a quick three-minute charge will get you an extra 90 minutes), hands-free calling, and multi-device connection. They're not noise-canceling, but for $40 and a name like Sony, can you really beat these features?

Keep an eye on your home with 33% off the Eufy Security SoloCam E30

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:09

SAVE $50.01: As of June 3, get the Eufy Security SoloCam E30 for $99.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $149.99. That's a discount of 33%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Eufy Security SoloCam E30 $99.98 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.01   Get Deal

A great security camera is a must if you want to make sure you keep an eye on your home. Whether you want to be able to watch your porch when you're away for people who could steal your packages or just have an idea of who darkens your doorstep, they're a great help when it comes to peace of mind. And if you want a simple option that can help with all those things without breaking the bank, we've found one that's on sale now.

As of June 3, get the Eufy Security SoloCam E30 for $99.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $149.99. That's $50.01 off and a discount of 33%.

SEE ALSO: Readers' Choice: Your favorite smart security cameras

This camera offers 360-degree vision to show you every corner and nook and cranny wherever you place it. Its wide viewing angle makes it a no-brainer for your yard, driveway, porch, or wherever you want an extra pair of eyes. It has 2K footage that offers great image quality as well as a removable solar panel to provide plenty of additional battery power with just two hours of sun daily.

It uses AI motion detection and built-in smart tracking to keep an eye on people, cars, pets, and other security events to keep the false alerts to a minimum. And perhaps the most important part of all is the fact that it doesn't require a monthly fee to use. You can simply insert a microSD card to record all your footage and save it locally.

If you need a security camera with all the bells and whistles of a more expensive option, this one is it. Just be sure to grab it while it's on sale.

The Heated Rivalry Fleece is finally here, and it costs $257 USD

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:03

PREORDERS ARE LIVE: Hurry to snag a limited-edition Heated Rivalry Fleece from Province of Canada for $257. The brand expects to ship all orders between Oct. 1 and 15. Preorders are limited to one Fleece per order.

Opens in a new window Credit: Province of Canada 'Heated Rivalry' fleece $257 at Province of Canada
  Pre-order Here

We've been waiting for this moment. The Heated Rivalry Fleece is finally here, and we're gonna wear it to the cottage every day. Here's what you need to know.

Preorders for the Heated Rivalry Fleece went live at Province of Canada at noon E.T. on June 3. The Fleece is selling for $257 USD ($356 CAD), and the shipping fee to the U.S. is set at $25 CAD, which works out to about $18 USD. Orders are limited to one fleece per customer; however, more than one order can ship to the same address.

SEE ALSO: 'Heated Rivalry' Season 1 is officially coming to DVD. Here's how to preorder.

Keep in mind that Fleeces are not eligible for return or exchange. At the time of preorder, there are no additional duties, taxes, or tariffs on products shipped from Canada to the U.S. However, that could change between now and the expected shipping date in October.

Yes, the price is steep, but for some people, it's well worth the investment. The Fleece was designed and made in Canada, in collaboration with Heated Rivalry costume designer Hanna Puley. The outer sherpa fleece material contains wool and recycled polyester, while the inner is lined in a cotton fabric for extra comfort and breathability. The zipper pulls say "Heated Rivalry," while the back features the iconic "Canada" black lettering.

View this post on Instagram

Sizes range from XS to 5XL, and you can check out the size chart here to make sure you get the perfect fit.

Happy shopping, loons!

Our favorite budget headphones with noise cancellation are back under $50

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:50

SAVE $30: As of June 3, the Mashable-approved JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones are down to just $49.95 at Amazon in several color options. That's 38% off their list price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones $49.95
$79.99 Save $30.04   Get Deal

For headphones you've probably never heard of, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC have earned quite a few accolades from Mashable's shopping team. Not only did we crown them the best budget headphones for students and the best noise-cancelling budget pick for flying, but also the best budget headphones overall in 2026. In other words, if you want a solid pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones that won't break the bank, our vote goes to the JBuds Lux ANC — particularly when they're on sale.

As of June 3, the Mashable-approved JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones are down to only $49.95 at Amazon in sage green, mauve, cloud white, and graphite. That's $30 or 38% off their list price of $79.99. There's a good chance we'll see an even better price drop come Prime Day (June 23-26), but if you don't feel like waiting, this discount is pretty dang good.

So, what makes these headphones stand out amongst the rest?

"They have functional ANC, decent comfort, great sound balance, and a killer battery life, all with a design that doesn't feel overtly budget-friendly," according to Bethany Allard, one of Mashable's headphones experts. While they won't completely silence the world around you like high-dollar headphones, they can certainly take the edge off in a loud environment.

Allard adds that you'll probably want to play around with the EQ to find the preset or settings that sound best to you. But once you do, you'll be wowed.

They may not be the crème de la crème of noise-cancelling headphones, but the JLab JBuds Lux ANC will have you feeling like you're balling on a budget. They're hard to beat even at full price, but we certainly won't complain about a $30 discount.

HGTV hive, rise up: The best Shark robot vacuum and cordless stick vacuum just dropped in 4 earth tones

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:46
Shop the Shark Luxe Home collection Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty — Luxe Collection $499.99 Shop Now Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 — Luxe Collection $1,299.99 Shop Now

Shark just realized something that other vacuum brands haven't really realized before: Vacuums are allowed to be a color other than black or white.

Announced June 3, the Shark Home Luxe collection features the top Shark robot vacuum and the top Shark cordless vacuum in four chic earth tones. "As robot vacuums and cordless systems become a more visible part of everyday living, consumers are increasingly looking for products that feel more cohesive with their spaces instead of something they want to hide away," the press release stated.

I couldn't feel more seen. I can't remember the last time I reviewed a robot vacuum or cordless vacuum and didn't consider their curb appeal. Living in an apartment with limited floor space, any big, fancy self-emptying vacuum has to be set up in the main living space where it'll be seen every day.

Green velvet couch community, meet sage green vacuum Credit: Shark Credit: Shark

The decision to shift to fun colors seems like a simple one, but I learned during a briefing that the Luxe collection's design process was actually quite complex.

Shark's design team was inspired by elements of nature that are already reflected in our homes through furniture, floors, and walls. The greens aren't just green, they're "sagewood" or "evergreen." Brown and tan? More like "espresso" and "oatstone." Whether your decor style is modern, rustic, boho, or some eclectic mix that only you can accurately describe, the Luxe Home collection has a color you'll vibe with.

SEE ALSO: Comparing the best art TVs: How to decide between The Frame and its growing list of competitors

Past the color palette, the design team used ribbed textures, metallic details, and satin finishes to maximize the general visual interest of each vacuum. The goal was to add a touch of natural luxury to the muted organic hues that were chosen — and to get far, far away from the utilitarian slab of technology that we've been forced to accept in our vacuums for years.

Most surprisingly, both Luxe collections are priced identically to their "regular" counterparts: The Luxe Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty costs $499.99, and the Luxe Shark UV Reveal robot vacuum costs $1,299.99. Let's explore your options.

Shark PowerDetect Speed The Shark Luxe Home PowerDetect Speed comes in Walnut, Oatstone, Sagewood, and Harbor Slate.  Credit: Shark

Just released in April 2026, the Shark PowerDetect Speed is Shark's newest cordless stick vacuum. The Speed harnesses some of Shark's most heavy-duty suction power to date, contained in a body that's more than a pound lighter than the previous version of the Shark PowerDetect.

The first PowerDetect vacuum has been my go-to recommendation for pet hair for nearly two years. Now that I have the sagewood version of the PowerDetect Speed at home for testing, I already have a feeling that this will be my new stick vacuum to hype for carpets. Suction is so strong that you can feel the brush rolls digging into carpet fibers, but with carefully-designed airflow that's still easy to push across a rug.

The PowerDetect Speed charges on the included self-empty station. Credit: Shark The PowerDetect Speed's wand has a hinge for easier cleaning under furniture. Credit: Shark

Since the vacuum empties itself every time you put it back on the dock, you're starting each new cleaning session with an empty dustbin — you'll be able to see proof of exactly how much gray fluff was pulled from just the room at hand.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty — Luxe Collection $499.99 at SharkNinja
"Sagewood" is exclusive to sharkninja.com. Shop Now Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 robot vacuum The Luxe Home UV Reveal robot vacuum is available in Espresso, Evergreen, Deep Harbor, and Ivory.  Credit: Shark

The Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal robot vacuum is one of the most innovative robot vacuum and mop combos of 2026 so far, and is easily the best Shark robot vacuum of, well, ever.

During each cleaning mission, this Shark bot repeatedly scans hard floors with a UV light to find any invisible stains that you'd otherwise miss. If something's detected, the UV Reveal kicks into hardcore spot cleaning mode. That involves scrubbing from multiple angles with 1,000 sonic vibrations per minute.

In my testing, the UV Reveal stumbled across hidden dried puddles on multiple occasions (one was cat puke runoff that wasn't cleaned up well, one was just the sticky liquid that always forms near the cat food and water bowls). I didn't know they were there, and neither did the AI stain detection cameras of the other high-end robot vacuums I was testing. It's a pretty mesmerizing process to watch, NGL — and after seeing the time spent on mopping each dirty area, I can confirm that my hardwood felt quite sanitary once the UV Reveal was done.

The monochrome ivory design feels less sterile than straight-up white. Credit: Shark Gold accents elegantly tie the dock and vacuum together. Credit: Shark

As Mashable's resident vacuum reviewer, there are three to seven robot vacuums under my roof at all times. I'm all too familiar with the plasticky black, white, or gray (if the brand was really feeling kooky) docks that cheapen the curation of my cozy jewel-toned living room. During a briefing about the Luxe Home launch, one Shark designer was really speaking my language: "Robot vacuums have been black and white discs for so long, and we're doing consumers such a disservice by not giving them options that fit their life," he said. "There are a lot of opportunities to add delight in areas [cleaning] that people hadn't expected."

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop — Luxe Collection $1,299.99 at SharkNinja
"Evergreen" is exclusive to sharkninja.com. Shop Now

The Google Fitbit Ace Kids is on sale for under $100 to help kids stay on track this summer

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:37

SAVE $80: The Google Fitbit Ace kids smartwatch is on sale at Amazon for $99.95, down from the list price of $179.95. That's a 44% discount that matches the best price we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Fitbit Ace $99.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $80.00   Get Deal

Now that we're in the beginning of June, the kids are wrapping up the school year in most areas of the country. If not, they're already sitting around the house asking how much screen time is allowed today. If you're hunting for a fun end-of-the-school year gift that doubles as incentive to stay active this summer, Amazon has the perfect deal.

As of June 3, the Google Fitbit Ace kids smartwatch is on sale at Amazon for $99.95, marked down from the list price of $179.95. That's a 44% discount that takes a hefty $80 off the price. It also matches the best price we've seen at Amazon.

The Fitbit Ace comes with great features we've come to love on fitness trackers that double as smartwatches, but aimed for kids. It comes with fun incentives to keep kids achieving daily quests like reaching their move goal. The "Noodle" on the perimeter of the watch face is a fun way for kids to quickly glance at the day's goals. Daily quests include activities like reaching a step count. You can also set monthly family quests.

SEE ALSO: Fitbit Air reviews: Is it time for a fitness tracker upgrade?

The Fitbit Ace can accommodate messages and calls from up to 20 contacts, for those who are ages 13 and up. Teens can also join a family group chat. When the kids go back to school at the end of summer, you can limit gameplay during school hours while still allowing kids to get in touch should they need to.

To help kids stay on a healthy routine this summer, snag the Google Fitbit Ace kids smartwatch at Amazon for under $100. It'll be a fun activity for kids while giving parents peace of mind they can always get in touch.

Google will allow websites to opt out of AI overviews

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:26

Google is giving website owners the ability to opt out of having their content appear in AI-powered search features, the company announced today. It's a notable concession from the search giant, which has faced mounting pressure from publishers and European regulators over declining traffic and AI search tools.

"[We're] actively listening to feedback from publishers and creators, and engaging with regulators like the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority to ensure website owners have the right tools as user preferences evolve, reads a Google blog post. "Today, we're beginning to test a new control that lets website owners manage how their links and content appear in generative AI Search features."

According to the blog post, a new toggle in Google Search Console will let site owners control whether their content appears in AI Overviews, AI Mode, and AI Overviews in Google Discover. Site owners who opt out won't have their content used to inform AI responses, but they also won't receive any traffic or impressions from those features. Google was also explicit that the opt-out will not affect how sites rank in traditional search results.

SEE ALSO: How often does Gemini 3.5 Flash hallucinate or lie? Google isn't saying.

The company is also rolling out new Search Console insights that show publishers how their pages are performing in AI search features, including impression data and which pages are surfacing in AI responses and in which countries. Both the opt-out control and the new analytics are launching first to a subset of UK website owners before a broader global rollout.

The announcement is a response to pressure that has been building for some time. The Wall Street Journal reported last year that organic search traffic to major publishers had fallen dramatically since Google began rolling out AI features, which have persistent issues with accuracy, hallucinations, and spelling. Google has pushed back on that framing, arguing in today's post that users of AI Overviews and AI Mode are searching more often and are more satisfied with search overall.

The company also says it has increased the number of links in AI responses, added website previews to encourage clickthroughs, and recently introduced a Preferred Sources feature that lets users choose which sites appear more prominently in AI results.

The opt-out announcement lands weeks after Google's I/O 2026 developer conference, where the company unveiled an aggressive expansion of its AI search ambitions. New Search agents that monitor the web around the clock on users' behalf, a conversational follow-up feature for AI Overviews, and a redesigned AI Search Box — the biggest update to Google's search bar in over 25 years — were among the announcements that signaled how central AI has become to Google's vision for search.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Surprise, surprise: Target Circle Deal Days will go head to head with Amazon Prime Day this year

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:13

To continue the tradition of retailers going head to head with Amazon during major sale events, Target just announced its competing Prime Day sale for 2026: Target Circle Deal Days. While the retailer typically outlasts Prime Day with a Circle Week event, this year's Deal Days sale directly overlaps Amazon's now four-day shopping extravaganza from June 23 through 26.

Like Amazon's members-only sale, Target's Deal Days sale event is designed to reward members of the Target Circle loyalty program with exclusive access to seasonal savings. Unlike Amazon, however, Target Circle is totally free to join.

If past sales are any indicator, we expect deals to cover just about every category during the event and we expect Target to elevate the shopping experience with plenty of rewards. Here's a breakdown of everything we know about the Deal Days sale so far.

When is Target Circle Deal Days?

Target will go head to head with Amazon Prime Day 2026 with its Deal Days event running from June 23 through 26. While the sale is open to all Target Circle members, paid Target Circle 360 members will get early access beginning June 22.

How to sign up for Target Circle membership

As I mentioned before, Target Circle is completely free to join, though there is a paid membership tier as well that unlocks same-day delivery (for orders over $35), free two-day shipping, 120-day returns, and exclusive monthly gifts and discounts.

If you're not a member yet, we recommend waiting until June 14 to sign up. According to a company press release, customers who sign up between June 14 and 22 will be rewarded.

Here's a breakdown of the new member offers:

  • Customers who join Target Circle June 14–22 will get 15% off their first purchase.

  • Customers who apply for a Target Circle Card between June 14–26 (and are approved) will get $100 in Target Circle Rewards

  • Customers who join Target Circle 360 with an annual membership June 14–26 will receive 50% off their first year

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Sign up for Target Circle Free to join Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Target Sign up for Target Circle 360 $99/year Get Deal Best deals to shop during Target Circle Deal Days

Target Circle Deal Days will showcase deals up to 45% off on everything from kitchen gadgets to outdoor gear to back-to-school essentials.

"Busy families are looking for ways to save money as they balance summer plans with back-to-school and college prep," Target's executive vice president Sarah Travis says in a press release. "We're meeting that need without compromising on the style and fun we know they love about Target." In other words, expect top brands and trendy products to get the deal treatment.

While we won't know specifics until the sale nears, Target has provided an overview of some of the best deals we can expect.

Best four-day offers for Circle members
  • Up to 45% off select kitchen items including Cuisinart, Keurig and Ninja

  • Up to 45% off select floorcare including Bissell, Hoover and Sharper Image

  • 40% off back-to-school and college essentials including: JanSport backpacks, Casaluna and Threshold bedding and bath items, select writing tools from BIC, Expo, Paper Mate and Sharpie

  • 40% off select women's clothing including A New Day and Universal Thread

  • 40% off select beauty items, including Hot Tools, KISS and Revlon

  • 40% off Sun Squad outdoor gear and coolers

Deal of the Day

Throughout the four-day sale, one-day-only offers will pop up each day. Some of those include 40% off or more on select items from national brands like Igloo, Sun Bum, Crocs, Goodfellow, Pillowfort, and more.

Exclusive Target Circle member in-store offer

If you're a Circle member and choose to shop in stores on June 23 (the first day of the Deal Days event), you'll be rewarded with a free hot or iced brewed coffee or Bullseye cookie in stores with a Starbucks coffeehouse. To redeem yours, just scan the barcode in the Wallet tab of your Target app at the Starbucks checkout.

10 strangest things found in Ubers in the past year

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:10

Have you ever lost anything in an Uber vehicle before? If so, it was probably something normal, like a phone. Some people were not so lucky.

Uber published its 10th annual Lost & Found index on its website this week, highlighting some of the most unusual things people left in cars over the past year, while acknowledging some wider trends along the way. Uber's list of most unusual objects left in cars is pretty long, so we figured we would curate our 10 favorites for you. Here's what we came up with, in no particular order:

  • Grass

  • Dentures with two teeth

  • Two wedding gowns

  • Ankle monitor

  • Brand new mini fridge

  • Package of live butterflies

  • Police radio

  • Live fish

  • Donny Osmond group photo

  • Handcuffs

SEE ALSO: Claude can now connect with Spotify, Uber, and a lot more apps

For at least a couple of those, you can sort of rationalize how they might have gotten left in an Uber. For example, I can easily see some forgetful person loading up a new mini fridge for transport and then just departing the car without grabbing it. Live butterflies and a live fish are a little harder to explain, though, as are the two wedding gowns. I could understand someone leaving one wedding gown in a car, but two is a bit bizarre.

Uber also published a list of the top 10 most commonly forgotten items, which is entirely more understandable. It includes phones, wallets, luggage, keys, and headphones, among other things you'd definitely expect people to leave in a car. New York City also ranked as the most forgetful city in the U.S., which is just another metric by which it is the number one city in the country. (Editor's note: Go Knicks.)

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Audible Rewards is here, providing major perks to audiobook lovers

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 11:03

Audiobook listeners are a passionate crowd, and they deserve all the rewards too. While Kindle users get to enjoy the benefits of Kindle Rewards, it's about time that Audible users get the same. Following the buzz of its Audible Story House, the brand has now launched Audible Rewards, a program that pays you back the more you read.

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“Audible Rewards is built to meet our listeners where they are by rewarding consistent listening, encouraging content discovery, and delivering real value that grows the more you listen,” said Cynthia Chu, Chief Financial & Growth Officer at Audible.

With Spotify providing free audiobook credits to premium users each month, Audible may be leveraging the new rewards program as a way to entice new and existing users. But how does the new rewards system work? Here's everything you need to know about Audible Rewards.

How Audible Rewards Works

There are several different ways to earn while you listen. Plus, it rewards members who have been listening to Audible for years. Members who enroll within the first six months of the Audible Rewards receive a discount toward a future title. But then once you're in the program here's how to earn:

  • Listening Day Rewards: Listen for at least five minutes a day to accumulate listening days and unlock milestones with discount rewards redeemable toward future listens. Customers can listen at their own pace, and days don't need to be consecutive. 

  • Spend 3 Credits, Get 1 Free: A credit promotion that rewards members for stocking up on titles.

  • Refer 3 Friends, Get $15: Members earn a $15 reward for every three friends they refer to Audible. New customers with a referral also receive a $5 reward.

  • Anniversary Gift: Every 12 months, Audible celebrates members' listening with a free credit or voucher as a thank-you for another year of great stories.

  • Multi-Title Challenge: Listen to 3, 4, or 5 titles within four months to earn an achievement badge reflecting your commitment: Engaged, Enthusiastic, or Dedicated.

  • Listening Challenges: At launch, Audible Rewards will include a Harry Potter series challenge where listeners who complete all seven audiobooks in Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions will earn an exclusive badge that lives in their achievement collection, with fan-based challenges for additional titles to come. 

It's important to note that rewards status is contingent on continued Audible membership, however, you can pause membership up to 90 days, which maintains your accumulated rewards.

The program is now available to users across the United States. To track your rewards, members can visit the Rewards Hub on the Audible app and website.

Skip the lines: How to see the new Spider-Man movie two days before everyone else

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 10:37

TL;DR: Amazon Prime members can buy tickets to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day, two days before its official theatrical release.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Pictures See 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' two days early   Learn More

There are so many perks included in an Amazon Prime Membership, like cheaper gas, prescription discounts, and free shipping, but did you know that as a Prime member, you can also get early access to see select movies in theaters before they even come out?

Earlier this week, Amazon announced that all Prime members in the United States will get the chance to see Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day in select theaters on July 29 — two days before the general public release on July 31.

SEE ALSO: Are you 18 to 24? You can get 6 months of Amazon Prime for 0 dollars.

All you have to do to secure your spot is visit Amazon's Spider-Man: Brand New Day landing page and sign up for alerts to get updates on when tickets will go on sale via Fandango.

If you don't have a Prime Membership, you can sign up for a 30-day trial for free (though if you're doing that to get the tickets, you may want to hold off until they're actually available to purchase). Also, Amazon Prime Day is right around the corner from June 23 to June 26, so you'll get the best deals then, too! A standard Prime Membership is $14.99 per month or $139 per year, and you can cancel anytime.

The company hasn't mentioned whether or not those tickets will be discounted, but it definitely pays to sign up just to see it early and avoid a weekend full of internet spoilers.

Get pocket-sized professional audio with the DJI Mic Mini under $50

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 10:29

SAVE $14: As of June 3, get the DJI Mic Mini (1TX + 1RX) for $45 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $59. That's a discount of 24%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mic Mini (1TX + 1RX) $45 at Amazon
$59 Save $14   Get Deal

Whether you're a content creator or just recording footage of you or your friends, great audio matters. That's why an external mic is an important part of recording. If you're looking for the perfect one that'll sound great without costing you an arm and a leg, DJI's viral microphone is a fantastic choice, and it's on sale for under $50 right now.

As of June 3, get the DJI Mic Mini (1TX + 1RX) for $45 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $59. That's $14 off and a discount of 24%.

SEE ALSO: The Mashable 101: The creators defining the internet in 2026

This popular mic is famous for a reason. It comes with one transmitter and one receiver, and it's perfect for just about any of your audio needs while creating content. It offers excellent audio and several features, including a charging dock, windscreen, clip magnet, carrying pouch, USB-C mobile phone adapter, and more, all for under $50. That's everything you need to start recording with a minimalistic, perfectly portable setup.

Mashable's Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard praised the DJI Mic Mini as "one of the best upgrades for content creators", highlighting its generous noise cancellation features and "crisp and clear" audio. It can shine in several situations, most notably when dealing with outside noise that could interfere, effortlessly offering clear recordings that mean you don't have to mess about with redos.

Whether you need a mic for your personal content or making professional recordings, this is your most affordable and best bet, especially now that it's currently under $50.

Bumble set to launch paid IRL date feature

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 10:27

Dating app Bumble is apparently launching a paid group-date feature soon, Business Insider reported.

The feature, called Plans, will launch in New York and require users to pay a flat fee to RSVP to an IRL "Plan" — a small IRL gathering. Bumble users can also invite a plus-one, who will also have to pay the fee, according to Business Insider.

SEE ALSO: The big question LGBTQ daters are asking, according to Hinge

After users attend, they'll be asked if they liked any other participants, and then they can match from there.

Business Insider also noted a new Instagram account, @plansbybumble, which is currently private.

The news comes weeks after Bumble founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd announced that Bumble is killing the swipe feature and promising a new experience. In recent earnings calls, Wolfe Herd has discussed a new AI-powered Bumble akin to an assistant and matchmaker — which led to backlash from users online.

While the app is becoming more AI-forward, the company is also investing more in IRL events. It's hosting several meetups in New York City this summer, for example. Plans also isn't the app's first foray into helping users make the leap from screen to scene. In 2017, the app launched an IRL hub called The Hive, and it hosted other singles events in 2022.

Bumble's revenue and paying users are down year over year, according to its latest earnings report, so it's no surprise it's trying multiple tactics to try to win users back.

Recently, Tinder launched a similar Double Date Mode that lets users invite friends to group dates. (Though that doesn't cost extra.) It's also adding more AI features, including its own AI matchmaker, Chemistry. Tinder has also had some financial losses recently, but its latest earnings report indicated that the decline may be slowing.

Mashable has reached out to Bumble for comment.

Act quickly: The 15-inch LG Gram Book is under $550 at Best Buy

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 10:25

SAVE $150: The 15-inch LG Gram Book (8GB, 512GB SSD) is on sale at Best Buy for $549.99, down from the normal price of $699.99. That's a 23% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG 15-inch LG Gram Book (8GB, 512GB SSD) $549.99 at Best Buy
$699.99 Save $150   Get Deal

We've all watched tech (and storage) prices go wild this year. The problem is, we still need that tech to function in everyday life. If you're in need of a fresh laptop but don't feel like spending six digits, check out this limited-time offer from Best Buy.

For the rest of June 3, the 15-inch LG Gram Book (8GB, 512GB SSD) is on sale at Best Buy for $549.99, marked down from the normal price of $699.99. That's a 23% discount that takes a hefty $150 off the price.

Equipped with the new Intel Core Ultra 5 Series 1 processor, the LG Gram is a great option if you're looking to go ultra-lightweight. This 15-inch model weighs just 3.74 pounds with a 0.76-inch thickness. That makes this an ideal model for travel or for college students taking a laptop to classes.

Keep in mind this model with 8GB RAM doesn't have a ton of internal memory, so it'll be best for simple tasks like web browsing, emails, or streaming shows.

SEE ALSO: The giant 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 gaming monitor is on sale for $600 off

LG added an anti-glare screen to help with easy viewing and it gets up to 300 nits of brightness. There's also a built-in shutter closure for when you're not on video chats. Unlike some modern laptops, the LG includes all the ports you'd want: two USB-C, a headphone jack, and an HDMI.

For those in need of a laptop that's lightweight and affordable, it doesn't get more attractive than this Best Buy deal. But don't think for too long because the 15-inch LG Gram Book is only available for $549.99 for a handful of hours.

How to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli online for free

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 09:00

TL;DR: Live stream Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli in the 2026 French Open for free on France TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

After the highly eventful early rounds at the 2026 French Open — which saw shocking exits of No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 3 Novak Djokovic at the hands of underdog opponents — the action seemed to settle with yesterday's quarter final, as No. 2 Alexander Zverev powered through Rafael Jodar in straight sets.

Zverev is the favorite to win the whole tournament but just behind him is No. 4 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who now faces No. 10 Flavio Cobolli in the quarter finals.

Cobolli, a 24-year-old Italian, has looked dominant so far, and will prove tricky competition for French-Canadian Auger-Aliassime. It should be a fast and furious contest between two in-form opponents.

If you want to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli for free

Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on France TV.

France TV is geo-restricted to France, 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 France, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for 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 France

  4. Connect to France TV

  5. Watch the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Roland-Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2026 French Open 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 sport?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live 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

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Auger-Aliassime vs. Cobolli in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

European Union Outlines Plan to Reduce Dependence on American Tech

NYT Technology - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 08:21
The 27-nation European Union outlined how it hopes to expand the region’s data centers, semiconductors and cloud computing capabilities.

Why wait for Prime Day? The Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are $30 off right now at Amazon.

Mashable - Wed, 06/03/2026 - 08:04

SAVE $30: As of June 3, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are back to their lowest price yet at Amazon for $149.99. This is $30 off their full price of $179.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker $149.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $30   Get Deal

The Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro is a pretty special pair of earbuds. Not only are they open earbuds, allowing for more awareness of your surroundings while listening, but they also have noise-canceling features. Mashable's Bethany Allard said they're "the answer for people who can't decide between open and noise-canceling earbuds" in her review. If they've been on your radar, they're actually on sale right now at Amazon.

As of June 3, every color of the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are discounted to $149.99 at Amazon. This saves you $30 off their full price of $179.99 and marks a return to their lowest price at the retailer so far. Ahead of Prime Day, this is a great deal to take advantage of.

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Allard highlights in her review of the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro that if you're someone who's "interested in open earbuds, not quite ready to give up ANC buds altogether, and can't reasonably see themselves carrying around two pairs of earbuds, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pros are the best option available." However, she does mention that "you make some concessions: the ANC won't be the best, and you're locked into an ear hook design."

Alongside its dual listening modes, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pros offer a battery life that lasts up to seven hours on a charge in Open-Ear mode or five hours in ANC mode. That's a good amount of time to work with, and it'll last you through a workout or a commute for the day. Of course, those times can be pushed up further with the charging case as well (up to 34 hours in Open-Ear mode or 24 hours in ANC).

On top of all that, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds have even landed on our list of the best open earbuds. So, why not scoop them up while they're still on sale at Amazon?

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