WHO joins TikTok to deliver science-based health info
Since the pandemic, there has been a surge in people seeking health information online. This has led to an increase in misinformation, however, leaving many overwhelmed as they navigate online medical guidance. To help tackle this growing issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) have announced a collaboration with TikTok...
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Scientists finally understand why people with schizophrenia hear voices
According to new research – which represents a ‘paradigm shift’ for mental health disorders – the way people experience auditory verbal hallucinations isn’t that different from the way humans hear external sounds. For decades, scientists have been endeavouring to understand why people with schizophrenia (which affects
The life-threatening ‘Chroming’ challenge spreading on TikTok
The challenge involving inhaling toxic fumes has gained popularity among the younger generations, raising serious health concerns among health professionals and parents. Adolescents' use of social media has left older generations, including the oldest members of Generation Z, baffled. Although every generation has encountered unsettling trends, the rise of social media...
Sweden says children under 2 should have zero screen time
Swedish health authorities have issued new recommendations to restrict screen time for young people. Sweden has made a firm statement in the ongoing debate over children and screens: for kids under two, there should be no screen time. At all. Health authorities have issued new recommendations for parents regarding screen time...
Starlink access approved for areas hit by Hurricane Helene
Elon Musk’s gaggle of internet satellites is currently providing connectivity to areas affected by Hurricane Helene. This is what the tech tycoon had always envisioned for Starlink. You can argue whether Elon Musk’s Starlink project is borne of altruism or primarily of self-gain, but there’s no denying the project’s original...
The impact of Grindr on gay men’s mental health
In the digital age, it’s assumed that dating has never been easier. Yet as the LGBTQ+ community increasingly finds itself struggling to navigate the complex landscape of these apps, many are beginning to question the psychological toll of platforms offering instant gratification. Grindr, with its three million daily active users,...
Exclusive – how Epowar is keeping British women safe
It’s common knowledge that misogynistic violence is an ever-worsening issue across the UK and that local authorities aren’t doing nearly enough to protect us from it. We spoke to Erin-Jane Roodt, who’s designed an innovative new app that enables us to feel less vulnerable, live our lives without fear, and, in worst-case scenarios, bring our attackers to justice. For women, it’s a no brainer: a strange man is undeniably...
TikTok seals deal with Amazon to make in-app shopping even easier
The popular video sharing app will now integrate shoppable ‘Buy with Prime’ ads directly in the TikTok app, complete with real-time delivery estimates. This new development comes as US lawmakers get closer to banning the platform. Have you ever bought something on TikTok Shop? If you haven’t, it’s likely you’ll be tempted to do so in the near future. Despite its reputation as a video-sharing app, it’s clear that users have...
A look at the explosion of gaming across Africa
The African gaming market has been experiencing unprecedented growth over the past decade, rapidly approaching $1 billion in annual revenue. This remarkable rise reflects the continent's evolving digital landscape, where young people are tapping into gaming not just as a form of entertainment but also as a source of livelihood. The rapid expansion of the gaming industry can be attributed to the proliferation of affordable smartphones, increased internet access,...
Facebook algorithm under fire for blocking wildfire posts
The platform has faced criticism for blocking multiple emergency posts relating to United States wildfires. Facebook has recently found itself in the line of fire – and not for spreading misinformation or political propaganda, but for blocking emergency warnings. As wildfires spread across Northern California this month, individuals took to social media to share updates and concerned messages with friends and family. This kind of digital hand holding has become a common...
