Robotic dogs and laughter therapy: Combating loneliness and isolation while social distancing
Robotic dogs, laughter therapy and mindfulness are some of the ways that might help people -- particularly the elderly -- cope with loneliness and social isolation while social distancing, say researchers......»»
iPhone 16 Pro Max beats all the competition in intensive robotic battery life test
The continues to make headlines, with Apple firmly having the best performance and longest battery life smartphone this year. In PhoneBuff’s test, the 16 Pro Max went head-to-head with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in a test involving a variety.....»»
‘Croissant’ for iOS enables seamless cross-posting across your favorite social networks
In an age of more social networks than ever, managing your content across all of them can be pretty time-consuming. That’s where the incredibly cleverly named “Croissant” app enters the equation. Developed by Ben McCarthy and Aaron Vegh, Croi.....»»
Survey experiment reveals celebrities and politicians could be the "missing link" to mitigate climate change
Psychologists from Cardiff University have uncovered new insights into the role of celebrities and politicians in influencing public opinion on low-carbon lifestyles. The paper is published in the journal Humanities and Social Sciences Communications.....»»
From Moo Deng to Pesto the Penguin, here are the cutest animals taking over our feeds
From Moo Deng to Pesto the Penguin, cute animals are taking over our social media feeds. Here are the animals you need to be following. Cute animals doing funny things have always ruled the internet — some of the first viral sensations, l.....»»
Combating promotion and tenure bias against Black and Hispanic faculty
Black and Hispanic faculty members seeking promotion at research universities face career-damaging biases, with their scholarly production judged more harshly than that of their peers, according to an initiative co-led by the University of California.....»»
"Tough and uncompromising" training capable of transforming social work culture
Described as "tough and uncompromising", Grit Breakthrough Programs uses intensive group workshops and individual coaching to challenge assumptions, attitudes, and expectations, with the aim of helping participants break through self-imposed limitati.....»»
iPhone contact privacy change is good for developers, not bad
Some developers yesterday argued that a change to iPhone contact privacy in iOS 18 made it harder for new social media apps to compete. But I think they’re wrong, and that the more granular privacy control offered in iOS 18 actually makes it mor.....»»
Doctor suggests regulating phones like smoking to curb addiction
As attention around smartphone and social media addiction grows, so does the need to do something about it. One doctor has suggested an extreme action......»»
Study: Conservative users" misinformation sharing drives higher suspension rates, not platform bias
A new paper, "Differences in misinformation sharing can lead to politically asymmetric sanctions," published today in Nature suggests that the higher quantity of social media policy enforcement (such as account suspensions) for conservative users cou.....»»
This iOS 18 privacy change could spell doom for new social apps
iOS 18 is full of big, headline changes like new customization tools, upgrades to Photos, Notes, and Messages, and the forthcoming Apple Intelligence features. But one smaller update is causing a lot of concern for social apps, and it’s a change de.....»»
Do coyotes have puppy dog eyes? New study reveals wild canines share dog"s famous expression
New research from Baylor University reveals that coyotes, like domestic dogs, have the ability to produce the famous "puppy dog eyes" expression. The study—"Coyotes can do 'puppy dog eyes' too: Comparing interspecific variation in Canis facial expr.....»»
How to turn on Voice Isolation with Apple AirPods
If you own an AirPods Pro or AirPods 4, you can now use a new feature that was once only available through Mac, iPhone, and iPad, Voice Isolation......»»
iOS 18.0.1 coming soon with iPhone and iPad bug fixes [Update]
Update October 2, 2024: The release of iOS 18.0.1 is imminent. The information was shared on social media by a private account with a strong track record. The account has previously shared details about upcoming iOS software updates on multiple diffe.....»»
"Who"s a good boy?" Humans use dog-specific voices for better canine comprehension
The voice people use to address their dogs isn't just because of their big puppy eyes. Humans slow their own speech when talking to their dogs, and this slower tempo matches their pets' receptive abilities, allowing the dogs to better understand thei.....»»
Solidarity drives online virality in a nation under attack, study of Ukrainian social media reveals
The first major study of social media behavior during wartime has found that posts celebrating national and cultural unity in a country under attack receive significantly more online engagement than derogatory posts about the aggressors......»»
Corporate social responsibility can boost a company"s bottom line
Can companies do well by doing good? Research in the International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management that has looked at companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) provides a positive answer to that question. The researchers have.....»»
Over half of Americans say lowering health care costs is among most important issues in deciding their presidential pick
Lowering the cost of health care and prescription drug prices and protecting Medicare and Social Security are among the most important issues for Americans in determining their vote for president, according to a new national West Health-Gallup Poll r.....»»
Dungeon-mastering emotions: D&D meets group therapy
Research is ongoing, but therapists are happy with early results. Enlarge (credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images) This year marks the 50th anniversary of the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). A.....»»
Researchers urge governments to enlist emotion when fighting fake news
Real people with relatable stories can help public agencies counter social media disinformation campaigns and "fake news" around issues such as vaccination programs, academic researchers say......»»
New tool can assess elderly dogs" frailty
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a tool that can aid owners and veterinarians in assessing an elderly dog's frailty. The tool—when coupled with simple assessments of body and muscle condition by the veterinarian—can.....»»