With temperatures across parts of the UK hitting 26°C this week,

JISULIFE HANDHELD FAN

This gadget consistently tops Reddit recommendations, and for good reason. When the air is dry and you’re hot and sticky, there’s nothing quite like a cool breeze to bring instant relief. Even if you’re camping off-grid, there are plenty of powerful portable fans available. This handheld model from Jisulife is compact enough to toss in your bag and pull out whenever you need a quick cooldown. For something more substantial, we highly recommend the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Cordless Fan. It features a built-in misting system and boasts an impressive 12-hour battery life, making it a great choice for long days outdoors. T3.com

MAGIC GEL EXTRA LARGE ICE PACK 

This full body ice pack is ideal for keeping cool at night – staying cool for up to 28-minutes, you’ll be able to drift off into a peaceful slumber without feeling too hot and bothered. Not only is it perfect for keeping cool at night, but it’s also great for aches and pains too. Buy now from Amazon. 

THE GULAKI NECK FAN 

Creating a cooling area from the back of your neck to your jawline, the Gulaki neck fan sits comfortably around your neck and produces a refreshing breeze, even in 90-degree-Fahrenheit heat. With impressive battery life and cooling power, it was an easy pick as the best neck fan. The Gulaki fan. You can’t see the fan motors, but vents line the top of the U-shaped fan to emit air. There are three speed settings to choose from, which is standard for neck fans, but this one differentiates itself by emitting less fan noise than others in my testing pool. This is especially true on the third and highest setting. The noise is there, but it’s not overbearing. This fan also has long-lasting battery life that can handle even outdoor excursions or commutes. I ran it on its highest speed setting and clocked five hours and 27 minutes of continuous runtime before it died. CNN

SEA TO SUMMIT POCKET SHOWER

The cooler your body temperature before bed, the better you’ll sleep, and a cold shower can work wonders. If your campsite doesn’t have showers, a portable shower is a smart solution. The Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is a compact and convenient option, cleverly designed as a 10-litre dry bag with a built-in showerhead. It provides a steady flow for 7–8 minutes – just hang it up, twist the nozzle to adjust the water pressure, and enjoy a refreshing rinse. T3.com

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• 31% of children aged 11-16 who use AI chatbots say they feel like the bot is a friend, according to new Vodafone research.
• 86% have acted on advice given by a chatbot. One in three have shared something they wouldn’t tell parents or teachers.
• A digital expert warns parents must treat AI differently from traditional social media – with clearer rules and open conversations.

For years, the conversation around online safety centred on the “stranger danger” of chat rooms. However, a new risk has now emerged: the AI chatbot’s simulated empathy.

New research from Vodafone reveals the scale of this shift. According to its study of 11-16-year-olds, a staggering 81% are now using AI chatbots. Most concerning to experts, however, is the emotional weight these interactions carry.

Nearly a third (31%) of these young users feel the bot is an actual friend and 33% have shared secrets with an AI that they wouldn’t tell their parents, teachers, or even their closest human peers.

Illusion of empathy

The danger of AI isn’t just about what children see, but how they interact. Unlike traditional social media, chatbots are designed to be anthropomorphic – they mimic human conversation, maintain a consistently friendly tone, and are available 24/7.

“For a child, it can be very easy to forget they’re talking to a system, not a person,” warns Toni Koraza, founder of SEO/GEO agency MADX Digital. This “human-like” design can lead to what experts call emotional dependency. Vodafone’s research found that 39% of children believe chatbots can understand emotions like people do, while 17% actually feel safer speaking to technology than to a human.

This simulated empathy creates a false sense of security. Because the bot never judges, never tires and always responds with apparent kindness, children may begin to prefer these digital interactions over the messy, complicated nature of real-world friendships.

Risks of unchecked advice 

Perhaps the most practical risk highlighted by the research is the level of trust children place in the information they receive. Over three-quarters (86%) of children admit to acting on advice given by a chatbot.

This becomes dangerous when the advice touches on sensitive topics. Around 16% of children have sought mental health-related advice from AI. Unlike a trained professional or a parent, a chatbot does not “verify” truth or understand the nuance of a child’s personal history; it simply predicts the next most likely word in a sentence based on data patterns.

The academic world is also feeling the strain. Nearly half of teachers surveyed say students are increasingly turning to AI for schoolwork. While this might seem like efficient study help, 29% of teachers have observed a decline in independent problem-solving. “When AI completes the thinking process for them, children can develop a false sense of competence,” Koraza notes. “They may submit polished essays, but the fundamental learning – the struggle to form an argument or solve a maths problem – is lost.”

Empowering Parents: Five-Step Strategy

Experts agree that banning AI is neither realistic nor productive. Instead, the focus must shift toward “AI literacy.” To help parents navigate this new landscape, Vodafone and digital experts suggest a structured approach:

1. De-mystify the “Machine”: Explain to children that chatbots don’t have “feelings” or “morals.” They are sophisticated auto-complete tools that use data patterns, not empathy.

2. Establish “Screen Creep” Boundaries: AI use can feel like “productive” time, meaning parents might miss late-night sessions. Keep AI-enabled devices out of bedrooms at night to prevent sleep disruption and “quiet” emotional dependency.

3. Critical Questioning: Encourage kids to double-check AI facts. Ask them: “Where might this information come from?” and “Why might a robot be biased?”

4. Define the “Cheating” Line: Have clear conversations about when AI is a helpful tutor and when it is crossing the line into academic dishonesty.

5. Maintain Open Channels: If a child confides in a bot, it may be because they feel they can’t speak at home. If they share their AI interactions, avoid overreacting. Use it as a bridge to a real conversation.

Where to turn

If parents believe their child has been exposed to harmful content or is being manipulated, several resources are available. In the UK, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) provide platforms for reporting abuse and illegal content. Charities include NSPCC and Childline also offer helplines specifically for those facing cyberbullying or digital isolation.

As we move toward a future where AI is omnipresent, the goal is to ensure it remains a tool in a child’s kit – not a substitute for the human connections that are vital for their development.

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Valentine’s Day is traditionally marketed as the pinnacle of romance, a day of roses, candlelit dinners, and grand declarations.

However, for many women, February 14th can be a day when uncomfortable truths finally surface. According to experts, the holiday doesn’t necessarily create relationship problems; rather, it exposes emotional patterns that are already present.

Nawal Houghton, a divorce coach, mediator, and founder of Your Divorce Coach, warns that February is peak season for toxic, “too-good-to-be-true” love. “Valentine’s Day amplifies what’s already there – love or emotional imbalance,” she explains. “Intensity can feel romantic, but it isn’t always safe.”

The Danger of Love-Bombing

One of the most significant warning signs during this period is “love-bombing.” This behaviour involves overwhelming a partner with excessive attention, affection and lavish gifts. While it can feel intoxicating at first, the goal is not to build a genuine connection but to fast-track emotional attachment and gain control.

“Love-bombing feels intoxicating at first,” says Houghton. “But it’s about power, not partnership.” Valentine’s Day serves as a perfect cover for this dynamic because grand gestures and heightened intensity are socially expected. This makes the behaviour harder to spot, as anyone questioning the pace of the relationship may be labelled as “ungrateful” or “paranoid.”

Five Red Flags to Watch For

To help women navigate these tricky waters, Houghton identifies five key warning signs that a romantic interest may be love-bombing you:

1. Too Intense, Too Soon: If they are talking about “forever” and a future together before they truly know you, be cautious.

2. Grand Gestures Over Real Connection: Be wary if lavish gifts are used to mask a lack of daily emotional consistency.

3. Pressure to Commit: Pushing for exclusivity, moving in, or emotional dependence very early in the relationship is a major red flag.

4. Hot-and-Cold Behaviour: Look out for a pattern where overwhelming affection is followed by sudden silence, criticism, or withdrawal.

5. Control Dressed as Care: Jealousy, monitoring your movements, or guilt-tripping you should never be accepted under the guise of “I just love you so much.”

Trusting Your Intuition

Distinguishing between real passion and love-bombing is vital. Houghton notes that healthy passion grows steadily, respects boundaries and feels grounding. In contrast, love-bombing thrives on urgency and leaves one partner feeling anxious.

Social media often exacerbates the problem, as timelines filled with luxury getaways and expensive jewellery can make women doubt their own instincts. Houghton stresses that discomfort is often intuition, not fear. “If Valentine’s Day leaves you feeling anxious, unsettled or emotionally confused, that’s not romance – it’s information,” she concludes. “Real love shouldn’t make you feel smaller, anxious or unsure of yourself – even on the most romantic day of the year.”

YourDivorceCoach

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A study of more than 50,000 children across the United States reveals that children who spend four or more hours a day on their screen face a 61% higher risk of developing depression.

The research, published in the journal Nature, suggests that the digital habits of America’s youth are creating a perfect storm for mental health disorders. Beyond depression, the data indicates that excessive screen use (defined as four hours or more daily) increases the likelihood of anxiety by 45%, behavioural problems by 24%, and ADHD by 21%.

The study identifies a “cascade effect” where screen time displaces essential biological needs. Researchers found that reduced physical activity and disrupted sleep are the primary drivers of this mental health decline.

Physical activity emerged as the most significant protective factor. Meeting the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise can mitigate the negative impacts of screen time by nearly 40%.

Experts at Flow Neuroscience, creators of the first FDA-approved non-drug depression treatment, warn that these findings highlight a critical gap in paediatric care. Because children are often sensitive to the side effects of traditional antidepressants, treatment options for this age group remain frustratingly narrow.

“What is most concerning about these results is the high probability of depression,” says Dr. Hannah Nearney, M.D., clinical psychiatrist and UK Medical Director at Flow Neuroscience. “While there are effective treatments, treatment from a young age can present challenges. Non-drug alternatives are often limited to talking therapy, leaving a gap in services and exposing vulnerable children to increased risk.”

The Nature study underscores a burgeoning public health crisis: nearly one in three children now spends more than four hours a day on digital devices. This behaviour is becoming increasingly normalized even as physical activity levels plummet. Currently, only one in five children meets daily exercise guidelines, and only 25% maintain a consistent weekday bedtime.

The findings come at a time when the medical community is under pressure to move away from “trial-and-error” pathways. Flow Neuroscience is currently pioneering brain stimulation (tDCS) as a non-invasive alternative for adults, with an eye toward future paediatric applications.

“Too often, children are pushed into antidepressant pathways at a young age,” Dr. Nearney added. “We hope that tools like brain stimulation will eventually become available for young people. In the meantime, we must follow the data: avoid excessive screen time, regulate sleep schedules, and prioritize physical activity.”

Ultimately, the study reframes the youth mental health crisis not as an inevitability, but as a challenge rooted in modifiable habits. By addressing the “digital displacement” of sleep and exercise, parents may be able to lower the odds of a depression diagnosis significantly.

https://www.flowneuroscience.com/

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Women working in tech and financial services

Russian spacecraft have intercepted the communications of at least a dozen key satellites over Europe, security officials said. Such interceptions not only risk compromising sensitive information transmitted by the satellites, but could allow Moscow to manipulate their trajectories or crash them, officials told the Financial Times. Russian spacecraft have increasingly trailed European satellites in recent years amid heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine, illustrating how space is becoming a new frontier in warfare. Telegraph 

Tech billionaire and owner of X, Elon Musk, has dubbed socialist Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez a “tyrant and traitor to the people” of Spain for introducing new social media curbs for children under the age of 16. Musk’s comments on Tuesday came in response to an announcement by the Spanish prime minister that Madrid would introduce new changes to the country’s social media laws. The proposed measures include a ban on social media for children under 16 and a new legal framework to hold tech executives criminally liable for illegal content. AlJazeera

Netflix struggled to reassure sceptical lawmakers that its proposed $82bn (£61bn) takeover of Warner Bros Discovery would benefit consumers, workers and the broader entertainment industry. On Tuesday, members of the US Senate antitrust subcommittee, which includes both Democrats and Republicans, raised concerns about reduced competition, potential price rises and the future of cinemas if the merger goes ahead. The deal, which is currently under review by the Department of Justice (DoJ), would give Netflix control of Warner Bros’ film and television studios as well as the HBO Max streaming service. BBC 

Tesla’s ambition to bring the production of its humanoid robot, Optimus, back to the United States faces a massive financial reality check.  According to a recent research note from Morgan Stanley, abandoning the Chinese supply chain could nearly triple the manufacturing costs of the robot, threatening Elon Musk’s goal of making the technology affordable for the masses. The investment bank estimates that the current bill of materials (BOM) for an Optimus Gen 2 unit stands at approximately $46,000 when leveraging China’s established robotics ecosystem. Tech Digest 

When it comes to the Galaxy S series, the Ultra tends to outsell the other two models (vanilla and plus) combined, despite being the most expensive one of the trio. However, with foldables it’s the other way around – the cheaper Z Flip outsells the pricier Z Fold. Now Ice Universe quotes insiders who report that Samsung will attempt to flip things around this year – it allegedly plans to produce 3.5 million units of the Galaxy Z Fold8 and 2.5-3 million Galaxy Z Flip8 units.

These numbers don’t seem to include the upcoming new model, the tentatively-named Galaxy Wide Fold, which is said to have a production target of 1 million units. There’s also the Galaxy Z TriFold, but that’s a low-volume halo product. GSM Arena 

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Pinterest  said Tuesday it plans to lay off up to 15% of its workforce and cut back on office space as the company embraces artificial intelligence. In a securities filing, Pinterest said it expects the cuts will be complete by the end of its third quarter in late September. Shares of Pinterest closed down more than 9%. The social media company said it’s “reallocating resources” to AI-focused teams and prioritizing “AI-powered products and capabilities.” It said it’s also reshaping its sales and marketing strategy. The company said it expects to record pre-tax restructuring charges of about $35 million to $45 million. CNBC

Amazon has inadvertently confirmed a massive new round of global layoffs after a senior executive’s draft email was accidentally sent to staff via a calendar invitation.The leak, which occurred late Tuesday, reveals that the tech giant is moving forward with a restructuring initiative codenamed “Project Dawn,” targeting employees across the US, Canada, and Costa Rica. The email was authored by Colleen Aubrey, a senior vice president at Amazon Web Services (AWS). It was reportedly shared in error by an executive assistant before being abruptly cancelled. Tech Digest 

TikTok has reached a settlement to avoid it being involved in a landmark social media addiction trial – a matter of hours before jury selection was due to begin in California. The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman identified by the initials KGM, alleges the design of platforms’ algorithms left her addicted to social media and negatively affected her mental health. “The parties are pleased to have reached an amicable resolution of this dispute,” the Social Media Victims Law Center said of the TikTok settlement, adding the terms were confidential. BBC 

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive, approved allowing minors to access artificial intelligence chatbot companions that safety staffers warned were capable of sexual interactions, according to internal Meta documents filed in a New Mexico state court case and made public on Monday. The lawsuit – brought by the state’s attorney general, Raul Torrez, and scheduled for trial next month – alleges Meta “failed to stem the tide of damaging sexual material and sexual propositions delivered to children” on Facebook and Instagram. Guardian 

Huawei has officially confirmed that a new Runner smartwatch is in the making and will debut soon. It has recently announced its partnership with the Swiss-Dutch global company, DSM Firmenich, for its upcoming flagship wearable creation. With the onset of this month, Eliud Kipchoge – a Kenyan distance runner, shared a post on Weibo, suggesting that Huawei and DSM are cooking something new for consumers. Now both companies have confirmed their iconic partnership. Huawei Central

Gavin Newsom has launched an investigation into claims that TikTok’s US arm is censoring content criticising Donald Trump. The Democrat governor of California has tasked officials with reviewing the app’s content moderation policies, just days after its American operations were taken over by a consortium of bidders backed by the US president. Thousands of users have experienced problems with the site in the wake of the takeover, prompting unverified claims that Trump-critical posts are being suppressed. Telegraph

This is interesting and new. The latest twist in the ongoing battle between regulators, lawmakers and adult websites will shock millions of users. Access to sites will be blocked from Feb. 2 for any users not yet registered and verified. This affects U.K. users for now and the country’s Online Safety Act — albeit Pornhub, the world’s largest operator, has taken broad issue with the way regulatory restrictions have been implemented. This is likely just the start of a campaign to change minds. Forbes 

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The post 6 Warning Signs Your Romance Could Be a Costly Scam appeared first on ShinyShiny.

Gym attendance typically spikes by nearly 30% during this month and app stores are flooded with downloads for calorie counters and habit trackers.

However, this surge in motivation creates a “perfect storm” for cybercriminals. Scammers recognize that in the rush to secure a discounted membership or a “miracle” training plan, consumers often lower their digital defences. Urgency, high emotion and the desire for quick results make January a prime hunting season for fraudsters.

Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN, explains the danger: “The New Year fitness rush creates the perfect environment for scams, because people are often signing up quickly without taking the time to check who they’re dealing with. Gym offers or training plans that rely on urgency, extreme discounts or pressure to ‘sign up today’ should be treated with caution.”

Here are seven of the most prevalent fitness scams to watch out for this year.

1. Cloned Gym Websites and “January-Only” Deals

One of the most effective tactics involves “lookalike” or cloned websites. Fraudsters create sites that are nearly identical to well-known gym chains, complete with stolen logos and branding. These sites often appear at the top of search results as sponsored ads, luring victims with heavily discounted annual memberships or “zero joining fee” offers.

Once a user enters their payment details, they aren’t just losing the initial fee; their sensitive credit card information is often harvested for future fraudulent transactions. Briedis warns: “It’s far safer to go directly to the official website or app, rather than following a link in a social media message or unsolicited email.”

2. The “Ghost” Personal Trainer

Social media is a major vector for personal trainer scams. Fraudulent accounts often use stolen “before and after” photos and fake testimonials to build an image of a successful coach. These scammers target users through direct messages, offering bespoke one-to-one coaching for a flat fee.

After the payment is made via non-reversible methods like bank transfers or apps, the “trainer” typically disappears or sends generic, copy-pasted content. “Be warned as well that the likes of GrokAI and even ChatGPT are capable of editing photos to bulk out muscles, or even create deepfake clients for fake PTs to use,” NordVPN experts note.

3. Data-Hungry “Lite” Apps

Not every scam is designed to steal money immediately. Many free fitness apps – such as water trackers, simple step counters, or calorie calculators – are designed primarily to harvest vast amounts of personal and lifestyle data. These apps may request excessive permissions, such as access to your precise location history, contacts, or camera.

This data is often poorly secured and can be sold to third parties or exposed in breaches. If leaked, the information can be used for highly targeted phishing or identity theft. Briedis advises users to “review app permissions carefully and deny access to data that isn’t essential.”

4. Lookalike Apps and Malware

Cybercriminals often release copycat apps on third-party stores (and occasionally sneak them onto official ones) that mimic popular fitness brands. These apps are designed to harvest login credentials. If you use the same password for your fitness app as you do for your email or bank account, a single “fake download” can compromise your entire digital life. Some of these malicious apps may also contain spyware designed to monitor your device activity.

5. Phishing and “Payment Failed” Alerts

Once you have signed up for a legitimate service, you may receive a highly personalized phishing email claiming there is a problem with your subscription or payment. These emails create a sense of panic, urging you to “update your details” to avoid losing access to the gym.

These links lead to fake login pages. If your data from a previous health service leak is already on the dark web, scammers can make these emails look incredibly convincing by using your real name and mentioning the specific gym you use.

6. The “Silent” Subscription Trap

Many legitimate-looking apps offer a “7-day free trial.” While not always illegal, many of these are designed with deceptive terms buried in the small print. Once the trial ends, users are automatically rolled into expensive annual or monthly contracts that are intentionally difficult to cancel.

In more extreme cases, these apps offer no real service at all and simply continue to drain a user’s bank account until the card is cancelled. Monitoring bank statements for unexpected charges is crucial during the first few months of the year.

7. Oversharing Location and Routines

Many fitness platforms encourage a “social” element, where users post their running routes or workout schedules. If your privacy settings are weak, this data reveals exactly when you are away from home and what your daily habits are.

“Fitness data can reveal routines, habits and personal details that criminals find valuable,” says Briedis. Sharing less information and tightening privacy settings can prevent this data from being used for social engineering or physical criminal activity.

Conclusion: How to Stay Safe

To avoid falling victim to these seasonal traps, the key is to slow down. Scammers rely on the “all-or-nothing” rush of a new resolution to bypass your logic.

Always verify the source of an offer, use strong and unique passwords for every account and be wary of any app that asks for more data than it needs to function. As Marijus Briedis concludes: “Slowing down, sharing less information and taking basic digital security steps can make a real difference in protecting both your money and your privacy.”

Nord VPN 

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Xiaomi has expanded its hardware lineup in the UK with the launch of the REDMI Note 15 Series alongside the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and REDMI Buds 8 Lite.

The new smartphone series consists of four models, the REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G, Pro 5G, 15 5G, and the standard Note 15, all built with a new structural standard focusing on physical resilience, claims Xiaomi.

The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses combine traditional eyewear frames with an open-ear audio system. These glasses use ultrasonic speakers and four built-in microphones to deliver audio while allowing the user to hear environmental sounds.

For privacy, a customized algorithm is used during calls to minimize sound leakage, preventing others from hearing conversations in quiet settings.

Available in Titanium, Pilot-Style, and Browline frames, the glasses utilize a modular design with a quick-release hinge that allows for switching between frame styles.

The Titanium model is the lightest at 27.6g, and the frames are 5mm thick. The glasses have a battery life that supports up to 13 hours of music playback or 9 hours of talk time. They are rated IP54 for dust and splash resistance, and the hinges have been tested for 15,000 flexes.

The REDMI Note 15 Series features reinforced frames and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on Pro models, which are certified for 2.5-meter drop resistance. These high-end models also have IP68 and IP69K ratings for water immersion. Technical specifications for the Pro+ 5G include a 200MP camera sensor and 100W fast charging for its 6,500mAh battery.

The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses will be available in the UK starting 26 January 2026. The Titanium model is priced at £189.99, while the Pilot-Style and Browline versions will cost £169.99.  The REDMI Note 15 Series is currently available with promotional pricing until 31 January 2026, starting at £139 for the standard model and rising to £349 for the Pro+ 5G. The REDMI Buds 8 Lite are also available for £19.99.

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