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Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma review: Laughing in the face of elevated horror
Queer horror fans have a complicated relationship to the genre. Horror cinema is a place where we have seen ourselves reflected, but often as villains.
From the flamboyant mad scientists of James Whale's Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein to the sapphic vampires of Dracula's Daughter, to the trans-coded killers of Sleepaway Camp and The Silence of the Lambs, LGBTQ+ characters shimmer throughout the fabric of the horror canon. While such problematic portrayals might feel like antiques, they've nonetheless shaped the genre and generations of queer horror fans. And for these folks, American filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun has made Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.
SEE ALSO: Shudder's 'Queer for Fear' series is here to school you on LGBTQ+ horrorWritten and directed by Schoenbrun, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma celebrates the slashers and, through that, explores the complicated feelings of loving a genre that doesn't reliably love you back. But that's not all. They also offer a radical tonal shift from their moody films We're All Going to the World's Fair and I Saw the TV Glow, delivering a comedy that is part horny psychosexual thriller and part campy parody. The result is a film that is rollicking in queer joy, blood spray, and irreverent humor.
Yes, it's meta, smart, and challenging genre norms. But calling Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma "elevated horror" is to miss its point.
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is a story of love, sex, and perversion. Credit: MUBIHacks' Hannah Einbinder stars as Kris, a 29-year-old queer filmmaker whose Sundance success has earned her a shot at relaunching the long-dead Camp Miasma slasher franchise. Like with I Saw The TV Glow, Schoenbrun creates a deep wealth of lore and fandom merch to flesh out the fictional IP within this story. Where I Saw The TV Glow's central show had shades of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Camp Miasma seems a mix of Sleepaway Camp, Friday the 13th, and Twin Peaks.
The first film was a grimy, ultra-bloody slasher flick that centered on a wide-eyed Final Girl named Billy Preston, who was stalked by a harpoon-carrying killer called Little Death (I Saw the TV Glow's Jack Haven). For Kris, Billy is the key to understanding how to revive Camp Miasma, and so she travels to meet the aging scream queen (Gillian Anderson), who lives at the "haunted summer camp" where the first film was shot.
Red flags like this don't deter Kris, who is eager to walk in the footsteps of Little Death and his victims. But before long, Kris starts to realize that Billy isn't interested in making another movie. She's interested in Kris. Desire blooms between the two women, but inelegantly. And that's the point.
Schoenbrun recognizes how horror can be ludicrous, with kills that turn severed human necks into fountains that shoot blood 30 feet in the sky, as if we are meat sacks full of cherry soda just waiting to explode. Sex they treat as similarly silly from the moment we meet the siren that is Billy Preston.
Anderson plays the reclusive actress as Norma Desmond by way of Dolly Parton in a David Lynch movie. She slinks around the cabins with perfectly manicured, bright red nails, her hair in big, tumbling blonde curls, and her wardrobe silky robes that beg to be stroked. But then, she'll offer Kris a preposterously abundant plate of fried chicken, treating the accompanying dipping sauces as if they were oysters, ripe for vaginal allegory and campy foreplay.
While many might write Billy off as odd and flee this camp of red flags, Kris is drawn in because Billy is fearless, even in her strangeness. Through her influence, Kris not only reconsiders her Camp Miasma movie, but also her understanding of herself. Where Billy is a carnal creature who licks her fingers and speaks candidly of sex to a near stranger, Kris is shy and cerebral, far more capable of talking about "elevated horror" and transphobia in film than she is her own desires.
However, through her relationship with Billy, Kris learns to understand horror not just as her personal obsession, but also as a path to self-acceptance. How does a harpoon-wielding slasher, an avalanche of candy wrappers, and a Southern-fried recluse factor into that? Well, Camp Miasma's killer's name being "Little Death" is a pretty big clue.
We're talking orgasms.
Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder are a perfect match in Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. Credit: MUBITeenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is gloriously irreverent in its approach to its influences. Schoenbrun name-drops or alludes to Sunset Boulevard, Psycho, Mulholland Drive, Bound, Friday the 13th, Sleepaway Camp, and more. But they do so with a rebellious joy that turns a transgressive backstory into a gorgeous portrait of nonbinary beauty, and an iconic final shot into a rebellious echo of pride.
The cinematography of Eric K. Yue manages to weave together tones that go from earnestly amorous to unapologetically loony. A production design that blends a realistic camp setting with forest backdrops that are clearly painted challenges the audience to consider what is real and whether or not that matters. The music offers Psycho-reminiscent stings of strings, sultry synth keyboard, and a chaotic soundtrack that ranges from Counting Crows' "A Long December" to Sade's "No Ordinary Love" and Donna Lewis' "I Love You Always Forever."
It's a bold blend of dark inspirations and cheerful pop. Anderson and Einbinder are entrusted to make it work, and they do. Einbinder steps out of the chaotic bisexual bravado of her Hacks heroine, embracing the timid sapphic who's technically poly but low-key resents her partner's (Jasmin Savoy Brown) boyfriend Thor (Aren Buchholz). Her intellectualizing and her filmmaking are where she feels comfortable, while Anderson's Billy is bored by all that blather. Billy relishes flesh and touch, and so becomes a carnal mentor.
Together, their quirks make sense, building a world that others might see as bizarre, but which the queer (like a gas station attendant with a septum ring) will clock as wondrous. Like Lynch's leading ladies in Mulholland Drive or Todd Haynes' in Carol, these two actresses tug on each other, giving the film a sexual tension and emotional pull that is exhilarating. And then on top of that, they embrace the absurdity Schoenbrun has baked in, which reminds the audience earnestly that sex need not be taken so seriously. It can be silly, messy, sweet, and bloody, and it can shine a light on the most fucked-up desires of our queer little minds. And all of that can be celebrated instead of shame, with the help of a Little Death.
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma explores where queerness, self-acceptance, and horror collide. But it's also a hell of a good time. Schoenbrun and their cast embrace the ghoulish delights of slasher slaughters, the titillating fun of their teen sex and death, and the radiant joy of finding pleasure in your own body. All this makes Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma a knockout, from its first kill to its final thrill.
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma was reviewed out of its North American premiere at Newfest. The film will open in theaters on Aug. 7.
How to watch Spain vs. Iraq online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Spain vs. Iraq in a 2026 International Friendly for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Spain are undoubtedly one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, but so much can change once the tournament starts. A couple of injuries or unfortunate results and the picture looks very different.
Spain will look to avoid a shock upset to Iraq in this crucial World Cup warm up fixture at the Riazor Stadium. If you want to watch Spain vs. Iraq in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Spain vs. Iraq?Spain vs. Iraq kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on June 4. This fixture takes place at the Riazor Stadium.
How to watch Spain vs. Iraq for freeSpain vs. Iraq is available to live stream for free on RTVE.
RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can access free live streams on RTVE from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream Spain vs. Iraq for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain
Visit RTVE
Stream Spain vs. Iraq for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Spain vs. Iraq without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites 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 RTVE?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTVE, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Spain
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 free from throttling
Up to eight 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 Spain vs. Iraq for free with ExpressVPN.
Whats new to streaming this week? (June 5, 2026)
Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!
Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.
15. Michael Jackson: The VerdictAntoine Fuqua's Michael was criticized for moonwalking away from the criminal allegations and scandal that touched the singer's later life. Now Netflix delves into the 2005 criminal trial with a three-part documentary series from David Herman, who previously produced the streamer's true-crime doc series Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story.
At the time of his arrest, Jackson was the globally acclaimed King of Pop. Then came the allegations of child molestation, which challenged the image of the Neverland Ranch owner. According to the L.A. Times, Michael Jackson: The Verdict will look into the case through interviews with defense attorneys, prosecutors, and journalists who covered the trial at the time. Was Jackson a serial sexual predator? Was he falsely accused for a payout? It's a question fans still face. Will this doc change your mind? — K.P.
How to watch: Michael Jackson: The Verdict is now streaming on Netflix.
14. Office RomanceJennifer Lopez and Ted Lasso's Brett Goldstein team up for a workplace rom-com with a raunchy edge. She's a non-nonsense airline CEO who's being threatened by a rival company. He's the English lawyer, who might be socially awkward in the office but is a shark in the deposition room. Of course, an "office romance" between the two could threaten both of their reputations, and even their careers. But is their blossoming attraction one they can resist?
Written by Goldstein and Joe Kelly, this rom-com plays with a culture clash between the U.S. and UK, as well as dabbling in some bawdy jokes. While Lopez and Goldstein are glossy love interests, they have little chemistry. However, the supporting cast, which includes Betty Gilpin, Amy Sedaris, and Tony Hale, brings in some levity through kooky characters. — K.P.
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Brett Goldstein, Betty Gilpin, Amy Sedaris, Tony Hale, and Bradley Whitford
How to watch: Office Romance debuts on Netflix on June 5.
13. Earth, Wind & Fire (To be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World)Do you re-mem-bah ... that Earth, Wind & Fire has a story much bigger than their enduring '70s disco floor-filler "September"? Questlove's new HBO documentary journeys through the evolution of one of the best damn bands on the planet — and if you're not turning up "In the Stone" right now, hard recommend.
The film heads back to Earth, Wind & Fire's early days in Chicago, when the late and legendary Maurice White put the band together, then runs through a glittering career of Grammy wins, 90 million albums sold, a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and live performances that blew audiences away. However, Questlove also promises to delve further into White's need to fuse spirituality and philosophy with the band's particular brand of disco, funk, jazz, soul, and R&B, and his strained relationship with the band. Expect interviews with Earth, Wind & Fire bassist Verdine White, singer Philip Bailey, and percussionist Ralph Johnson, as well as former band members, managers, family, music historians, authors, and musicians including Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, H.E.R., and Flea. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
How to watch: Earth, Wind & Fire (To be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World) debuts on HBO on June 7.
12. KeeperOsgood Perkins delivered a double whammy to horror fans this year, offering not only his wild adaptation of Stephen King's The Monkey, but also the original horror film Keeper.
Tatiana Maslany stars in this trippy thriller as a painter who reluctantly agrees to go on a weekend getaway to the family cabin of her boyfriend, Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland). But shortly after they arrive, she senses something is just off. Maybe it's the creepy cousin (Birkett Turton) who drops by with a bored party girl (Eden Weiss). Perhaps it's the strange chocolate cake that just appears on a table, inviting yet off-putting. Where this story — from Dangerous Animals screenwriter Nick Lepard — will go is impossible to predict. But that's part of the fun.* — K.P.
Starring: Tatiana Maslany, Rossif Sutherland, Birkett Turton, and Eden Weiss
How to watch: Keeper comes to Hulu on June 5.
11. KneecapCapturing the rebelliousness of the Irish hip-hop group for which it's named, Kneecap is a raucous and hilarious origin story starring Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí themselves. It's a bold move from director/writer Richard Peppiatt, but one that pays off big as the band's charisma translates to the big screen.
Forget those doggedly dramatic, respectful movies about a musician's life and times. Kneecap's tale is one of sex, hard drugs, boneheaded decisions, and bangin' tracks that sparked a cultural resurrection — specifically, helping to preserve the Irish language. As I cheered in my review, "Peppiatt has done a superb job of not only shaking off the oh-so-serious shackles that are musician biopic conventions but also enthusiastically embracing the hip-hop energy of his subjects, allowing them to be both the stars and fuel of their story, propelling them to a climax that deserves its rowdy encore across the credits.
"Simply put, Kneecap is sensational, silly, sharp, and ultimately sublime."* — K.P.
Starring: Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí
How to watch: Kneecap is now streaming on Hulu.
10. Poor ThingsOur favorite film of 2023, Poor Things offered a Frankenstein makeover full of whimsy, wonder, weirdness, and unapologetic horniness. Based on Alasdair Gray's 1992 novel of the same name, Poor Things' resurrected corpse is the beguiling Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), who has a grown woman's body, a child's mind, and a ravenous desire to know the world. This makes her more than her mad scientist/father figure (Willem Dafoe) can handle. So, off she goes on a globe-trekking fling with a devil-may-care — but hot-as-hell — rogue, played by Mark Ruffalo with a winsome gusto.
Created by The Favourite's writer (Tony McNamara) and director (Yorgos Lanthimos), Poor Things is mercilessly witty while unfurling a tale of human discovery and inhumane realities. A behind-the-scenes team of remarkable artists fills every frame with something beautiful and repulsive, be it costumes whose colors refer to gross anatomy or set designs that are comically phallic. As I wrote in our full review, "Poor Things is an awe-striking visual feast that satisfies the eyes, tantalizes the loins, and feeds the soul."* — K.P.
Starring: Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael
How to watch: Poor Things comes to Netflix on June 7.
9. Not Suitable for WorkWith Never Have I Ever, Mindy Kaling portrayed the perils of high school. With The Sex Lives of College Girls, she dove into the chaos of finding yourself in college. Her new project, Not Suitable for Work, examines yet another defining life stage: your early twenties. Co-created with showrunner Charlie Grandy, Not Suitable for Work follows five work-obsessed twentysomethings as they hunt for professional success — and a personal life, if time allows — in Manhattan's Murray Hill neighborhood.* — B.E.
Starring: Ella Hunt, Avantika, Will Angus, Jack Martin, Nicholas Duvernay, and Jay Ellis
How to watch: Not Suitable for Work is now streaming on Hulu.
8. Legend of Vox Machina, Season 4Season 3 of The Legend of Vox Machina ended with the titular crew scattering to the winds in search of their own individual goals. But a year later, in Season 4, the call of adventure (and the threat of a growing death cult) will bring them back together.
Every season of The Legend of Vox Machina has grown darker and stronger, and Season 4 looks to be no exception. This time around, Critical Role's bawdy bands of heroes will come face to face with their most dangerous foe yet: the Whispered One, also known as Vecna in Dungeons & Dragons. (And yes, he's very different from Stranger Things' version.) Don't expect Season 4 to be all doom and gloom, though. It will also feature Critical Role fan-favorites like Taryon Darrington (voiced by Wayne Brady) and his mechanical servant Doty, who are bound to bring some laughs to the fight for Exandria.* — B.E.
Starring: Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Matthew Mercer, Liam O’Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, Travis Willingham, Wayne Brady, Kevin Michael Richardson, Debra Wilson, and Tom Cardy
How to watch: Legend of Vox Machina, Season 4 is now streaming on Prime Video.
7. Cape FearWho's ready for a remake? Apple TV reimagines Martin Scorsese's 1991 film Cape Fear, itself a remake of the 1962 film of the same name. The series centers on married attorney couple Anna and Tom Bowden (Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson), who are about to face a vengeful reckoning from Max Cady (Javier Bardem), the killer they put behind bars. Will the series live up to its source material? Or, at the very least, The Simpsons' "Cape Feare" episode?* — B.E.
Starring: Amy Adams, Patrick Wilson, Javier Bardem, Joe Anders, Lily Collias, Malia Pyles, and Anna Baryshnikov
How to watch: Cape Fear premieres on Apple TV on June 5.
6. PillionThis week, treat yourself to "dom-com" Pillion, the tremendous debut feature from director Harry Lighton. Harry Melling stars as meek parking attendant Colin, who embarks on a BDSM relationship with domineering bike gang leader Ray (Alexander Skarsgård). While their dynamic is unconventional to onlookers, it offers up heaps of self-discovery and enjoyment for Colin as he dips his toes into this world.
SEE ALSO: 'Heated Rivalry' fans, we've got your next must-see MLM romanceIn his review out of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Mashable contributor Siddhant Adlakha praised the film, saying, "Lighton's electric, modern-day British drama explores a master-slave relationship that's as upsetting as it is invigorating. Led by a pair of fine-tuned performances from Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, the movie walks a fragile tonal tightrope with remarkable flair, resulting in one of the finest (and most crowd-pleasing) experiences at this year's Cannes Film Festival."* — B.E.
Starring: Harry Melling, Alexander Skarsgård, Douglas Hodge, and Lesley Sharp
How to watch: Pillion comes to HBO Max on June 5.
5. HoppersPixar's Hoppers is an uproarious riff on Avatar, only instead of humans zapping their consciousness into nine-foot-tall blue alien bodies, they're zapping their consciousness into robot animal bodies to get closer to wildlife. When animal lover Mabel Tanaka (voiced by Piper Curda) gets her hands on this technology, she uses it to try to save a local glade from her town's greedy mayor (voiced by Jon Hamm). Along the way, she'll befriend a beaver king (voiced by Bobby Moynihan), start an animal rebellion, and cause more chaos than she could have ever bargained for.
Bursting with charming animation and sweet friendships, Hoppers is Pixar's strongest original film in years. What really takes it over the edge is its astounding third act, which goes to some wonderfully weird (and sometimes even downright frightening) places. In my review, I called it Pixar's "most unhinged film yet," and I mean that as the highest of compliments.* — B.E.
Starring: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Kathy Najimy, Dave Franco, Eduardo Franco, Aparna Nancherla, Sam Richardson, Ego Nwodim, and Meryl Streep
How to watch: Hoppers debuts on Disney+ on June 3.
4. The 79th Tony AwardsIt's the most exciting time of year for Broadway fans, as The American Theater Wing presents the Tony Awards, celebrating the best plays and musicals of the year.
SEE ALSO: Tony nominations 2026: See the full listAmong the nominated productions are Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Schmigadoon, Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York, The Lost Boys, Every Brilliant Thing, Giant, and Dog Day Afternoon. This means the show, hosted by P!nk, will be stuffed with stars and teary-eyed speeches. Plus, all the nominated musicals will be offering a nationally televised taste of what they're doing on the Great White Way, as each of these shows will perform one of their numbers live. Jellicle Cats, Celine Dion, and vampires — oh my! — K.P.
How to watch: The Tony Awards will air live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sunday, June 7, 2026 (8-11 p.m. ET/5-8 p.m. PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S., preceded by Act One on Pluto TV.
3. HokumIrish filmmaker Damian McCarthy previously bestowed upon horror fans the folk-flavored terror of Caveat and Oddity. Now he's teamed with Adam Scott for Hokum, which was so scary that I screamed myself hoarse at its SXSW premiere.
SEE ALSO: Tony nominations 2026: See the full listScott stars as a misanthropic novelist named Ohm Bauman, who's flown to a remote Irish hotel to spread the ashes of his parents, who'd honeymooned there decades before. But amid this grim task, he stumbles upon a local legend about a vicious witch who's still said to haunt the hotel. In my review, I called Hokum "a seriously scary masterpiece," explaining, "It's a nerve-shredding, bone-rattling, scream-pulling good time, and an absolute blast to see in a theater. Don't miss it."* — K.P.
Starring: Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh, Michael Patric, Will O'Connell, Brendan Conroy, and Austin Amelio
How to watch: Hokum is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
2. Is God IsPlaywright Aleshea Harris adapts her award-winning play Is God Is into a scorching directorial debut. Twin sisters (Kara Young and Mallori Johnson) go on a twisted road trip in search of the father that left them for dead when they were children. Along the way, they'll be forced to reckon with their family's secrets, their parents' complexities, and their own deep differences.
As you can see from the trailer, Harris' translation of her play is visually dynamic and studded with stars. Trust us. You'll want to see this on the big screen.* — K.P.
Starring: Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Janelle Monáe, Erika Alexander, Mykelti Williamson, Josiah Cross, Vivica A. Fox, and Sterling K. Brown
How to watch: Is God Is is now available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
Best of streaming this week: The Vampire LestatAMC+'s killer Interview With the Vampire series returns this Sunday with Season 3, titled The Vampire Lestat.
Showrunner Rolin Jones tackles the setup of Anne Rice's second novel in her Vampire Chronicles, wherein the Brat Prince becomes a rock star. What does this mean for Louis, Daniel, and Armand? Well, Lestat uses his songs to spill the secrets of vampirism and spill the tea on his side of what went down with all of the above. Without spoilers, I can tell you this season is absolutely outrageous and way off-book. So, my dear readers, prepare to be shocked, as Lestat's relationship with Gabrielle is just the beginning. — K.P.
Starring: Sam Reid, Jennifer Ehle, Jacob Anderson, Eric Bogosian, Assad Zaman, and Delainey Hayles
How to watch: The Vampire Lestat premieres on AMC and AMC+ on June 7, with new episodes each Sunday.
(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.
This 100TB cloud storage plan skips the monthly bill entirely for a one-time $975
TL;DR: Internxt is offering 100TB of encrypted cloud storage for life for $974.97, replacing recurring storage subscriptions with one long-term payment.
Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 100TB $974.97$9,900 Save $8,925.03 Get Deal
Tired of constantly running out of cloud storage? Every time you need more space, the monthly fees climb higher, keeping you in an expensive, never-ending cycle of upgrades and charges. As we accumulate more data every day, it may be time to consider a more financially responsible approach to keeping your files safe.
With Internxt Cloud Storage, you truly own your space — there’s no more renting your data storage. And right now, you can lock in an ample 100TB of storage for just $974.97 (reg. $9,900) through June 7.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Using iCloud to keep your files safe? The maximum storage Apple allows you to rent is currently just 12TB — and it costs $64.99 a month. If you’re looking for a more affordable way to safeguard your precious data, providing enough space to last a lifetime, it’s time to check out Internxt Cloud Storage.
With Internxt Cloud Storage, you own your storage space. That means you can say goodbye to those hefty monthly fees and rest easy knowing you can keep all your important data in one secure space. You can also rest easy knowing Internxt’s end-to-end encryption is so secure that even the company itself can’t access your data.
It’s also GDPR compliant — adhering to strict European privacy laws — and audited and verified by Securitum. That’s a major improvement over other cloud storage services, which not only access your data but also make money from it through targeted ads and data sharing.
If you’re making the switch, Internxt offers cross-platform compatibility so you can easily integrate it across all your devices and operating systems via a desktop app, web browser app, and iOS or Android app.
Never pay for cloud storage again with this 100TB Internxt Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for just $974.97 (reg. $9,900) through June 7.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Smart productivity is this lifetime license to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for just $45
TL;DR: Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 is $44.97 (reg. $219) and includes lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $44.97$219 Save $174.03 Get Deal
Subscriptions are everywhere — including your productivity tools. But if you’re just trying to write documents, build spreadsheets, or send emails without a monthly charge hanging over your head, this offer keeps things simple.
Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac is available for a one-time $44.97 (reg. $219), giving you long-term access to the core apps many people use every day.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!That includes Word for documents, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for email, along with Teams and OneNote. It’s the familiar Office experience with the tools you already know how to use.
The biggest advantage here is the pricing model. You install it once on your Mac, and that’s it. No renewals, no upgrades required to keep using it, and no subscription reminders popping up at the worst time.
It’s also a practical fit for a range of users — students, remote workers, or small business owners who need reliable software without ongoing costs. You get the full functionality of desktop Office apps, which means you’re not dependent on internet access or browser-based tools to get work done.
Don’t miss updating to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac for a one-time $44.97 (reg. $219) through June 14.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Get around town on this $390 foldable e-scooter that goes up to 25mph
TL;DR: The Riley RS1 Plus Electric Scooter combines a foldable commuter-friendly design, removable battery, 25 mph speeds, and fast charging for $389.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Riley Scooters Riley RS1 Plus Electric Scooter $389.99$499.99 Save $110 Get Deal
A lot of city travel ends up feeling strangely inefficient. Drive somewhere five minutes away, spend ten minutes finding parking, then carry half your life with you because you can’t leave anything in the car.
That’s part of the appeal behind the Riley RS1 Plus Electric Scooter for $389.99 (reg. $499.99).
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The RS1 Plus is new to the U.S. market and feels designed for people who want a simpler way to get around on everyday trips without fully committing to bike ownership or to public transit schedules.
The biggest convenience feature might actually be the removable battery.
Unlike many scooters that require dragging the entire frame indoors to recharge, the RS1 Plus lets riders detach the Panasonic battery pack and charge it separately at home, at work, or wherever there’s an outlet nearby. Add in the fast two-hour charging time, and the scooter feels much easier to live with day to day.
Performance-wise, it’s built for real commuting rather than novelty rides. The 350W motor with 700W peak output supports speeds up to 25 mph with up to 15 miles of range, while puncture-resistant 10-inch pneumatic tires help smooth out rougher city streets.
The foldable frame also matters more than expected. Folded down, the scooter is easy to store in apartments, offices, trunks, or public transit spaces where full-size mobility gear becomes awkward fast.
And for just $389.99 instead of $499.99, you save about $110 while getting a brand-new commuter scooter backed by a two-year warranty.
An ideal earth-friendly option for commuters, apartment dwellers, students, and anyone trying to make short-distance travel less annoying, this electric scooter feels less like a gadget purchase and more like a practical upgrade to your daily living.
Get the Riley RS1 Plus Electric Scooter for just $389.99 (reg. $499.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Everything revealed at Intels Computex keynote in 12 minutes
Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, and industry partners present the company's transition to its 18A process technology across consumer PCs, handheld gaming devices, and data centers built to handle multiagent AI workloads.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for June 4, 2026
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT gameHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, June 4, 2026:
AcrossIt takes you from E to F (and starts with G!)The answer is Gas.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
Animal that has a symbiotic relationship with green algae, which grows in its furThe answer is Sloth.
The answer is Taboo.
The answer is I can't.
The answer is Red.
The answer is Go bad.
The answer is A ton.
The answer is Shot.
The answer is Stir.
The answer is Lace.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
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 the latest Mini Crossword.
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 4, 2026
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require in-depth basketball knowledge.
As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Arena arrival views
Green: Performance tracking for a particular sport
Blue: English football selections
Purple: First part of word most relevant
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Seen at a stadium entrance
Green: Volleyball stats
Blue: Members of England's World Cup squad
Purple: Starts with a part of a basketball hoop
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #619 is...
What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?Seen at a stadium entrance: METAL DETECTOR, TICKET SCANNER, TURNSTILE, WILL CALL
Volleyball stats: BLOCK, DIG, KILL, SERVICE ACE
Members of England's World Cup squad: BURN, KANE, MAINOO, STONES
Starts with a part of a basketball hoop: BASE RUNNER, GLASS HOUSES, NETMINDER, RIMINGTON TROPHY
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Connections.
Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on June 4
If the sky is clear where you are tonight, you’ll likely be able to make out some surface features on the Moon. But what are they? Keep reading to find out.
What is today’s Moon phase?As of Thursday, June 4, the Moon phase is Waning Gibbous. Tonight, 87% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.
You don't need fancy gear to spot craters or other features on the Moon's surface, if it's a clear enough night, your naked eye should be enough. In fact, without visual aids you should be able to spot the Mare Serenitatis, Aristarchus Plateau, and the Mare Tranquillitatis. If you have binoculars you'll also spot the Grimaldi Basin, Alps Mountains, and the Posidonus Crater. If you have a telescope, set this up to see all this plus the Apollo 15 and 16 landing spots and the Caucasus Mountains.
When is the next Full Moon?The next Full Moon will take place on June 29.
What are Moon phases?NASA explains that the Moon completes one full orbit around Earth in about 29.5 days, during which it moves through a sequence of eight phases. Even though the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight we can see changes as it travels along its path. This shifting light is what produces the lunar shapes, ranging from slim crescents to half-lit Moons and the bright Full Moon. All of these stages together make up the lunar cycle:
New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
NYT Pips hints, answers for June 4, 2026
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 4, 2026The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 4, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for June 4 PipsNumber (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.
Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.
Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically; 5-1, placed horizontally.
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for June 4 PipsNumber (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 3-0, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally.
Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.
Number (5): Everything in this green space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically; 5-1, placed horizontally.
Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for June 4 PipsNumber (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally.
Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically.
Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally.
Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically.
Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically.
Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 2-1, placed horizontally.
Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 2-1, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed vertically.
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.
Equal (4): Everything in this red space must be equal to 4. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 4-4, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed vertically.
Equal (5): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Hurdle hints and answers for June 4, 2026
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintWorn on the neck.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerCHAIN
Hurdle Word 2 hintPrank.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 4, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerANTIC
Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today
Hurdle Word 3 hintA type of underwear.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 4, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answerTHONG
Hurdle Word 4 hintStudent.
Hurdle Word 4 answerPUPIL
Final Hurdle hintIt's famous in Norway.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerFJORD
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Teenagers are using a $5 Minecraft malware called WeedHack to target and cyberbully victims
Minecraft is one of the most popular games on the planet. So, of course, that makes Minecraft players a prime target for hackers.
In a new cybersecurity report, researchers from McAfee Labs describe new malware that has already logged more than 116,000 hits. When the report was published on June 2, McAfee Labs found that the campaign logs between 2,000 and 3,000 malicious hits every day.
Dubbed WeedHack, the malware is being offered as a malware-as-a-service (MaaS). Rather than being shared on the dark web, McAfee reports that WeedHack is readily available on the open web. This means that bad actors don't need any real technical knowledge to deploy the malware. For as low as $5 per month, would-be hackers can access WeedHack, infect a target of their choice, and deploy a range of tools against that victim.
McAfee Labs also uncovered a Telegram channel for WeedHack customers made up of more than 850 members. Inside the Telegram channel, McAfee found that many of the attackers appeared to be teenagers and young adults who used the malware-as-a-service to cyberbully other young people. WeedHack customers discussed utilizing the remote access capabilities to threaten, harass, and spy on their victims.
WeedHack is spreading through YouTube and Google, report saysThe report finds that WeedHack is primarily spread through YouTube videos promoting Minecraft mods, clients, and other game-enhancing third-party add-ons. In reality, the Minecraft mods and clients are really the WeedHack malware in disguise.
McAfee's report includes a screenshot of a YouTube comments section of a video promoting the malware. It shows a viewer informing the video creator that his computer warned about potential malware when downloading the file in the video description. The bad actor then assures the user that the file is definitely not malware.
In addition, the bad actors reportedly use SEO poisoning tactics to rank fake websites and pages that pose as real Minecraft clients. McAfee Labs listed the following legitimate clients as targets for WeedHack:
Meteor Client
Radium Client
Wurst Client
Aristois
LiquidBounce
Impact Client
Future Client
Inertia Client
Cornos Client
WWE Client
3arthh4ck
Salhack
Phobos
Gamesense
Some of these Minecraft mods and clients don't have official websites and are just hosted on file-sharing websites, which makes it easier for hackers to manipulate search results with fake websites, the report says.
According to McAfee, players can protect themselves when downloading Minecraft mods and clients by watching out for red flags and using antivirus protection tools. If you are a young person contacted by bad actors who say they have hacked your system — especially if they are trying to blackmail you — talk to a trusted adult. You can also visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center for more information.
How to protect yourself from Minecraft malware- Only download mods and clients from verified, trusted sources and official developer websites; avoid third-party links found on YouTube or Google search results.
- Be especially wary of newly posted YouTube videos from small accounts promising Minecraft mods and other tools.
- Don't ignore malware warnings that appear when downloading content.
That depends on how much the attacker paid for the malware, which has different subscription tiers.
WeedHack even provides a free tier, which promises to give attackers an infostealer that can target Minecraft session IDs, collect system information, search for files, take screenshots of the target's system, and steal cookies and passwords from 36 different web browsers. The free tier also claims the attacker can target 56 browser-based crypto wallets, 12 desktop crypto wallets, as well as credentials for platforms such as Discord, Steam, and Telegram.
SEE ALSO: A parent's guide to keeping kids safe on RobloxAn attacker can also subscribe to the $5 per month premium tier to get additional remote-access capabilities, including "webcam access, keylogging, reverse shell execution, screen sharing with keyboard and mouse access, and file management features for uploading and downloading files," according to McAfee.
The hacker can view all the stolen information via an enterprise-level dashboard.
As McAfee reports, many malware-as-a-service tools cost as much as hundreds of dollars per month, putting them out of reach for many malicious actors. However, WeedHack's pricing makes it readily accessible to anyone looking to deploy these dangerous tools.
McAfee's report on WeedHack serves as a warning, showing that not only is malware becoming more powerful, but it's also becoming more accessible, too.
Survey: Teens regularly see harmful content, messages on Snapchat
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 SnapchatThe 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 chatbotGardner 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.
A Snap Company spokesperson contested the report's findings.
“We share the goal of keeping young people safe online and continuously invest in protections designed to reduce potential harmful interactions on Snapchat," the spokesperson said in a statement to Mashable. "While we respect the role of advocates in raising important issues, we believe this report does not fully reflect the significant investments Snap has made to help protect young people."
Legal action against SnapLast 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. The Snap Company spokesperson described the poll as independent research showing that Snapchat supports user well-being and helps them stay connected with close friends and family.
How teens handle harmful content on SnapchatSnapchat'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 SnapchatDr. 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?"
UPDATE: Jun. 3, 2026, 3:40 p.m. PDT This story has been updated to include a statement from the Snap Company.
Tired of paying full price at the grocery store? A 1-year BJ’s membership is just $15.
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Warehouse memberships used to feel like something you signed up for after buying a minivan. Now? They’re increasingly just a smart way to make weekly shopping slightly less painful.
The 1-year BJ’s Club Card Membership with Easy Renewal for $15 (reg. $60) is one of those low-risk offers that feels especially relevant heading into peak seasonal spending. Groceries, cookouts, back-to-school prep, household restocks — it adds up quickly, financially and time-wise.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!BJ’s leans into practical savings instead of novelty. Members get access to bulk pricing on groceries, home essentials, electronics, seasonal products, and gas, plus one feature that makes BJ’s stand out in the warehouse-club space: it accepts manufacturer coupons on top of BJ’s coupons.
For households that already plan purchases around weekly grocery runs, that stacking ability matters.
Convenience is also a major part of the pitch. BJ’s offers ExpressPay through its app, which lets members scan items while shopping and skip checkout lines entirely. There’s also curbside pickup, same-day delivery, and buy-online-pickup-in-club options that make the experience feel a little more modern than the old stereotype.
The scale is notable too: BJ’s operates 244 clubs and 175 gas stations across the eastern U.S. and serves more than 7 million members.
And you’re keeping $45 in your pocket in savings before you even buy groceries, fill up your tank, or stock up for summer weekends.
An ideal offer for families, busy pros, coupon stackers, and anyone trying to make everyday shopping more efficient.
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A NASA orbiter around Mars suffered an abrupt demise
A healthy NASA orbiter disappeared as usual behind Mars back in December. When the spacecraft reemerged from the other side, it was never the same again.
The U.S. space agency announced June 3 that the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution mission, aka Maven, is over, after a review board determined the orbiter that has circled Mars for over 11 years is now unreachable.
Though all of Maven's systems were normal before it rounded the bend on Dec. 6, 2025, something mysterious happened to the spacecraft when it slipped out of view. A snippet of data transmitted to Earth indicates Maven began rapidly tumbling. While mission control would normally only lose contact with the spacecraft for 20 to 30 minutes when it passed behind Mars, the team never regained its signal.
NASA's anomaly review board, which convened in February, determined this erratic rotation, coupled with dwindling battery power, meant there was no viable way to recover Maven. At a teleconference Wednesday, officials delivered something of a eulogy to the mission, which continued 10 years longer than the team had originally planned.
"I think the team has really experienced the loss of a loved one with the end of the mission here," said project manager Mike Moreau from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
SEE ALSO: A missing signal from hot exoplanets may have revealed a secret all alongMaven's decommissioning closes a chapter in Mars exploration: NASA has lost a key workhorse that both rewrote scientists' understanding of the Martian atmosphere and quietly hauled huge volumes of data home for rovers on the ground.
Whether a meteor is to blame for Maven's demise is not known right now. NASA has yet to conclude its investigation into the root cause for the incident. The agency is expected to deliver a final report later in the year.
The Maven orbiter captured ultraviolet views of Mars in 2023. Credit: NASA / LASP / CU BoulderArriving at Mars in September 2014, Maven has focused on "atmospheric escape" — the leak of gas from the top of Mars' atmosphere into space. Its measurements showed that this surges during solar storms, when bursts of energy and particles erupt from the sun. A major space‑weather event in May 2024, one of the strongest seen at Mars in 20 years, triggered a torrent of particles that stripped away gas and lit up the planet with glowing auroras.
"We now have a better understanding of atmospheric escape at Mars than at any other planet, including Earth," said Shannon Curry, Maven's principal investigator, based at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Maven found several kinds of auroras at Mars and helped the Perseverance rover capture the first visible‑light aurora from the surface, giving scientists a sense of what astronauts might see with their own eyes. The orbiter also showed how a planet‑wide dust storm in 2018 boosted the loss of water to space, tying together dust, climate, and the fate of Mars' ancient oceans.
One of Maven's most important results involved a process called "sputtering." Put simply, charged particles slam into the upper atmosphere and knock neutral atoms into space, like a cannonball splashing water out of a pool. This process has likely stripped Mars' atmosphere for billions of years, with implications for other planets.
The mission also made some surprise finds. Maven’s particle detector picked up hard X‑rays from a distant black hole system known as Scorpius X‑1, and the team used that odd signal to learn more about the density of Mars' upper atmosphere.
Beyond science, Maven played a vital behind‑the‑scenes role as a communications relay. The spacecraft passed data between Earth and surface missions such as Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance. Though it handled only about 8 percent of all relay sessions, it delivered nearly 18 percent of the total data, according to NASA, thanks in part to a new coding scheme that boosted how much information it could send during each contact. At one point, Maven set the solar system record for most data returned in a single relay session.
For now, Maven will remain in a stretched‑out orbit around Mars. NASA expects the dead spacecraft to stay in space for 50 to 100 years before the orbit naturally shrinks and it falls into Mars' atmosphere. Officials say it doesn't threaten other orbiters circling the Red Planet.
To make up for Maven's lost relay capacity, Mars Odyssey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and European orbiters have adjusted their operations. NASA also plans a new Mars Telecommunications Network in the 2030s, with help from commercial partners, to provide more robust communications and navigation services for future robotic and human missions.
For the people who worked on Maven, though, the loss feels personal. Curry said the team was "broken up" about it. When asked what she'd inscribe on the orbiter's tombstone, she didn't hesitate with her answer:
"Best Mars mission ever."
The newest LEGO sets are here to help you shamelessly flaunt your fandom
If you’re looking for a summer project that keeps you out of the sweltering heat, LEGO.com has got you covered. Far from kids’ play, the advanced LEGO Icons and Editions sets are built for teen and adult fans. They’re challenging, immersive, impressive, and the perfect way to embrace your fandom.
The newest LEGO releases feature some huge new sets to shop for, so here are three recent arrivals that stood out to us.
Celebrate FIFA with a 3D wall display Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Lionel Messi – Celebration $199.99 at LEGOShop Now
While the world’s best soccer players do their final prep ahead of the FIFA World Cup kick-off, superfans can prep for all the watch parties with the incredible Lionel Messi Celebration set from LEGO Editions.
Featuring Messi’s iconic Number 10 striped jersey against a sky-and-pitch backdrop (and subtle nods to his life and career), this 3D wall art is the perfect way to show your support and love for the game. Sitting at 1,427 pieces, it’s a suitable build for teens and adults to complete as a fun group activity this summer break.
Bring the magic of Disney into your home Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Main Street, U.S.A. $399.99 at LEGOShop Now
One of the unique things about being a Disney fan is that you can talk about your fandom to almost anyone, and they’ll be able to relate to the nostalgia of it all. The LEGO Disney Main Street, U.S.A. kit will spark those magical memories for every level of fan.
It features three buildings — a fire station with the Walt Disney family apartment, the Emporium, and the Crystal Arcade — in one display-worthy model. The sprawling set comes with fun extras, including a popcorn wagon with a popping function and 16 minifigure characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Heroic effort with great reward Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Marvel S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier $399.99 at LEGOShop Now
Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday won’t be gracing our screens until the end of the year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a superhero summer. The LEGO Marvel S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier model building kit includes detailed features, movie scenes, and six minifigures from The Avengers.
At 3,057 pieces and incorporating runways, engines, a control tower, aircraft, interior rooms, and more — it’s a challenging build that will keep you engaged for hours. Fans will love the clever references to scenes from the movie and attention to detail in the interiors.
While we’ve highlighted three standouts from the latest drop, there are plenty more collections to explore as you find your fandom flame. Shop all new LEGO sets for an immersive day indoors this summer.
Razr Fold review: Thin, powerful and almost perfect
Motorola's first book-style foldable makes a strong debut, with long battery life, impressive cameras and a sleek build. But there are some caveats, including the hefty $1,900 price.
Pride is here! Check out the best dating apps for LGBTQ women.
We know Pride is year-round, but there is something special about the month of June. Since it's finally here, you might be feeling a bit more flirtatious than usual. You don't have to go to parties and parades alone — you can find a partner on a dating app. And as a lesbian, you probably know all about them. Lesbian Americans (along with bisexual and gay Americans) are far more likely to have ever used dating apps than straight Americans: 51 percent to 28 percent, according to the Pew Research Center.
There are a few reasons why LGBTQ people might turn to online dating more quickly than straight folks. For one, you might live in an area without a thriving LGBTQ community, and in-person dating may be hard. If you don't know other lesbians to begin with, how can you meet more IRL to date? (Sometimes, lesbian spaces can also be co-opted by The Straights.) Unfortunately, in-person dating may also be less safe, depending on where you live.
Thankfully, we live in a time where we can find people like us with a few swipes. Lesbians are welcome on major dating apps, and there are also niche ones specifically for lesbians and other queer women and people. But which one to choose?
How to find the best dating apps for lesbians Niche lesbian dating apps aren't your only option for finding love. Credit: Stacey Zhu / MashableIn Mashable's recommendations below, you'll find both general dating apps and apps specifically for queer people. As the former appeals to the general population, you'll find more users in these spaces. The caveat, however, is that when you swipe on other women, you might find those coupled with men who are looking for another woman to have a threesome with (aka unicorn hunters). No judgment here, but that's probably not what you're looking for. Then again, people of all types are on dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. You never know who you may come across.
Then there are apps specifically for the community, like HER and Lex. If you yearn for a smaller dating scene, head for these apps. While there's no "Grindr for lesbians" — we go into why in the FAQ section — these apps are more so like stepping into your neighborhood lesbian bar than an app like Bumble.
You can also try multiple dating apps, as each one below has a free version. You can filter by the gender you identify with and are looking for, and sometimes, as with OkCupid, there are many options to choose from.
Diving into the dating pool isn't easy, but the water's fine. Check out our guide below for the full rundown of our recommendations and dating app reviews.
AI is fueling Reddits spam problem
UPDATE: Jun. 4, 2026, 3:38 p.m. EDT — This article has been updated with a statement from Reddit.
In recent years, brands and spammers alike have been using Reddit to manipulate AI chatbots by flooding key subreddits with promotional content, and these efforts are getting more sophisticated.
According to a report published by 404 Media, moderators of r/biohackers — a large subreddit focused on supplements and DIY biology — announced last week they were restricting posts about peptides and hormone replacement therapy after discovering that companies selling those products had been systematically seeding the community with sponsored content designed to be scraped by tools like ChatGPT and Google's AI search tools.
SEE ALSO: Google AI mode labels some Reddit and social media posts as ‘Expert Advice’The practice falls under the umbrella of Generative AI-engine optimization (GEO), or AI-engine optimization (AEO), an evolution of traditional search engine optimization (SEO). Because AI chatbots frequently draw on Reddit when generating responses, companies have identified the platform as a high-value target for shaping what those tools recommend.
Marketing firms have built entire service offerings around it. 404 Media identified one company, RedRover, that openly advertises deploying AI agents to mass-publish content across Reddit and blogs to influence both Google and ChatGPT rankings.
What makes it difficult to police, a moderator told 404 Media, is that the accounts doing it are deliberately built to look human. The flagged accounts have posting histories, organic-seeming engagement, and strategically timed brand mentions buried in high-traffic threads.
Reddit told 404 Media its safety teams use automated tooling to detect and remove such content, but moderators say the tactics have grown sophisticated enough that catching them increasingly relies on pattern recognition rather than any automated system.
Reddit's spam policies prohibit using the platform "for repeated or unsolicited mass engagement." In addition to both automated and human review, Reddit users and subreddit moderators also help flag spam content, as in the r/biohackers case.
Reddit provided the following statement to Mashable:
Reddit’s sitewide rules strictly prohibit spam and inauthentic content. Our internal Safety teams leverage human review and sophisticated automated tooling to detect and remove this content at massive scale, and we have over two decades of experience in doing so. On top of this, we also provide moderators with automated tooling that can detect and suspend users likely to be spammers.
We are always working to improve our detection of inauthentic content and accounts, including recently announcing that any fishy automated accounts will be asked to verify their humanity.
Reddit's relationship with bots and manipulation long predates the AI era. The platform has battled coordinated inauthentic behavior for years — from vote manipulation rings to state-sponsored influence campaigns to garden-variety spam accounts — with mixed results. In 2024, Reddit updated its robots.txt file to block unauthorized AI scrapers from accessing its data, a move the company's chief legal officer acknowledged to Mashable was not legally enforceable but served as a public signal that unlicensed access to Reddit's content was unwelcome.
There is an irony in the current AEO problem: Reddit has simultaneously struck licensing deals with AI companies — including OpenAI — to allow their models to train on Reddit content for commercial use. The platform is, at once, selling its data to AI and struggling to keep AI-driven manipulation out of its communities.
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