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The Moon is a little brighter tonight, with just over half its surface lit up as it keeps moving through the lunar cycle.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, May 24, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. Tonight, 59% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

You don't need visual aids to look at the Moon. In fact, when you look up you'll be able to spot the Mares Crisium, Tranquillitatis, and Fecunditatis. If you have binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, Apennine Mountains, and the Mare Nectaris. Finally, with a telescope you'll see the Apollo 16 landing spot, the Linne Crater, and the Rupes Altai.

When is the next Full Moon?

There are two Full Moons in May, with the next due to take place on May 31.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth completely, passing through eight phases during that time. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the way sunlight hits its surface changes throughout its orbit, creating the familiar full, half, and crescent appearances we see in the night sky. Altogether, the lunar cycle consists of eight main phases:

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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you spend time on the farm.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. 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 today's 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?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of 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 until the game ends.

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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: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 24, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Barnyard dwellings

• Green: Fighting for a good cause

• Blue: Cultural props

• Purple: Belonging

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Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Farm fixtures

• Green: Labor protest actions

• Blue: Objects used in ritual performances

• Purple: Possessive adjectives plus a letter

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 #1078 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Farm fixtures: COOP, PEN, SHED, STABLE

• Labor protest actions: MARCH, PICKET, RALLY, STRIKE

• Objects used in ritual performances: DRUM, MASK, RATTLE, STAFF

• Possessive adjectives plus a letter: HERB, HISS, ITSY, MYA

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 24, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're always wound up.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 24, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Turn, turn, turn

The words are related to loops.

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Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe winded things.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Try to Unwind.

NYT Strands word list for May 24

• Bobbin

• Scroll

• Reel

• Spool

• Winch

• Try to Unwind

• Coil

• Spindle

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you prioritize family.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. 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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 24, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 24, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Sibling's child.

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Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter N.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

NIECE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle 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.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 Wordle.

TL;DR: Easily determine the best AI answer for the job with this 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription, on sale now for $69.97 (reg. $540) through May 31.

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One of the most common questions asked about AdultFriendFinder is understandable: Is AFF safe to use? Just one look at the dating site is enough to sound those alarm bells — the dated interface and design and the sheer volume of adult content. Prospective daters are right to question its legitimacy.

To better understand the risks of using AdultFriendFinder, we consulted Anna Larkina, Web Data and Privacy Analysis Expert at Kaspersky, one of the world's leading cybersecurity services, about the kinds of threats that users might face and how to mitigate the risks.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Understanding the risks of online dating

First off, understand that there is a risk inherent to using any online service, and that even the most reputable websites have experienced major hacks or exploits. “Users should remember that any service can potentially encounter various cybersecurity issues,” Larkina told us, including “data leaks, attacks on third party contractors, or issues related to the human factor.” 

But the risks are undoubtedly higher for some websites than others. For example, with a typical merchant website, you’re only providing them with your credit card information, but on a dating site, you’re potentially providing your credit card details and crucial personal information, from your date of birth to your phone number, information that can prove very valuable to scammers.

SEE ALSO: Is Hinge really 'designed to be deleted'? I tested it to find out.

While this is a risk you take with any dating service, AdultFriendFinder is perhaps more vulnerable than most dating sites because of the nature of its content and user base, so it’s important to understand the potential issues.

What risks are specific to AdultFriendFinder?The “adult content” angle

While there is absolutely no obligation for AFF users to share nude photos of themselves, or get naked on a webcam feed, many, many people opt to do so, and while we have no objection from a moral perspective — let your freak flag fly high and proud — it’s important that you know you risk more than an awkward conversation with coworkers and family members who stumble across your account.

Unfortunately, bad actors can exploit and use your own personal information against you.

“Data from services with adult content or dating services can be especially sensitive for users, because it’s more personal,” warns Larkina. “If fraudsters somehow obtain such private data, they can use it for more ‘efficient’ blackmailing or targeted phishing.” Needless to say, you should be wary of how you use the site and what information you share, especially if you have a public-facing job.

AFF security breaches

While dating sites invest heavily in cybersecurity protections, online threats are constant and ever-evolving. Hackers who are eager to discover treasure troves of personal and financial information will often target online dating platforms — they can be easy pickings.

AdultFriendFinder has suffered two major security breaches, which is actually a pretty stellar record of security over its entire 30-year history. In 2016, hackers gained access to the personal information of four million AFF users before the breach was found and stopped. And a larger breach occurred in 2016, impacting some 300 million AFF accounts, including 15 million accounts that had been officially deleted by the user but whose data had not been properly expunged from the AFF servers.

Phishing scams

Another common hacking technique — and one particularly effective on dating websites — is phishing, which is when a bad actor assumes a false identity to gain your trust and deceive you into revealing compromising or sensitive information. It's easy to do on dating sites because, by their very nature, people sign up to specifically to search people out and make connections. Scammers can pose as attractive persons, telling users exactly what they want to hear and luring them into the scam.

SEE ALSO: All your Tinder questions, answered

To combat phishing, AFF offers the ability to verify identities with government-issued identification. This verification process is still an optional extra — it's not mandatory when setting up an account. We recommended doing it though, and setting a search filter to verified accounts only. It's a surefire way to protect yourself against bad actors.

Can your AFF account be found?

While the private information you give AFF (your real name and email address, for example) isn't public-facing, AFF’s dating profiles are public by default, so if you include a picture of your face (as many accounts do), you can be recognized by friends, co-workers, and family members. 

And as AFF has suffered two major hacks before, there’s always an outside chance of it happening again, which could result in your email address and information landing in a dodgy database.

How to protect your online identity when using AdultFriendFinder

Does this all mean you should never use AdultFriendFinder, or any dating site? Absolutely not. We're here to help you protect yourself and stay vigilant, not to discourage you from signing up. 

Larkina has shared an additional list of best practices to help you mitigate risks while having fun on AFF or any other dating site:

1. Don’t use a professional email address to sign up for a dating site. If you’re especially nervous, consider creating a new email address just for the purposes of signing up.

2. To protect your accounts, use strong and unique passwords, change them regularly, and if possible, enable two factor authentication

3. Be extremely cautious with what you share with strangers, especially when it comes to sensitive information or intimate photos. “Always assess reputational and other risks before posting or sending anything,” cautions Larkina.

4. When using AFF in particular, limit your interactions to users who have verified their identity

Summing up her advice, Larkina urges online dating service users to treat these “platforms as public spaces, not as private ones” as far as possible, and be ever mindful that “every piece of data you provide — email, phone number, username, etc. — becomes part of your digital footprint.” If you’re careful about what you share and who you share it with, you can safely enjoy AdultFriendFinder and any other dating site.

After months of waiting, Trump Mobile's American smartphone (AKA the Trump Mobile T1 AKA the Trump Phone) is finally in the hands of consumers — or, at least, a select few journalist reviewers who spent their own hard earned money to procure one.

SEE ALSO: The Trump phone might not be total vaporware after all

Trump Mobile CEO Pat O'Brien previously announced the devices would start shipping last week, and it appears the promise was at least partially kept, as tech journalists began receiving devices a few days ago.

Just a little recap: The Trump Phone was announced last June, marketed as a gold "Made In America" Android device that would run a user only $500. The company then opened up a $100 preorder for the device. Shortly after, users realized the "Made In America" label was too good to be true, and as the release deadline was pushed further and further, many believed it would all turn out to be a scam. The device's Terms & Conditions were an even bigger mystery, including a stipulation that Trump Mobile couldn't guarantee the device would ever be released. A totally normal thing to include.

The Verge then reported on an official FCC listing that seemed to confirm O'Brien's comments. A few days later, Trump Mobile execs confirmed to the press that customer data was leaking onto the open internet, due to a third-party platform provider.

At least the phone is here.

Unboxing the Trump Phone

Our colleagues over at CNET have done the full unboxing, and it is, contrary to popular belief, real: A golden smartphone complete with etched American flag logo (but only 11 stripes instead of 13).

It comes in a sleek black box emblazoned with the same minimalist flag motif — kind of like those baseball caps your uncle wears — and reads only "assembled in the USA," not made in the USA, so jury is still out on the phone's manufacturing origins. Inside the box is a wall plug, braided USB-C cord, and a SIM card tool, CNET reported.

The device's camera bump is marked with the Trump Mobile logo (that is, just the words "Trump Mobile"). It's longer than an iPhone 17, NBC News reported, and has a slim screen bezel with a camera cutout. It looks, to the trained eye, nearly identical to the 2024 HTC U24 Pro, similar to mockups released earlier this year.

The Trump Phone specs: Storage, performance, headphone jack?

The phone comes with 512 GB of storage and — wait a minute — a headphone jack?! That's right; as the public yearns for the days of analogue tech, Trump Mobile is bringing back the jack.

The device has a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen and a 50-megapixel front-facing camera. It runs off a 5,000-mAh battery and uses an unnamed Snapdragon mobile platform.

According to initial testing by CNET's Patrick Holland, the phone has an 8-core processor, which he theorizes is the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. He compares the Trump Mobile phone's performance on standard benchmark tests to 2020-2022 Android phones, like the Galaxy Z Fold 2.

The CNET team will be posting live reviews of the phone as they test it over the weekend. Said NBC's Brian Cheung: "It works like any other phone."

T1 comes with Truth Social preloaded. Duh.

Last but not least, the phone comes with the Truth Social app automatically downloaded to every user's home screen.

And that is fine, because there is absolutely nothing weird about the U.S. President creating his own social media platform for free speech and then having it preinstalled directly onto a communication device branded with his last name.

SAVE $80: The Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $129, down from the list price of $209. That's a 38% discount that matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station $129 at Amazon
$209 Save $80   Get Deal

Now that we're unofficially in summer season, it's time to think about sunny outings and adventures. If you tend to deal with a dead phone battery long before you'll be home from summer activities, you might find a portable power station to be well worth the investment. Check out this compact model that's included in Amazon's Memorial Day sale.

As of May 23, the Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $129, marked down from the list price of $209. That's a 38% discount for a total savings of $80. Today's sale price matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

If you're not looking for a bulky or heavy portable power station, the Jackery Explorer 240D is an ideal option. With 256Wh of battery capacity, Jackery mentions this model can recharge a laptop three times or a phone 15 times. Pack this along for a weekend camping with friends and you might become the favorite, keeping everyone's phones charged up.

SEE ALSO: The best Memorial Day power station deals: We found powerful deals on Jackery, Anker, DJI, and more

It weighs under five pounds and it comes with a USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying strap, making this model extra portable. You'll be able to recharge devices via four USB ports, including one USB-A. AC recharging the Jackery with USB-C will take about 2.5 hours while recharging with a 100W solar panel will take about three hours.

Before you head out on a summer outdoor adventure that'll take you off-grid, get equipped with the Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station. It's on sale at Amazon for under $130 and will give you peace of mind that you'll be able to stay connected.

Two men have been officially charged with a federal crime after they were caught generating and publishing AI deepfakes of female celebrities.

Federal prosecutors arrested two men in conjunction with a criminal complaint that both separately made sexually explicit AI content that was viewed by millions of users online. The content featured female politicians, musicians, singers, and private photos of women known to one of the accused.

The two men face up to two years in prison.

SEE ALSO: Travel authority pulls public records used to create AI audio of deceased pilots

The men are being tried under President Donald Trump's Take It Down Act, which criminalizes publishing or threatening to publish nonconsensual intimate imagery including AI generated pornography featuring real individuals. The bill, backed by First Lady Melania Trump and several major organizations addressing sexual cyber crime and child sexual abuse, went into effect exactly one year ago.

At the time, many experts questioned how the act would actually be enforced under the Federal Trade Commission, specifically calling attention to removal procedures and redress for victims themselves. Others worried that the bill's broad guidelines would be contested on free speech grounds.

Last month, the Take It Down Act nabbed its first conviction, after an Ohio man pleaded guilty to harassing women with nonconsensual AI images and videos depicting them in sexual acts, as well as generating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) using the technology.

"This case makes clear that posting deepfake pornography is not a victimless crime," U.S. attorney Joseph Nocella said following the arrests.

SAVE $800: The Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower is on sale $1,799.99 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $2,599.99. That's a 31% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Husqvarna Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower $1,799.99 at Amazon
$2,599.99 Save $800.00   Get Deal

It's Memorial Day weekend, and if you're spending the time off catching up on household chores, you probably have some yard maintenance tasks on the list. If mowing the lawn is a chore you tend to put off for as long as possible, consider the convenience of a robot lawn mower. Amazon has a handful of robot lawn mowers on sale this Memorial Day and this particular deal is a standout.

As of May 23, the Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower is on sale for $1,799.99 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $2,599.99. That works out to a savings of $800 thanks to a 31% discount.

Designed to tackle lawns of up to 0.5 acres, the Husqvarna 410iQ can mow grass to your preference between one and four inches in length. Compared to many robot lawn mowers, that's an impressive height range. It can also navigate on slopes of up to 45 degrees and you can designate an unlimited amount of zones in your yard.

SEE ALSO: The best Memorial Day power station deals: We found powerful deals on Jackery, Anker, DJI, and more

For example, you can set the front yard to be mowed down to two inches every Monday morning while keeping the backyard shorter and cut more frequently during summer barbecue season. The Husqvarna also has several cutting patterns you can choose from including parallel, checkerboard, or triangle. Plus, this model is safe to clean with a hose.

Today's deal includes the Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower, the charging station, an EPOS reference station for GPS signal, and a year's worth of replacement cutting blades.

Before taking time out of your long weekend to mow the lawn, consider hopping on Amazon's sale price for the Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower. You'll be saving $800 while freeing up tons of weekend time this summer.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is pausing the release of previously public information related to its investigations, after individuals used AI to recreate the last words of deceased pilots.

The independent agency was informed that an AI-generated rendering depicting cockpit audio of UPS flight 2976 was created and circulated, using only written documents submitted during the recent hearing, CNN reported. The Nov. 4 crash resulted in the deaths of three crew members and 12 civilians on the ground.

"We show our work and we’ve been doing this type of thing for years. Nobody was aware that you can recreate audio from a picture," an NTSB spokesperson told CNN. "NTSB is looking to make sure there’s nothing else in the docket that could compromise anybody’s privacy… now that we understand the possibility of a digital recreation."

SEE ALSO: California's Gavin Newsom tries to save workers from AI with executive order

Under federal law, the NTSB does not release cockpit voice recordings to the public during investigations of deadly plane crashes. Instead, the agency will submit a transcript for the public record and — as was the case for flight 2976 — an audio spectrogram, which visually depicts sound frequencies, duration, and amplitude in a given clip.

Individuals were able to use the spectrogram, pulled from the public investigation docket, to digitally recreate the last 30 seconds of cockpit audio before the plane crashed, including the pilot's voices and background sounds. A second clip of recreated audio from an NTSB aircraft test was also circulated online.

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Citing privacy concerns, the agency released a public statement explaining their decision to pause access to investigation dockets, writing:

The NTSB is aware that advances in image recognition and computational methods have enabled individuals to reconstruct approximations of cockpit voice recorder audio from sound spectrum imagery released as part of NTSB investigations, including the ongoing investigation of the crash last year of UPS flight 2976 in Louisville, Kentucky.

The NTSB does not release cockpit audio recordings. Federal law prohibits such public release due to the highly sensitive nature of verbal communications inside the cockpit. The NTSB takes these privacy restrictions seriously.

SAVE $80: The Levoit Sprout air purifier is on sale at Amazon for $199.99, down from the list price of $279.99. That's a 29% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Levoit Levoit Sprout air purifier $199.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80   Get Deal

We've arrived at the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer season each year, and that means it's an ideal weekend to head outside and enjoy some warm sunshine. However, some of the country is still swamped with spring pollen and other areas are dealing with wildfire smoke. If you fall into either camp or have simply been looking for a bedroom-worthy air purifier, check out this deal.

As of May 23, the Levoit Sprout air purifier is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $279.99. That's a 29% discount that takes a respectable $80 off the price.

I'll admit that $280 for a bedroom-sized air purifier is steep, which is why I'm thrilled to see it on sale during Amazon's Memorial Day sale. Last year, I tested tons of models to find the best air purifiers for wildfire smoke and fell in love with the features on the Levoit Sprout. I still use it everyday in my bedroom.

Like the name hints at, the Levoit Sprout is designed for a kids' room or a nursery, but I think it's awesome for all ages. Like you'd want with an air purifier, it uses HEPA filtration to capture irritants like dust, dander, pollen, and smoke. But what I love the most are the extra features.

For starters, the Levoit Sprout has a built-in light that's perfect for bedtime routines. I head into the Levoit app and turn the light on before I even walk into my bedroom. The light even has adjustable brightness levels, so you can set it to your preference from bright white to a chill amber hue. And don't worry about disrupting your sleep: Levoit mentions this light is blue-light safe.

SEE ALSO: The best Memorial Day mattress deals to shop this weekend: Saatva, Nectar, and more

While it's not the best quality, the Levoit Sprout also has a built-in speaker. Using the app or the top controls, you can play calming bedtime sounds like ocean waves or rain, a feature that could be excellent for using in a nursery.

For a numbers nerd, the air-quality tracking on the Sprout is a dream. Like almost every air purifier, it gives metrics like PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels, but the Levoit does so much more. It measures VOC, temperature, humidity, and even CO2 levels, a feature I've yet to see on another air purifier.

If you're looking for an air purifier to sit on your nightstand or you're thinking ahead to potential summer smoke from fires, hop on the Levoit Spout while it's on sale for under $200. Not only is it an air purifier; it's also a lamp, speaker, and air-quality monitor.

SAVE $900: The 65-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV is on sale at Amazon for $1,099.99, down from the list price of $1,999.99. That's a 45% discount and the best price we've ever spotted at Amazon. The 55-inch model is also on sale, selling for $849.99 instead of the list price of $1,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 65-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $900   Get Deal

If you're hanging out at home this Memorial Day weekend, you might be noticing some home upgrades that are calling for attention this summer. If one of those happens to be getting a new TV, you're in luck. Amazon understands that some of us prefer to spend long weekends and sweaty summer months at home binging TV in the comfort of air conditioning. With that in mind, the retailer has great TV discounts this weekend. Check out this notable offer.

As of May 23, the 65-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV is on sale at Amazon for $1,099.99, marked down from the list price of $1,999.99. That's a 45% discount that shaves a massive $900 off the price. It's also the best price we've ever spotted at Amazon. If you prefer a smaller model, the 55-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV also got a discount to $849.99, down from the list price of $1,499.99.

Samsung was the first to the market with an art TV when the brand introduced us to The Frame. It launched with some eye-watering prices, but like almost all tech, we now have competitor options that are much more affordable. Hisense revamped the CanvasTV in 2026 with a Hi-QLED display with an AI RGB ambient light sensor. These upgrades are designed to get deeper color accuracy and even adjust based on the room's ambient light.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Memorial Day sale is live — score the best deals on TVs, Bose earbuds, Jackery power stations, and more

Of course, the star feature on the CanvasTV is the ability to tap into the Hisense library of artwork to display while you're not streaming summer shows. You can also display your own photos or rotate your favorites. The Hisense even comes with an ultra-slim wall mount, which makes the TV look like a framed piece of art rather than a TV.

Since several sizes of the Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV are on sale for record-low prices at Amazon during Memorial Day weekend, it's an ideal time to make the upgrade. Order soon and Amazon might even be able to deliver before the long weekend is over.

Not quite a tablet and much more compact than a book, e-readers are basically a compact, digital library. And having tested a lot of e-readers and tablets for Mashable, I can tell you the Amazon Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices.

All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle and how to make the most of it. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don't have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.

Ready to buy? Here's our guide to the best Kindles.

2026 Kindle updates

As of May 20, 2026, Amazon will no longer lend software updates or provide web services to devices released in 2012 or earlier, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.

The affected Kindles include:

• Kindle (1st generation)

• Kindle (2nd generation)

• Kindle DX

• Kindle DX Graphite

• Kindle Keyboard

• Kindle 4

• Kindle Touch

• Kindle 5

• Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)

Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

• How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

• I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.

• What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

• What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month

• Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

• Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle
  

SAVE $500: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 in Amazon's Memorial Day sale. That's $500 off the list price of $1,599.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,099 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $500   Get Deal

We're busy tracking all the best Memorial Day deals going live over the weekend. Picking our favorite deals isn't easy, but you know what is? Recommending the latest deal on the DJI Mini 5 Pro.

Capturing cinematic 4K landscape footage used to require an expensive commercial flight license and heavy equipment. DJI completely rewrote that rulebook with its ultra-lightweight premium series, and their flagship model is hard to ignore at a heavily discounted price.

Despite all the ongoing conversations surrounding DJI imports in the U.S., current retail stocks are completely clear for consumer purchase — and retailers are clearing shelves with massive incentives ahead of the summer travel rush. For a limited time, the DJI Mini 5 Pro is on sale for $1,099 in Amazon's Memorial Day sale. That's $500 off and really close to the lowest-ever price for this model.

This popular drone tips the scales at exactly 249 grams. Because it sits comfortably under the FAA's strict 250-gram regulatory threshold, you can take it from the box straight into the sky for recreational flights without registering with the government or sitting through a baseline safety course.

Save $500 on the DJI Mini 5 Pro this weekend at Amazon.

TL;DR: T-Mobile has dropped new deals on the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17 Pro. Score the latest iPhone lineup for free at T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

Mashable's shopping team is firmly focused on Memorial Day right now. We've lined up the best deals on TVs, power stations, mattresses, and so much more over the Memorial Day weekend.

Did we roundup the best deals on smartphones? No we did not, because T-Mobile is really hard to beat right now.

Whether you're looking to switch networks or simply upgrade a device you’ve been holding onto for years, T-Mobile has dropped a fresh batch of deals to help you take home a premium phone without a monthly charge:

• Apple iPhone 17e — free when you port your number over from a competitor and activate a new line on almost any T-Mobile postpaid service plan (no trade-in required).

• Apple iPhone 17 — free when you switch and trade in an eligible smartphone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro — free when you hand over an eligible smartphone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Before you rush to claim your new iPhone, it's important to note how T-Mobile structures these offers. T-Mobile won’t just hand you the goods and wish you well. Instead, the total retail cost of your chosen iPhone is offset by 24 consecutive monthly bill credits. Your monthly statement will show a charge for the financing of the phone, immediately followed by an equal credit balancing that charge to $0. That means you are entering a 24-month commitment with the network.

If you decide to cancel your service or jump to a different provider before those two years are up, the remaining unpaid cash balance on the phone will become due immediately.

You will need to pay taxes and a $35 activation charge at checkout to get the new line provisioned on the network, but that's a small price to pay for a new iPhone that offers a "great camera, beautiful display, 256GB of storage, fast performance, and long battery life."

Make the most of this opportunity to score the latest iPhone 17 lineup for free with T-Mobile.

TL;DR: Make your AI workflow less chaotic with this lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan, on sale now for $59.97 (reg. $619) through May 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $59.97
$619 Save $559.03   Get Deal

AI is supposed to make life easier, but before you know it, your desktop is overrun with all the different models, and you’re more overwhelmed than you were in the first place. ChatPlayground AI aims to change that, offering a centralized hub for your AI needs.

Right now, you can score a lifetime subscription to the Unlimited Plan for only $59.97 until May 31.

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!

Stop trying to keep up with all the strengths and weaknesses of your go-to AI choices. ChatPlayground AI lets you see responses from over 20 models, all side by side in one spot.

Enter your prompt and compare answers from ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini, Llama, Perplexity, and more with ChatPlayground AI. You can pick the best response for your needs, all without having to pay all the individual subscription fees.

From generating code and images to asking simple questions or coding, ChatPlayground AI can handle nearly everything. And if you don’t get the responses you’re looking for, it can even help you build better prompts with prompt engineering tools. Image and PDF chat features are also available to get speedier answers.

If you’re working on an ongoing project or just find yourself wanting to reference past conversations, ChatPlayground AI saves them all for your convenience. Your Unlimited Plan also provides unlimited monthly messages, priority customer service, and priority access to any new features and future models.

Secure your own lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan for only $59.97 now through May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: A new operating system modernizes your PC, and right now, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro can be yours for just $9.97 (reg. $199) through May 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97
$199 Save $189.03   Get Deal

Is your dusty old PC feeling pretty stale? Upgrading your operating system breathes new life into your device, and Windows 11 Pro was built specifically for today’s workflow.

Right now, you can upgrade your current PC for just $9.97 with this license — on sale through May 31.

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!

If you primarily use your PC for work, it’s time to make the switch to Windows 11 Pro. This OS was designed for today’s professionals, with a user-friendly interface, improved multitasking capabilities, and advanced security to keep your content secure.

If your PC cannot upgrade through Windows Update, you can use this license. The fresh, user-friendly interface is easy to use, while features like a more powerful search experience, easy redocking, snap layouts, and virtual desktops speed up your workflow.

This Windows 11 Pro license includes Microsoft Teams, which helps you stay connected to family, friends, and coworkers. It also gives you access to Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can help you complete tasks, change settings, summarize web pages, and open apps.

Enjoy improved cybersecurity with biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus protection that all help keep your data safe.

If you’re a gamer, you’ll love DirectX 12 Ultimate‘s impressive graphics, and professionals will appreciate access to Azure AD, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker.

Get a Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for less than the cost of lunch — only $9.97 now through May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

I had a Pokémon card addiction back in 1999.

I used to get £10 a month pocket money from my grandmother and, more often than not, that crisp note would be immediately exchanged for four crinkly blue and silver booster packs that I'd rip straight open. I paid £10 once for a shiny Charizard card to complete the Base set. It's still sat in the binder I placed it in a quarter of a century ago.

Pokémon has been in and out of my life ever since. It made a major comeback in 2016 when Pokémon Go launched, and then again more recently when my young son discovered the TV show. I often watch it with him. I don't recognise all the Pokémon, but I'm pleased to see Ash hasn't aged a day.

Then, a few weeks back, my son came home with some Pokémon cards. They were in a small pack that came free with a magazine. I recognised a couple of the newer ones, Rowlet and Dedenne, along with a Seel I remembered from back in the day. The nostalgia hit me hard, so I decided to buy some boosters that we could open together.

SEE ALSO: 'Pokémon Pokopia' is the cozy escape the internet needed

I fired up Amazon, thinking that would be the quickest way to find some — only to be slightly confused when I saw the site's yellow "Buy" button had been replaced with a button reading "Request an Invite". I clicked it, dug into exactly what it meant, and soon discovered Pokémon card collecting in 2026 is a very, very different hobby to what it was in the late nineties.

Amazon's "Request an Invite" option shows up instead of the "Buy" button for Pokémon cards. Credit: Amazon

The short version? It's currently extremely hard to buy Pokémon card packs for retail price. This probably won't come as a surprise to present-day collectors, but for someone who hasn't bought any since my teenage years, it was unexpected. I managed it in the end, but it took me two weeks, multiple supermarket visits, online lotteries, and a final stroke of luck.

The frustrating quest to find Pokémon cards in stores

Amazon's "Request an Invite" system essentially enters you into a lottery. A couple of times a week invites are sent out, enabling some lucky customers to buy the cards they requested (in two weeks I received no invites). Once I realised the process might be a slow one, I turned my attention to other IRL retailers. Pokemon Trading Card Game has an official site listing stores, and I learned through Reddit's r/PokemonDealsUK sub (I live in the UK) that other people were having some success in supermarkets like Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons and ASDA.

Over the course of about a week I visited 10 of these stores, varying from small Tesco Express shops to Sainbury's superstores. On some days I visited stores that people on Reddit were specifically flagging as having received fresh stock. The shelves were always empty. Every single time, without fail, the Pokémon card section in the toy aisle would look sad and abandoned.

A few times I asked staff about stock, and the answer always came back as some variation of the following: "We don't get them in very often. And when we do, one person normally just buys the whole box."

Featured Video For You Josh Johnson’s formula for the perfect comedy special Why are Pokémon cards so hard to buy at retail prices?

The answer, as I learned, is pretty simple: Demand currently outstrips supply. The price people are willing to pay for Pokémon cards is higher than retail price.

I found this out by looking on second hand markets like eBay and Vinted, where packs and boxes of Pokémon cards are frequently sold for far more than the £4-£5 per 10-card booster pack you can buy in the shops. Some sets, like January's very popular Ascended Heroes, are actually selling for around double the retail price. The rarest cards in that set, like the Mega Gengar Ex Special Illustration Rare, go for over £1,000.

"We're seeing the people that would buy trainers and stuff, to flip for profit, now coming over to Pokémon to do the same thing."

Suddenly, the reason why one person might be going into a store and buying up the entire stock started to make more sense: They're immediately in profit. Pokémon cards now, perhaps more than ever, have become a business.

As part of my research, I reached out to Asmodee and Smiths News, two of the UK's main Pokémon card distributors, as well as three major supermarket chains. Tesco had no on-the-record comment, but acknowledged the high demand while advising that its Express stores will be stocking the new Chaos Rising set and are expecting regular deliveries. Asmodee had no comment. At the time of writing, none of the others have responded (Mashable will update this article if we do hear back).

So how do you actually get Pokémon cards?

As I eventually found out, it is possible to buy Pokémon cards at retail price. It just takes a bit of time and luck. My search quickly took me from Reddit to the OakLabs Poké Alerts Discord server, which a moderator of r/PokemonDealsUK has set up to try and help buyers find stock. So far it's been the most useful resource out there. There are stock alert pings, people sharing successful finds in the wild, and links to lotteries (like the Amazon one) run by other independent shops. Although stock still sells quickly, the Discord is full of people who've managed to beat the odds and buy the packs they want.

My first bit of luck, however, came from somewhere a bit more traditional: a local card shop in South West England. Bath TCG came up when I searched for places to buy cards near me, and I gave them a call without really expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised. They told me that they'd have stock of the new set, Chaos Rising, in for release day, and because they limit pack purchases to two per customer, they were expecting to have enough for everyone.

I headed down for the launch and found that the system worked. As promised, rather than an empty shelf, the card packs were ready and waiting. I was finally able to pick some up.

Success at last! Credit: Sam Haysom

Before I left, I caught up with 35-year-old store owner, Ben Thyer, who described the current boom as a "perfect storm" created by a rise in Pokémon card streamers, flashy celebrity headlines like Logan Paul's $16 million Pikachu Illustrator record auction, and the fact that 2026 is the 30th anniversary of the card game.

"We're seeing the people that would buy trainers and stuff, to flip for profit, now coming over to Pokémon to do the same thing," Thyer told me. "It used to be you could buy Pokémon, everyone would buy it to open and enjoy, some people would keep it sealed but the return would be in four, five, six years. Currently, because of how the market is and how sparse it is, the return is instant."

Unlike many retailers, Bath TCG counters this with a tiered system. Players of the game are in Tier 1, loyal customers — who've already made several purchases — are in Tier 2, and everyone else is in Tier 3. All booster packs are limited to a certain number per customer, depending on the tier they fall into. Seals on booster boxes are broken to discourage resellers. All of this means that the stock doesn't immediately vanish when the doors open, and there are enough packs for everyone.

Seals are broken by staff to put off resellers. Credit: Sam Haysom

When I asked Thyer why distributors aren't simply supplying more cards to meet demand, he said that they are. But demand also means more retailers are ordering from distributors, including stores like Hobbycraft and The Entertainer that didn't used to sell Pokémon cards. This means the likes of Bath TCG aren't able to get any additional stock, despite stock levels in the UK being higher overall.

And as for whether or not this stock scarcity situation will change anytime soon? Thyer wasn't too hopeful.

"This is like a cyclical thing that we see sort of every three to four years, but it normally lasts six to nine months and it's not that intense," he said. "It's not really showing any signs of slowing down at the moment."

Too many AdultFriendFinder users restrict themselves to the more conventional aspects of this otherwise unconventional dating site. They create a profile, search through singles, and maybe browse a webcam or two. But the real meat of the site isn't actually in the one-on-one interactions; it's in the larger community, which exists in the forums, monthly contests, blogs and, perhaps most importantly, the Sex Stories section.

While you can obviously just browse these stories casually, the on-site culture actually encourages greater interaction than that, and many an AFF connection has been made by two adults bonding over their shared love of erotic fiction. 

Here's how you can use their literotica section to not only vet your next sexting partner but actually initiate the conversation. Full disclaimer: while you can absolutely enjoy aspects of the Sex Stories section without a paid membership, getting the most out of it and actually converting your literary admiration into a one-on-one chat will require a site subscription.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Read the stories and find what resonates with you

AFF's Sex Stories section boasts more than a dozen distinct categories or genres, ranging from "first time" experiences to group sex scenes, fetish exploration and even stories with fantasy or sci-fi elements. The more creative writers even try their hand at erotic novels and poetry, and since a lot of effort has been put into these creations, the least you can do is read the stories in full and save those you like.

SEE ALSO: 3 common hookup app profile mistakes: Keep this off your AdultFriendFinder profile

While even free users can save individual stories, only paid members can follow story writers, but if you discover that one particular author keeps catching your interest, following their work is a good way to indicate your interest. 

Leave a comment

What author doesn't appreciate positive feedback? If a story resonates with you, you can interact with it in one of two ways: by leaving a comment or by using the like button to indicate your approval. Because of the site's laidback culture, it's completely common for authors to respond to comments, so put some thought into what you say, shouting out specific aspects of the story or how it was written. Many a private sexting conversation began in the public comment section of an AFF story.

While free AFF users are able to both comment and like stories, paid members unlock even greater emoji reactions, including more salacious and flirty reactions, which helps you take your flirting game up a notch. 

Consider writing your own story

If you're having trouble getting storywriters to respond to you or if you just can't find a piece that really resonates with your needs, it might be time to take up the (digital) pen yourself. If you have a way with words, you can accrue a large following on the site, and even earn badges for your heightened on-site participation.

SEE ALSO: 3 AdultFriendFinder red flags — how to avoid scams on AFF

Best of all, by becoming the writer rather than the reader, you'll put yourself in the position of being able to select which comments (and therefore which commentators) catch your attention. 

Use the #tags feature

While every story written has to be placed into a specific category, each story can also contain multiple tags, and these are a lot more varied and a lot more specific than the story categories. Current "top tags" include #feet, #sub, #teasing and #watching, for example.

If you're looking for a particular type of sexting conversation, or if you have very specific turn-ons, the tag feature is the fastest way to find a like-minded person to explore with in a private conversation.