Blogroll

60+ Fathers Day gifts for Dad he wont have to pretend to like

Mashable - 8 hours 34 min ago

Whatever occasion has you looking for dad gifts (Father's Day, Christmas, Hanukkah), we recommend that you stay far away from clichés — unless your dad happens to be an avid sock collector, that is.

The best gifts for dads say, “I see your hobbies and I respect them." Which has been the basis for this list of unique ideas that you may not have seen before. (We have three words for you: "Ryan Gosling" and "knitting".) This list is sure to have something your old man will love, from the latest Apple and Sony tech to menswear and ingenious gadgets. And with Father's Day fast approaching on June 21, there's no better time to treat him.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Im watching the Canadian GP for free this weekend — how to live stream F1 for free

Mashable - 8 hours 34 min ago

TL;DR: Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels to watch select F1 races for free. Watch the Canadian GP for free with the Prime Video app.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel Watch the Japanese GP for free with a 7-day trial Shop Now

I don't care what anyone says — I've really enjoyed this season of F1. I know the new F1 regulations are not for everyone, not least the drivers. But I like the unpredictability of this season and I'm keen for more after a break post Miami.

Kimi Antonelli continues to lead the standings coming into the Canadian GP, but there's a feeling that McLaren are closing the gap to the Mercedes drivers. Could the tide finally turn this weekend and we get our first winner from another team? It's a Sprint weekend, so it always feels like there's a greater chance of upsetting the odds.

If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Canadian GP?

The Canadian GP is the fifth race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve:

  • Practice 1 — 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET on May 22

  • Sprint Qualifying — 4:30-5:14 p.m. ET on May 22

  • Sprint — 12-1 p.m. ET on May 23

  • Qualifying — 4-5 p.m. ET on May 23

  • Race — 4 p.m. ET on May 24

Fans can follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.

How to watch the Canadian GP for free

I subscribe to Amazon Prime. I very happily pay for the fast shipping, exclusive Prime Day deals, and access to Prime Video. The access to Prime Video is actually not all that important to me. I occasionally watch the Champions League and NBA, but that's about it. That was until this season of F1 came to Apple TV.

It is now possible to sign up for a seven-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. F1 is exclusive to Apple TV in the U.S., so by accessing this free trial, you can watch select races for free this season. The subscription costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel this automatic renewal at any time.

By cancelling ahead of the renewal, you can watch the Canadian GP this weekend without spending anything.

I already pay for Amazon Prime, so you could argue that this isn't really free. I get that, but Amazon Prime does offer a 30-day free trial period if you're new to the service. By signing up for this free trial and then gaining access to Apple TV through Prime Video Channels, you can truly watch select races for free this season.

Already used this hack to watch a race this season? It's not your only option.

I suggest you go direct to Apple TV. This popular steaming service comes with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. Alternatively, Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial.

The best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product. If you're planning on upgrading to something from the Apple lineup in Memorial Day sales, you could gain access to Apple TV for a pretty large chunk of this season. You will obviously need to buy something, but if you were already in the market for an upgrade, this method makes a lot of sense.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free in 2026 Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Memorial Day tech deals you can shop this weekend — save on headphones, laptops, and more

Mashable - 8 hours 34 min ago
The best Memorial Day tech deals of 2026: Best headphone deal Nothing Headphone (a) $169 (save $30) Get Deal Best speaker deal Sony SRS-XB100 $43 (save $21.99) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $940 (save $150) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series with Fire TV (2025) $309.99 (save $90) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro $69 (save $30) Get Deal Best smart home deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 (save $25 with code SELCT4K) Get Deal

Replacing a busted laptop or losing your favorite earbuds is painful enough without having to pay full retail price to replace them. Memorial Day is historically a great weekend to score discounts on big-ticket electronics (and mattresses!), but finding a real deal among all the manufactured holiday markdowns can be confusing, and a little insulting. (Looking at you, inflated list prices!)

SEE ALSO: The best deals this week, according to Mashable's team of shopping experts

To help you find the biggest discounts, I sifted through the sales to round up the best tech deals happening this weekend. I prioritized Mashable's favorite tech — so you get genuinely good, vetted gear, not just whatever inventory retailers are trying to clear out of their warehouses.

Best Memorial Day headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing Headphone (a) $169 at Amazon
$199 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Nothing Headphone (a).

Mashable's Lead Shopping Reporter is fresh off reviewing Nothing's new mid-range headphones, which she rated a 4.3/5. She thinks they're better than the flagship Nothing Headphone (1) because they offer the same app experience, comparable noise cancellation, and a comfier fit at a lower price. Moreover, they last for up to 135 hours on a single charge (!) without ANC, and their retro design is fun. Amazon has them on sale for a record-low price ahead of Memorial Day, saving you 15%.

More Memorial Day headphone deals Earbud dealsBest Memorial Day speaker deal Sony SRS-XB100 $43 at Amazon
$64.99 Save $21.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Read our full guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.

If you're looking for a portable speaker that you can just grab and throw in your bag, I couldn't recommend the Sony SRS-XB100 enough. I've had this exact one for years and it goes everywhere with me — I take it to the beach, hang it in the outside shower at my parents' OBX house, and set it up when I'm hanging with friends on the balcony. It has serious sound for how small it is, and right now you can get it for $43 (down from $64.99). That's a total steal for a speaker this good.

Want to pay even less? You can get a "renewed" Sony SRS-XB100 for $39.99.

More Memorial Day speaker dealsBest Memorial Day laptop deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $899.99 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $199.01   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Read our full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.

The MacBook Neo is only $10 off on Amazon right now, but the brand-new 13-inch MacBook Air is $100 off there — you can get the base model for just $949. This is the lowest price we've seen it go for since April 6. In our review, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth said the new MacBook Air "takes everything good about the MacBook Air and adds the faster M5 chip."

More Memorial Day laptop dealsBest Memorial Day TV deal Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series with Fire TV $309.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $90   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Right now, you can get last year's Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series with Fire TV for $309.99. (If you're a new Xbox GamePass customer, you'll also get a month of the subscription service for free.) That's a 23% discount and not too shabby of a deal for a 2025 TV.

More Memorial Day TV deals Best Memorial Day smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro $69 at Amazon
$99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro.

The Mashable Choice Award-winning CMF Watch 3 Pro features great health, fitness, and sleep tracking tools, and it lasts forever — it's rated at up to 13 days per charge with average use. It's not as sleek as other wearables, but it's an impeccable value at its $99 MSRP: "Please, no one tell Nothing they should be charging a lot more for this watch," writes Mashable Contributor and reviewer Lauren Allain. Right now, it's yours for 30% off.

More Memorial Day smartwatch dealsBest Memorial Day smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $25 Enter code SELCT4K at checkout. Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's budget 4K streaming stick has been going on sale regularly since its launch last fall, but it's never been this cheap before. (Be sure to enter the coupon code SELECT4K at checkout.) At 63% off, it's very difficult to see it getting any cheaper come Prime Day.

More Memorial Day streaming stick dealsHome security deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

60+ of the best Memorial Day deals: We found TVs, mattresses, headphones, and more on sale

Mashable - 8 hours 34 min ago
The best Memorial Day 2026 deals at a glance: Best Amazon deal Ninja Slushi $259 (save $90.99) Get Deal Best TV deal Toshiba 65-inch C350 LED 4K Fire TV $264.99 (save $265) Get Deal Best tech deal Bose QuietComfort headphones $229 (save $120) Get Deal Best home deal Ruggable save up to 25% sitewide Shop Now

The unofficial start to summer is almost here, but you don't have to wait until Memorial Day itself on May 25 to find those Memorial Day deals.

There are already deals live at Amazon, where you'll find savings of up to 40%. There are also plenty of savings from other online shopping destinations, with deals on products such as mattresses, TVs, furniture, and outdoor patio items. Plenty of brands are getting in on early MDW action — you can grab the Dyson Airwrap i.d. for $150 off and the Bose QuietComfort headphones for $120 off.

We'll be updating all the best Memorial Day deals throughout the weekend, so be sure to keep checking back on this page for the biggest and best savings.

Best Memorial Day Amazon deals Ninja Slushi $259 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $90.99   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

What says start of the summer better than slushies on demand? When Mashable's Leah Stodart reviewed the Ninja Slushi, she pointed out the merits of the Slushi over a regular blender: no ice is required, and it keeps drinks frozen while in its cooling cylinder. From cola slushies to frosé, this might just be the ultimate summer drink machine. It has some downsides (sugar-free beverages are a no-go), but if you're a frozen drink enthusiast, this deal is worth a closer look.

More Amazon dealsBest Memorial Day TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: Toshiba Toshiba 65-inch C350 LED 4K Fire TV $264.99 at Best Buy
$529.99 Save $265   Get Deal Why we like it

Best Buy and Amazon have been racing to match prices on this Fire TV. Best Buy was initially $75 cheaper than Amazon, so Amazon dropped its sale price to keep pace. But that's only a piece of the picture demonstrating just how good this deal is. Our resident TV expert, Leah Stodart, pointed out that this $264.99 price point is so good that it's less than the sale price of the 43-inch version of Amazon's most basic Ember 4K Fire TV. In other words, if you're looking to score a solid deal on a smart TV this Memorial Day, this could be the one for you.

More TV deals

43-inch to 50-inch TVs

55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

70-inch TVs and up

Best Memorial Day mattress deals

  • Avocado: Get up to 20% off organic mattresses, bed toppers, and bedding.

  • Amerisleep: Get up to $1,000 off all mattresses and 40% off bundles

  • Bear: Get 35% off sitewide, plus $275 worth of free accessories

  • Casper: Get up to 30% off select mattresses and 35% off bundles

  • Purple: Get up to $900 off a mattress and a base

  • Helix: Get 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY25

  • Leesa: Get 30% off select mattresses

  • Mattress Firm: Get up to 60% off select mattresses with queens starting at $189.99

  • Nectar: Get up to 50% off select mattresses and 66% off bundles

  • Saatva: Save up to $650 on mattresses, including the Saatva Classic and Memory Foam Hybrid mattresses

  • Serta: Save up to $600 on select mattress and adjustable base sets

  • Sleep Number: Save up to $1,200 on ClimateCool and ComfortNext mattresses, BOGO free Ultimate Shape Pillows, and BOGO 50% off sheets

  • Tempur-Pedic: Save 40% on the Tempur-Cloud Mattress or up to $500 on adjustable mattress sets, plus free gifts

Best Memorial Day home deals

  • Brooklinen: Refresh your bedding for summer with 25% off sitewide

  • Buffy: Save up to 25% sitewide

  • Caraway Home: Save up to 30% on cookware and bakeware

  • Cozy Earth: Save 20% sitewide or 25% when you buy three or more items

  • Crate & Barrel: Save up to 60% on rugs, 35% on kitchen brands, and 30% on furniture

  • Cuisinart: Save 15% on $99.95+, 20% on $149.95+, and 25% on $249.95+

  • Home Depot: Save up to 40% on select appliances, 20% on select patio furniture, and up to $175 off on select tools now through May 27

  • Joybird: Take up to 45% off on bestselling furniture and up to 35% off sitewide through May 25

  • Kohl's: Save up to 50% sitewide on clothes, kitchen appliances, bedding, patio furniture, and more

  • Lovesac: Save 40% sitewide through May 31

  • Lowe's: Save on appliances, grills, patio furniture, gardening supplies, and more through June 3

  • Mellow Sleep: Get $20 off $100, $50 off $200, or $100 off $300

  • Nest New York: Save 25% sitewide with code 25OFF

  • Parachute: Save 25% sitewide plus 30% on bundles

  • Ruggable: Save up to 25% sitewide

  • Rugs Direct: Save up to 80% sitewide on brands like Safavieh, Chris Loves Julia, Loloi, Rifle Paper Co., and Rugs USA

  • SharkNinja: Save up to 30% on Ninja kitchen appliances and Shark vacuums, hair tools, and fans

  • Target: Target's Hello Summer Sale brings deals on summer favorites, including up to 20% off kids' outdoor toys and up to 45% off patio furniture and garden essentials

  • Wayfair: Save up to 70% sitewide

Best Memorial Day tech deals

  • Best Buy: Save on TVs, Apple products, laptops, monitors, Sony cameras, Bluetooth speakers, and more

  • BJ’s Wholesale Club: Get up to 50% off TVs and electronics, 25% off mattresses, and 15% off home and kitchen

  • HP: Save up to 72% on OmniBook laptops, Omen gaming PCs, All-in-One desktops, and more

  • Lenovo: Save up to 30% on ThinkPad, Yoga, ThinkBook, IdeaPad, and Legion laptops

  • LG: Save up to 44% on TVs, 40% on monitors, and up to 58% on appliances

  • Tile: Save up to 40% on trackers

  • TP-Link: Save up to $220 on select products, including the Tapo C460 (4-Pack) + H500, plus get an additional 10% off sitewide with code USA10

Best Memorial Day beauty deals

  • Dyson: Save up to $150 on the Dyson Airwrap i.d., Airstrait, and Supersonic Nural

  • FabFitFun: Save 40% on your first box, plus get a free Vacation bonus box ($250 value) with an annual membership signup

  • L'ange: Save up to 44% on select tools with code MEMORIAL, plus an extra 15% off your entire order with code EXTRA15

Best Memorial Day outdoor deals

  • Bote: Save 15% sitewide

  • Columbia: Save up to 40% on "almost everything"

  • Dick's Sporting Goods: Save up to 50% on bikes, kayaks, tents, grills, and golf gear, save up to to 40% on Nike and adidas

  • Huffy: Save 25% on select bikes

  • HOVERAir: Save up to 47%

  • Rumpl: Save 25% sitewide

  • Solo Stove: Save 15% on select fire pits and pizza ovens

Categories: IT General, Technology

Memorial Day 2026 deals: Score free food from 7-Eleven, Dunkin’, Subway, Starbucks, and more

Mashable - 8 hours 34 min ago

Memorial Day is an important moment to mourn and honor deceased service men and women.

To mark this occasion, a number of popular restaurants and retailers offer freebies, food deals, and discounts over Memorial Day weekend. Some of these offers are exclusive to active-duty members and veterans, but some are available to everyone.

We've checked out everything on offer from 7-Eleven, Dunkin’, Subway, Starbucks, and more popular names. We'll be updating this list with any new free food deals that drop over the weekend.

Memorial Day 2026 food deals7-Eleven

On Memorial Day, customers can score $20 off $30+ delivery orders with the promo code MONDAY20.

Applebee’s

Score an All-You-Can-Eat meal for $15.99 at Applebee’s over Memorial Day weekend. This offer is valid for dine-in only.

Bojangles

Get a free strawberry cobbler with the purchase of a biscuit sandwich combo.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Save $10 on $50+ orders with the code MEMDAY85 online or in-app.

Dunkin’

Get 50 bonus points each day with purchases after 1 p.m. from May 25-31.

Fazoli’s

Get a complimentary whole pizza when you order a Fazoli’s Family Meal. To qualify, use the promo code Memorial26 on the online or in-app checkout. This offer is valid from May 22-27.

Firehouse Subs

Buy one sub and get another for 50% off at participating locations from May 22-25.

Grubhub

Grubhub+ members can score Memorial Day weekend deals from May 18-24:

  • Starbucks: $10 off $20+ order

  • Buffalo Wild Wings: BOGO Wings with $20+ order

  • Wendy’s: Free Baconator with $20+ order

  • Jack in the Box: BOGO 50% off Build Your Own Munchie Meal with $15+ order

IKEA

On Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25), IKEA is running free hands-on activities with complimentary snacks.

Kona Grill

Veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and first responders can get a complimentary entree with the purchase of an appetizer or starter from May 22-25.

Logan’s Roadhouse

From May 21-27, guests can purchase $50 in gift cards for $40 online.

Love’s

Get a free Chomps Original Beef on May 25.

Newk’s Eatery

Score a $20 meal deal with two pizzas and a salad from May 22-25.

Olive Garden

Get the delivery deal during Memorial Day weekend when you enter the promo code OGDELIVERS during online or in-app checkout.

Pokeworks

Get a free Spam Musubi with any Pokeworks entree when you use promo code MAYSPAM during online or in-app through May 25.

Potbelly

Through May 24, Perks Members can get their choice of a free bag of chips, a fresh-baked cookie, or a fountain drink with any entrée purchase.

Shake Shack

Get a free ShackBurger when you make an online, in-app, or in-store kiosk purchase of $10 or more with the promo code FREEBURGER at checkout. This offer is valid from May 25-31.

Smalls Sliders

Military members with valid ID can get 10% off on Memorial Day (May 25).

Subway

Get a Footlong for $6.99 with the code FOOTLONG699 through May 31.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Get two Signature Angus Burgers and fries for $26 from May 24-26. To qualify, order online for takeout or delivery.

TGI Fridays

VIP members can save 30% off Memorial Day orders from May 26-27.

White Castle

Craver Nation Rewards can get 20% off all orders in-app. This offer is valid from May 23-25.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best 9 dating apps for men who are tired of being alone

Mashable - 8 hours 34 min ago

Most guys have a love-hate relationship with dating apps. But between work and life, meeting someone organically can feel nearly impossible. That's the promise of online dating — an unlimited number of meet-cutes right to your phone, no serendipity required. Of course, the reality of online dating is often quite different. But don't get discouraged. The Mashable Dating & Relationships team has spent years testing the most popular dating apps for men, and we can tell you which apps are most likely to connect you with the right person for you.

Do dating apps still work in 2026?

We get it, though. Dating as a man in 2026 is tough. It's not just the pressure to make or the fear of rejection if you do — it's the endless swiping through fake profiles, scammers, AI-generated thirst traps, bots posing as potential matches, relentless Instagram models trying to lure you into their OnlyFans scam, and matches with impossibly high expectations (yes, the "6-6-6 rule" is a real thing, and apps are actively trying to monetize your height preferences).

But despite the challenges, dating apps do work. A 2025 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus survey found that nearly 39 percent of all U.S. adults have used a dating app at some point, and men are actually more likely to be current users than women (57 percent vs. 38 percent). While the experience isn't always perfect, the odds are in your favor: 57 percent of men report positive experiences with online dating, compared to only 48 percent of women. The numbers are even higher for young people and the LGBTQ+ community.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know The best dating apps for guys who know what they want

This guide is your cheat sheet for the best dating apps for men in 2026. We've done the research and found the apps that are actually worth your time. Whether you're looking for something casual or something serious, we have a dating app to recommend.

Pro tip: Don't be afraid to experiment. Try out a few different apps and see what works for you. And most importantly, don't get discouraged! Sometimes, the occasional bad date or disappointing flirtation is just the price you pay to meet the match of a lifetime.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch F1 live streams online for free

Mashable - 8 hours 34 min ago
How to live stream 2026 F1 for free at a glance: Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now

This season of F1 is unlike any other. Every season of F1 has a number of fascinating storylines to follow, but due to a major set of regulation changes, there's so much uncertainty right now. And uncertainty can lead to exciting racing.

Lando Norris secured an incredible title victory on the final day of last season. Now the pressure is on McLaren to defend that title against a long list of talented drivers and motivated teams. Expect the likes of George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton to challenge for race wins this season. Mercedes look like the team to beat this season, but a lot can change.

If you are interested in watching F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is F1?

Formula One (F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. A season consists of a series of races (Grands Prix) that take place in multiple countries and continents on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads.

Lando Norris is the defending champion. McLaren won the Constructors Championship in 2025.

When is F1 in 2026?

The 2026 F1 season is the 77th edition of the championship. This year's championship features 24 Grands Prix events held all over the world between March and December:

  1. Australian Grand Prix — March 8

  2. Chinese Grand Prix — March 15

  3. Japanese Grand Prix — March 29

  4. Miami Grand Prix — May 3

  5. Canadian Grand Prix — May 24

  6. Monaco Grand Prix — June 7

  7. Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix — June 14

  8. Austrian Grand Prix — June 28

  9. British Grand Prix — July 5

  10. Belgian Grand Prix — July 19

  11. Hungarian Grand Prix — July 26

  12. Dutch Grand Prix — Aug. 23

  13. Italian Grand Prix — Sept. 6

  14. Spanish Grand Prix — Sept. 13

  15. Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sept. 26

  16. Singapore Grand Prix — Oct. 11

  17. United States Grand Prix — Oct. 25

  18. Mexico City Grand Prix — Nov. 1

  19. São Paulo Grand Prix — Nov. 8

  20. Las Vegas Grand Prix — Nov. 21

  21. Qatar Grand Prix — Nov. 29

  22. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Dec. 6

It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. The Chinese, Miami, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Singapore GPs will host a sprint race.

How to watch F1 for free

In the U.S., F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV. An Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year, but it's possible to gain access to Apple TV without spending anything.

Apple TV Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV Apple TV (7-day free trial) Apple TV comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. This is a sneaky trick, but you could sign up to watch the next F1 race and then cancel your subscription before you need to spend anything. This obviously isn't a long-term fix, but it does give you the opportunity to live stream select F1 race weekends for free. Shop Now Apple TV Prime Video Channel Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel (7-day free trial) Already an Amazon Prime member? You're in luck. You can sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. This lets you watch select F1 races live with the Prime Video app. The subscription typically costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch select races without actually spending anything. Shop Now Apple One Opens in a new window Credit: Apple One Apple One (30-day free trial) Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial. Time it right and this trial could provide access to up to four race weekends for free. You do need to be a new or returning subscriber to each of the included services to get the free trial. Shop Now

It's worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple TVs. This special offer goes live for 90 days after the new device is activated — that's a good chunk of the season.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How AdultFriendFinder subscriptions appear on your bank statement

Mashable - 8 hours 34 min ago

One anxiety when you’re signing up for a dating site, especially one of the more spicy ones like AdultFriendFinder, is the digital paper trail. We get it, this kind of thing is personal and everyone deserves their privacy when it comes to online activity.

There are lots of reasons to feel cagey about the digital paper trail. Perhaps you’re married or in a relationship, or maybe you and your ex still haven’t separated your financial lives. It could be that you just don’t like the idea of your bank teller or financial advisor knowing about your online activities — whatever the reason, it’s your perogative.

It's perfectly natural to worry about what your dating app subscription will look like on your bank statement, especially if that subscription service contains the word “adult” — folks can be super judgy about this stuff.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More

Thankfully, AdultFriendFinder has anticipated this particular issue. So, if you do decide to upgrade from a free membership to a paid one — whether you opt for their Gold or VIP subscription, which have their own sets of features and benefits — your monthly billing statement will only show up as FFNHelp.com*FRIENDF.

It's a relatively cryptic and innocuous name that won’t arouse undue suspicion or unfair judgment (not that you should have to worry about that anyway — what you get up on consenting dating sites is your business).

Do be aware that AdultFriendFinder subscriptions default to “auto renew,” so if you purchase a membership and want to cancel, you’ll have to actively disable the auto-renew function. Otherwise you risk having the mysterious FFNHelp.com*FRIENDF pop up on your statement month after month.

But what if even that isn’t good enough for you?

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet and NSFW chats

If you’re especially cautious — or especially paranoid — you can bypass the bank statements entirely by paying with a gift card or a cash, check, or money order (available only to users in the U.S.). You can even use an e-wallet option like AirTM. Residents of the UK can opt to pay by SMS.

If avoiding a digital paper trail is your top priority and privacy is paramount, you’re much better off using these payment options and not handing over your credit card details to begin with. Whatever you choose, AFF is safeguarding your anonymity.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock porn sites and stream porn anonymously

Mashable - 8 hours 34 min ago

Online privacy comes at a premium — your personal information and internet habits are more valuable and more important than ever before. Everyone wants to know what you get up to, and where you're doing it online, whether it's businesses looking to target you with ads and mailing junk, or scammers who want to exploit you. That's why we recommend you do everything possible to protect yourself online. And if you watch porn, as so many of us do, you should be especially vigilant.

We're going to take a wild guess that you'd prefer to be protected from the prying eyes of advertisers, your internet service provider (ISP), and your roommates when you're engaged in the intimate business of visiting porn sites. If sounds right then we recommend investing in a VPN. These cybersecurity services provide everything you need to unblock porn sites and then stream anonymously.

What is a VPN?

VPNs offer a robust defense for both your data and identity on the internet. VPNs do this by creating a private network that can hide your IP address and connecting you to servers in other countries, which prevents unwanted eyes from spying on your digital and real world location. This ensures that all of your online activity is untraceable and secure.

SEE ALSO: AdultFriendFinder is a borderline-porn hookup site that's stuck in the past

If it sounds complicated, it's helpful to think of all your online traffic travelling through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected by an impenetrable wall, which holds back online threats such as viruses, hackers, malware, and scammers.

Do you need a VPN for porn?

There are two key reasons to get yourself a VPN for porn: Anonymity and access.

The first reason is perhaps the most important. If you're concerned about your ISP, housemates, landlord, or a more nefarious individual accessing your data, a VPN is a sensible choice. Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to anyone who knows how to access them.

Even a porn site can track your activity if you're unprotected, and bombard you with targeted ads and content. Pornhub tracks IP addresses for example, which means it can collect information about your site usage — something you might not want tracked and fired back at you. But a VPN will prevent that by keeping your IP address hidden.

Maintaining your privacy and anonymity is the primary reason for signing up to a VPN, but if you're in a location that blocks porn sites a VPN can also help access your favorite sites. A VPN can bypass these restrictions by connecting you to a server in another location, allowing you to circumnavigate firewalls and stream porn sites from anywhere in the world.

What features should you consider when selecting a VPN?

There are a number of different factors to consider before you pick a VPN for porn. Here are some of the VPN features and functions to know about:

  • Connection speed — VPNs generally produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept any service that sees a major drop. Don't choose a VPN that impacts your connection speed to the point that you can't stream porn without disruption.

  • Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and while it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best services will all offer powerful protection for your data. This is obviously vital when navigating porn sites because you need to know that your data is secure.

  • Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account, while others limit you to a certain number or just a single device. Look for services that offer multiple simultaneous connections so you can stay secure on all your devices at the same time. You may wish to stream porn on a number of devices, so it's best to secure everything with the same account.

  • Privacy policy — This is something that some users might take for granted, but you need to pay special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of a VPN. These practices should be clearly laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't, you should not subscribe. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. Your chosen VPN should not store these details under any circumstances, as that would negate the whole principle of anonymity.

  • Server network — The top VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. This is useful because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming porn.

SEE ALSO: Lawsuit says Meta pirated and distributed porn to train its AI

You also need to consider things like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start when selecting a particular VPN service. Once you've picked a VPN, look at its selection of subscription plans.

Should you use free VPNs?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Cybersecurity is no different. There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, and free trials of VPNs with full access to premium features. The catch is that free versions usually come with limited data usage, meaning you can't do much in the way of streaming or downloading — and the free trials don't last very long. But trials allow you to get a feel for a VPN service before you committing your cash. Overall, a paid subscription is your best option for porn. Sorry about that.

What is the best VPN for porn?

There are lots of services offering similar packages, which makes it difficult to choose the best VPN for you and your specific internet needs. We've made things easier by researching all the best offers and lining up the below selection of VPNs for porn. We have found something for everyone and every budget, with popular services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list.

These are the best VPNs for porn in 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for May 24, 2026

Mashable - 13 hours 34 min ago

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 hint

A grain.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

WHEAT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To cover.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 24, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SHADE

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Hurdle Word 3 hint

To dissect.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 24 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 24, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

PARSE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To take control.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SIEGE

Final Hurdle hint

A colored liquid.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

PAINT

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on May 24

Mashable - 13 hours 34 min ago

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2026 French Open online for free

Mashable - 13 hours 34 min ago

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The world of tennis is focused on clay courts right now. Top players have already sharpened up in the Barcelona Open and Madrid Open, and now it's time for the main event: Roland-Garros.

Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz will not defend his title, but this year's tournament is not short of star names. Expect the likes of Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Świątek to be battling it out in the latter stages. It's always a special tournament filled with huge moments.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 French Open from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the French Open?

The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is a major tennis tournament held over two weeks at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. It's the only Grand Slam tournament held on a clay surface, and is the second of the four annual Grand Slam tournaments.

The current singles champions are Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff.

When is the 2026 French Open?

The 2026 French Open is the 131th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from May 18 to June 7.

How to watch the 2026 French Open for free

The 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Connect to 9Now

  5. Watch the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Roland-Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2026 French Open before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms 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 the French Open?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • 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

  • Up to 10 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 the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 24, 2026

Mashable - 15 hours 34 min ago

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

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 yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for May 24, 2026

Mashable - 15 hours 34 min ago

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.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

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 yesterday's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 24, 2026

Mashable - 15 hours 34 min ago

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.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

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 yesterday's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $70 AI tool compares answers from top models without extra subscription fees

Mashable - 19 hours 34 min ago

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.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $69.97
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It’s time to take your AI workflow to the next level. 1min.AI lets you enter your prompt and get answers from dozens of different models in one spot — no tab-hopping or time-wasting required.

Right now, you can snag a lifetime subscription to the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan for only $69.97 until May 31.

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Gone are the days of running your prompt through a dozen different AI models to suss out the best response. 1min.AI consolidates this workflow into a single tool, allowing you to view answers from ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Gemini, and more.

Get help with coding, video editing, image generation, and more with 1min.AI. You can also compare multiple answers and cherry-pick the best one for your needs — just always make sure to give things a human once-over, because edits may be necessary.

1min.AI saves you time and money — you won’t have to pay all the individual monthly subscription fees. Just pay once and enjoy this tool for life, complete with 4 million credits delivered every month.

Curious what these credits let you do? Use them to write 1,112,500 words, research up to 5,933 SEO keywords, generate up to 1,186 images, or create up to 37 videos per month.

Need more credits? That’s no problem — earn them for free by using the app, leaving a review, or referring your friends.

Lock in a 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription for only $69.97 now through May 31.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Is AdultFriendFinder safe to use? What a cybersecurity expert says.

Mashable - 19 hours 34 min ago

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

10 Linux commands to know for managing files

How-To Geek - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 22:33

Want to start leveling up your terminal skills? The Linux command line has a wealth of flexible commands for file management. Learn how to use the most common ones for your everyday tasks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget Lexus—this Toyota sedan feels far more upscale

How-To Geek - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 22:30

New cars have become so expensive that the gap between mainstream and luxury models barely feels real anymore. A fully-loaded family sedan now comes packed with the kind of comfort, tech, and refinement that used to be reserved for premium badges only.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ditched my Samsung foldable because Samsung ditched being Samsung

How-To Geek - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 21:45

My Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 was unlike anything I had ever used before—a fully capable PC that fit in my pocket, unfolded into a tablet, and became a desktop when connected to a monitor. Unfortunately, Samsung has made a series of decisions that have increasingly put me off from using the phone and inspired me to seek out something else.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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