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AI Comparison Mode is a game-changer — and its on sale this weekend
TL;DR: Get ChatPlayground AI Lifetime Unlimited Plan for $67.15 (reg. $619) with code MARCH15 and compare outputs from 20+ AI models in one interface.
Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $67.15$619 Save $551.85 Get Deal
For anyone experimenting with AI tools, your browser probably looks a little chaotic. One tab for ChatGPT. Another for Claude. Maybe Gemini in a third window. Add an image generator or coding assistant, and suddenly you’re juggling half a dozen AI dashboards at once.
There’s a simpler approach: put everything in one place. That’s essentially the idea behind ChatPlayground AI, which lets users run prompts across multiple AI models from a single interface. Instead of guessing which AI tool will give the best response, you can compare results side by side in real time.
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!And the ChatPlayground AI Lifetime Unlimited Plan is available for $67.15 (reg. $619) through March 29 with the code MARCH15.
The platform supports 20+ AI models, including systems built by companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, and others. You can enter one prompt and instantly see how different models respond, which can be useful when you’re writing content, solving technical problems, or experimenting with prompts.
Beyond text prompts, ChatPlayground also supports image generation, coding workflows, and document analysis, including the ability to upload PDFs or images for context-aware responses. It also includes tools designed for people who regularly work with AI, such as prompt engineering tools, saved chat history, and conversation management.
For anyone who’s tired of bouncing between AI platforms all day, consolidating those tools into a single workspace can make experimenting — and working — much smoother. Get a lifetime of ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited Plan for just $67.15 (reg. $619) through March 29 with the code MARCH15.
Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.
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A fresh Office upgrade for your Mac or PC is 60% off
TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC for $99.97 (reg. $249.99)—a one-time payment that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $99.97$249.99 Save $150.02 Get Deal
When a new version of Microsoft Office comes out, most people expect one thing: a full price tag. That’s why it’s worth paying attention when the newest version shows up on sale.
Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business is available for $99.97 (reg. $249.99) for a limited time. It’s a one-time purchase that installs directly on your computer — no ongoing subscription fees required.
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!Office 2024 includes the apps so many people rely on: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Whether you’re writing documents, managing spreadsheets, building presentations, or organizing email, the core tools remain the same — just with some thoughtful upgrades.
For example, Excel has been optimized to handle larger datasets and multiple workbooks more smoothly. PowerPoint also adds improved recording tools, allowing users to record presentations with narration, video, and captions.
Across the suite, Microsoft has introduced AI-powered suggestions to help with writing, formatting, and data analysis. The updated interface also follows Microsoft’s Fluent Design system, making the apps feel more consistent and easier to navigate. Because Office 2024 installs locally on your Mac or PC, you can work offline whenever you need to.
If you were planning to upgrade eventually anyway, catching the newest Office suite while it’s on sale is a pretty convenient bonus. Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC on sale for $99.97 (reg. $249.99).
Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
AdultFriendFinder profiles: 3 tips to sort legit from fake
Fake dating accounts have always been the bane of online dating, but with ubiquitous and cheap generative AI now able to falsify photos, videos, and profile bios, and even plausibly mimic a human in a text-based chat, vigilance is more important than ever.
Because it's one of the world's oldest and largest online dating sites, and because of its adult content, AdultFriendFinder has attracted a lot of scammers over the years, resulting in an abundance of fake profiles. And while the company likes to boast of having hundreds of millions of accounts across the world, the truth is that many of these accounts are now inactive.
While this doesn't have to ruin your AFF experience, it does mean you have to use your judgment when it comes to where you focus your time and attention. Here are the best tips for sorting legit profiles from fake.
Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder Learn More Prioritize verified accountsTo help combat fake profiles and give users greater peace of mind, AdultFriendFinder offers a chance for you to verify your profile using the Confirm ID service. It's a two-step process that's just involved enough to be effective without being overly onerous.
First, you need to provide the site with a piece of government-issued identification. Next, the site will ask to scan your face via webcam. Completing this process verifies not only your profile but also your age, location, and gender, which will confer a blue checkmark on your profile that shows up in search results. Best of all, just because you used your ID and face scan to get the blue checkmark does not mean that you have to show your face on your profile, so if you're trying to keep a low profile but still want to give people confidence that you are who you say you are, the profile verification process is a must.
SEE ALSO: Is Hinge really 'designed to be deleted'? I tested it to find out.Once you've verified your profile, it's a good idea to limit your on-site interactions to other verified profiles as well. If you do decide to chat with unverified people, be especially vigilant about not sharing personal information about yourself.
Finally, don't assume that because a profile is verified, it is also legitimate; accounts can be sold or stolen, for example, so treat profile verification as a positive sign rather than perfect confirmation of the profile's legitimacy.
Scrutinize their photosBecause people curate their own profiles, the photos they choose to share speak volumes about them, so if you're at all suspicious that you may be viewing a fake account, take a closer look at the pics the person has shared. If they look AI-generated, if they're all of professional quality, or if they're incredibly generic, these are all red flags.
To take things a step further, you can use a reverse image search on Google to see if the photos appear anywhere else (a strong indication that they're not original to the person or profile), or you can use a service like ZeroGPT or Sightengine to discover if they're AI-generated.
SEE ALSO: All your Tinder questions, answeredJust as you look for red flags, you should also look for green flags, which would include photos with friends or groups of people, a mix of selfies and more staged shots, and photos that feature unique landmarks specific to your location, such as a well-known store, restaurant or public area.
Engage in conversationIf you're on the fence about whether or not a profile is fake, the next step is to actually talk to the person (or bot?) in question. This doesn't mean you should let your guard down, though — far from it. Pay very close attention to the things the other person says, the questions they ask, the replies they give. Here are some common red flags that indicate you're talking to a scammer or bot:
They push for specific information about you early in the conversation
They send links to outside websites or chat platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram
They tell you a sad story to create a sense of urgency in you
They ask for nude or compromising photos of you
If you're still uncertain, you can request a video call or an in-person meet-up in a public place. Scammers will be reluctant to verify their identities over video calls and especially reluctant to — or even incapable of — offline meet-ups.
SEE ALSO: What are romance scams and how can you avoid them?Finally, remember that while all of the above are useful guidelines, they're not iron-clad or fool-proof, and a clever scammer, catfisher or bad actor can still find ways to circumvent these safeguards. Always be cautious with who you speak to and what you share, especially when it comes to personal or financial information, and under what circumstances.
How to use Apple Pay on Amazon when shopping the Big Spring Sale
Amazon's Big Spring Sale is just around the corner. It officially kicks off on Wednesday, March 25 and runs through Tuesday, March 31 in 2026. But like most Amazon shopping events, deals started pouring in days ahead of time on Apple products, Lego, outdoor gear, laptops, and much more.
Avid shoppers keeping their eyes on exclusive deals can enjoy a breezy shopping experience throughout the Big Spring Sale, thanks to Amazon's flexible payment options. Customers are no longer limited to debit and credit cards or Amazon gift cards. If you're an Apple loyalist, you can also use Apple Pay to make purchases on Amazon this spring.
SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here — here's how to use a Visa gift card to shopApple Pay is compatible with many — but not all — vendors on Amazon, making it even easier to secure deals in just a few taps. You can use it in place of a traditional card payment whenever possible by following the steps below.
How to use Apple Pay on AmazonStep 1: Set up Apple Pay on iPhone. If you haven't already, add your debit or credit card to your iPhone's digital wallet to set up Apple Pay on your mobile device.
Step 2: Open the Amazon app.
Step 3: Add items to your cart and go to checkout. If your vendor accepts Apple Pay, you'll see it under payment options (you can use the method only if you have linked a card to your iPhone's Wallet app); select Apple Pay.
Step 4: Confirm your address and payment details.
Step 5: Once Apple Pay's payment authenticator pops up on your screen, use your Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate the purchase.
Step 6: Confirm payment to finish the process.
How to use an Apple Card to make payments on AmazonIf you choose to make a purchase from a third-party vendor that doesn't accept Apple Pay, you can work around it by using your Apple Card instead. The process is fairly straightforward.
Step 1: Make sure you add your Apple Card to the Wallet app on your iPhone by clicking on the + symbol.
Step 2: Now, go to the Amazon app.
Step 3: You'll find four clickable options at the bottom of the home screen. Start the process by clicking on the Account icon, which is right next to the homepage icon.
Step 4: A new app page will appear. Tap on Your Account to access account details.
Step 5: Scroll down on the page until you see the Payments section and click on Your Payments.
Step 6: Another page with all your linked cards and bank accounts will appear on the app. Go to the Wallet tab and press +Add.
Step 7: Click on Add a credit or debit card and input your Apple Card details.
Step 8: Finally, click on Add and continue to finish the process. Now, you can use your Apple Card to make purchases on Amazon.
BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang: How to watch, start time, livestream details
Haven't you heard? BTS' long-awaited return is here. After spending close to four years fulfilling South Korea’s required military service and working on solo projects, all seven members of the K-pop megagroup will come together for their first all-in performance since 2022. This is big.
Here's everything you need to know about BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang.
When is BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang?BTS will perform a live concert to be globally streamed on March 21, the day after BTS' fifth studio album, ARIRANG, is released.
Here's the breakdown of start time by timezone:
PST — 4 a.m.
EST — 7 a.m.
GMT — 11 a.m.
IST — 4:30 p.m.
KST — 8 p.m.
The great news for dedicated fans all over the globe is that you can watch this reunion live — Netflix is the exclusive streaming platform for this concert (included with all subscription plans). If you have a Netflix account, simply log in at showtime to watch the livestream with no additional purchase.
The hour-long performance will live stream from Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace. The concert celebrates the release of Arirang on March 20. Expect the first live performances of songs from the new album, plus all the hits that made BTS such a global phenomenon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix / BTS Watch BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang Learn MoreHurdle hints and answers for March 21, 2026
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
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 hintCompeting.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerVYING
Hurdle Word 2 hintAnxious.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 21, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerEAGER
Hurdle Word 3 hintA French hat.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 21 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 21, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answerBERET
Hurdle Word 4 hintPromised.
Hurdle Word 4 answerSWORE
Final Hurdle hintLess.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerFEWER
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on March 21
It's day two of the new lunar cycle which means the Moon will slowly be getting brighter in the nights ahead as more of its surface becomes illuminated. It'll keep increasing in visibility from now until the Full Moon, when it will start to fade again.
What is today’s Moon phase?As of Saturday, March 21, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 7% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.
There's still too little of the Moon's surface illuminated tonight to be able to see any features on its surface, but check again tomorrow.
When is the next Full Moon?In North America, the next Full Moon is predicted to take place on April 1.
What are Moon phases?NASA says the Moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit Earth, going through eight different phases. We always see the same side, but the Sun lights up different portions as it moves, which is why it can look full, half, or just a thin sliver. These changing shapes are called the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:
New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 21, 2026
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you don't beat around the bush.
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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise 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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 21, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Honest
Green: Intent
Blue: A popular board game
Purple: Distinguished writers
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Direct
Green: Target
Blue: Checkers terms
Purple: 20th century American poets
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 #1014 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayDirect: BLUNT, FRANK, PLAIN, STRAIGHT
Target: GOAL, MARK, OBJECT, POINT
Checkers terms: CAPTURE, CROWN, JUMP, KING
20th century American poets: BISHOP, FROST, POUND, RICH
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 March 21, 2026Are 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 today's Connections.
NYT Strands hints, answers for March 21, 2026
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you have a great sense of smell.
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 MashableBy 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 March 21, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Sniff sniffThe words are related to the face.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe a facial feature.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is On the Nose.
NYT Strands word list for March 21Schnozzle
Muzzle
Snout
On the Nose
Honker
Beak
Proboscis
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 today's Strands.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 21, 2026
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a smooth talker.
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 March 21, 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 March 21, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Slippery.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter O.
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...
SLICK
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 today's Wordle.
Stop stressing over PDFs thanks to this $25 lifetime app
TL;DR: Make peace with PDFs thanks to this AcePDF Converter and Editor lifetime license, now just $25.50 with code MARCH15 through March 29.
Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker AcePDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $25.50$99.99 Save $74.49 Get Deal
There are apps for everything these days — and they usually come with a pricey monthly subscription fee. That’s where AcePDF Converter and Editor stands out, offering an affordable and permanent way to make peace with PDFs. Right now, you can secure a lifetime subscription for only $25.50 with code MARCH15 through March 29.
If you’re looking for an app that makes your life a little easier, it’s time to check out AcePDF Converter and Editor. It can help streamline your workflow, allowing you to manage PDFs and other documents efficiently.
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!Not only does AcePDF make converting files a breeze, but it also leaves you with high-quality conversions that keep the original layouts, images, and hyperlinks. It simplifies the whole process — in just a few taps, you can convert a PDF into a Word, Excel, or JPG file. You can also convert an Excel or PPT file into a PDF just as simply.
AcePDF also includes built-in OCR technology that helps you extract text from image-based PDFs. Need to edit a PDF? That’s no problem either; you can add and enhance content on existing PDFs or fill out forms within the app. It’s also straightforward to easily merge, split, compress, and add watermarks if needed.
If you’re working with sensitive info, AcePDF makes it easy to encrypt and protect your content with passwords and an unlocking feature. Your lifetime subscription gives you access to AcePDF on two devices, too, so you can use it at work and home.
Get this AcePDF Converter and Editor lifetime license for $25.50 with code MARCH15 through March 29.
Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.
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I 3D-printed my own Wi-Fi signal booster (but not for the reason you think)
Sometimes you have to commit to doing something, regardless of whether you think it will work or not. If you don’t fail, you’ll never learn. If you don’t try, you’ll never start. This was the logic behind my very first design-to-print 3D printing project.
Pinterest CEO says ban kids under 16 from social media
Following the Australian government's social media ban for kids under 16, governments around the world are looking into the possibility of similar style bans.
These governments considering these social media bans now have at least one unlikely supporter: The CEO of Pinterest.
In a piece published for Time, Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has come out in full support for government bans on social media for users under the age of 16.
"Children today are living through the largest social experiment in history," Ready writes. "For years, kids around the world have been given unfiltered access to social media platforms. The companies building these platforms gave insufficient forethought about the consequences, the worst of which include exposing them to unknown strangers and fueling screen addictions."
Ready goes on to list additional effects that social media has had on children as "rising anxiety and depression, eroding concentration, and classrooms competing for attention."
SEE ALSO: Teens sue xAI for Grok's reported sexual image generation issuesThe Pinterest CEO says that social media as it is today is not safe for children and blames tech companies for that. Ready says social media is designed to "maximize view time" of kids and pays little attention to their actual well-being. Ready likens the tech CEOs of today to the tobacco industry executives of decades ago.
Now, it might seem hypocritical of Ready to say this as Pinterest's own policies allow kids as young as 13 to sign up for the site. However, as Ready points out, Pinterest has made changes to its platform and removed all social features from Pinterest for users under the age of 16. Their profiles aren't discoverable, and these users can't receive messages, comments, or likes from strangers on Pinterest.
Interestingly, Ready says removing these features did not hurt Pinterest with that demographic.
"When Pinterest removed social features for teens and made every account under 16 private…people said we’d lose the next generation of users," Ready writes. "But Gen Z says the opposite. Today, they make up over 50 percent of our users. Our experience shows that prioritizing safety and well-being doesn’t push young people away; it builds trust."
Ready goes on to say that if tech companies don't want more governments instituting these bans, they need to step up and prioritize kids' safety on their platforms. The Pinterest CEO also expressed support for a proposed bill in the U.S., the App Store Accountability Act. Under this bill, app stores would be required to verify users' ages when downloading apps.
"The cost of inaction is a generation of young people overwhelmed by anxiety and depression," the Pinterest CEO writes. "It’s time to raise the bar on safety and well-being for kids. We need clearer rules, better tools for parents, and stronger accountability for platforms and social media apps."
Anthropic wants to hire a weapons expert. Its not what you think.
Many people first saw it on X: A most unusual, and unsettling, job posting. Some assumed it was a joke. Others were reminded of Cyberdyne Systems, the tech company in the Terminator franchise that accidentally invents Skynet.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.But over on LinkedIn, where they speak a different language, Anthropic had merely posted a listing looking for a Policy Manager, Chemical Weapons and High Yield Explosives. The job description added more details.
"This role offers a unique opportunity to shape how AI systems handle sensitive chemical and explosives information," it read. "You'll work with leading AI safety researchers while tackling critical problems in preventing catastrophic misuse. If you're excited about using your expertise to ensure AI systems remain safe and beneficial, we want to hear from you."
Mashable reached out to Anthropic, and the company provided more context.
"Our usage policies prohibit the use of Anthropic products or services to develop or design weapons," a company spokesperson told us. "This role is for the Safeguards team which is responsible for preventing misuse of our models."
The spokesperson stressed that Anthropic explicitly prohibits its AI or any of its technology to be used for weapons creation. Instead, the New York-based manager will be tasked with building and enforcing safeguards to ensure weapons are not made from Anthropic’s tech.
The company seeks to hire experts in sensitive fields who can ensure Anthropic's AI is kept from nefarious hands, the spokesperson said.
SEE ALSO: Anthropic's Claude overtakes ChatGPT in App StoreAnthropic recently found itself in a very public battle with the Department of War (a.k.a. the Department of Defense). The company says it's not budging in its demands that its AI not be used to build fully autonomous weapons or to establish mass surveillance on people.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded to Anthropic’s conditions by declaring the company a supply chain risk to America’s national security, banning the Pentagon from using its tech after a six-month phase-out. The company then filed suit according to a March 5 note from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.
Meanwhile, some in the Pentagon are reportedly finding it hard to abandon Claude, Anthropic's AI model.
Back in February, Anthropic announced an update to its AI safety policy, also known as its Responsible Scaling Policy. The company stated it was forced to rethink its safety policies — considered by some to be the strongest in the industry — due to several factors, including the federal government’s emphasis on economic growth over safety regulations.
Whoever ends up in that policy manager role, then, will find themselves at the center of an explosive debate. Not to mention, potentially, the ability to help prevent a future Skynet threat.
Microsoft has a new plan for Windows 11, and it actually sounds great
There are many aspects of Windows 11 that are genuine improvements over previous versions, but there are also many more annoyances, especially if you are sick of seeing Copilot AI everywhere. Microsoft has now announced a bold new plan: actually listening to PC owners about what they want in Windows 11.
3 Prime Video fantasy shows to watch this weekend (March 20 - March 22)
Fantasy-adventure shows are always fun to watch, especially when you’re in the mood for an exciting weekend binge that provides a real-world escape—heroic journeys, unique landscapes, fellowship, and epic battle action on top of mythical creatures, magical abilities, and ancient prophecies. I’m all in. Just show me where to sit.
5 Oscar-winning Netflix movies to watch this weekend (March 20-22)
While the 2026 Oscars ended with some surprises and snubs, the spirit of the show can still be celebrated. From classic watches and new movies, the iconic Oscar collection of winners in major and other categories is a gift that keeps giving.
Your car's infotainment system is hiding 5 features you didn't know existed
Your car is not just a machine with an engine and four wheels anymore; it is an advanced, networked device. Many use the most basic functions, but car screens have gotten more advanced as years have gone by.
Windows 11’s Start menu keeps getting worse. Open Shell fixes it
I've never been a fan of how Windows 11 handles the Start menu or search. I've covered those frustrations before, but it still comes down to the same issue. I want Windows to adapt to how I work, not force me into a layout and workflow that feel less efficient.
5 Raspberry Pi projects I'd totally do if I had the time
If you have a ton of time on your hands, then I really hope you make these Raspberry Pi projects for me. I want to make them myself, but I just don't have the time, however cool or useful they are.


