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People are afraid of flying right now — but that fear isn't based in much data.

There's been a huge uptick in content about plane crashes over the past few weeks. If you look at Google Trends for searches about aviation accidents and incidents, we're searching for them nearly 50 times more often now than we were at any point since Google started collecting data — including when the infamous lost Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 that took over our breaking news banners in 2014.

But, in reality, flying is safer than it ever has been. In fact, the number of reported plane crashes are at an all time low according to data from the National Transportation Safety Board. In January 2025, there were 63 total airplane accidents, the majority of which were on private flights, compared to the 80 recorded in January 2024. Data from International Civil Aviation Organization shows a similar decrease in crashes over time, the BBC reported.

SEE ALSO: Are you scared to fly? The internet is, too. Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

So why is everyone freaking out online?

The first clear answer is that there was a massive, deadly crash in the beginning of the year that timed up pretty perfectly with the destabilization of government organizations meant to keep air travel safe. While only 10 of the flights in January 2025 were fatal, in comparison to 19 fatal flights in January 2024, according to the NTSB data, one of those flights was a collision between a commercial airliner and a military helicopter in Washington D.C., in which 67 people died. Another flight was a commercial flight that left multiple people injured and crash landed upside down in Toronto. At the same time, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the leadership of Elon Musk, made significant cuts to the Federal Aviation Administration including multiple jobs that helped support air safety, the Associated Press reported. Plus, as CNN reported, some of these crashes — including the D.C. collision and the crash in Toronto — involved commercial airliners. Typically, the majority of crashes are smaller, private planes, which tend to be less safe, according to CNN. They also naturally get less attention in the media and result in fewer fatalities.

This left us in a place to be primed for horror — and social media doesn't help that. Marco Chan, a former pilot and senior lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University, told BBC Verify that the increase in air disaster awareness is being fueled because "accidents are getting increasing exposure from social media platforms."

Some videos and posts on X, Instagram, and TikTok about travel dangers are going viral, but not everyone is trying to fear monger.

One travel creator, @bmekween, posted a video pointing out just how inconsistent our flight fears are with the current data. And, she thinks, it might be connected to fear mongering from the current administration.

"I'm truly not trying to be a conspiracy theorist," she said in a video with more than 121,000 likes on Reels. On TikTok, the same video has over a million views and 150,000 likes. "One of the ways that people in power will try to control other people is by convincing them that something different from what they are experiencing is dangerous and creating a fear around that."

Overall, a poll from AP-NORC shows that while people might think air travel is slightly less safe today than they did in January 2024, a majority of the public still thinks plane travel is safe.

Save $50: As of Feb. 24, the M4 Apple Mac mini with 256GB of storage is on sale for $549, down from $599, netting you an 8% discount at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M4 Apple Mac mini (256GB) $549.00 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

If you want a Mac but don't want to pay $1,000 or more, it's important to remember that MacBooks aren't your only options.

Apple's Mac mini runs the same M4 chip as the MacBook Pro, along with the same 10-core GPU and CPU. It starts at 256GB of storage instead of the Pro's 512GB but that's the most glaring difference spec-wise — except, of course, the price. Compared to the Pro's $1,599, the M4 Mac mini costs just $599, and as of Feb. 24, is on sale for even less at $549. Even in comparison to Apple's other M4 desktop, the iMac, you'll be spending hundreds less on the Mac mini.

These price differences are nothing to balk at, but we do have to note up top that if you need a machine with portability, the Mac mini is a desktop machine that won't work for you. However, if you find yourself working at your desk most of the time anyway, the mini is a way cheaper entry-price than the Pro laptops, leaving plenty of wiggle room for you to buy a monitor, keyboard, and mouse (if you don't already have one) and still be spending hundreds less than you would on the Pro (and the iMac for that matter).

SEE ALSO: M4 Mac mini vs. M2 Mac mini: What are the differences?

Mashable's Matt Binder put it best in his comparison of the two computers: "If you're seeking a stationary setup and a more cost-effective system, the M4 Mac mini is for you."

Alongside the performance specs, the Mac mini comes with eight ports, including: a headphone jack, two USB-C ports, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, and an Ethernet port.

SAVE 50% + FREE GIFT: LELO's Valentine's Day sale is ending soon! Get up to 50% off and a free gift with purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: LELO LELO Valentine's Day Sale Shop Now

We’re well past Valentine’s Day, but LELO is still hosting its annual sale — only for the next 22 hours, though! Whether you’re shopping for a little treat for yourself or looking for the perfect gift for your bestie or SO, you’re gonna want to check out what LELO has to offer.

As of Feb. 24, you can score up to 50% off select LELO toys, plus get a free LELO Relax Body Mat with any purchase of $199 or more (which isn’t hard to do when you’re shopping luxe sex toys).

SEE ALSO: Get off to your favorite playlist with LELO's new sound-activated clitoral vibrator

LELO doesn’t skimp on quality, and some of its best-sellers are included in this sale. From the Smart Wand 2 to the Enigma Double Sonic (I have both!) to male masturbators, there’s something for everyone.

Here are a few standout deals we've spotted:

• SONA 2 Cruise — $127.20 $159 (save $31.80)

• SILA Cruise — $149.25 $199 (save $49.75)

• HUGO 2 Remote — $171.75 $229 (save $57.25)

• Her Delight Bundle (Sona Cruise, GIGI 2, personal moisturizer, nipple play gel) — $199 $271.90 (save $72.90)

• Couple Play Bundle (TIANI 3, TOR 2, HEX Original, personal moisturizer, oral sex balm) — $239 $370 (save $131.80)

SAVE $100: The Nutri Ninja personal and countertop blender is on sale at Amazon for $149.99, down from the usual price of $249.99. That's a 40% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Nutri Ninja personal and countertop blender (BL642) $149.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you've never been excited about a blender, you haven't used the right one. While plenty of kitchen appliances need no fancy settings, a blender can offer some really cool functions and Ninja is a fan-favorite brand. If you could use a new blender, check out this sweet deal at Amazon.

As of Feb. 24, the Nutri Ninja personal and countertop blender is on sale at Amazon for $149.99, down from the standard price of $249.99. That's a $100 discount that works out to a 40% discount.

The 1,200 watt motor is ready to tackle your blending projects. That means you'll be whipping up icy slushies, frozen drinks, and smoothies with no effort. Ninja mentions this model is perfect for both drinks and sauces. It's also powerful enough to handle nuts and fibrous vegetables like celery and kale.

SEE ALSO: The Ember Mug 2 is at an even better deal than it was a few weeks ago

This model comes with a full-size blending pitcher that holds 72 ounces, but it also comes with three portable single-serve cups (18, 24, and 32 ounces) with spout lids. All of these pieces are safe to clean in the dishwasher.

The Nutri Ninja uses the brand's Auto-iQ technology which automatically detects the blender's contents and times it perfectly to blend all ingredients which means you won't have to select a time or wait around to make sure everything gets blended.

If you're a fan of making smoothies or plan to become a frozen drink master this summer, jump on this Amazon deal that takes 40% off the price of the Nutri Ninja personal and countertop blender.

GET $62.15 OFF: As of Feb. 24th, the Samsung T7 Portable 1TB SSD is currently on sale at Amazon for $97.84 for a savings of 39% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung T7 Portable 1TB SSD $97.84 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $62.15 Get Deal

When you're without an SSD, backing up your computer can be one of those tasks like renewing antivirus or paying taxes. It might be easy to put on the backburner, but it ain't safe. But getting a backup drive isn't only about peace of mind, great external SSDs like the Samsung T7 transfer data so quickly that your computer will be able to use it as increased storage for creative projects and gaming.

Right now, nab the Samsung T7 Portable 1TB SSD on sale for $97.84 to save $62.15, or 39%. Open up your laptop with more storage.

SEE ALSO: Which laptops and smartphones are easiest to repair? See the rankings.

The Samsung T7 Portable 1TB SSD is designed for fluid file transfers, speed, and portability. Billed as something of a gamer and creator's SSD, it's designed to upload and download massive file sets quickly. It clocks transfer speeds of up to 1,050MB/s.

The SSD transfers files using an included 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C. It also includes a USB-C to USB-A cable.

Built to stay rugged, the T7 SSD is designed to be shock resistant. It can withstand falls up to six feet without suffering damage.

As of Feb. 24th, the Samsung T7 Portable 1TB SSD is available for $97.84 for a savings of 39%, or $62.15 off.

This small SSD is the right size to slip in pocket or store securely in a lockbox. Use it for backing up your computer, write directly onto it while recording videos, or store large games on it and play directly off it. If you're after increased storage or a solid backup drive, this is a good pick.

The Tesla Cybertruck has never been hailed as the pinnacle of automotive engineering, but even by its own standards, this is a little surprising. A Cybertruck owner recently shared his experience on a Facebook group after bringing his truck to a service center to address a loud wind noise. According to Tesla’s technicians, the solution is to just slap some duct tape over the panel gaps.

Yes, really.

The Cybertruck’s controversial design has already sparked plenty of criticism and has led to several recalls. But recommending DIY tape jobs to fix what appears to be a fundamental build issue? That’s a whole new level of questionable.

SEE ALSO: Protesters decry 'fascist Elon Musk' at dozens of Tesla showrooms nationwide

A screenshot of the service report reveals the technician’s response: "The noise heard is normal air turbulence expected at higher speeds." The report also noted that while applying tape helped reduce the sound, further panel adjustments weren’t possible due to the vehicle’s body fitment specifications.

The owner initially flagged the issue after noticing the loud wind noise, particularly in comparison to a loaner Cybertruck. After investigating, the technician determined that the noise was present in other trucks with similar VINs and concluded that no further action would be taken.

The incident has fueled frustration among Cybertruck owners, with some reporting similar wind noise problems. One owner recounted a test drive where a Tesla technician, wearing a winter hat, was asked to remove it to better diagnose the noise. The technician insisted he could hear just fine, only to later note on the service report that no noise was detected.

Others speculate that the problem could be more pronounced in early production models.

Even with Tesla’s makeshift tape solution, many owners remain dissatisfied with the lack of a proper fix. Tesla did not immediately respond to Mashable's request for comment.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Feb. 24: OUR TOP PICK Ember Mug 2 $89.99 (save $59.96) Get Deal BEST TRAVEL DEAL Tile Slim $20.99 (save $9) Get Deal BEST MONITOR DEAL Samsung ViewFInity S7 monitor $199.99 (save $150) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $69.99 (save $30) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL JBL Charge 5 $139.95 (save $40) Get Deal

Another week presents another opportunity for deals shopping. Though it may not be a big shopping holiday or savings event, there are always deals floating around on Amazon. And it's our job to find the best ones we think are worth grabbing. As of Feb. 24, we've found a handful of discounts on top brands like Samsung, JBL, and Tile.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are your cup of tea, be sure to check back tomorrow as we select a new slew of deals.

Our top pick: Ember Mug 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Ember Ember Mug 2 $89.99
$149.95 Save $59.96 Get Deal

If you're the kind of coffee drinker who requires multiple microwave session to get through a cup, the Ember Mug is built for you. It features a built-in battery that can hold a set temperature (120 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit) for an hour and a half. Or, with the included charging coaster, it can maintain an all-day temperature. Use the app to customize your mug to the exact degree you prefer. A smart LED indicator will alert you to when the mug has reached the right temperature. As of Feb. 24, you can snag the Ember Mug 2 in black at Amazon for just $89.99 — that's 40% off and its lowest price on record.

Tile Slim Opens in a new window Credit: Life360 Tile Slim $20.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $9.00 Get Deal

Now owned by Life360, the refreshed Tile Slim still takes the shape of a credit card to slip inside your wallet, purse, or luggage tag and help you find your lost items. It is compatible with both iPhone and Android, has a unique form factor that doesn't add bulk, is dust and waterproof, and offers SOS alerts (though that can be muffled by wallets). As our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) noted in their review, it doesn't provide granular location data and has a limited range, but it can reliably help you find lost items in that range. As of Feb. 24, it's on sale for only $20.99 instead of $29.99. That's 30% in savings.

Samsung 27-inch ViewFinity S7 Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung ViewFinity S7 monitor $199.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Boost your work setup on a budget with 43% off the Samsung ViewFinity S7 monitor. It's usually $349.99, but you can pick up the 27-inch monitor for $199.99 as of Feb. 24. The 4K UHD display with HDR10 offers increased detail, intricate color depth, and dynamic video content. Plus, the easy setup stand requires zero tools, so you can get your new workspace setup in minutes. It's not the fanciest monitor on the market, but it looks gorgeous and won't break the bank.

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

Even as a lifelong Apple user, Mashable's reviewer recommends the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: "The sound quality from the Galaxy Buds FE is unmatched for earbuds at this price range. Even Apple users should consider buying them." Beyond impressive sound quality, they're also comfortable with a customizable fit, offer fantastic noise cancellation, an are pretty affordable at $99.99. As of Feb. 24, however, you can get them even cheaper at Amazon — just $69.99 or 30% off.

Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE.

JBL Charge 5 Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Charge 5 $139.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Our favorite Bluetooth speaker, the JBL Charge 5, is on sale for 22% off at Amazon as of Feb. 24, knocking the $179.95 price tag down to $139.95. The ultimate all-rounded, the Charge 5 offers great sound quality, impressive battery life (20 hours), and a sturdy build. "It’s rich, dynamic, and surprisingly clear with a decent bass that fills the room without overpowering the rest of the audio," our reviewer writes. As a bonus, as the name suggests, it can also charge other mobile devices via USB-A, even if it's playing music.

Read our full review of the JBL Charge 5.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

If you loved Stephen Graham in Philip Barantini's impeccable, ambitious, and superbly choreographed one-take wonder Boiling Point, this one's for you.

The actor and director reunite for another go at the ambitious one-shot format in Netflix crime drama Adolescence. Filmed in just one take, the four-part limited series was created and written by Graham alongside Joy's Jack Thorne. And from looks of the trailer, it's going to be an intense run.

Graham stars as Eddie Miller, whose 13-year-old son Jamie (Owen Cooper) is arrested for murder. Top Boy's Ashley Walters stars as Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, assigned to the case, while Graham's A Thousand Blows co-star Erin Doherty plays a clinical psychologist tasked with understanding what happened.

Faye Marsay (Game of Thrones), Mark Stanley (Happy Valley), Christine Tremarco (The Responder), and Jo Hartley (After Life) also star.

Adolescence is streaming on Netflix from March 13.

In terms of e-readers, Kindles are our favorite. They're speedy, well-designed machines that put an entire library in your pocket. But starting on Feb. 26, 2025, Amazon is taking away its users' ability to download Kindle books to computers. You'll still be able to download books from your Kindle library, but only on WiFi-enabled devices. So what's the big deal?

There are two big issues here. If you want to upload books to your Kindle, you'll have to do that on a WiFi-enabled device, and many users prefer to leave their device on airplane mode. But maybe more importantly, you'll no longer have the option to convert your e-books to PDFs.

Kindle books are all in Amazon's proprietary e-book format of .AZW3 files. These files can only be read on Kindle devices, so if you want to read your e-books on another device — whether that be your laptop, tablet, or a different e-reader — you have to download and convert them.

If you want to download your Kindle books to your computer or other devices, you just have a limited time left to do so. Here's how to do it.

How to download Kindle books to your computer

The first step to downloading your Kindle books is logging in to your Amazon account. Under the Account & Lists tab, select your Content Library.

Select Content Library under Account & Lists to access your Kindle books. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon / Mashable composite

In Content Library, select Books, which will take you to your entire Kindle library. This will include your Kindle book purchases as well as e-book loans from Kindle Unlimited or Libby. You can only download your purchased books as well as library loans that are still active.

There is no bulk download option, so each book must be downloaded individually. To do so, click the More Actions button and select the Download & transfer via USB option.

Click download and transfer via USB to start the process of downloading your Kindle books. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon / Mashable composite

The next screen will ask you to select a device and then hit download.

Select a device, and then you'll be able to download your Kindle file. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Your files will then be downloaded to your device. Now you can plug in your Kindle and upload the files without doing so over WiFi. Now what about if you want to convert the files?

How to convert Kindle books

Converting Kindle .AZW3 files is harder than it should be thanks to DRM, aka digital rights management, which encrypts e-books. If you use a converter service like CloudConvert, when you upload your Kindle book file and try to convert it, you'll receive a message that the book is DRM-encrypted.

Amazon has added DRM encryption to all of its Kindle book files, making it even harder to convert its files so you can only read your Kindle purchases on a Kindle. So if you want to convert Kindle files, you'll need to remove the encryption.

The best software for converting and removing encryption is Calibre. Most converting software, including Calibre, doesn't include the encryption removal, so you'll need to add it as a plugin. These aren't native to conversion softwares, so be cautious before downloading. However, if you're committed to getting your Kindle books converted, passionate Reddit users have detailed instructions on how to do so using Calibre.