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Updated: 19 min 8 sec ago

How going low-waste helped me protect my peace in a world filled with chaos

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 18:25

To be human is to love a good life hack. I like the part of Google's definition that refers to a life hack as a technique to "reduce chaos," because that's precisely how I find myself chronicling the mental benefits of keeping my household as low-waste as possible.

That psychological boost doesn't solely stem from feeling good about helping the environment — being more eco-friendly at home is one of the only habits that consistently helps me feel less overwhelmed about life. Like many other adults, my mood, emotional state, and ability to sleep have become heavily intertwined with the length of my to-do list. Living more low-waste minimizes the number of household tasks I need to worry about, making me feel a little more put together.

SEE ALSO: How to recycle Amazon packaging (yes, all of it)

So yes, while I find deep comfort in minimizing my plastic and food waste footprint for the planet's sake, I also find comfort in less trash to take out, fewer nasty smells, and less clutter overall. Those are all tangible results of the easy, eco-friendly changes that actively de-stress my daily routine. If the internet's traditional stress and anxiety hacks haven't worked for you, let me explain how creating less waste has helped me to protect my peace.

The psychology of a clean, de-cluttered space, but applied to trash

I firmly believe that my household's trash production and my anxiety level are positively correlated. The physical chaos of an overflowing bag, the tedious walk to the trash room, the wastefulness of it all — it's overwhelming. So I've implemented a few easy routine changes over the years that have seriously limited my garbage output by a long shot, and that control has done wonders to keep me sane when I'm spiraling.

You've probably heard of the connection between physical clutter and mental clutter. Maybe you read an article (or watched a TikTok) about it or found out that you are, in fact, more productive when your desk is tidy. Though most references to this connection are talking about your mind's subconscious reaction to visible clutter, my mind definitely counts concealed trash as clutter, despite the trash can living behind a cabinet door.

The mere thought of gallons of gross, sticky, smelly trash piling up in my kitchen feels just as disorderly and dirty as crusty dishes stacked in the sink.

Imagine how rarely you'd have to take out the trash if you weren't throwing food away

My Mill food recycling bin has put the biggest dent in the amount of waste my apartment makes, and I can't imagine living without it. It's basically the size of a traditional step-on kitchen trash can, and even has the presser foot.

Instead of putting plate scrapings, food prep scraps, or old leftovers directly into the trash, just about any food can be dumped into the Mill instead. Every night, before any of the meat or dairy or soggy spinach would start to stink up the place, Mill dehydrates and churns food into a soil-like consistency, which I then mail back to Mill to be repurposed into chicken feed.

Mill's massive filter traps nasty smells way better than any expensive scented bag could. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable That's around 246 pounds of food per year — think of how many garbage bags we've saved. Credit: Screenshot / Mill

Without food in the equation, my three-person household barely goes through one garbage bag per week. Trash duty is needed so infrequently that no one dreads it, especially because it's not that gross of a chore, either — no food means no mystery juice dripping from the bag onto your sock.

Pre-Mill, I was first introduced to the concept of compacting home food waste through Lomi. Most of those electric countertop composters aren't actually creating real "compost," but they're still drying and grinding your food scraps to a fraction of their original size. The result is a small bucket of "dirt" that won't reek if it then sits in your trash for a few days, and won't release as much methane at the landfill. Any of these countertop gadgets is a game-changer if you don't have a garbage disposal.

Plastic waste has been another leading source of the permanent pit in my stomach since 2018, when I learned that most plastic doesn't actually get recycled.

SEE ALSO: Texas resident used Apple AirTags to track her recycling. It ended up in the middle of nowhere.

All of the empty cleaning bottles and laundry detergent jugs that hogged so much space in my bin were basically destined to rot for 500 years. Awesome! For the majority of us who don't have curbside recycling, taking the recycling out involves extra walking or driving. For me, it's a dreaded elevator ride down to my apartment's sketchy basement — so I'm always trying to strategically stretch my recycling bin's life before I have to go down there again. The switch from plastic to paper packaging that can be folded or flattened creates more room to shove stuff in.

A low-waste lifestyle requires less chaotic storage at home

Pretty much my entire cleaning routine has been low-waste-ified, which plays just as big of a role in the organization of storage spaces as it does in downsizing my trash. And organization at home plays a critical role in my daily stress level.

There aren't a million plastic spray bottles clanking around in the cabinet under my sink. Multi-surface cleaning spray refills come in the form of a small Blueland tablet dissolved in the same glass bottle. My dissolvable laundry detergent strips come in a thin cardboard envelope, which is much easier to tuck away than a huge, crusty jug of laundry detergent. Stretchy dishwasher-safe silicone lids have fully replaced plastic wrap, and Swedish dishcloths (reusable paper towels that can go in the dishwasher) have freed my closet from a never-ending tower of paper towel rolls.

Laundry sheets, dishwasher pods, and carton of dish soap are easy to store in an apartment with limited space. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Don't let me catch you using a Ziploc bag as Tupperware after this. Credit: Stasher

My parents have also had a positive downsizing experience on their lower-waste journey. My dad hasn't had to step around an industrial case of bottled water in the garage since they simply switched to a nice faucet filter. My mom took my robot vacuum and mop advice and got to free up precious shelf space that had previously been home to boxes of Swiffer WetJet refill pads. Seriously, don't underestimate the calming power of structure within your home's storage setup.

The low-waste route shrinks my recurring shopping list

I don't think enough people realize that switching to lower-waste home habits would mean that they won't have to restock so many household supplies all the time. There's serious freedom in severing your reliance on disposable items, plus shorter (cheaper) grocery store lists.

Replacement paper towels or Ziploc bags aren't permanent fixtures on the grocery list now that we've stopped relying on the disposable versions of either. When you don't burn through multiple garbage bags on a weekly basis, you rarely experience the rage of realizing you're out of fresh bags. Yes, some low-waste swaps do cost a little more up front, but their reusability pays for itself within a few months.

I'm a maximalist when decorating, but a minimalist when holding onto junk

The mental weight of stuff is real. Not "stuff" in a maximalist chic decor way, but "stuff" as in all the crap that's living in your home and your mind rent-free. You don't know what to do with it, so you just keep it (and then feel its dark presence hovering every time you're in that room). That overstimulating stress loop made it impossible for me to fully relax at home for quite some time. But after being in low-waste mode in my kitchen for a few years, the pipeline to all-over home decluttering came naturally.

Suddenly, I was inspired to clean out the drawers, shelves, and under-bed bins that had accumulated anxiety-inducing levels of junk — and then sit down and research how to sustainably get rid of that junk. It turns out that there are comically easy ways to recycle broken phone chargers, dried-out pens, dead batteries, old glasses, and so many other random knick-knacks that I held on to just because I'd feel just as anxious about sending them to a dumpster.

For unwanted items with a little more value, like clothes or old AirPods or decor that isn't my taste anymore, online resale apps have become core to mitigating my messy home restlessness. You'd be shocked at the range of niche items that shoppers are willing to take off your hands. If there was any level of sentimental attachment, I can breathe a little easier knowing the item is getting a second life instead of collecting dust on an overflowing Goodwill shelf.

SEE ALSO: The Suri recyclable electric toothbrush is my favorite eco-friendly self-care swap

I've realized that maintaining an uncluttered space isn't a challenge when you have clear-cut methods to properly discard unwanted stuff. I now have a pretty solid idea of what can be recycled where, even the really-hard-to-recycle stuff, and what might sell on eBay.

If I'm not sure, my reflex is now to research what to do with it instead of cramming it into a procrasti-clutter drawer. Similarly, I've been able to keep up with a weekly fridge clean-out schedule because I can casually throw anything in my Mill bin. I no longer put expired stuff back in just because it'll stink in the trash, and old leftovers are no longer piling up to the point that no new groceries can fit.

Now that my brain is rewired to take the path of least waste in most situations, I've gotten really good at acquiring less stuff in the first place. If I'm on the fence about a purchase, the first question I ask myself is, "Will this be a pain in the ass to deal with a year from now?" Am I really going to be excited about this item for longer than a few months? Is it high-quality enough to last for a long time? Can I find it secondhand on Depop? While I'll never deny the importance of getting yourself a little treat just because, intentional shopping is such an underrated method of stabilizing a swirling mind.

Level up your dev workflow while Visual Studio 2026 is just $43

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 18:00

TL:DR: Visual Studio 2026 combines AI-powered coding, cross-platform tools, and real-time collaboration — now just $42.97 for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 $42.97
$499.99 Save $457.02   Get Deal

Modern development doesn’t have to feel like a grind, especially when your tools are built to keep up with how you actually work. Visual Studio Professional 2026 is Microsoft’s latest take on a full-featured IDE, now with deeper AI integration and performance upgrades that actually make a difference when you’re working on real-life projects.

Built as a 64-bit environment, Microsoft’s latest handles large codebases and complex solutions more comfortably, which is especially useful if you’re juggling multiple services or working across teams.

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But the real shift here is how much easier it is to stay in flow. AI-assisted coding tools like IntelliCode help predict and complete lines of code, while built-in refactoring suggestions reduce repetitive work and help catch issues earlier.

Cross-platform development is also front and center. You can build mobile and desktop apps with .NET MAUI, create modern web interfaces using Blazor, and test across environments including Windows, Linux, and containers — all from the same place.

Hot reload features let you see changes instantly, reducing back-and-forth during development.

Collaboration feels more natural, too. With Live Share, teammates can jump into your session to edit, debug, or review code in real time.

This version of Visual Studio makes it easier to access a professional-grade toolset without overthinking the investment.

Get Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2026 for just $42.97 (reg. $499.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

AI ping pong robot beats top human players, but don’t freak out yet

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 15:22

If you're primed to fear AI-driven robots replacing human workers at complex physical tasks, consider this your trigger warning.

A robot arm built by Sony, and named Ace, has just been dubbed "the first autonomous system to be competitive with elite human table tennis players." That's a quote from the study splashed across the front page of Nature, the world's most venerable peer-reviewed science journal.

SEE ALSO: A robot runner just beat a half-marathon record

The Ace researchers brought receipts. As you can see in the video above, the eight-jointed robot arm is able to make split-second decisions via an AI that's being fed real-time data from nine cameras. It scored a lot of points and won a few games against some of the world's top ping-pong players at Sony HQ in Tokyo.

But here's the good news buried in all the data. Yes, within the confines of this study, Ace was competitive. That doesn't mean Ace could figure out how to win every time; it's nothing like the half marathon-running robot that simply has to master one speed. And, crucially, the human players started to spot flaws in Ace's ping-pong strategy.

Ace isn't the first ping-pong playing robot. Researchers have long been interested in the sport because of its speed and real-time decision-making, which is a major frontier in robotics. In this respect, Ace marks a milestone for the AI system and for the highly reliable arm.

That arm was able to track a ping pong ball with 10 milliseconds of latency — more than 10 times faster than the human brain can manage.

"Ace’s striking skills are trained entirely in simulation using reinforcement learning, then transferred directly to the real robot," Sony explained in a blog post. "This is analogous to a player who practices endlessly in a virtual training hall and then walks onto a real court without needing to relearn anything."

But that's just the thing — ping-pong players learn on the go, and they're looking at more than just the ball.

Mayuka Taira, who lost a match to Ace last December, told Sony the robot effectively intimidated her at first. "Because you can't read its reactions, it's impossible to sense what kind of shots it dislikes or struggles with, and that makes it even more difficult to play against," she said.

SEE ALSO: 23 of the best AI courses you can take for free this month

But then Rui Takenaka, who has both lost and won against Ace, went that crucial human step further. Here's what he told the company, emphasis ours:

If I used a serve with complex spin, Ace also returned the ball with complex spin, which made ​it difficult for me. But ⁠when I used a simple serve, what we call a knuckle serve, Ace returned a simpler ball. That made it easier for me to attack on the third shot, and I think that was the key reason why I was able to win.

Got that? Ace, a profoundly smart system, was suckered by a knuckle serve.

"Professional human athletes are very good at adapting to their opponent and finding weaknesses, which is an area that we are working on," Ace project leader Peter Dürr told Reuters.

So we shouldn't exactly hang up our ping pong rackets just yet. But we should certainly be very concerned about the mentions of security applications through the various reports and blogs about Ace.

Because the most lucrative real-world application of speedy systems like this isn't at the Olympics. It's on the battlefield — where being faster than the human eye may mean game over for human soldiers.

BookCon is a haven for book nerds — heres what its like to attend

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 14:37

Walking through BookCon was a sort of literary haven. As I approached the exhibition floor, a string ensemble filled the Javits Center as if we'd been dropped into an episode of Bridgerton. The show floor was packed with exhibits from the big five to indie publishers, as attendees hoped to get their hands on a sought-after advanced copy. Before the event even began, as I approached the convention center nearly two hours before its start, the line stretched around several city blocks.

Attendees were ready and waiting for the show floor to open right at 9 a.m. and the lines started early. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Yet on the show floor, despite the long lines, there was a sense of camaraderie among attendees. There was an immediate rush to the HarperCollins booth as the publisher was giving away tickets to author signings, but attendees were respectful, asking and answering each other's questions, and excitedly sharing which author's signing they were hoping to score. This is a convention for fans, celebrating the shared passion of reading, and it felt like people came ready to bask in that community.

BookCon's return to New York City comes after a six-year hiatus. From last BookCon, which took place in 2019, to 2026, the book industry has undergone seismic shifts, no doubt due to the effects of BookTok, which has helped revive print book sales. Romance and fantasy, the two most popular genres, have enthusiastic fandoms, and all of it came alive at BookCon.

In the past six months, books have been having a big moment, with the success and excitement around Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry following its HBO Max adaptation. It's hard not to compare it to the fervor of the Harry Potter fandom. At the opening panel of BookCon, Reid was joined by Jacob Tierney, the creator of the adaptation, for their first public conversation about the show, and the room was packed with 3,000 fans — you could have thought it was for a ComicCon panel for Marvel's Avengers. Reid put it best, saying that this level of fame for an author feels like an anomaly, and that "authors don't get recognized."

BookCon was a place for uninhibited, pure book joy. A place for fans to connect with other fans and be book nerds together — I even spotted authors fanning out over each other. There were hoards in every type of Heated Rivalry hockey jersey or T-shirt. If you weren't familiar with Connor Storie and Hudson Williams's faces before BookCon, you sure would be after. But in equal amounts, people were sporting gear to celebrate all their favorite authors, especially Andy Weir and Sarah J. Maas. Attendees came for the free books, too, rolling up with foldable shopping carts that they toted around with their loot.

The two-day event was a marathon, and even covering the event, I didn't feel like I could get to all of it. But with the first BookCon in six years in the rearview and next year's on the horizon, these are my takeaways.

Amazon noticeably absent

The most popular e-reader is by far Amazon's Kindle. Yet Amazon was mostly absent from the event, which is odd given that it is the largest bookseller in the United States. But at BookCon, other retailers were front and center, including Barnes and Noble and New York-based stores Greenlight Books and The Ripped Bodice. The main stage was presented by Thrift Books, and before each event, a reel of the event's sponsors rolled, including Binc, the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, a non-profit that helps struggling independent bookstores. Having these businesses centered at the event felt like a statement against Amazon, which has a history of working against independent bookstores.

Amazon wasn't totally absent, though; it was represented by its subsidiary Audible, which hosted the "Audible Story House."

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Print books still reign supreme Rakuten Kobo was the only e-reader maker at BookCon 2026, showing of its Kobo Clara and Kobo Remote. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

As a reporter covering e-readers, I anticipated seeing them in attendees' hands and on display on the show floor. Rakuten Kobo was the only e-reader maker at BookCon 2026.

It turned out, BookCon was a surprisingly analog event. At any convention, you'll find attendees taking breaks along the long hallways, and when people were reading, it was always with a physical book. So while I may have gone into the event planning to ask what e-readers attendees brought, I ended up witnessing the joy of print being celebrated.

Fans have thoughts about the future of BookCon Reviews of BookCon 2026 are mixed across Instagram and Reddit. Credit: Mashable Photo Composite

While attending BookCon 2026 as a member of the press, I had an overwhelmingly positive experience, but as always, fans will let you know where things fell short. In the comments on BookCon's Instagram, fans are sharing disappointment about the long lines and not getting reservations for author signings. Crowds were packed at the event, which was a common complaint, though many noted that the crowds thinned out on Sunday for a more enjoyable experience.

Negative voices are often the loudest, and there has still been positive feedback about the event, which I spotted on the BookCon subreddit. It's unrealistic to expect a perfect event after a near-seven-year hiatus, and with next year's dates already on the books for April 10 and 11, 2027, BookCon's organizers, ReedPop, have a year to listen to attendees' feedback for an improved event.

The Vampire Lestat trailer sees Lestat embracing his inner rock god

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 13:42

Your next favorite rock star isn't an indie heartthrob or a heavy metal thrasher. He's a centuries-old French vampire with some serious baggage to unpack.

SEE ALSO: 'The Vampire Lestat' clip sees him find out about Louis' interview

That vampire is none other than Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid), who's been a reliable scene-stealer throughout the first two seasons of AMC's rapturous Interview with the Vampire adaptation. However, we've never actually been seeing him, only his former lover Louis de Pointe du Lac's (Jacob Anderson) retelling of their turbulent relationship.

That's all about to change in The Vampire Lestat. Based on the second novel in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, The Vampire Lestat lets the Brat Prince take center stage — literally. He's moved out of the shadows and into the spotlight as a rock god. (Need proof? You can listen to his singles "Long Face" and "All Fall Down" now.)

Lestat has taken his newfound stardom as an opportunity to tell his side of the story Louis told journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian). As he brings his act from city to city, he's haunted by "muses" from his troubled past. Here's hoping they don't ruin the tour.

SEE ALSO: The Vampire Lestat's fang-tastic single 'Long Face' is now streaming on major music platforms

While The Vampire Lestat is, naturally, focused on Lestat, that doesn't mean the series is turning away from Louis. He is highly present in The Vampire Lestat's trailer, alongside Daniel and Armand (Assad Zaman).

Also spotted in the trailer? Lestat bringing the house down at his rock shows, drenching himself in blood, and even sharing a passionate kiss with his mother Gabriella (Jennifer Ehle). It's a lot, but when has Lestat ever been anything less?

The Vampire Lestat premieres June 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC and AMC+.

Discord group says it accessed Claude Mythos by guessing location

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 13:38

An anonymous group of Discord users says it hacked its way into accessing Claude Mythos Preview, the new AI model Anthropic claims is too powerful for a public release.

Anthropic says Claude Mythos "is capable of identifying and then exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in every major operating system and every major web browser," and has granted access to the model to a select group of partners via an initiative called Project Glasswing.

The AI company said this invite-only approach would let tech leaders "secure the world's most critical software." But it might need to pay more attention to its own software security.

As Bloomberg reports, the Discord users didn't gain access through a sophisticated hack, but by guessing the online location for the model based on past Anthropic naming conventions — as found in the recent data breach at Mercor, an AI startup, earlier this month.

SEE ALSO: Is Anthropic's Claude Mythos a big stunt, or a real security threat? What the experts say.

Once they identified where to access Claude Mythos, the group had to employ additional tactics. One member of the group already had privileged access as a worker at a third-party contractor for Anthropic, Bloomberg reports.

The group was part of a private Discord channel that focuses on hunting information about unreleased models.

A member of the group told Bloomberg that they were not using Claude Mythos for nefarious purposes, but for tasks like building simple websites. However, they also claimed to have access to even more unreleased Anthropic models.

The group provided enough evidence to convince Bloomberg they had indeed breached Anthropic's security. Anthropic confirmed in a statement to Bloomberg it was aware of the claim and investigating.

At this time, there is no indication that Claude Mythos has been breached by other unauthorized parties. Still, given that Anthropic described Claude Mythos as a paradigm-shifting security threat that could "reshape cybersecurity" as we know it, any unauthorized access is —to say the least — concerning.

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Amazon has 17 Lego Star Wars sets on sale for at least 20% off ahead of May the 4th

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 13:36

Retailers always put Lego Star Wars sets on sale around May 4 (aka May the 4th, aka Star Wars Day) — and this year, Amazon is getting a head start. As of April 22, over a dozen Star Wars-themed Lego builds for kids and adults are marked down there by at least 20%, starting from just $15.98.

A quick look at Amazon's best deals on Star Wars Lego sets: Save 29% Lego Star Wars Home One Starcruiser (75405) $49.99 (save $20) Get Deal Save 23% Lego Star Wars Tantive IV (75376) $61.86 (save $18.13) Get Deal Save 20% Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon (75375) $67.99 (save $17) Get Deal Save 20% Lego Star Wars R2-D2 (75379) $79.99 (save $20) Get Deal Save 20% Lego Star Wars 501st Clone Troopers Battle Pack (75345) $15.98 (save $4.01) Get Deal

The very best deals are going to Home One Starcruiser and Tantive IV sets, which are 29% and 23% off, respectively. The other sets that are sitting at a flat 20% off include a 921-piece Millennium Falcon, a 1,050-piece R2-D2, and a 1,138-piece C-3PO that were released in 2024 for the 25th anniversary of Lego's Star Wars collection. (The first two are chilling at their lowest prices on record.) There are also a couple of bestselling battle packs for kids ages 6 and up.

SEE ALSO: Lego’s May the 4th Star Wars drop is here, and half the sets are under $50

Target and Walmart were matching most, but not all of Amazon's Lego Star Wars deals (I cross-checked everything), and none of them were available directly through Lego at the time of writing (if they were still in stock on its website — some are sold out or retired). Walmart only managed to beat Amazon's pricing on one kid-friendly build of Ahsoka's Jedi Interceptor... by two cents.

I haven't spotted any discounts on the new Star Wars sets Lego is releasing later this week, nor its Star Wars Smart Play sets, but that could change closer to May the 4th. In the meantime, read on to see what's up for grabs. Again, with everything on sale for at least 20% off, these are the deals you're looking for:

Deals on Lego Star Wars sets for adults Credit: Lego Deals on Lego Star Wars sets for kids Credit: Lego

Earth Day is a surprisingly good time to buy mattresses

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 12:42
Best Earth Day mattress deals Best mattress deal overall Purple Spring Savings Event Save on Queen mattresses and get up to 20% off mattress bundles. Shop Now Best organic mattress deal Essentia Beyond Organic Sleep Sale Get 20% off their full collection of certified organic mattresses. Shop Now Best luxury mattress deal Saatva Earth Day Sale Get 15% off any order of $1,000 or more. Shop Now Best bundle deal DreamCloud Bundle Sale Get up to 67% off the DreamCloud Premier Adjustable Bundle. Shop Now

Everyone says Presidents' Day and Memorial Day are the best times to buy a mattress, and they aren't wrong, but if you need a new bed right now, you don't have to suffer on a lumpy spring box for another month. I've been doing some digging, and it turns out there are a handful of Earth Day mattress sales happening right now that are totally worth your time.

SEE ALSO: Best Earth Day 2026 deals so far: Blueland cleaning products, Pela phone cases, electric composters

Here are the best mattress deals to shop right now, from my personal favorite (spoiler: It's Purple!) to organic options.

Best mattress deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Pruple Purple Spring Savings Event Save on Queen mattresses and get up to 20% off mattress bundles. Shop Now Why we like it

Purple is my all-time favorite mattress brand. I've had two Purple mattresses in my lifetime, and both were super comfy (heavy AF, but comfy nonetheless).

Right now, Purple is running a Spring Savings event with Queen mattresses starting at $999. The brand's also offering up to 20% off mattress bundles.

Pro tip: If you can hold off just a few more days, Purple's official Memorial Day Sale kicks off early on April 28, offering up to $700 off mattresses.

Best organic mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Essentia Essentia Beyond Organic Sleep Sale Get 20% off their full collection of certified organic mattresses. Shop Now Why we like it

Since it is Earth Day, it only makes sense to include Essentia. The brand is running its Beyond Organic Sleep Sale where you can take 20% off its full collection of certified organic mattresses.

Essentia's beds are crafted using a patented Beyond Latex organic foam, which is designed to support your body without the harsh toxins typically found in conventional mattresses. On top of the clean materials, every mattress comes with a generous 120-night sleep trial, a 20-year warranty, and free shipping straight to your door. (Plus, if you have an HSA or FSA account, you can use those funds toward your purchase!).

You have a little bit of time to decide on this one — the sale runs through May 11, 2026.

Best luxury mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Saatva Saatva Earth Day Sale Get 15% off any order of $1,000 or more. Shop Now Why we like it

If you want a premium, hotel-style sleep experience, Saatva is the way to go. Right now, you can get 15% off any order of $1,000 or more.

Saatva mattresses are made to order and assembled in the U.S. using globally sourced, high-quality materials. Because you're investing in a luxury build, the company treats you to a full 365-night home trial and a lifetime warranty. You'll also get free delivery, setup, and mattress removal (which, if you've ever moved a mattress before, you know is a big deal).

But you'd better hurry: this Earth Day sale officially ends on April 23.

Best bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: DreamCloud DreamCloud Bundle Sale Get up to 67% off the DreamCloud Premier Adjustable Bundle. Shop Now Why we like it

Bundling isn't always the best way to save, but at DreamCloud, the bundles are where you really get your money's worth. Right now, the brand's offering 67% off its Premier Adjustable Bundle.

For $1,398 (a $4,219 total value), you'll get a DreamCloud mattress of your choice, plus a high-tech adjustable base that features independent head and foot elevation, zero-gravity settings, under-bed LED lighting, USB charging ports, and a whisper-quiet massage mode (bougie).

The bundle also includes a luxury sheet set, pillows, a mattress protector, and 10 years of extra insurance. Like Saatva, DreamCloud also offers a full 365-night trial and free shipping and returns.

Take to the skies with nearly half off the DJI Neo Fly More Combo

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 12:20

SAVE $90: As of April 22, get the DJI Neo Fly More Combo for $259 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $349 with an on-page coupon. That's a discount of 26%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Neo Fly More Combo $259 at Amazon
$349 Save $90 Clip on-page coupon Get Deal

Whether you're looking to get into flying drones or just want to add another to your collection, DJI is the brand to shop. Despite news of DJI drones being banned in the United States, there are still ways to get around the ban if you look hard enough. You can still keep the drones you own, and you can still shop those on sale at retailers like Amazon. And we've got one that you can snap up right now for an excellent price.

As of April 22, get the DJI Neo Fly More Combo for $259 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $349 with an on-page coupon. That's $90 off and a discount of 26%.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Mini 5 Pro drone is at a record-low price at Amazon — save $550 on this beginner-friendly drone

This bundle includes the DJI Neo drone, a remote controller, RC cable, flight battery, two-way charging hub, propeller guards, spare propellers, spare propeller screws, a screwdriver, gimbal protector, and a Type-C to Type-C cable.

The DJI Neo Fly More Combo is a lightweight and simple to fly option for users of any skill level. It's lighter than your phone, in fact, and small enough that you don't need to register with the FAA to fly it. You can use your phone to operate it, and it can take off from your hand with a single button push, so it's already simple to use right out of the box.

You can just fly the drone around, or you can take photos from a bird's eye point of view with smart subject tracking and quickshots that your drone can take all on its own. You can also control it via voice or RC depending on your preference.

With 4K ultra stabilized video, you can also stack plenty of crisp, high definition video while flying, all without complex setups that confuse and potentially frustrate.

if you're ready to get into drone photography or just want a chance to fly one without breaking the bank, this combo is well worth splurging on.

Google Wallet now lets you track flights from your lock screen. How to try it.

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 12:19

Google just made life a tiny bit easier for Android users who love to travel.

9to5google spotted a new lock screen widget for Android 16 that gives you persistent progress updates on your flights. It's very simple and straightforward: It shows your departing airport, your destination airport, your estimated arrival time, and a progress bar measuring how deep into the flight you are.

As 9to5google noted, this is on top of some already-existing features for travelers who add their boarding passes to the Google Wallet app. Those include push notifications about flight changes, but the flight progress widget is brand-new, having been promised by Google last year.

SEE ALSO: Google could pay $135 million settlement to U.S. Android users. How to get your money.

If you want to try it, well, you'd better have a flight lined up first. Add the boarding pass to Google Wallet, and the widget should appear shortly before takeoff. In other words, you don't really have to do anything other than put your boarding pass in your phone.

This marks another step forward for Google Wallet, which replaced Google Pay in 2024 as the go-to destination for credit cards and other important kinds of digital documentation on Android devices. By all accounts, it's been a successful transition for Android users, and if Google keeps adding neat little conveniences like this flight tracker widget, it'll only get better.

Aura digital picture frames are up to $30 off at Amazon ahead of Mothers Day

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 12:13

SAVE UP TO $30: Aura digital picture frames are on sale at Amazon for up to $30 off depending on size. The 10-inch Aura Carver digital frame is on sale for $159, down from the normal price of $179 and the 12-inch Aura Aspen is on sale for $199, down from the standard price of $229.

Opens in a new window Credit: Aura 10-inch Aura Carver Mat digital picture frame $159 at Amazon
$179 Save $20   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Aura 12-inch Aura Aspen digital picture frame $199 at Amazon
$229 Save $30   Get Deal

It's a struggle to land on the perfect Mother's Day gift. Moms have a tendency to either say they don't want anything (do not fall for this) or actually own pretty much everything you can think of gifting them. Instead of buying them another pair of pajamas, go big this year and get a digital photo frame. Some great options are on sale today at Amazon.

As of April 22, Aura digital picture frames are on sale at Amazon for up to $30 off depending on size. The 10-inch Aura Carver digital frame is on sale for $159, down from the normal price of $179 and the 12-inch Aura Aspen is on sale for $199, down from the standard price of $229. That's an 11% and 13% discount, respectively. The sale price on the 12-inch Aura Aspen matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Photo memories are always cherished, and opting for a digital picture frame means you can add thousands of images to the collection. Aura makes it simple to upload pictures to any frame from anywhere in the world. Multiple family members can have access to a single frame for uploads that mom will enjoy everyday.

SEE ALSO: Best Earth Day 2026 deals so far: Blueland cleaning products, Pela phone cases, electric composters

The Aura app is fantastic for mom to control her photo preference, set display times, and add her own favorites to the frame. Both the Aura Carver and the Aura Aspen have a built-in speaker, so you can even upload videos and voice notes to the frame for mom to enjoy.

Keep in mind the frame requires a WiFi connection and it needs to be plugged in to operate. If you're gifting the Aura frame, you can even upload photos, videos, and a gift message through the Aura app without opening the premium gift box the Aura frame comes in.

Before these sale prices disappear, gift mom an Aura frame for Mother's Day this year. It's a gift she'll be able to enjoy all day, everyday.

Meta will track employee mouse movements and keystrokes for AI training, report says

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 11:44

Meta is about to ramp up surveillance of its employees, Reuters reports, but in a very 2026 twist, it's not meant to catch people slacking off.

Reuters reports that Meta is installing tracking software that can capture mouse movements and keystrokes on U.S.-based employees' computers. While this sort of surveillance isn't unheard of in corporate America, the motivation here is slightly novel: Meta is reportedly going to use the data to train AI agents, per a company memo seen by Reuters.

This will be done through a tool called Model Capability Initiative, or MCI.

SEE ALSO: Meta finally adds direct messages to the web version of Threads

Meta's memo said the idea is to help AI agents improve at tasks they currently struggle with, such as using keyboard shortcuts. And in a different memo reportedly sent to employees on Monday, CTO Andrew Bosworth said to expect more internal data collection in order to make agents better at replicating human work. The goal, per Bosworth, is for agents to do most of the work while humans sit back and monitor the situation.

“The vision we are building towards is ​one where our agents primarily do the work and our role is to direct, review and help them improve," Bosworth said, per Reuters.

While Meta did not explicitly say any of this was meant to replace human workers down the line, it's reasonable to wonder if that's where this is eventually going. Tens of thousands of people lost their jobs because of AI last year, and Meta has already laid off a quadruple-digit number of people (though those were unrelated to AI) earlier this year, with more cuts coming later in May.

If, at some point in the future, Meta reduces its workforce with the aim of having AI agents do the work instead, it may have been those same Meta employees who trained the AI in the first place.

In the meantime, Reuters reports that Meta assured employees that the data will not be used in performance reviews.

Meta hasn't had a great year, privacy-wise, and we're only four months into 2026.

In March, the company was accused of sending Meta Ray-Ban user recordings, including intimate images, to offshore Meta workers, also for AI training. Earlier this month, we reported on the case of a former Meta employee under criminal investigation for downloading private Facebook photos. And after a report that Meta was planning to add facial recognition technology into its smart glasses, a group of 70 organizations, including the ACLU, signed a public letter urging Meta to reverse course.

How I scored ad-free Paramount+ Premium for only 99 cents

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 11:35

SAVE $26: As of April 22, returning subscribers can score two months of ad-free Paramount+ Premium for only 99 cents per month with the code N8C27L. Usually $13.99 per month, that's $26 in savings. Just note that your mileage may vary.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium $0.99/month for 2 months (save $13/month) with code N8C27L Get Deal

If you're looking to save some money on your streaming lineup, my number one recommendation is to cancel your subscriptions. While it doesn't work for every streamer, many will offer you a special discount to come back. Not to mention, you'll be eligible for any new deals that may appear that are marketed to "new and returning customers." Case in point: as of April 22, returning subscribers can get two months of ad-free Paramount+ Premium for just 99 cents per month.

I've tested this out myself, so I can vouch for it. When you navigate to Paramount+ and sign in to your existing account, you'll be prompted to pick a plan. Select the Paramount+ Premium monthly plan for $13.99 per month. On the "Welcome back!" page, scroll down to the box that says "Have a promo code?" and enter N8C27L. Once you hit "apply" the price should drop to just 99 cents per month.

Credit: Paramount+

That's all, folks. You can take advantage of two full months of ad-free Paramount+, Showtime, BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, CBS live TV, UFC fights, and more for less than two bucks. That's $26 total in savings.

Paramount+ has a surprisingly hefty library. Subscribers can enjoy Paramount+ Originals like Landman and RuPaul Drag Race All Stars, Showtime series like Dexter Resurrection and Yellowjackets, CBS hits like Survivor and NCIS, and nostalgic shows from Nickelodeon and MTV. Not to mention, there's a lineup of movies that'll keep you fully entertained for your two-month promotional period. Just be sure to cancel again before the second month is over if you want to avoid paying full cost. You can always sign up again when another deal arises. I know I will.

Get Ankers 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock for $60 less at Amazon

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 11:24

SAVE 15%: As of April 22, you can get the Anker Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock for $339.99, down from $399.99, at Amazon. That's a 15% discount or $60 savings.

Anker Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock $339.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $60   Get Deal at Amazon

Working off a laptop is great until you realize you only have two ports and need to plug something in. If you're hooked up to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, you're pretty much out of luck on the rest. Not only that, but your previously uncluttered desk will most likely look like a Best Buy exploded (a rat's nest of cords isn't cute or helpful for anyone getting work done).

SEE ALSO: This cable simplifies your charging setup, and it’s on sale for just $22

If you literally hate mess and cords as much as I do, you need a docking station to hide all that chaos and protect your aesthetic. Right now, Anker’s Prime TB5 Docking Station is on sale for $339.99 at Amazon, down from $399.99. (That's a $60 price cut.)

Are you going to use all 14 ports at the exact same time? Probably not, but you'll never have to dig through your bag for a specific adapter again. You just plug a single cable into your laptop, and the dock handles the rest. It features a Thunderbolt 5 upstream port, two Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports, two USB-C ports, three USB-A ports, SD and TF card readers, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, an audio jack, and your choice of HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 2.1. It's also fast enough to transfer a 150GB file in 25 seconds.

Get some new wrist candy with the CMF Watch Pro 2 at its lowest price ever

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 11:19

SAVE $39.01: As of April 22, get the CMF By Nothing Watch 2 Pro for $39.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $79. That's a discount of 49% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon CMF By Nothing Watch 2 Pro $39.99 at Amazon
$79 Save $39.01   Get Deal

There are tons of smartwatches on the market if you're in need of one. But if you're willing to look beyond the Apple Watches or Samsung devices out there, you'll find an awesome alternative from the Nothing brand that'll save you some serious cash. Not only is it more affordable than the competition, but it's got everything you could want and then some. In fact, one of the models is on sale right now.

As of April 22, get the CMF By Nothing Watch 2 Pro for $39.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $79. That's $39.01 off and a discount of 49%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: I Ran 30 Miles and THIS Is the Most Accurate Smartwatch

This affordable smartwatch not only comes in an attractive form factor, but it has just about everything you could ask for. It has your average comms tools like Bluetooth calling and gesture control, a built-in mic and speaker, contacts, message reminders, and music control. But from there, it offers a wide range of sensors and data to help you take control of your health.

It offers a portable blood oxygen saturation monitor, a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and so much more. All of this data, including workout information, steps, and much more, can be synced across all your favorite fitness apps, including Apple Health and Google Health Connect. There are 120 sports modes to choose from, GPS positioning, and even a 3D warm-up exercise guide to help get you on your feet each day.

With interchangeable watch straps and an attractive face, this extremely reasonable smartwatch is definitely one to rival Apple and Samsung. You'll want to grab yours while it's still down to the lowest price we've seen.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Bluetooth speaker is at the lowest price weve seen all year

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 11:12

SAVE $75: The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Bluetooth speaker is on sale for $224 at Amazon, down from the standard price of $299. That's a 25% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Bluetooth speaker $224 at Amazon
$299 Save $75   Get Deal

Packing up for an adventure means figuring out how to bring along a soundtrack. A trip to the cabin or a lakeside campground all deserve to be experienced with a great playlist. If you could use an upgrade before summer to get a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of April 22, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Bluetooth speaker is on sale for $224 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $299. That's a 25% discount that takes $75 off the price. It's also the lowest price we've seen at Amazon so far this year.

A compact speaker with a scratch-resistant aluminum shell is exactly what we should be packing on adventures. With an attached carabiner, the B&O Explore speaker is designed to clip onto your backpack when you hit the trail. Or you can utilize the rubber base to set it on a rock or even in the sand. It's both waterproof and dustproof, adding to the durability.

SEE ALSO: The Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station is back at a record-low price at Amazon — get ready for camping season

Bang & Olufsen notes this model gets up to 27 hours of playtime before it needs to recharge. It weighs under 1.5 pounds, so it won't add much bulk to your gear. It takes about two hours to recharge the Beosound Explore.

Before summer kicks into high gear, add the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore speaker to your pack. It's ready for any adventure you have planned.

LA public schools pass screen time limits for students in a first

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 11:00

Los Angeles public school students may be returning to the age of college-ruled notebooks and Scantrons, following a Tuesday school board vote that will limit the use of computers, laptops, and tablets in classrooms.

Titled "Using Technology with Intention," the new resolution mandates the creation of grade-level and subject-specific screen time limits across Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) schools, including a complete ban on device usage for kindergarten and first grade. The use of one-to-one devices, like individual Chromebooks, will be discouraged for second through fifth grades, as well.

SEE ALSO: Survey: This is the most distracting app for teens

Revised guidelines will also address video-aided lesson plans, access to video streaming platforms like YouTube, and expanded restrictions on gaming and social media platforms.

District staff must present the revised tech use policy by June, which will go into effect for all LAUSD students beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. Guidelines will be reevaluated every year, and schools are tasked with tracking and sharing student screen time numbers with parents.

Featured Video For You Is U.S. TikTok censoring its users?

The resolution cites increasing concern about the effect of screen time on young minds and alleged screen addiction, including recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies that show a correlation between high screen time and adverse health effects. The board was unanimously in favor of the tech restrictions, with one recusal.

"We know that tech is not going away and can be a powerful tool in the classroom. This is not about going backwards. This is about rethinking school time and screen time in schools to ensure we are doing what actually helps students learn best," board member Nick Melvoin said during Tuesday's meeting.

"This is not about going backwards. This is about rethinking school time..."

Advocates, parents, and even students have spent the last year lobbying for greater tech restrictions following the passing of a 2025 bell-to-bell cellphone ban restricting the use of personal devices during school hours. Schools Beyond Screens, a national classroom tech safety coalition founded by LAUSD parents and teachers, helped craft the resolution in collaboration with board members and co-sponsors Melvoin, Karla Griego, Tanya Ortiz Franklin, Jerry Yang, Kelly Gonez, and Rocío Rivas.

"Now is the time for a safe and science-backed approach to classroom technology, one that is not guided by Big Tech talking points like screen value over screen time," the organization wrote in a press release following the decision.

"There is much work to be done, and this is only the beginning, but today, we are proud, grateful, and – for the first time in a long time – hopeful. Our kids may yet have the kind of public education that they deserve — one that is proven effective and free of undue digital distraction, harmful content, and corporate exploitation."

Apples excellent AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale for just $200 — a $50 savings

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 10:57

SAVE $49.01: The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are 20% at Amazon and Walmart as of April 22. Snag a pair for just $199.99 (normally $249).

Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart

Our very own Stan Schroeder is fresh off reviewing the new AirPods Max 2, Apple's updated over-ear headphones. While he thought their noise cancellation has improved since the last generation, they still can't block out sounds as well as the AirPods Pro 3: "Wearing them on a busy street makes the outside noise vanish in a spectacular fashion," he writes of the earbuds.

So, if you're an Apple user looking for best-in-class ANC, stick with the AirPods Pro 3. Right now, they happen to be on sale for just $199.99 at Amazon and Walmart — that's a savings of nearly $50 and one of their best deals to date. They briefly hit $184 on Amazon back in February, but never since. (And they were $219.99 everywhere last Black Friday.)

For comparison's sake, the AirPods Max 2 are up to $350 pricier depending on the color.

SEE ALSO: AirPods Pro 3 review: Without a doubt, one of the best products of 2025

The AirPods Pro 3 actually have the same H2 chip as the AirPods Max 2, so they support the same suite of smart features like Adaptive Audio and Live Translation. On top of that, they come with a built-in heart rate monitor that "worked perfectly," per Mashable contributor Adam Doud. (Read his full review.)

On their own, the AirPods Pro 3 will net you up to eight hours of battery life per charge with their ANC enabled. Their included charging case adds an extra 24 hours of use.

I can personally assure you that you won't find the AirPods Pro 3 on sale for anywhere cheaper — even if you go for a used pair. In new condition, they're $239.99 at B&H Photo and full price at Best Buy and Target. Then there's Best Buy's open-box AirPods Pro 3, which are are $204.99 in fair condition. Pass.

The 75-inch Hisense U8 Mini LED TV is officially the cheapest its ever been at 50% off

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 10:37

SAVE $1,250: As of April 22, the Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini LED ULED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for just $1,249.99. That's a savings of 50% from its original list price of $2,499.99 and its best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini LED ULED 4K TV $1,249.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,250.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini LED ULED 4K TV $1,249.99 at Best Buy
$2,499.99 Save $1,250.00   Get Deal

If a new TV with a big screen, stunningly bright picture, and affordable tag is what you're after, the 75-inch Hisense U8 TV is a great pick — especially now that it's at a record-low price.

As of April 22, the Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini LED ULED 4K TV is down to just $1,249.99 at both Amazon and Best Buy. Its original list price is $2,499.99, which means you'll save 50% or a full $1,250. That's officially the best price we've ever seen on this model. Previously, it dropped to $1,297.99 during Cyber Week, but this price beats that one by nearly $50.

CNET (Mashable's sister site, also owned by Ziff Davis) reviewer Ty Pendlebury called the 2025 U8 TV the brightest TV he's ever reviewed, but added that it "complements that brightness with excellent contrast and well-saturated colors." It's remarkably vibrant no matter the environment and no matter what you're watching. The ice during the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs will be absolutely glistening on this TV, with its 5000 nits peak brightness, up to 5,600 local dimming zones, and support for HDR in Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. The 165Hz native refresh rate doesn't hurt either. It won't have any of the glitching and stuttering your old TV did.

It's not just great for watching sports, either. Those dim-lit scenes in your favorite shows and movies will actually pop with the U8's ultra-bright Mini LED panel. It's even IMAX-enhanced for cinema-like picture quality. The Google TV smart platform provides a streamlined interface covering all the major streaming services, as well as Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, and Google Assistant for hands-free control.

On a normal day, we'd say the 75-inch Hisense U8 TV is too expensive for most folks, but as of April 22, it's finally down to a price that won't cause sticker shock.

Tinder responds to viral video about tricking facial scan

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 10:33

Earlier this month, journalist Christophe Haubursin published a YouTube video called "Something very weird is happening on Tinder." In the video, which has over 1.5 million views as of this publication, Haubursin described a way to workaround to Tinder's Face Check feature — the facial recognition that is now required for all U.S. users as of Oct. 2025.

What Haubursin and his interviewees discovered is a bunch of profiles that appeared normal, but the last photo on each profile was…off. It was usually a digitally-altered image of a different person in a weird scenario, like on a billboard or in a Victorian painting. And if someone matched with this person and asked about the image, they dodged the question. Instead, they asked to move the conversation to WhatsApp, where it became clear they were romance scammers.

SEE ALSO: Tinder wants more women users, CEO says

But how did they evade Face Check? Haubursin found that Tinder and Hinge, both owned by Match Group, only need one photo for the facial recognition software. So these people may be the actual person in that odd image, and able to pass the face scan. Then, they could grift images of other people from the internet to use for the bulk of their profile.

Tinder didn't respond to Haubursin's request for comment, but it did respond to Mashable's. 

"We're aware of the concerns raised about our Photo Verification and Face Check features. In recent weeks, we've taken action to strengthen our Photo Verification badging logic, including requiring greater consistency across profile photos and additional reviews to achieve higher confidence in cases that warrant extra scrutiny," a Tinder spokesperson told Mashable. "Face Check, our more recently launched verification system, builds on Photo Verification to help confirm accounts belong to real users. We are committed to continuously improving and investing in our systems to keep Tinder safe and authentic for our users."

Mashable also recently spoke with Hinge's Chief Product and Technology Officer, Ben Celebicic, about this, as Haubursin also replicated this on Hinge (which began implementing Face Check after Tinder). Celebicic hasn't seen Haubursin's video, but he did say that there's a constant battle between trust and safety teams and policy-violating actors. 

"They'll find new ways," he said. "We'll find ways to prevent them from accessing the platform."

There's not going to be a single product the team builds that will fully prevent people from bypassing our solution, Celebicic continued. He said they have a big team working on these issues, and they're in tune with new ways bad actors try to penetrate the platform and work to fix them.

Around one-third of Hinge's workforce is dedicated to trust and safety, the app told Mashable, and Match Group invests $125 million annually in this area.

Trust and safety is a major concern for dating apps. In Sept. 2025, two senators sent a letter to Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff, urging him to do something about romance scammers on the platforms. In Dec., a class-action lawsuit against Match Group claimed that a serial rapist was allowed on Tinder and Hinge after several women reported him. 

Facial recognition scans have boomed recently thanks to the influx of age-verification laws, which require a robust method of proving someone's age in order to access certain content, usually explicit content. These methods include uploading a government ID to a platform, using a credit card, or in other cases, scanning your face. But, like with Face Check, people have found workarounds to evade the scan and see the content they want to see.

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