Should I Learn Coding as a Second Language?
“I can’t code, and this bums me out because—with so many books and courses and camps—there are so many opportunities to learn these days. I suspect I’ll understand the machine…
Mental Health Apps Won’t Get You Off the Couch
“Everyone’s so gung ho about therapy these days. I’ve been curious myself, but I’m not ready to commit to paying for it. A mental health app seems like it could…
Why the Emoji Skin Tone You Choose Matters
“I’m a white person, and despite there being a range of skin tones available for emoji these days, I still just choose the original Simpsons-esque yellow. Is this insensitive to…
Is Listening to Audiobooks Really Reading?
“I listen to a lot of books on audio. It works for me. But certain more literary friends of mine say it doesn’t quite count as reading. Part of me…
Am I Wrong to Judge People for Talking to Me in Emoji?
“Not only do I refuse to speak in symbols—emoji, bitmoji, likes, reactions, whatever—I also judge people who do. Is this fair? With AI image generators like Dall-E Mini going mainstream,…
Am I an Idiot for Wanting a Dumber Phone?
“I waste way too much time on my phone and am attracted by the idea of simplifying my digital life. So I found several apps and tutorials designed to make…
Prediction Engines Are Like Karma: You Get What You Stream
“Streaming services often allow account holders to create multiple, separate profiles, which I appreciate. I want the recommendations I get to reflect my taste and not my partner’s. Is this…
Can Social Media Be Redeemed?
“I read that Jack Dorsey, a cofounder of Twitter, claims to regret his role in creating the centralized internet. Given what we know about the divisiveness, violence, and misinformation that…
If Someone Is Typing, Then Stops … Can I Ask Why?
I’m kind of an anxious, obsessive texter. I never quite know what to say, but the worst is when I see someone typing—in iMessage, in Slack, whatever—and then they stop…
Do Good Doorbell Cams Make Good Neighbors?
I haven’t been burglarized or anything, but I’m feeling some pressure to get one of those Ring surveillance systems for my front porch—the ones that record 24/7 video. Seems smart,…