A new study shows that many people in the UK are confused by internet acronyms like "FB," which means "Follow Back." These short forms often start in specific online communities and gain new meanings as they spread. Understanding these acronyms can be important for fitting in on social media.
Key Facts
A study by ProfileTree reports widespread confusion over internet acronyms in the UK.
"FB," meaning "Follow Back," is searched over 364,000 times a month in the UK.
Acronyms like "TIME" (tears in my eyes) and "BBL" (Brazilian Butt Lift or be back later) are commonly misunderstood.
More than 55,000 people search for the meaning of "LOL" each month.
Acronyms serve as cultural markers, acting like memes as they move through different online communities.
Internet librarian Amanda Brennan explains that acronyms help lower conversation barriers in niche communities.
Acronyms can signify group membership, making people feel included or excluded.
Social media accelerates the spread of acronyms, making them part of online social capital.
A woman found three unfamiliar photos on her phone that she didn't remember taking. After asking for help on Reddit, she realized the photos came from a WhatsApp group she was in, but had forgotten about. This incident highlights how default settings on apps can sometimes cause confusion.
Key Facts
A woman found three photos in her phone's gallery that she didn't recognize.
She shared her experience on Reddit, where many users discussed possible reasons for the photos' appearance.
One user suggested the photos might have come from WhatsApp, leading the woman to realize they were from a group chat she had muted.
Over 1,200 people upvoted her Reddit post, showing significant interest in the mystery.
The woman's discovery emphasizes how automatic download settings in apps, like WhatsApp, can confuse users.
Other Reddit users shared their experiences with unexpected files appearing on their devices.
The head of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, Takashi Iizuka, discusses how they keep the series appealing by adding new features to their games. Sega's new game, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, is available on various platforms, and they plan to introduce updates regularly to retain player interest. Sega focuses on creating new experiences rather than remastering older games.
Key Facts
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is Sega's latest game in the Sonic series, similar to Mario Kart.
The game is available on different gaming consoles and PC, with expected high sales on Nintendo's Switch.
Sega plans to introduce new characters and a "season pass" to keep the game fresh and engaging for players.
"Live service" games, which frequently update content, are essential for maintaining player interest.
Older game remakes are popular, but Sega aims to create new experiences instead of remakes.
Sega believes in leveraging Sonic's popularity against other popular games to attract new players.
Takashi Iizuka emphasizes creating complex and engaging new game worlds rather than revisiting old games.
Traditional TV shows for tweens are becoming less common as Gen Alpha, kids born from around 2010, increasingly watch adult-themed series on streaming services and social media. Experts say the change is due to easier access to more mature content, as well as changes in technology and marketing.
Key Facts
Tween shows like Hannah Montana and iCarly were popular in the late 2000s but are less common now.
Gen Alpha, today's tweens, are watching shows like Stranger Things and Wednesday, which have darker themes.
Tweens now also follow reality shows and online content that is not specifically made for their age group.
Experts say that technology gives Gen Alpha easier access to content meant for older viewers.
In the past, tweens wanted to watch older content, but now it's much easier due to streaming services.
Traditional networks like Disney and Nickelodeon face competition from social media platforms and online influencers.
The decrease in tween-focused media is linked to shifts in how content is produced and consumed, with more focus on digital platforms.
A study claims that many of Instagram's safety tools for protecting teens from harmful content, including suicide and self-harm posts, are not working well. Researchers found that only a small number of these tools are effective, with many either failing or no longer available. Meta, which owns Instagram, disputes the findings and says its protections have reduced harmful content seen by teens.
Key Facts
Instagram's tools to protect teenagers from harmful posts are reportedly not working well.
Researchers found that 30 out of 47 safety tools are either ineffective or no longer exist.
Only 8 tools were found to be working as intended.
The study showed teens could still see content against Instagram's rules, like suicide-related posts.
The platform was criticized for encouraging risky behaviors by showing suggestive sexual comments.
The study was conducted by Cybersecurity for Democracy and child safety groups.
Meta claims its tools help reduce harmful content for teens and offers parental controls.
Instagram's teen accounts were introduced in 2024, with expansions to Facebook and Messenger in 2025.
Elon Musk's company, xAI, has reached an agreement with the U.S. General Services Administration to integrate its AI chatbot, Grok, with federal agencies. This partnership is intended to enhance government operations using advanced AI models. The deal is supported by the Trump administration to improve innovation and efficiency in federal work.
Key Facts
Elon Musk's company, xAI, developed the Grok AI chatbot.
xAI signed a deal with the General Services Administration (GSA).
Grok will be integrated with various U.S. federal agencies.
The agreement aims to help government offices work faster and more efficiently.
The Trump administration supports this integration for improving government functions.
Concerns may arise about Musk’s influence in government due to this partnership.
President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order about TikTok. The order will address security concerns related to a deal where Oracle will manage the U.S. oversight of TikTok's technology. The arrangement does not include a U.S. government stake or involvement in the business's leadership.
Key Facts
President Trump will sign an executive order about TikTok.
The order focuses on a deal that addresses security issues.
Oracle will lead the U.S. oversight for TikTok's technology.
The U.S. government won't own or control part of the TikTok joint venture.
It's unclear if China has agreed to this deal's framework.
An unnamed White House official shared these details.
The Powering Ahead conference, organized by Newsweek on September 25, 2025, focuses on clean energy and sustainable technology. It brings together industry leaders to discuss topics like electric vehicles, reducing plastic waste, and improving power systems. The event includes expert panels and discussions sponsored by Kia.
Key Facts
The Powering Ahead conference took place on September 25, 2025.
Newsweek organized the event, focusing on clean energy and sustainability.
Topics include electric vehicles, plastic waste reduction, and power system improvements.
The event features expert panels and networking opportunities.
Jeff Young, Newsweek's Environmental Sustainability Governance Editor, led the forum.
Sponsors included Kia.
Companies like AES, Bloom Energy, and Duke Energy participated as speakers.
The event addresses the intersection of clean energy with new technologies like AI.
Scientists found that a supermassive black hole in a distant quasar is smaller than previously believed. Their study shows the black hole has a mass of about one billion suns, one-tenth of earlier estimates. Intense radiation from the black hole prevents it from growing as fast as previously thought.
Key Facts
Scientists studied a supermassive black hole in a distant quasar, a very bright galaxy core.
The black hole's mass was found to be around one billion suns.
The team from the University of Southampton used advanced equipment at the European Southern Observatory in Chile.
The study suggests radiation prevents the black hole from gaining more mass quickly.
The discovery challenges previous ideas about the growth of supermassive black holes.
The research involved experts from several countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium.
Results were published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.
The phenomenon observed was likened to a "cosmic hairdryer" blasting away gas with intense light.
OpenAI and Nvidia are investing large amounts of money into building AI data centers. Nvidia plans to invest up to $100 billion in partnership with OpenAI. The investments aim to support the growing demand for AI technology, though some experts worry about the risks similar to past technology bubbles.
Key Facts
Nvidia announced a plan to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI, focusing on AI data centers.
OpenAI aims to reach a $500 billion goal for developing AI infrastructure, already securing $400 billion.
Other tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon also plan to spend billions on AI data centers.
There are concerns about the financial structure of these deals, with some comparing it to past tech bubbles.
Unlike past tech bubbles, current investments come from tech giants' existing profits, not speculative gains.
Big Tech has a history of over-investment cycles, leading to fluctuating fortunes.
The AI market relies on optimistic predictions of increased AI demand.
Data centers remain valuable assets, even if the AI market slows down.
An Indian court has dismissed a case filed by Elon Musk's company, X, challenging a government portal used to order social media content removal. X argued that the portal allows the government to take down content without proper process. The court supported the portal, saying social media needs regulation.
Key Facts
An Indian court dismissed X's challenge against the government's Sahyog portal.
X claimed the portal allowed arbitrary content censorship without giving fair hearing opportunities.
The portal, managed by the Indian government, automates content takedown notifications to social media.
X argued that having many officials send takedown orders unchecked leads to excessive censorship.
A lawyer for X criticized the process, saying it empowered too many officials to issue takedown orders.
If X and other platforms don't comply promptly with orders, they could lose their protection from liability.
The court stated social media needs regulation and called the Sahyog portal a "public good."
The judgment noted X's compliance with similar rules in the United States but not in India.
The article provides safety tips for pedestrians and cyclists to prevent accidents. It emphasizes the importance of being visible, aware, and predictable to reduce the risk of injuries on the road.
Key Facts
Pedestrians and cyclists should use sidewalks and bike paths for safety.
It is important to make yourself visible with lights when biking, especially at night.
Pedestrians should look in all directions, including behind, before crossing streets.
Many pedestrian deaths happen after dark in areas without sidewalks.
Bikers should use white lights at the front and red lights at the back of their bikes.
Pedestrians and cyclists should make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen.
Safety advocates stress the importance of being aware of surroundings to avoid hazards.
Elon Musk's Boring Company is involved in planning to build large underground tunnels in Houston to help manage storm water and prevent flooding during hurricanes.
Key Facts
Houston often faces serious flooding, especially during hurricanes.
The Boring Company, led by Elon Musk, is considering building tunnels to handle floodwaters.
These tunnels would redirect storm water away from the city.
The plan aims to prevent future flooding disasters similar to past events.
The tunnels would be massive to accommodate large volumes of water.
A group of computer scientists and others in Silicon Valley are concerned about the potential dangers of developing AI superintelligence. They warn that creating such powerful AI could lead to significant risks for humanity.
Key Facts
Some computer scientists in Silicon Valley are worried about AI superintelligence.
They believe there is a risk of humans creating a superintelligent AI that could be dangerous.
This group fears this AI could lead to an extinction-level event for humanity.
The concerns are shared with the public through various media, including discussions on platforms like NPR.
The topic is being discussed as AI technology continues to advance rapidly.
The article discusses the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies by major financial institutions and regulators. As banks start using digital assets and policymakers create new rules, there is a need for blockchain technology to improve in terms of efficiency and reliability. The piece also highlights the innovation in decentralized finance (DeFi) that allows trading without traditional intermediaries.
Key Facts
Financial institutions and regulators recognize the importance of digital assets and blockchain technology.
Banks are testing methods for using digital or tokenized deposits and improving transaction processes.
Asset managers are starting to offer digital asset products.
Policymakers are creating rules based on the assumption that blockchain technology will remain relevant.
DeFi enables trading of cryptocurrencies without traditional middlemen like banks or brokers.
New financial products and services, like decentralized exchanges, are emerging through blockchain technology.
The development of blockchain infrastructure is important to ensure these technologies operate smoothly and efficiently.
Amber Group is an example of a company working within the crypto space to manage digital wealth.
Researchers in China developed a new type of 3D-printable glass that can help bones grow back. This bio-active glass was tested on rabbits and showed better results than traditional materials, suggesting it could be useful for bone repair.
Key Facts
Scientists have created a bio-active glass that can be 3D printed to help bones heal.
The glass is made using methods that are environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.
This new glass was tested on rabbits and helped bones grow better than a commonly used bone substitute.
The 3D-printed glass can be shaped like missing bone sections using silica, which is found in sand.
The process of making the glass avoids toxic chemicals and high temperatures usually needed for glass-making.
The bio-glass takes shape at a lower temperature of 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit compared to over 2,000 degrees typically required.
After eight weeks, the new glass supported more bone cell growth than traditional plain glass.
The study suggests this glass could be used in various industries but more research is needed for use in humans.
"The Perfect Neighbor," a new documentary by Geeta Gandbhir, will be available on Netflix starting October 17, 2025. The film explores a community dealing with harassment from a neighbor, which escalates into a crime. You can watch it exclusively on Netflix if you have a subscription.
Key Facts
"The Perfect Neighbor" is a documentary directed by Geeta Gandbhir.
The film will be available for streaming on Netflix from October 17, 2025.
It premiered earlier at the Sundance Film Festival.
The documentary has a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
You need a Netflix subscription to watch it, with prices starting at $7.99 per month.
The release time is Midnight (PT) on October 17, 2025.
The film uses police bodycam footage to tell its story about neighborhood harassment.
A 40-year-old man was arrested in West Sussex in relation to a cyber-attack affecting several European airports, including Heathrow. The incident involved a software failure at Collins Aerospace, causing extensive flight delays as airports resorted to manual check-in methods. The investigation is still ongoing, and the attack reportedly involved ransomware.
Key Facts
A man was arrested in West Sussex for a cyber-attack affecting European airports.
The attack caused check-in software failures, leading to flight delays.
Heathrow airport is among those impacted, using pen and paper for check-ins.
Collins Aerospace, the software company involved, is trying to fix the issue.
The timeline for the software to be fully operational again is unclear.
Ransomware was reportedly used in the attack, according to the EU's cyber-security agency.
Extra staff at Heathrow are assisting with passenger check-ins to manage delays.
The article discusses the need for Congress to support Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to advance American aviation innovation. AAM involves different technologies, including electric aircraft, and aims to improve air transportation for various purposes. Congress is urged to pass legislation to streamline the integration of these technologies into the national airspace.
Key Facts
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) involves integrating new aviation technologies, like electric aircraft, into current airspace systems.
Beta Technologies, based in Vermont, develops electric aircraft and has expanded significantly since its founding in 2017.
Joby Aviation, based in California, has expanded production both in its home state and Ohio.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes policies to support the growth of the electric aviation industry.
The Department of Health and Human Services is testing the cost-effectiveness of AAM for delivering medical supplies in rural areas.
An international collaboration involving the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK aims to safely introduce AAM aircraft.
A partnership between North Carolina and Georgia is studying the development of an interstate AAM corridor.
A proposed bill, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, aims to streamline FAA certification of AAM technologies.
A dachshund became popular online after chewing through window blinds at night to create a spot where she could look outside. The video of her handiwork went viral on TikTok, gathering over 1.2 million views. Her owners have since adapted the blinds to accommodate her new viewing spot.
Key Facts
A dachshund chewed through slatted blinds in her owners' home to create a viewing space.
The event happened overnight while her owners were asleep.
The video of the incident was posted on TikTok, amassing over 1.2 million views and 124,000 likes.
The dog's owners cut the blinds more neatly to maintain the viewing spot she created.
Dachshunds are known for their protective and vigilant behavior, traits linked to their breeding as independent hunters.
Internet users found the dog's actions amusing and resourceful, leading to over 1,100 comments on the video.
Newsweek attempted to verify the video by contacting the TikTok account where it was posted.
