News July 16, 2024
TikTok Pushed Young German Voters Toward Far-Right Party
A recent report has shed light on how TikTok’s algorithm may have inadvertently promoted Germany’s far-right extremist party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), to young voters ahead of last month’s EU elections. According to the study, in a quarter of cases, users searching for specific political parties or politicians were instead given suggestions linked to the AfD. This phenomenon was observed despite TikTok’s claims that it has taken steps to combat misinformation and hate speech on its platform. The researchers found that the app’s algorithmic features, such as “Others Searched For” suggestions, created a poorly moderated space where far-right groups like the AfD could thrive. While TikTok denies any active collaboration with the AfD, the report suggests that the platform’s structure gives bad actors an opportunity to flourish.
How Early Do You Really Need to Get to the Airport? It Depends
As an anxious traveler, I’ve learned that arriving too early at the airport is a common mistake. Instead of wasting time in the food court, it’s better to plan ahead and arrive at the right time for your flight. The key is to consider various factors such as the airport layout, TSA PreCheck status, baggage requirements, time of day, group size, and proximity to holidays. For example, if you’re flying from a streamlined airport like Reagan National, you may be able to get away with arriving an hour before your domestic flight. However, if you’re traveling during peak hours or have a large group, it’s best to add some extra time to your arrival. Additionally, packing light and using TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait times at security checkpoints. By taking these factors into account, you can make the airport experience less stressful and more efficient.
Cutting-Edge Technology Could Massively Reduce the Amount of Energy Used for Air Conditioning
The AirJoule system boasts two chambers, each coated with a special material that alternates between dehumidifying and releasing moisture. One chamber dries air while the other releases collected moisture, with a little heat applied to encourage water droplets to form and be removed. This process doesn’t cool the air but enables dry air to be fed into traditional air conditioning devices, significantly reducing energy consumption. AirJoule claims to consume less than 100 watt-hours per liter of water vapor removed, potentially cutting dehumidification energy by up to 90 percent compared to traditional methods.
Montana Technologies is focusing on selling the components for its AirJoule system to established HVAC firms rather than building consumer products, an approach called AirJoule Inside. The company is also working on a military-grade system that can harvest drinkable water from the air. Meanwhile, rival firm Blue Frontier has developed a desiccant-based dehumidifying system using a liquid desiccant and salt solution to collect moisture.
In contrast, Nostromo Energy’s IceBrick system uses insulated capsules of water frozen during off-peak hours to provide stored coolth for chiller plants in hotels. This approach can reduce annual cooling costs by 30 percent and associated emissions by up to 80 percent by drawing power from renewable energy sources when available.
Lots of wireless earbuds from top brands are on sale during Prime Day
Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II are currently on sale for an all-time low price of $169.95, a whopping $109 discount from their regular price of $279. These earbuds boast personalized ANC technology that adjusts noise cancellation and sound performance based on your environment, along with three sets of ear tips and stability bands for a comfortable fit. With up to six hours of battery life and 24 hours with the charging case, these buds are perfect for music lovers on-the-go. If you’re looking for an affordable yet high-quality wireless earbud option, this deal is definitely worth considering.
Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 behind-the-scenes look is a must for fans
As the Duffer Brothers’ Stranger Things comes to a close with its fifth and final season, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment. But before that, Netflix has given us a glimpse into the world of Hawkins through an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the set. We’re taken on a tour of the sprawling production, where we meet the stars of the show, including Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, and Joe Keery, as they bring their characters to life. The props department is a treasure trove of nostalgic goodies, with rows upon rows of bikes and walkie-talkies that will transport you back to the ’80s. Meanwhile, the visual effects team is hard at work, adding eerie red goo to what looks like Vecna’s tentacles. And in a sweet moment, we get to see the original four - Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will - reunited on set. With production officially underway since January 2024, it’s still a wait ahead of us before Season 5 drops, but this sneak peek is sure to whet our appetites.