Dyslexia has long been associated with difficulty in reading. But, recent research has shown that some people with the condition can solve puzzles and understand optical illusions better. So, why is this and what does it mean for future research on this disorder?
Shortcut to reading annoying privacy policies
Tech privacy policies are confusing on purpose. I know, big shocker! But I’m always surprised by just how difficult these things are to comb through and what they hide.
Today, I’m calling out the biggest offenders — and sharing one of my favorite, easy-to-use privacy tools.
The worst of the worst
I read these privacy policies so you don’t have to. Some of these companies are collecting far more than you might realize.
- Disney shares your data with third parties. After that, they have no control over how it’s used.
- Instagram tracks your exact location and may share it for targeted advertising.
- Zoom records and shares your meeting data (including video, audio, and chat logs!) with third parties.
- Wikipedia automatically logs and stores your IP address.
- UPS transfers your personal data to other countries, where data protection laws might not be as strict.
- Uber Eats keeps your info indefinitely — even after you deactivate your account.
- Netflix shares your viewing habits and personal information with TV networks, ISPs and other partners.
- Spotify collects and stores voice data, including conversations, through its voice assistant.
- Microsoft collects massive amounts of data, including what you type, your app usage and what’s on your clipboard.
- Yahoo reserves the right to update its privacy policy at any time, without notifying you.
Feeling a little creeped out? Me, too.
Cut to the chase
It’d be nice if we could wave a magic wand to see all the hidden privacy gotchas. The next best thing? These easy tips:
⌛ Time-saving tip: When you’re reviewing a company’s privacy policy on your computer, use Ctrl + F on Windows or Cmd + F on a Mac to quickly search for buzzwords like “sell,” “partners” and “affiliates.” Words like “geolocation” and “geotargeting” indicate your location information will be collected. Def search for those.
💬 Know the terms: Sections with names like “How we collect your personal data” show what a company gathers from you and how they do it. “How we use your personal information” is their take on why they need your data in the first place. “Business purposes” usually means they share it with third parties.
🎮 Protect the kids: Look for references to “COPPA” or the “Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act” to see how a company protects your kid’s data.
Phew, that’s a lot. I’m always on the hunt to shortcut some of the hard work of securing your privacy. That’s where Incogni comes in.
3 apps that let you borrow eBooks from your local library
Reading is an excellent way to relax and expand your mind through distant worlds, a suspenseful thriller or a thought-provoking autobiography. Tap or click for ways to get Kim’s eBooks.
That’s why your neighborhood library is more popular than ever. You might even be shocked that more than half of the U.S. population has a library card.
💤 Make your bed
It’s almost time to put away the big, heavy bedding until fall (or July, if you blast your AC). Prices for queen-sized sets:
- Linen-ish sheets: Pure 100% linen sheets are expensive, but a linen-cotton blend gives you the look and feel of linen for less — like $84.99 for this four-piece set.
- Fresh percale sheets: If you like your sheets crisp, this four-piece organic cotton percale set is for you. Nab ‘em in white for just $44.99.
- 🎋 Bamboo sheets: This six-piece bamboo sheet set is soft, cooling and comes in 30 colors, all of which are 50% off ($27.96).
- Cooling pillows: The cool side of this pillow is both sides. I’m not entirely sure how it works but it does. Try one yourself for $27.99.
- A light blankie: This cotton muslin throw blanket is just perfect for when you’re reading in bed with the windows open and there’s a light breeze. It’s currently 50% off ($19.99) in Dark Vanilla and 25% off ($29.99) in Grey and Peach Pink.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
How to read a privacy policy (fast)
Reading the top 96 websites’ privacy policies would eat up 47 hours of your life. Let’s get you those hours back with some speedy deciphering tips.
The NIH blue it: For years, the National Institutes of Health has said blue light from smartphones and iPads will keep us awake at night. Well, some 11 studies now say the blue light story is bogus (WSJ, paywall link). We get so engrossed in what we’re reading or watching on these screens that we simply can’t put ‘em down. So tonight, turn it off and go to sleep.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos holds meetings to encourage discussion and decision-making. Does he call them … A.) Open-mic meetings, B.) Silent meetings, C.) Lightning meetings or D.) Non-meetings?
49.8% of the population will be nearsighted and need glasses by 2050
That’s up from 20% in 2000. Screens aren’t totally to blame — all “near work” like reading, writing and, yes, watching, contributes, along with time indoors. A good reminder to get outside and make sure you have vision insurance.
This powerful duster is so good I stopped using compressed air
When you think of electronics and dust, what comes to mind? Yep, a good old can of compressed air. But here’s the problem: It runs out so fast. Before you know it, you’re halfway through getting the crumbs out of your keyboard and the can is empty.
How to find thousands of free eBooks aside from the library
If you’ve run out of things to watch and are tired of scrolling through social media, how about reading a book? Sure, you can buy actual paper books online and have them shipped. But what if you want to save some money?
Not only do you blink less when looking at a screen, but science proves most people read more slowly on a screen than on paper. Is it slower by … A.) 5%, B.) 10% or C.) 20%?
Better AI prompts: For creative work, tell AI to write for a certain reading level. For the general public, that’s around an eighth-grade level. (No one needs to struggle to read your marketing, website or email copy.)
📖 Looking for summer reading material? Whoa, you have to check out this list: “Amazon’s Best Books in 2024 So Far.” I ordered “James” and “All the Worst Humans.” There truly is something for everyone here. Reading is such a novel idea!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
In 2019, an app surpassed a huge milestone of 400 million downloads worldwide, offering features like daily to-do’s and audio tips. Was it an app for … A.) Fitness, B.) Video editing, C.) Reading the Bible or D.) Learning a new language?
Piece of mind: Colorado just became the first state to pass a brainwave privacy law as part of the Colorado Privacy Act. Any company with mind-reading gadgets needs your consent before snooping through your thoughts. Sounds good, but, in reality, how would we know?
Alexa routines: Automate tasks like turning on lights, reading the news and starting the coffeemaker with a voice command. Set it up via the Alexa app by navigating to More > Routines, then create a routine with the trigger word(s) and the actions you want.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Not only do you blink less when looking at a screen, but science proves most people read more slowly on a screen than on paper. Is it slower by … 5%, 10% or 20%?