BeReal came up with the almost novel idea that you should just show up as you are in an internet that is sculpted by filters, algorithms, and constant self-optimization. No changes. Not a stage. There are no second takes. The software asks users to share a picture taken with both the front and rear cameras…
Month: February 2026
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan
Naoise Dolan’s Exciting Times is a sharp, emotionally restrained novel that captures the unease of contemporary relationships shaped by global mobility, digital communication, and the quiet pressures of self-definition. The book, which is mostly set in Hong Kong, centers on Ava, a young Irish woman teaching English overseas, as she negotiates a confusing romantic triangle…
Algorithm Bowl (Customized Grain Bowl)
A build-your-own grain bowl guided by logic, balance, and personal data—just like an algorithm. Describe the Algorithm BowlA modular grain bowl called a “algorithm bowl” is made with inputs (your requirements, preferences, and energy levels) and outputs (satisfaction, nutrition, and enjoyment) in mind. It adheres to a straightforward framework, like an algorithm, in place of…
Digital Intimacy & Emotional Availability: What It Means for Mental Health
Intimacy has subtly moved online in a society where people are constantly connected. Relationships are initiated, maintained, and sometimes ended through screens. Emojis are used in place of facial emotions, voice notes in place of discussions, and “seen” receipts in place of assurance. This change has profound effects on mental health since it has altered…
Seoul, South Korea: Living, Loving, and Becoming in an Always-Online City
In the metropolis of Seoul, people hardly ever log off. Subway vehicles hum with silent scrolling, neon-lit streets pulse late into the night, and cafés serve as places to work, play games, and go on first dates. One of the world’s most technologically advanced cultures, where intimacy, identity, and belonging are increasingly mediated through screens,…