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Welcome to this week’s safe tech roundup, where we spotlight crucial updates that every parent should be aware of.
From troubling new malware targeting Macs, to the rising obsession with beauty routines among preteens, these stories spotlight hidden risks behind enticing trends.
TikTok “Free Cash” Craze Exposed as Check Fraud
Over the weekend, viral TikTok videos tricked users into believing they could withdraw “free” cash from Chase ATMs due to a supposed glitch.
The videos showed TikTokers depositing large checks at Chase ATMs and then immediately withdrawing a smaller amount, believing they had encountered a lucky bug.
In reality, the scheme was just a form of good ol’ fashioned check fraud, with participants facing negative balances as Chase rectified the issue.
Viral videos of people stealing money from Chase ATMs were just plain check fraud | CNN
Instagram Adds Comments to Stories
Instagram’s new feature lets followers comment on each other’s Stories, fostering community interaction similar to livestream discussions.
While the option is designed to boost engagement, users can disable comments if desired.
This update follows Instagram’s trend of introducing new features specifically to increase platform interaction.
As more Instagram users engage with Stories, the app adds a comments feature | Tech Crunch
X Rolls Out Message Editing
X now allows iOS users to edit direct messages.
To use this feature, long-press or select the three-dot menu on any sent message, and select the edit option.
Users can make up to five edits with no time limit, though X keeps a security log of changes.
X now lets you edit DMS – here is how to use the feature | Tech Crunch
Bluesky’s Meteoric Rise
Social media platform, Bluesky, has gained over 2 million new users in just four days (up from 500,000 last Friday) amid X’s Brazil shutdown.
The app topped charts in Brazil, and downloads surged 584% worldwide.
Bluesky’s success is partly due to its resemblance to X (formerly Twitter) and decentralized nature, attracting those fleeing X after Brazil blocked it.
Bluesky continues to soar, adding 2M more new users in a matter of days | Tech Crunch
The Rawdogging Trend
“Rawdogging,” a new trend among young men, involves enduring long flights by refusing all distractions like entertainment and meals, aiming for a form of ascetic purity.
Despite its ironic nature and social media appeal, the trend highlights a deeper cultural struggle with modern indulgences and the quest for authenticity.
Young Men Have Invented a New Way to Defeat Themselves | The Atlantic
Rising Malware Threats to Macs
Apple devices, historically less targeted by hackers, are now facing increased malware threats like “Cthulhu Stealer,” which mimics popular apps to steal passwords and data.
The malware, disguised as a legit app, bypasses macOS warnings to steal sensitive data, including MetaMask credentials, iCloud Keychain details, and browser cookies.
This sneaky malware is after your passwords and personal data | Fox News
The Hidden Dangers of Preteen Beauty Routines
Young girls like Scarlett Goddard Strahan are suffering skin damage from using adult-strength beauty products marketed towards them on social media.
Excessive use of such products leads to severe reactions and lasting skin issues.
Experts warn that preteens’ obsession with beauty trends is harming both their skin and mental health.
Young girls are using anti-aging products they see on social media. The harm is more than skin deep | AP News
Other Headlines
- Hello Wonder is building an AI-powered browser for kids | Tech Crunch
- Apple Helped Nix Part of a Child Safety Bill. More Fights Are Expected. | Wall Street Journal
- Mickey Mouse Smoking: How AI Image Tools Are Generating New Content-Moderation Problems | Wall Street Journal
- Judge temporarily blocks parts of new Texas law aimed to crackdown on minors and social media | ABC13
Did we miss anything?
Let us know in the comments below.
Author Jackie Baucom
Jackie is a Gabb staff writer. She is the mother of four children and is passionate about keeping kids safe, happy, loved, and thriving. She has a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Utah.
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