Nov 23, 2023 7:00 AM

It’s Time to Log Off

There’s a devastating amount of heavy news these days. Psychology experts say you need to know your limits—and when to put down the phone.

Scrolling through social media can feel like a nightmare these days. You’re reading about the horrors of the Israel-Hamas war, and then you’re reading about the horrors of the war between Ukraine and Russia. You’re learning about the latest devastating climate news. Democracy is under threat in America. It can feel like everything is falling apart.

You’ve read your last free article.

The intersection of technology, power, and culture. Start your free trial and get access to 5 all-new premium newsletters—cancel anytime.

START FREE TRIAL

Already a subscriber? Sign In

The intersection of technology, power, and culture. Start your free trial and get access to 5 all-new premium newsletters START FREE TRIAL

You Might Also Like …

In your inbox: The biggest tech news coming out of China
The FBI’s warning of ICE impersonators
Big Interview: Kara Swisher talks AI, Trump, and her least favorite tech CEO
The $38 billion deal between OpenAI and Amazon
Watch: Cryogenics, AI avatars, and the future of dying

Topicsmental health Israel-Hamas War climate change democracy News

Google Has a Bedbug Infestation in Its New York Offices

Employees at the company’s Chelsea campus were told to stay home after exterminators found “credible evidence” of an infestation.

Zoë Schiffer

OpenAI Says Hundreds of Thousands of ChatGPT Users May Show Signs of Manic or Psychotic Crisis Every Week

OpenAI released initial estimates about the share of users who may be experiencing symptoms like delusional thinking, mania, or suicidal ideation, and says it has tweaked GPT-5 to respond more effectively.

Louise Matsakis

Zohran Mamdani, the Internet’s Mayor

Mere months ago, New York’s mayoral front-runner was polling right next to “Someone Else.” He spoke to WIRED about building a social media machine, Big Tech capitulation, and learning from Eric Adams.

Katie Drummond

People Who Say They’re Experiencing AI Psychosis Beg the FTC for Help

The Federal Trade Commission received 200 complaints mentioning ChatGPT between November 2022 and August 2025. Several attributed delusions, paranoia, and spiritual crises to the chatbot.

Caroline Haskins

How Data Centers Actually Work

In this episode of Uncanny Valley, we discuss the economics and environmental impacts of energy-hungry data centers and whether these facilities are sustainable in the age of AI.

Michael Calore

One Republican Now Controls a Huge Chunk of US Election Infrastructure

Former GOP operative Scott Leiendecker just bought Dominion Voting Systems, giving him ownership of voting systems used in 27 states. Election experts don't know what to think.

Kim Zetter

Why AI Breaks Bad

Once in a while, LLMs turn evil—and no one quite knows why.

Steven Levy

Swedish Death Cleaning, but for Your Digital Life

The art of ordering and culling your possessions before you die should extend to your documents, photos, and digital accounts.

Jill Duffy

The CIA Used This Psychic Meditation Program. It’s Never Been More Popular

The Monroe Institute claims its meditations, which have also been used by the US military, help people access different planes of consciousness. Its virtual and in-person retreats are now selling out.

Mattha Busby

AI Models Get Brain Rot, Too

A new study shows that feeding large language models low-quality, high-engagement content from social media lowers their cognitive abilities.

Will Knight

Apple’s Family Sharing Helps Keep Children Safe. Until It Doesn’t

When families break down, the systems put in place to protect children online can fall apart too.

Craig Grannell

Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s Are Here

New diagnostic kits aim to revolutionize early screening of the disease, potentially allowing patients to receive treatments—such as monoclonal antibodies—sooner.

Simone Valesini

You Might Also Like …

Don't Just Keep Up. Get Ahead