What seems meaningless in our daily lives might actually restore energy, clear our minds and bring ... [+] joyjust like the quirky no trousers tube ride in London.gettyWhen productivity and purpose dominate our thoughts, many of us wrestle with guilt when we find ourselves doing something that feels unproductive.Why do I feel so happy when I spend an hour organizing my desk or scrolling through videos of dogs wearing hats? we might ask. Shouldnt I be doing something more meaningful? The answer is simpleand often the same: there is a purpose in purposelessness.Take, for example, events like the No Trousers Tube Ride in London. Each year, hundreds of participants strip down to their underwear and ride the Underground, not for charity, spreading awareness or any particular cause, but simply for the fun of it.While this may seem utterly purposeless or even strange, the event is more than just a lighthearted prank. Its an invitation to embrace the absurdity of life and let go of the constant pressure to be serious or productive. For participants, its an opportunity to step outside of routine, connect with others in a playful way and experience the joy of living in the present moment.Its precisely when we allow ourselves to step away from the pressure of constant productivity that we begin to tap into the deep, restorative power of lifes simplest moments.Here are four reasons why seemingly meaningless activities are deeply beneficial to our well-being.1. They Relieve Decision FatigueIn the often fast-paced world we live in, our brains are constantly managing responsibilities, deadlines and an endless stream of decisions. This constant mental strain can lead to whats known as decision fatigue.MORE FOR YOUAccording to The Decision Lab, decision fatigue refers to the decline in our ability to make effective decisions as we are faced with an increasing number of choices, leading to mental exhaustion.Think about tasks like organizing your desk, folding laundry or rearranging a bookshelf. While they might seem insignificant, these activities offer something invaluable: simplicity. Simple, repetitive tasks provide a much-needed reprieve from the constant need to make decisions. They dont require complex choices, allowing us to step away from the overwhelming cognitive load of the day. These activities give our brains a chance to reset, creating space for mental recovery.By incorporating these meaningless tasks into our routine, we can return to more demanding work with a clearer mind, better focus and renewed energy.2. They Help You Reconnect With The Present MomentOur lives are often consumed by thoughts of the past or future. We may ruminate over past mistakes or become anxious about future challenges. In both cases, our mental energy is scattered and we lose touch with the present moment. This is where seemingly trivial activities can make a big difference.Simple actionslike basking in the warmth of the sun, listening to music or taking a walkcan anchor us in the here and now. Engaging fully in the present, even with simple, everyday tasks, offers profound emotional benefits.A 2015 study published in PNAS found that a 90-minute walk in nature can significantly reduce overthinking and lower activity in brain regions associated with self-focused withdrawal. This highlights how such activities create space for our thoughts to flow naturally, without the pressure to achieve specific outcomes. They allow for reflection, creativity and relaxationoffering a much-needed reprieve from the demands of modern life.So, the next time youre feeling overwhelmed or frazzled, try engaging in a simple activity to ground yourself. Pay attention to the textures, colors or patterns around you, and let your mind wander gently. Notice how it helps you reconnect with the present.3. They Rekindle Playfulness And CreativityDo you remember spending hours as a child building sandcastles or pretending to be a pirate? We were encouraged to play, imagine and get messy, without worrying about doing things the right way.Over time, however, that playful spirit often fades. As adults, we tend to feel the pressure to always have a purpose behind everything we do. But heres the truth: doing something just for fun or silliness is one of the best ways to reignite creativity.Activities like sketching, dancing around the living room or building something out of Legos (yes, even as an adult!) can unlock a creative side that you might not have accessed in years. It might sound counterintuitive, but some of our best ideas often emerge when were not focused on producing results.In fact, a 2014 study of 1,536 participants found that those who identified as playful also viewed themselves as more creative, with a strong positive correlation between self-reported playfulness, creativity and innovation.Play and creativity arent always about creating something; theyre about exploring and expanding your mind in new ways. You dont need to create a masterpiecesometimes, just allowing yourself to be spontaneous is enough to spark new ideas and bring a little lightness to your day.So, try to incorporate more play into your week. Do something fun and sillylike finger painting or completing a puzzle. Let go of the need for creativity to have a specific outcome. Sometimes, just playing is enough.4. They Offer An Emotional ReleaseDuring stressful or overwhelming times, processing feelings can feel like an insurmountable task. Often, we struggle to articulate our emotions, which can leave us feeling even more drained.However, even in the absence of overt emotional expression, simple activities can help facilitate emotional release. Tasks like cooking, gardening or engaging in repetitive actions such as knitting can offer a way to channel emotions productively and provide space for quiet reflection.For instance, a 2015 study published in Textile highlights that knitting is a versatile tool for enhancing well-being. It reduces stress, offers therapeutic benefits and fosters creativity and self-expression. Similarly, other simple tasks can have the same effect, helping us process emotions without the pressure of problem-solving or intense conversation.These activities create space for emotions to move through us, offering emotional relief and allowing us to regain balance. Engaging in physical tasks can also release pent-up frustration, sadness or joy in a non-verbal way, helping us connect more directly with our feelings. So, the next time you feel emotionally tense, grab something physical to do with your handswhether its ripping up old magazines for a scrapbook or kneading dough.In a world that glorifies productivity, embracing meaningless time is a radical act of self-care. Whether playful, meditative or purely absurd, these moments remind us that life isnt about achievingits about experiencing the full spectrum of what it means to be human.Are you forgetting to slow down and enjoy the present moment? Take the science-backed Mindful Attention Awareness Scale to find out.

In brief: Manufacturers typically use e-ink displays for e-readers and digital signage, but occasionally, they find their way into general-purpose devices because of their low-power demand. Hisense's updated A9 might be viable for customers wishing to avoid carrying an e-reader and a smartphone simultaneously, but it has serious drawbacks compared to most modern phones. A new version of Hisense's e-ink smartphone recently appeared with slightly updated specs. The device might suit users seeking a versatile and flexible e-reader but who don't necessarily need the most advanced phone. The company initially released the A9 in 2022 with options for 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. The new version increases the available memory to 8 GB and doubles the storage to 256 GB with support for expansion through microSD cards.The device's most visible drawback is its monochrome screen. It uses an E INK Carta 1200 the same display as Kobo's Elipsa 2E e-reader with an 824 x 1,648 resolution at 300 pixels per inch. Other significant compromises include the lack of 5G support and the severely obsolete Android 11 operating system.Although the included operating system puts the A9 far behind most recent Android smartphones, it is still more versatile than most e-readers. While Kindle or Kobo e-readers only support a limited range of apps and formats, access to the entire Android OS allows A9 owners to open any format through alternative apps and web browsers. Boox offers a range of similar Android-powered e-readers with Android 11 and 12 support, including the Tab Ultra and the pocket-sized Palma, but none double as smartphones.IT Home notes that the updated Hisense A9 is available in China for 3,199 yuan (approximately $439). However, an online Hisense e-reader store will ship the device globally for $659.Phones, tablets, monitors, and other general-purpose products with e-ink screens are a niche market due to their low refresh rates and inferior colors. However, the panels are glare-free, making them ideal for displaying text. Furthermore, they only consume energy when updating the screen, substantially increasing battery life.Dasung recently introduced a 10.3-inch 60Hz portable e-ink monitor. The 1,872 x 1,404 resolution screen retails for $273 and includes technology to reduce ghosting. It also allows users to adjust lighting to decrease eye strain. // Related Stories

Image used with permission by copyright holderTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTax Act All-Inclusive Bundle $138 $23040% offTurboTax Premier $83 $11528% offH&R Block Deluxe $45 $6025% offLiberty Tax Basic $48 $5817% offJackson Hewitt (Federal + State) $25Worried about where all of your information goes? This deal will keep it protected.Update 1/13/25: Weve updated this article for the 2024/2025 tax year. Below, well help you find the best discount for your personal tax needs.Like it or not, it is time to look at the best tax software again. If youre proactive, though, you can get a good deal and find tax software at a bargain price. Here, we look at the best tax software deals in 2025. Remember that these are deals for the 2024 tax year, even though youll be buying them in 2025. The following tax software all have discounts; well lay out the discount for you as well as give a brief overview of what that software does. Also, note that most of the highlighted deals are for a combination of federal and state taxes, but it should be very simple for you to change to a federal-only version of the software on the checkout page.$23040% offTax ActTax Acts All-Inclusive Bundle handles federal taxes, one state return, and your refund transfer all pretty standard stuff. What makes this bundle stand out is that it alsoincludes audit defense up front. This gives you an extra bit of peace of mind, which is especially helpful if youre a freelancer or have income outside of traditional W2 filings.RelatedNote: Depending on your screen size and resolution, you may need to scroll down past the traditional offers to find this bundle deal.$11528% offIntuitRecommended for anyone who has sold stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, sold employee stock, owns rental property, or is a trust beneficiary, TurboTax Premier 2024 is ideal for more advanced tax filing. It includes five federal e-files and one state. Its possible to search over 375 deductions and credits, while theres also guidance for how to report sales of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Right now, you can get this complete software for just $83.$6025% offH&R BlockH&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2024 offers five free federal e-files for your personal return, along with unlimited federal preparation and printing. Theres step-by-step Q&A and guidance on credits and deductions to help you figure out what to do. Its simple to quickly import your W-2, 1099, 1098, and last years personal tax return, even if youve used other software in the past. Its a good deal at just $45.$5817% offLiberty TaxLiberty Tax is a bare-bones tax software program that gets you what you need without the pomp and circumstance that you might find elsewhere. Its Basic plan is just $48 while on sale, and it handles forms 1040 and 8853 alongside schedules A and B. Other plans, which are equally accessible when you tap the button below, also have their forms and schedules laid out for you clearly before you begin filing. Its this sort of up-front approach to tax filing costs that makes Liberty Tax one of our favorites.Jackson HewittThis one isnt so much of a deal, per se, but more of a promise. If you file online by yourself, you file for $25. Should you end up needing help, you can also get it easily, as there are in-person places to file, including your local Walmart. At just $25, this is a great place to start. If you need more help, theres also no shame in trying one of the other offers on the list.When you input your tax info online, you include your address, marital status, income, financial information, job title, company, SSN, and whether or not youve purchased a home or even car in the past year. It really is a lot of information! Where does it all go?With free services, we all know how the saying goes, If the product is free, youre the product. Even legitimate products will sell your data or have massive data leaks, with your personal info hitting data sites one way or another.Personal responsibility, double-checking each site we sign up for, and keeping abreast of the latest tech news are all ways we can protect ourselves. But, we can also use Incogni a service thatremoves your personal info from data brokers and people search sites to help us on our path to having more control over the data that makes us, us.Incogni works on your behalf to seek out sources of your data, from people search sites to data banks that include everything from your personal interests to your job history, and remove them. From handling requests to following up and, eventually, sending that second notice outjust in case your information has trickled back into the system, Incogni makes getting to the bottom of the problem easy. And the best part? Right now you can get Incognis annual plan for 55% less than use. Just tap the button below and use codeDIGITALDEAL upon checkout to get started.Editors Recommendations

Netflix is ringing in the new year with two big pieces of news. First, in the fourth quarter of 2024, subscriber count crossed the 300 million mark and revenue growth wildly exceeded expectations. Second, despite this apparent success, the wildly popular streaming video service is looking for even more money and will be bumping up prices across all of its subscription tiers, including its first-ever price hike on its ad-supported plan. These increases, which will affect the U.S., Canada, Portugal, and Argentina, according to The Verge, run anywhere from an additional $1 to $2.50 per month go into effect during your next billing cycle.You can expect to pay $2.50 more for the standard, ad-free tier, which goes from $15.50 to $18 per month. The premium tier sees a slightly smaller hike from $23 to to $25 per month. And even the ad-supported tier, which had so far been spared from any increases, is going up from 12.5% from $7 to $8 per month.Recommended VideosIn its letter to investors, the company didnt even try to explain the increases with the usual rationale of increasing costs, simply saying, As we continue to invest in programming and deliver more value for our members, we will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix. To that end, we are adjusting prices today across most plans in the US, Canada, Portugal and Argentina.Please enable Javascript to view this contentNetflix has few real competitors when it comes to breadth of content and the amount of original programming youll find on the service. Nonetheless, you may want to check out how it compares to Amazon Prime Video or to Hulu, two of the most popular alternatives.Should one of these services prove more enticing now that Netflix costs more, heres a handy guide to canceling your Netflix subscription.Editors Recommendations

OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank are among companies involved in an effort to build artificial-intelligence infrastructure.

The English singers techno-inspired third album mines the contrasts between the electronic and the organic.

You can fit so many arguments about consumer rights into this bad boy Bambu Lab pushes a control system for 3D printers, and boy, did it not go well Security measure? Boxing out third-party tools? Or something more complex? Kevin Purdy Jan 21, 2025 6:21 pm | 29 Credit: Bambu Lab Credit: Bambu Lab Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreBambu Lab, a major maker of 3D printers for home users and commercial "farms," is pushing an update to its devices that it claims will improve security while still offering third-party tools "authorized" access. Some in the user communityand 3D printing advocates broadlyare pushing back, suggesting the firm has other, more controlling motives.As is perhaps appropriate for 3D printing, this matter has many layers, some long-standing arguments about freedom and rights baked in, and a good deal of heat. Bambu Lab's image marketing Bambu Handy, its cloud service that allows you to "Control your printer anytime anywhere, also we support SD card and local network to print the projects." Credit: Bambu Lab Bambu Lab's image marketing Bambu Handy, its cloud service that allows you to "Control your printer anytime anywhere, also we support SD card and local network to print the projects." Credit: Bambu Lab Printing more, tweaking lessBambu Lab, launched in 2022, has stood out in the burgeoning consumer 3D printing market because of its printers' capacity for printing at high speeds without excessive tinkering or maintenance. The product page for the X1 series, the printer first targeted for new security, starts with the credo, "We hated 3D printing as much as we loved it." Bambu's faster, less fussy multicolor printers garnered attentionincluding an ongoing patent lawsuit from established commercial printer Stratasys.Part of Bambu's "just works" nature relies on a relatively more closed system than its often open-minded counterparts. Sending a print to most Bambu printers typically requires either Bambu's cloud service, or, in "LAN mode," a manual "sneakernet" transfer through SD cards. Cloud connections also grant perks like remote monitoring, and many customers have accepted the trade-off.However, other customers, eager to tinker with third-party software and accessories, along with those fearing a subscription-based future for 3D printing, see Bambu Lab's purported security concerns as something else. And Bambu acknowledges that its messaging on its upcoming change came out in rough shape.Authorized access and operations"Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System," posted by Bambu Lab on January 16 (and since updated twice), states that Bambu's printersstarting with its popular X series, then the P and A lineswill receive a "significant security enhancement to ensure only authorized access and operations are permitted." This would, Bambu suggested, mitigate risks of "remote hacks or printer exposure issues" and lower the risk of "abnormal traffic or attacks.""By ensuring that all interactions with the hardwaresuch as moving axes, heating components, or performing other critical actionsare verified and secure, we can minimize risks and prevent potentially dangerous situations," Bambu wrote in a FAQ. This was necessary, Bambu wrote, because of increases in requests made to its cloud services "through unofficial channels," targeted DDOS attacks, and "peaks of up to 30 million unauthorized requests per day" (link added by Bambu).While Bambu has caused attention-getting "abnormal traffic" before, and 3D printer web hacks are real, many of its customers noticed a less-touted effect: third-party software and tools, like slicers (which turn 3D designs into machine-printable "slices") and third-party screens, losing direct access to Bambu printers. Instead, "Bambu Connect" software offers devices like OrcaSlicer protocols to send printer instructions and get a printer's status. As pitched initially, this would have applied to all Bambu printers, whether on local, non-Internet-exposed "LAN Mode" or on "Cloud Mode"Notably, those who use Bambu's own slicer, Bambu Studio, would not be impacted by the incoming firmware upgrade, as that software will keep working as-is.Unfortunate misinformation circulating onlineHow did this go over? So well that Bambu issued a second blog post about the change four days later, sub-titled "Setting the record straight about our security update." Addressing "a mix of valuable feedback and unfortunate misinformation circulating online," the firm denied claims about subscription-required printing, remote file monitoring or bricking, third-party filament blocking, and other fears, uncertainties, and doubts.Using third-party software through Bambu Connect, the difference for users is "not much," Bambu Lab suggests, adding a GIF of a "seamless" authentication inside the OrcaSlicer app. More importantly, the firm said it would update LAN mode on its devices so that there is a Standard Mode with Bambu Connect in place and a Developer Mode that leaves the printer's MQTT, live stream, and FTP functions open.The MQTT protocol blocking is particularly notable, as a popular third-party screen and control device, Panda Touch, would not work without it in "Standard Mode." Bambu states in its second post that it reached out to manufacturer BTT and informed them that using undocumented ("exploited," in Bambu's terms) MQTT protocols "was unsustainable and would place customers in an awkward situation once we updated the system." Big Tree Tech has posted its own version of their talks and history, suggesting that it never got full answers from Bambu, but it plans to ensure the devices work with Developer Mode in the future.Private key already extractedOpen source hardware hacker and YouTube creator Jeff Geerling posted a video on Monday, titled "I probably won't buy another Bambu Lab printer." Geerling doesn't traffic in motives or conspiracy but speaks to broader concerns about Bambu's messaging, treatment of third-party hardware, and customer rights. As for security, "Every IoT [Internet of Things] device has these problems, and there are better ways to secure things than by locking out access, or making it harder to access, or requiring their cloud to be integrated," Geerling said.At the Hackaday blog, the mood was a good deal more adversarial. In a post on Monday about Bambu Lab's "announcement that it would be locking down all network access" to affected printers, it was noted that Bambu Connect, a "fairly low-effort Electron-based affair" (i.e., a containerized web application), has had its certificate and private key extracted. This encryption is "the sole thing standing in the way of tools like OrcaSlicer talking with authentication-enabled Bambu Lab printers," Hackday's post states.Repair advocate Louis Rossmann, noting Bambu's altered original blog post, uploaded a video soon after, "Bambu's Gaslighting Masterclass: Denying their own documented restrictions." Rossmann also took aim at Bambu's Terms of Use, suggesting that the company was asking buyers to trust that Bambu wouldn't enact restrictive policies they otherwise wrote into their user agreements.Ars has reached out to Bambu Lab for comment and will update this post with any response.Kevin PurdySenior Technology ReporterKevin PurdySenior Technology Reporter Kevin is a senior technology reporter at Ars Technica, covering open-source software, PC gaming, home automation, repairability, e-bikes, and tech history. He has previously worked at Lifehacker, Wirecutter, iFixit, and Carbon Switch. 29 Comments

Strategic napping canaid recovery from sleep deprivationJean Gaumy/Magnum PhotosSleep researchers dedicate their careers to understanding how and why we sleep so what do they do to get a better nights rest?It might be reassuring to know that even the experts arent always able to practise what they preach. I think youll find a lot of sleep researchers are not very good at sleeping, says Malcolm von Schantz at Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.This article is part of special series investigating key questions about sleep. Read more here.But one thing many of them agree on is that consistency is crucial. Heres what else they had to say:MAKE A PLANIt is about prioritisation and planning. So I try not to have meetings before 10 oclock, for example, because I am more of an evening type: I quite like to go to bed late and wake up late. So Im thinking ahead in terms of whats best for me with my sleep timing, my circadian timing, how can I try and arrange my schedule to support that?Steven Lockley, TimeshifterCONTROL YOUR LIGHTINGWe dim our lights in our house pretty much when the sun sets, and then, in the mornings, turn the lights on inside as much as possible and certainly open up the window shades to get the sunlight in the house as soon as the sun is coming up. I think those are really important things: minimise light at night, maximise light in the morning.Christopher Depner, University of UtahKEEP COOLSleep science has shown that your body [temperature] should drop a full degree

President Trump announced a private sector AI infrastructure investment of up to $500 billion.OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank will work together to create a venture named Stargate.The US aims to maintain AI leadership against China as geopolitical stakes remain high.President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a private sector investment of up to $500 billion for artificial intelligence infrastructure across the country.OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank will work together to create a venture named Stargate, with the president calling it "the largest AI infrastructure project in history" while touting the role of the US in leading the effort."Together these world-leading technology giants are announcing the formation of Stargate a new American company that will invest $500 billion at least in AI infrastructure in the United States," he said."Put that name down in your books, because I think you're going to hear a lot about it," he added.Trump said the venture would create more than 100,000 American jobs, with the investment set to be made over the next four years.OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, and SoftBank chief executive Masayoshi Son attended the White House announcement.Altman, in his remarks, said he was "thrilled" by the venture and said it'll be the "most important project of this era.""The fact that we get to do this in the United States is just wonderful," he said. "I believe that as this technology progresses, we will see diseases get cured at an unprecedented rate."And Ellison, at the White House, described Stargate as a "very exciting program for Oracle to be a part of."AI is energy-hungryFor foundation models to keep improving, companies that use them like OpenAI and Anthropic need lots of fuel.That fuel comes in the form of chips, energy, and talent, and the Trump administration's policies on each stand to shape the future of computing, potentially creating winners and losers along the way.The stakes are high. Growing AI in America isn't just a money-maker, it's a geopolitical card played against the other big global tech player: China.Trump on AITrump on Monday revoked the Biden Administration's Executive Order on AI from October 2023. The order pushed for greater transparency from large companies developing and using AI.After winning the 2024 presidential election, Trump appointed a new AI and cryptocurrency czar in venture capitalist David Sacks.In his first term as president, Trump issued an executive order focused on AI leadership and non-regulatory approaches to expanding and maintaining it.ChipsIn his final weeks in office, President Joe Biden's Department of Commerce published new, sweeping export restrictions on the kind of semiconductors required for AI.The regulations, set to go into effect early in Trump's second term, would restrict and cap the amount of computing power companies can amass in most countries outside a list of 18 allies.If maintained by the Trump administration, the impact of these changes will likely be to concentrate AI data centers in the US.Last week, Biden signed an executive order to grant federal sites to construct data centers and "clean energy."TalentThe two ways AI companies acquire game-changing talent are in question as the US transitions from Biden to Trump.The first is mergers and acquisitions. Nvidia, along with Microsoft and OpenAI, are the subject of a Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission investigation into possible antitrust violations.The scrutiny created a cooling effect across the AI ecosystem. Trump's anti-regulation tendencies suggest a more open field for mergers and acquisitions in his term.The second factor impacting the availability of AI talent in the US is the H-1B visa program. In recent weeks, there has been some disagreement within Trump's party regarding the program, which is designed to facilitate the immigration of skilled workers to the US.Energy and data centersAI also needs chips, but assuring an ample supply of those is for naught without enough energy to run the data centers. Since AI chips are hungrier than traditional computer chips, power is the most important limiting factor to the industry's growth."They have to produce a lot of electricity," the president said on Tuesday. "And we'll make it possible for them to get this production done easily, at their own plants if they want."Trump's views on energy production and the climate crisis differ greatly from Biden's. The new president has long focused on continuing American leadership in fossil fuel production.

Meta executives met with advertisers in recent days to reassure them following some company changes.Meta has cut third-party fact-checkers and replaced them with community notes.It said it would let users see political content and lift restrictions on certain discussion topics.A Meta executive says the company has recently met with advertisers to reassure them that the changes it has made regarding free speech won't lead to harmful content running rampant on its platforms.Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Nicola Mendelsohn, head of Meta's global business group, said the company had been in contact with advertisers after CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta would stop using third-party fact-checkers on its platforms and instead rely on user-made community notes. He also announced that users would again have the option to see political content on their feeds."From an advertiser perspective, we've obviously been talking to them over the last week," said Mendelsohn in a roundtable discussion with Business Insider. "What they've shared back actually is the reassurance that all the commitments that we have to brand safety, brand suitability on the platform, none of that changes."Zuckerberg posted a video earlier this month announcing some of the changes around content moderation. He blamed the existing systems for causing "too much censorship" and said it was time for Meta to return to its "roots around free expression."The company has also removed some restrictions on certain topics, such as gender and immigration, allowing users to post what could previously have been determined to be hate speech.The changes sparked concerns among advertisers, the Financial Times previously reported. Mendelsohn said advertisers will still have control over where their ads are placed."So, for example, if you have an advertiser that doesn't want to be next to societal issues, political issues, their ads won't appear next to it," Mendelsohn said.Mendelsohn said the advertisers Meta had been speaking to wanted to understand more about what was happening."They wanted to get past the headlines," she said, adding that it is "all still very early days" in the new era of Meta.The changes around content moderation were among other broader changes at Meta, which included rolling back its DEI programs and a push to cut low performers faster. The company has ushered in these changes amid President Donald Trump taking power."From a US perspective it is a different political and societal change that we're seeing there," Mendelsohn said. "But from a company perspective, I don't feel or see anything different."Got more insight to share? You can reach the reporter Hugh Langley via the encrypted messaging app Signal (+1-628-228-1836) or email ().