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Unlocking Kama Muta: Discover Hidden Emotions and Learn to Feel Them Deeply

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A woman hugging her mother by the sea

Imagine cradling your newborn baby, deeply gazing into their eyes. You’re at the airport, eagerly awaiting your family’s return from a year-long journey, and suddenly, you spot them approaching. Or perhaps you’re in a packed stadium, witnessing your team lift a long-awaited trophy. Each moment evokes a profound sense of connection, sending chills down your spine and bringing tears to your eyes.

Does this resonate with you? Although you might not know it yet, you’re experiencing an emotion referred to as “kama muta.” This phenomenon is gaining traction in psychological circles for its critical role in our relationships with family, friends, and community. By actively seeking to evoke this feeling, you can enhance your life’s purpose and strengthen your social bonds.

This article is part of a series on simple changes to boost your health in the new year.
Read the complete series here.

The term kama muta emerged from research initiatives starting in 2012 by Alan Fisk, an anthropologist, with contributions from colleagues at UCLA and the University of Oslo. They began exploring why happy ending scenes in movies bring us to tears. Prior to this, emotional research mostly focused on tears as indicators of sadness.

Initial discussions evolved into formal research involving extensive interviews and surveys about strong emotional responses to positive events. They identified common descriptors such as “being moved,” “stirred,” and “uplifted,” often accompanied by physical sensations like watery eyes, goosebumps, and warmth in the chest. Most importantly, this emotion appeared linked to the enhancement of social relationships.

And it’s not exclusive to happy situations; it can arise in diverse scenarios, including parental care, reunions, and even Alcoholics Anonymous meetings where individuals experience a powerful sense of acceptance.

“Instead of feeling isolated or ashamed of your past, you realize your challenges connect you to others,” says Fisk.

This emotional response can also manifest during religious practices such as prayer, conveying a connection to the divine. Additionally, communal events like sports victories often evoke profound feelings of pride and admiration for teams that have faced adversity.

Live music inspires emotional connections

Andrew Chin/Getty Images

Despite the richness of the English language, we lack a term that encompasses these impactful experiences. Thus, we often overlook the emotional parallels across various situations. “Our premise is straightforward,” Fisk asserts. “These experiences share a common feeling.”

To describe this, the researchers adopted sanskrit‘s term Kama Muta, which translates to “moved by love.” Fisk notes, “The Sanskrit expressions have a poetic quality.”

Fisk explains it as “love igniting,” suggesting it may have evolved to deepen our care for those closest to us. In ancient times, shared bonds were vital for survival, and emotions fostering these ties significantly benefited our ancestors. Today, social connections are equally crucial for human health. Emotions like kama muta may help broaden our perspectives on life, thereby enhancing overall well-being.

Discovering Kama Muta

Thanks to our innate empathic abilities, we can experience kama muta by viewing emotional videos, transcending cultural boundaries. For instance, Fisk’s studies revealed that participants from diverse backgrounds reacted similarly to videos depicting profound connections.

Such experiments indicate that experiencing kama muta can significantly inspire you to cultivate and maintain relationships. After feeling this emotion, subjects expressed greater commitment to their relationships and a heightened desire to connect intimately with others.

Concerts often provoke kama muta due to music’s beauty and strength of unity it fosters among strangers; experiences like Taylor Swift sharing friendship bracelets with fans exemplify this unique bond.

People who exhibit higher levels of empathy may be more susceptible to kama muta. However, anyone can learn to nurture this emotion by actively listening to those around them.

“When individuals feel truly heard, they tend to feel more connected to the listener,” suggests Kenneth Demaree, a psychologist based in New York. He believes that this connection leads to deeper self-disclosure and greater emotional revelations.

Additionally, many secret pathways exist for experiencing kama muta, even in solitude. Whether through reading or watching love stories, you can evoke such feelings, with watching cute animal videos striking a chord often.

Cultivating your emotional experiences changes your perception, shifting from suppression to appreciation. “You may think it’s a disaster to feel emotional,” shares Fisk, “but by understanding that everyone goes through these feelings, you’re more inclined to embrace them.”

Like any emotion, kama muta consists of various components, including physical sensations, mental interpretations, and motivations to act. Researchers have developed a
kama muta multiplex scale to measure your experience. Explore our research-driven quizzes to evaluate your feelings while watching a kitten video—just one example. Or view heartfelt images of loved ones or engage in meaningful discussions with friends. Then rate your experience by how closely these statements resonate with you, on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 6 (very often).

Section 1

Have you experienced it?

  • Moist eyes
  • Tears
  • Goosebumps or hair standing on end
  • Chills or shivers
  • Warm sensation in the middle of your chest
  • Feeling of warmth in the chest area
  • Feeling breathless
  • Lump in throat
  • Difficulty articulating
  • Smiling
  • Feeling buoyant and light
  • Feeling refreshed, energized, and uplifted

Section 2

Did you feel it?

  • Incredible bond
  • A profound sense of intimacy
  • A unique love that rises
  • A special feeling of being welcomed or embraced

Section 3

Did you feel it?

  • Urge to express care for someone
  • Desire to hug someone
  • Impulse to do something special for someone
  • Increased commitment to the relationship

Section 4

How did you feel overall about the experience?

  • It was heartwarming
  • It left a lasting impression
  • It touched me deeply

While there are no absolute indicators to determine if you felt kama muta or not, researchers affirm that the higher your aggregate scores across these sections, the more intense your kama muta experience is likely to be.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

What Makes You Feel Isolated Even Amid the Celebrations?

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Feeling detached in social situations can happen to anyone at any time

Credit: Franckreporter/Getty Images

As the holiday season approaches, one reader is apprehensive about experiencing loneliness this Christmas. She notes it’s not about having a lack of friends or family, but rather the uncomfortable socializing at work parties and family gatherings that can feel isolating. “It feels like I’m the only one not enjoying myself,” she shares. “I’m not looking to be the life of the party, but when I’m grappling with my mental health, it becomes difficult to embrace the festive atmosphere. I end up feeling more alone than if I were just at home.”

The sensation of feeling disconnected, known in psychological terms as “Existential isolation,” can occur to anyone at any point in life. This concept is characterized by the sentiment that, even in a crowd, no one truly understands our feelings or perspectives. Individuals who exhibit high levels of existential isolation demonstrate an increased risk of developing conditions akin to depression and a slower response to treatment.

Interestingly, many individuals likely feel similarly, yet we perceive our struggles as isolating, often leading us to conceal our feelings and exacerbating our loneliness. This is why psychologists now advocate for cultivating a sense of “common humanity” during tough times. In essence, it’s the acknowledgment that others might share our struggles, allowing us to recognize we’re not alone in our challenges.

Building a sense of common humanity can clarify why “Peer support” groups, which bring together people facing similar challenges, are often effective in enhancing well-being. They can alleviate feelings of existential isolation and provide comfort, independent of the practical assistance they offer.

If you’re feeling alone this holiday season, simply reminding yourself that you’re not the only one experiencing this might help. It resonates with the essence of “Self-compassion.” Numerous online resources are available that can assist you through writing prompts and guided meditations.

Even better, consider breaking the silence and expressing how you feel, even if it feels uncomfortable. Research indicates you may find surprising responses from others. Studies examining the “Beautiful confusion effect” suggest that we often underestimate how people will react to sharing our issues. We fear being viewed as weak; however, individuals are often more inclined to open up about their own similar feelings.

What about those social events? There’s no obligation to attend every gathering—focus on those where you feel the most connected. A coffee chat with a trusted friend may provide more comfort than a large festive event. Christmas is a season of goodwill; start by channeling that kindness toward yourself.

Check out these articles weekly at:
newscientist.com/maker

David Robson is an award-winning science writer and author of The Law of Connection: 13 Social Strategies That Will Change Your Life

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Younger Game Development Stars Feel Like ‘Props’ at the ‘Oscars of Games’

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Video Games have faced ongoing challenges with diversity and inclusion, making it unsurprising when Game Awards host and producer Geoff Keighley unveiled the Future Class program in 2020. The initiative aimed to spotlight individuals in gaming as part of a “bright, bold, and inclusive future” for the industry.

Considering the vast audience of the annual Keighley-led show, which garnered around 154 million livestream views last year, Future Class appeared to be a sincere attempt at fostering change. Hall of Fame inductees were invited to the prestigious December ceremony, often referred to as the “Oscars of Gaming,” and featured prominently on the official Game Awards website, with promises of networking and career development. However, reports indicate that the program faced difficulties from the outset, with support waning in recent years. It now appears that the Game Awards Future Class may have been entirely abandoned.

This marks the second consecutive year without any new Future Class members being announced. Typically, the program sees 50 inductees from various sectors of the gaming world, including writing, development, journalism, and community management. According to a report by a game developer, organizer Emily Weir stated, “We’re not planning a new Future Class.” [2025] There are currently no active plans for Future Classes.

Former Future Class inductees express that this outcome follows years of advocacy to enhance the program. As the video game industry navigates a cultural clash surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives (DEI), some Future Class members feel they were leveraged for positive portrayals and then abandoned when DEI initiatives lost momentum.




The 2024 Game Awards Ceremony. Photo: Frank Micelotta/Picturegroup/Shutterstock

“We were essentially props,” game producer Deanna Lora, who joined the inaugural Future Class in 2020, recounted during a video call. “At the Game Awards, most people had come from far away due to the costs, and I felt sidelined. I later learned that Casely was hosting a party in another room with influencers and industry leaders. Do you know where the Future Class gathered that day? At Starbucks.”

“No one from the official leadership attended until the meet and greet was nearly over,” said Future Class member and Retcon Games creative director Jess Negron, reflecting on the Starbucks gathering. “We felt quite let down.”

At the 2021 ceremony, Lora, community manager Natalie Czech, podcast host Kalief Adams, and other Future Class members found themselves seated behind a camera riser, effectively blocking their view of the event.

Future Class inductees receive program benefits for a year, including tickets to the Game Awards (alumni were offered discounts on ticket purchases) and access to career advancement opportunities. Many noted that the early-career-focused event primarily featured discussions with notable industry figures like former Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aimé and Xbox head Phil Spencer, rather than a comprehensive mentorship program.

“It felt like Keighley gathered some friends for a Zoom call,” Lora remarked. “While those conversations were thrilling, that was pretty much the extent of it.”

Lora was among several Future Class members who urged Keighley and Weir to enhance the program.




Writer Emma Kidwell at the 2022 Game Awards. Photo: Scott Kirkland/PictureGroup for The Game Awards/Shutterstock

“They had everything the 2023 class received: a Future Class mixer;” commented Emma Kidwell, a writer who joined in 2023, about past inductees. “All the benefits we’ve gained are due to our previous classmates. They arranged for hotel stays and covered our flights… Everything we’ve received is thanks to our former peers.”

However, 2023 also saw a significant conflict between Future Class and Casely, which members believe may have hastened the program’s decline. In November, over 70 Future Class members signed an open letter advocating for a statement supporting Palestinians and calling for a ceasefire, given the heightened media focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The letter requested this statement be read at a December ceremony. Despite receiving media attention, the letter shared on the Future Class Discord, which both Keighley and Weir are part of, was ignored.

Shortly after, several Future Class members presented a virtual address to Keighley and Weir, acknowledging the program’s significance but voicing concerns about its “goals, structure, and sustainability.” They provided suggestions for enhancing both the program and the awards ceremony, such as incorporating more female presenters, improving accessibility, and recognizing recent mass layoffs in the industry. Younes Rabi, a Hall of Fame inductee from 2022, reported that Keighley appeared visibly frustrated during the discussion, while another member described him as “furious.”

Keighley and Weir did not respond to requests for comments.

All interviewed Future Class members expressed various levels of dissatisfaction with the program’s abrupt conclusion. Accessibility consultant Steve Thaler lamented, “It’s unfortunate that it was part of something meaningful with great individuals and was left in limbo.” He continued, “I’m not angry; I’m just disappointed.” Many speculated that the program’s disbandment was a result of inductees advocating for a superior Future Class. “You have influence, you can drive changes,” Lora highlighted. “However, since we challenged the status quo, it seems the sentiment became, ‘This is too challenging; it would be better to keep the peace.’” Czech added, “Due to our advocacy for ourselves—given that we were inducted—we faced repercussions for pushing for the same changes the organization publicly commended us for.”




Geoff Keighley is also the host of the annual Summer Game Fest showcase. Photo: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup/Shutterstock

Several members pondered whether sponsorships linked to the program (a video introducing the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees was sponsored by Old Spice) meant they were effectively being “tokenized” to boost revenue. (The cost of a one-minute trailer for Keighley’s 2024 Summer Games Showcase was reportedly $250,000, with sources estimating the Game Awards will incur even higher costs.) “They didn’t acknowledge us at the 2022 Game Awards, and while we’re not well-known, we certainly didn’t receive financial support, other than the sponsorship they supposedly secured under the Future Class name,” Negron said.

At one point, the Future Class page disappeared from the Game Awards site. This action eliminated any official record of members. “Not only did they cancel the program, but they also erased our means to claim the honor we were previously awarded,” Czech said.

“Marginalized voices need recognition because it brings them at least to the same starting point as others,” Kidwell pointed out. “Now, you can’t even list that on your resume,” Negron noted, questioning the rationale behind such decisions. “Don’t assemble the leading advocates in the industry, treat us poorly, and then expect us to remain silent.”

The decline of the Future Class serves as a poignant reminder that alliances lacking genuine support are often mere performative gestures. Yet, for some, not all hope is lost. Midnight Hour founder Elaine Gómez emphasized that the most valuable aspect was “the camaraderie and community fostered by uniting nearly 200 developers and creators from underrepresented backgrounds.” Meanwhile, the official Future Class Discord remains operational and even more vibrant than in the past year.

Source: www.theguardian.com

If You Feel Out of Place: Science-Backed Tips for Finding Your Fit

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“Individuals who feel a lack of belonging are significantly more prone to experience impostor syndrome.”

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As September draws near, a new academic year begins. Many students, including one of my readers, are transitioning from the comfort of their family homes to university life. She is the first in her family to pursue higher education and is anxious about fitting in.

In recent decades, psychologists have identified various reasons why individuals may feel disconnected. Attribution can impact their happiness. Thankfully, research presents multiple strategies to help mitigate these feelings—methods that could be helpful for those battling impostor syndrome, where one feels unworthy of their achievements.

First, it’s essential to recognize that emotions can be quite variable. Studies suggest that those lacking a sense of belonging often grapple with impostor syndrome. One moment you may feel like you’ve found your place; the next, you may question your abilities after receiving negative feedback.

To delve into this, psychologists encourage individuals to evaluate statements such as: Individuals with a sense of belonging—especially ethnic minorities, girls and women pursuing STEM fields, and first-generation students—yield significant findings. People with these challenges may find themselves less motivated with deteriorating exam performance, and heightened stress levels could negatively affect their physical health, leading to more frequent doctor visits.

Stanford University’s Gregory Walton has explored various strategies aimed at bolstering students’ sense of belonging. One intervention involves sharing narratives from past students, highlighting their anxieties and how they managed to overcomes them. Participants are then asked to articulate their own concerns and the steps they take to foster a sense of home. Positive outcomes can be observed both in the short and long term, boosting grades and overall well-being over time.

As Walton discusses in his book Normal Magic, we can all apply these insights. A valuable first step is identifying experiences that challenge our sense of belonging. Then, it’s important to articulate those feelings to others without self-judgment, followed by considering alternative perspectives.

For example, if you feel socially ignored, you might speculate that it stems from elitism about your background. However, it’s equally plausible that the individual who snubbed you is merely having a poor day, or could even be possessing a difficult personality. Ultimately, their behavior is not reflective of everyone’s opinion around you.

As you build your confidence, you can enhance your involvement with the community in question.

David Robson is a celebrated science writer and author of Laws of Connection: 13 Social Strategies that Change Your Life

Alongside exploring the psychology of attribution, Gregory Walton’s famed work, Normal Magic: The Science of How to Achieve Great Change in Small Acts, offers actionable strategies to overcome mental hindrances in both our personal and professional spheres.

For more projects, please visit newscientist.com/maker

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Nintendo Switch 2: The Dream Upgrade That Might Not Feel So “New” | Games

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Launch Week has arrived at last. I want to provide you with an in-depth review of the Nintendo Switch 2 in this week’s newsletter, but as I write this, it has yet to be released. In light of this, Nintendo chose not to send a review unit until just a day before its launch, so as you read this, my dog stands by the door eagerly, as if waiting for its owner.

Nevertheless, you have the chance to make a first impression by playing the console throughout your day in your Nintendo office. Regarding hardware, it’s everything I dreamed of. A robust Joy-Con, a stunning screen, and graphical capabilities that present the games beautifully, just as one would hope to see in 2025 (still not quite on par with a high-end PlayStation 5 Pro or a modern gaming PC). I appreciate the sleek menu design with a subtle touch of color on the controller, accompanied by soothing chimes and blips. Game sharing, online functionalities, and other essentials now operate smoothly. I admire the affordability of Nintendo Switch Online:
£18 a year,
which is comparably priced to gaming services that offer access to a treasure trove of classic Nintendo games, while others typically charge around the same amount per month.

Yet, the key takeaway from that paragraph is that it is indeed an upgrade. Eight years later, I can’t help but feel that this upgrade is somewhat overdue. I was hoping for something distinctly new. There isn’t a tremendous amount that’s fresh with the Switch 2, except for the unique ability to use the controllers like a mouse by moving them sideways across your desk or lap. It seems overshadowed by the main launch title, Mario Kart World. I ponder if families with numerous games on their existing Switch, akin to January’s sales figures, will truly see the reason for upgrading.
£400 is the suggested price.




Amazing… Mario Kart World. Photo: Nintendo

As for Mario Kart World, it’s incredible. It’s absolutely outstanding. Naturally, it’s bound to be a hit. Besides the classic competitive Grand Prix and time trial races, the standout features include an expansive driving world where you can explore as you wish, collect characters, costumes, and enter elimination-style races across the continent. All courses are interconnected in one vast map, ensuring smooth transitions between them.

Your cart elegantly transforms into a boat upon hitting the water, and I discovered a challenging island where I had to board a seaplane towards skyscrapers. This setting allows everyone to leisurely cruise around a vibrant variety of mountains, jungles, and winding highways. There’s even a space station-themed course that cleverly recalls the original Donkey Kong arcade game, delivering fun nostalgic moments reminiscent of the new Donk City Festival in the climax of Super Mario Odyssey.

Meanwhile, Case Stuart had a fantastic experience with another launch game, Survival Kids by Konami. (If you typically find survival games laborious, fear not. This game is much more enjoyable than it sounds).

However, I must mention the Nintendo Switch Welcome Tour, a rather positively interacting tour that highlights the console’s new features. Priced at £7.99, it allows you to roam a massive recreation of the Switch 2 console, searching for invisible plaques that describe its various components. For instance, there’s a display that provides mundane technical details about the console’s HD Rumble quality. One interactive exhibit challenges you to guess the number of frames per second while a ball on the screen gains boundaries. As someone who doesn’t actively engage with technical specifics, I found myself woefully inadequate in this task. It felt akin to being on the most tedious school trip imaginable.

And it felt a bit too Nintendo-free, lacking character and charm, which left me somewhat concerned. In contrast, Nintendo Labo was an incredibly fan-friendly approach to showcasing the technical aspects of the original Switch. I expected the Welcome Tour to be conducted by the same creative team, but evidently, that was not the case.

I couldn’t wait to dive back into Mario Kart World, and once again, it was phenomenal. I look forward to spending the rest of the week reviewing it thoroughly. Additionally, if you pre-order the Switch 2, you can receive it within the next 24 hours. For those who are hesitant, more information and opinions about the Switch 2 will be available in the coming weeks to assist in your decision-making.

What to do




Arm Akinbo… T is intriguing and peculiar. Illustration: Annapurna Interactive/Steam

Last week, I played To A T, a beautifully odd and unexpected game from Katamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashi. It follows a young teenager perpetually stuck in a T-pose, named Arms Bobo. As you can imagine, this poses significant challenges, forcing them to rely on their fluffy little dogs for support. It’s a children’s game about embracing your uniqueness—I played it with my son—and it’s both amusing and eccentric, featuring songs about giraffes who enjoy making sandwiches. I adore games that come with surprises, and if I asked all of you to guess the ending, I bet none would be close.

Available on: PS5, Xbox, PC
Estimated playtime: 5 hours

What to read




Seize the chance… Remy Siu (left) and NHI accept the Peabody Award at 1000xResist. Photo: Charlie Galley/Getty Images

  • 1000xResist is a critically acclaimed sci-fi game that addresses the immigration experience and the price of political resistance, and it was awarded a Peabody Award this week. The creators’ acceptance speech resonated: “I encourage the gaming industry to invest in marginalized voices and to seek to make a difference. I continuously take opportunities. This art form is still in its infancy; it’s too soon to define it.”

  • Keith Stuart wrote about the events largely overlooked at Midnight launch party—Only Smyths Toys is hosting the Midnight release for the Switch 2. Have you ever attended one of these events? If so, please share your experience— I vividly recall feeling both excited and embarrassed waiting for the Wii on Prince Street in Edinburgh as a teenager.

  • The developers at OpenAI are very proud of their latest artificial “intelligence” model, which allows you to play Pokémon Red. However, it took me over 80 hours to obtain just three gym badges, as we try to overlook the environmental impacts that AI has on video games.

  • When Imran Khan suffered a stroke last year, he lost his ability to play video games. His poignant essay discussed the role of Kaizo Mario (Super Difficult Hacking Mario Level) in his recovery.

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Soothe… unpack. Illustration: Humble Game/Steam

Leader Gemma asks:

“At this moment, I’m hugging you while he naps on the couch for three months and I played the Blue Prince. This might be the ultimate postnatal game: It has minimal background sound and music, allows me to pause anytime, and carries zero risk. It also presents fascinating storylines and incredible puzzles. You find yourself deciphering letters and speaking out loud for math puzzles. (Do you get algebra in 3 months?) Your Article [about Nintendo during naptime] made me feel guilty. Are there any other updated tips for similar games discovered after eight years in the postnatal phase?”

During my time with a little one, I engaged in two types of games: one that takes about 5 hours to complete in a single evening, or endlessly zoning out with titles like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. It didn’t matter if I was “achieving” anything. My brain was often fatigued, making it hard to follow linear plots. However, that doesn’t suit everyone—my friend Sarah became engrossed in Grand Theft Auto during her baby’s naps.

I became hooked on exploitative mobile games, which I do not recommend—stay away if you have a vulnerable brain. You’ll find yourself spending countless hours on virtual goodies and splurging cash for dopamine. Something like Unpacking or A Little to the Left might soothe your puzzle-thirsty mind without being too overwhelming (plus, they’re brief). To all gamer moms out there: what games did you enjoy in those early months of parenthood?

If you have a question for the block or anything to share about the newsletter—
please reach out at pushbuttons@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

If Keir Starmer Doesn’t Feel Robotic Enough, His AI Doubles Are Here to Answer Your Questions

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For those rare individuals who dream of conversing with Keir Starmer, a new AI model has arrived.

The former Chief of Staff to the Tories has developed a platform called Nostrada, designed to enable users to engage with AI representations of all 650 UK Parliament members.

Founded by Leon Emirali, who previously worked with Steve Berkeley, Nostrada is built to allow users to converse with the “digital twin” of each MP, replicating their political views and mannerisms.

This service targets diplomats, lobbyists, and the general public, helping users explore each MP’s position on various matters and find relevant colleagues.

“Politicians are never short of opinions, which provide us with ample data sources,” Emirali stated. “They have a viewpoint on everything, and the quality of an AI product relies heavily on the data it is built upon.”

The reliability of chatbots may come into question from the politicians themselves.

The Guardian challenged the digital avatars of cabinet members; most chose not to respond, while Health Secretary Wes Street’s representation voted for himself.

These models draw on a vast range of written and spoken material from politicians available online. No matter how hard you attempt to sway them, their stances won’t change. This is due to their inability to learn from new input, meaning that every interaction remains static. The Guardian aims to shed light on the nature of these AI models.

Emirali’s concept originated in 2017 when he attempted to convince conservatives to create a chatbot for then-Prime Minister Theresa May, who was nicknamed “Mabot” to provide brief overviews of key issues.

The AI is already in use among various politicians, including accounts associated with cabinet office emails as well as two distinct accounts linked to foreign embassy emails for investigating the prime minister and his cabinet. Emirali mentioned that several notable lobbying and marketing firms have utilized this technology over recent months.

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Despite the numerous applications of Nostrada, Emirali concedes that AI could be a “shortcoming” for future voters who might rely entirely on it to shape their understanding.

He remarked, “Political nuances are too intricate. AI may not be adequately comprehensive for voters to depend on fully. The hope is that for those already familiar with politics, this tool proves to be incredibly beneficial.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

New car prices feel the pressure as car rates increase.

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Customs duties on imported vehicles went into effect on Wednesday. The policy, said to promote investment and employment in the United States by President Trump, is expected to increase new car prices by thousands of dollars according to analysts.

The 25% duty applies to all vehicles assembled outside the United States. As of May 3rd, customs duties will also apply to imported auto parts, adding to the costs of automobiles and auto repairs.

There is a partial exemption for cars manufactured in Mexico or Canada under a free trade agreement. Automakers do not have to pay duties on parts like engines, transmissions, batteries, and other items that were made in the US and installed in cars at factories in Mexico or Canada.

This provision reduces the impact on vehicles such as Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicles assembled in Mexico but containing battery packs and other US-made components. General Motors only pays duties on some of the cars produced overseas.

Meanwhile, parts duties increase the costs of cars manufactured in states like Michigan, Tennessee, and Ohio where most vehicles contain components made overseas, often accounting for more than half the vehicle cost.

For example, around 90% of the value of some Mercedes-Benz cars made in Alabama comes from engines and transmissions imported from Europe, as per data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The impact of tariffs on individual vehicles varies widely. Cars like the Tesla Model Y made in Texas and California or Honda Passports made in Alabama have a higher percentage of US-made parts and pay lower duties.

The highest tariffs apply to cars manufactured overseas, such as the Toyota Prius from Japan and Porsche sports cars from Germany.

Even those not purchasing a new car will feel the impact of tariffs as prices go up for parts like tires, brake pads, and oil filters.

Michael Holmes, co-director of Virginia Tire and Auto, a chain of auto repair and maintenance shops, mentioned that he and his suppliers initially plan to absorb most of the cost increase.

Holmes stated, “It’s not sustainable. It’s wishful thinking to expect companies not to pass on these costs.”

Analysts predict that car tariffs could also drive up prices of used cars in the long run. Increased demand for these vehicles may make new cars unaffordable for many buyers. Furthermore, repair costs may rise, leading to potential increases in insurance premiums.

Source: www.nytimes.com

British seniors feel greater satisfaction post-Covid-19 pandemic

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The pandemic may have changed people’s outlook for life

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The Covid-19 pandemic has increased a stronger sense of purpose and life satisfaction as it deepened the appreciation of older adults in the UK for the simple things in life.

The happiness of some people Life satisfaction immersed in the early days of the pandemic however, after most restrictions have been lifted, what happened later is not much understood. “Unfortunately, most of the research conducted did not continue. [in the later years of] “Because it's a pandemic, there was a big gap in research.” Paola Zaninot University College London.

To address this, Zaninotto and her colleagues analyzed data from a survey on the well-being and depressive symptoms of approximately 4,000 people, primarily white.

Each participant completed the survey over two years from the second pandemic in the first year of the 2020 pandemic and the last participant between the end of 2021 and the last between 2023. The final survey of 2022 was after most infection control measures were concluded in the UK.

The team found that prior to the pandemic, participants rated their sense of purpose in life with an average score of 7.5 out of 10. This fell to 7.2 in 2020, rising from 7.6 in the final survey to 7.6 above pre-pandemic levels. .

Similarly, participants reported an average life satisfaction score of 7.3 prior to the pandemic, which fell to 6.9 early in the pandemic, but rose to 7.5 in the final survey.

These are small changes in happiness at the population level, but some individuals say they are experiencing major changes that affect their work and relationships. Rebecca Pierson At the University of Bristol, UK.

Zaninot may have reminded people of the importance of the global outbreak in life. “The pandemic has brought some challenges, but it has also brought a broad appreciation to our lives, perhaps about social connections and other meaningful activities,” she says.

The team also found that the average rate of depression (defined as having at least four depressive symptoms, such as feeling lonely) was more than doubled from the first to the second period. The final survey saw prices drop but exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

“People might feel like we've overcome it, I'm back to work, I've been able to see my family again.” You may be low at times and you may not be able to enjoy the same joy,” Pearson says. Furthermore, research needs to explore what drives these rates of depression increase, she says.

Additionally, additional studies say we need to investigate how results are converted to people elsewhere, Kelsey O'Connor At the National Institute of Statistics in Luxembourg. “The pandemic policy and the severity of the pandemic have been dramatically different in other countries,” he says. “You can't really generalize to young people, ethnic minorities, or marginalized groups.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why do people feel like janitors when using dating apps? The allure of online matching

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Approximately 1.4 million individuals in the UK have exited the online dating realm within the last year. But does this signify that the apps are ineffective, or are people simply moving away from dating altogether?

According to Ofcom’s 2024 Online Nation report, there is projected to be a notable decrease in the use of dating apps from 2023 to 2024, with a nearly 16% decline in usage of the top 10 most popular dating apps this year.

Tinder experienced the most substantial decrease, with over 500,000 users abandoning the platform since May 2023. Bumble and Hinge also suffered losses, losing 368,000 and 131,000 users, respectively, during the same period.

Experts at the Center for Love, Sex, and Relationships (CLSR) at the University of Leeds suggest that the decline in online dating could be attributed to a feeling of disconnection from reality and exhaustion with the process.

Natasha McKeever, a lecturer in applied ethics at the university and co-director of CLSR, believes that individuals perceive virtual dating as a task rather than a social activity.

McKeever points out that this detachment has led individuals to feel more at ease sending offensive messages, as they do not fear immediate consequences.

Despite the waning interest in virtual dating, data reveals that the usage of queer-focused apps and sites has remained consistent or increased.

Apart from Badoo, the app seeing growth among users is Scruff, designed for men seeking men. Apps like Grindr and Squirt, catering to the LGBTQ+ community, have experienced fewer user declines compared to platforms with a more heteronormative focus.

Sophie Goddard, a tutor in applied ethics at the University of Leeds, suggests that the gay community continues to use these platforms for a sense of safety and self-exploration.

Another reason for the dwindling interest in online dating is the dominance of a few companies in the UK market, with Match Group operating a majority of the top apps.

Luke Branning, co-director of CLSR, highlights that modern digital dating may provide the illusion of variety, but ultimately, there is little differentiation between platforms.

Branning argues that the lack of transparency in business practices and algorithms by these major companies reflects the larger issue with online dating today.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Musk faces backlash from Tesla owner: “I feel ashamed to be seen in this car”

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aElon Musk has aligned himself with Donald Trump and various far-right conspiracy theories, causing concern among a group of Tesla owners who are now feeling uneasy about their association with Musk. Many of these owners have publicly expressed their disappointment with Musk and his recent actions.

Seeking to distance themselves from Musk, the owner of Tesla, the world’s richest man, publicly voiced his support for Trump, contributing to his victory in the US presidential election. Consequently, sales of anti-Musk stickers have surged significantly.

Matt Hiller, a Hawaii-based aquarium employee who sells various stickers online, shared that their sales skyrocketed following the election. The stickers, targeting Musk, feature phrases like “Anti-Elon Tesla Club” and “I bought this before Elon went crazy.” These stickers have been in high demand, with hundreds being sold daily.


Hiller, who opted out of buying a Tesla, criticized Musk for his controversial behavior and is now predominantly targeting Tesla owners with his stickers. The demand for these stickers has been on the rise, with slogans like “Space Clown” gaining popularity.

Tesla, once hailed as an environmental hero, has seen its reputation among liberal consumers tarnished by Musk’s rhetoric and actions. Despite these challenges, Tesla remains a dominant player in the electric car market.




Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Photo: Brandon Bell/Reuters

Despite the backlash, it remains unclear how Musk’s actions will impact Tesla’s sales. Concerns linger over Trump’s policies, including his opposition to electric cars and incentives for buyers. Sellers of anti-Musk merchandise have seen a surge in demand, reflecting public discontent with Musk’s recent behavior.

Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration, particularly regarding government efficiency and layoffs, has raised alarm among some Tesla owners, prompting some to reconsider their support for the brand and its founder.

As Tesla navigates these challenges, its future sales trajectory and consumer appeal remain uncertain in the face of evolving market dynamics and public perception of Musk.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Why Does Pressing the Button in Palworld Make You Feel Cold? Understanding the Game’s Effects on Emotions

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TThe biggest story in the gaming world so far this year is Palworld, the Pokémon-with-guns early access game that broke and broke concurrent player records on PC.It's showing some signs that it's unsustainable, as these player numbers show dropout In recent weeks, developers have revealed: eye-watering cost Although it requires keeping servers online for so many people (about $600,000 a year), it still has the potential to be the biggest game of 2024 in terms of pure revenue.

There's something a little off-putting about Palworld that makes other developers and critics wrinkle their noses. Unlike Minecraft's blocky animals, it's not just unpleasant to point a gun at a creature that's designed to look cute.The character design became a hot topic because it was too similar to Pokemon. suspicion of plagiarism, the 3D models of some of the game's creatures are incredibly closely matched to those from recent Pokemon games. (The Pokémon Company is currently investigating, but Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe said: palworld said The studio says it has “cleared legal review” and that it has “absolutely no intention to infringe on any other company's intellectual property.” ) Lead developers are also actively outspoken about the use of AI tools, which is a very unpopular opinion among all users. Everyone except a few executives is working on the 2024 game.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, from 2022. Photo provided by: Pokemon Co., Ltd.

This game borrows ideas from several other games without incorporating many of its own ideas. When you play Palworld, what comes to mind is not Pokemon, but Ark: Survival Evolved. This is his 9 year old survival game where you tame dinosaurs in addition to the usual collecting, building and crafting. Once you capture a creature, it will either be forced into indentured servitude within your base, or it will come to fight alongside you in the wilderness.

It's nothing we haven't seen in some other survival games, but Palworld makes it completely smooth and takes a lot of the hectic work out between you and the next great upgrade. Like fellow smash hit Genshin, this game employs familiar gaming tropes and is so easy and engaging that it's hard to put down.

It helps that other players aren't trying to ruin your fun like Ark and Rust do. In another survival game, there's always someone trying to smash you with rocks and take your stuff. There is currently no player vs player competition in Palworld (planned for a later version). Instead, you collaborate with other players on the server. The game's attitude towards creatures is cruel, they exist to be killed, enslaved, or eaten. However, the attitude towards players is very welcoming. There's a reason it's popular.

Despite this, I don't like Palworld. It's soulless, and anecdotally it seems like there are a lot of kids in the 19 million player base, even though this is not a game made with kids in mind. It's violent and immoral, especially when compared to the Pokemon games from which its creature design is clearly inspired. In Pokémon, a children's classic that has evolved over 25 years, your creatures aren't just pets, they're companions. You fight them for sport, sure, which Peta won't approve of, but they don't get hurt, they don't have weapons, and of course you don't either. eat they.

Massacre on a farm…Palworld. Photo: pocket pair

Palworld is more like what panicked parents and reactionary preachers of the late 1990s had in mind. Pokemon was like when Time magazine featured fear-mongering headlines. Be careful of pokemoniacs And Christian groups claimed that Pikachu was literally a manifestation of the devil. “Monsters make disturbing playmates. No matter how toylike and frivolous they may seem, they are unnatural and ultimately deal with unresolved fears,” Time magazine wrote in 1999. Stated. Consider the dubious fascination with the creature called Pokémon… The 4- to 12-year-old set may exhibit the most troubling enthusiasm about Pokémon. ” It's funny to read that line now, but I remember when video games were always talked about in mainstream media in this tone, as a symptom of serious mental illness among kids in the '90s.

Anyway, I'm not here to create a moral panic about Palworld. It's ironic, but it's also mostly harmless and undeniably compelling. I wouldn't let her 7 year old play, but anyone over 12 would have had a much worse experience with her YouTube. There's probably nothing new under the sun, and most of the upcoming breakout games will be repackaged ideas he's seen ten times before. But we keep hoping that the next unexpected hit we'll play this year will leave us with a smile instead of a nasty taste in our mouths.

what to play

Dream Daddy: Daddy dating simulator. Photo: Game Gramps

Since it's Valentine's Day, I have to recommend a game about love that many games don't tackle with confidence. dream daddy is a dating game where you play a single father looking for love with one of seven other eligible single fathers in a new neighborhood. Many thought it was an over-the-top joke until it was released in 2017, but it remains one of the most sincere and unexpectedly touching dating games of all time. Teenage daughters often muster up the courage to talk to the father of your choice. It also often leads to mildly surreal mini-games, where you try to wow your date with competitive pride in your child's achievements, for example. The game turns out to be about the love between parents and children, and the budding romance between you and the sexy singles in your neighborhood. They all have their own problems and are stories that are handled with humor and compassion.

Available on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, smartphone,
Estimated play time: 2-10 hours depending on how many dads you want to date

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Star Wars x Fortnite, anyone? Disney invested $1.5 billion in Fortnite maker Epic. Photo: PictureLux/Hollywood Archive/Alamy

  • We're still waiting for Microsoft to outline its vision for the future of Xbox. It will take place tomorrow evening UK time. via podcast Featuring Xbox executives Sarah Bond, Phil Spencer, and Matt Booty. This is according to a recent study from 2K Games, which suggests that the PS5 is outperforming the Xbox Series X two to one.

  • I loved Gene Park's feature on the Yakuza series in the Washington Post. “Japan's crime game series captures hearts with its gentle and heroic masculinity.”. Even if you don't have time to play for dozens of hours, you'll get to the heart of what makes these games so appealing.

  • British maker of Jagex, the developer of Runescape; Acquired for £900m By two private equity firms.

  • Disney is Invested $1.5 billion (!) in Epic Games As part of a deal to create a “new permanent universe” [that] It provides numerous opportunities for consumers to play, watch, shop and engage with content, characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar and more. ” That sounds like it could mean some more Star Wars skins will be added to Fortnite.

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The reality of your “dessert stomach” and why there’s no need to feel guilty about it

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I’m currently sitting in a trendy pub in a small village on the outskirts of Cambridge. It’s a Thursday night in early December, so it’s dark and freezing outside. But here there is a warm and cozy fireplace, and the whole place is decorated with festive decorations. Michael Bublé is singing Christmas songs on the radio and I’m holding a big glass of Malbec. life is wonderful.

It’s been a long day (actually a long week) and let me prove to you that this is definitely the place to be. This is one of his “gastropubs” that serves lovely food and where I enjoyed a weekday date night with his wife Jane.

For dinner we both had salted trout to start, then as main courses Jane had hake and I had burger and chips. The portion sizes were healthy and we were both pretty full by the time we finished eating.

Then you know what happened next. The waiter comes over with the dessert menu and asks, “Are you tempted?” Yes, it’s definitely possible. And even though we were full, even on a weeknight, we both ordered dessert. I had sticky toffee pudding with ice cream and my wife had a slice of tarte au citron with crème fraîche. Like clockwork, the dessert stomach hits again.

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Now the question arises, why is it so specific to dessert? Would I have been better off having another burger? Would Jane have eaten more hake? Absolutely not. So what’s so special about the dessert?

To answer this question, we need to look to evolution. Flashback to the Serengeti River 50,000 years ago and your ancestors dragging an antelope into their village. Let’s just say, metabolically speaking, they spent 2,000 calories stalking, chasing, and defeating them.

It is clear that once they return to their village, they will have to burn at least 2,000 calories to recoup their expenses. Otherwise, it’s not sustainable. However, there is no guarantee that you will successfully catch an antelope next time. This means that if they only They don’t live very long if they eat to meet their metabolic needs.

At that time, the pleasurable part of the brain is activated. This dominates the sense of reward we all receive from eating, leading us to eat more than we actually need. But how do you overcome the mechanical challenge of having 2,000 calories of food stuck in your stomach?

Well, our brains can be very picky. They begin to crave more calorie-dense foods, meaning they contain more calories per gram. This allows you to fill every inch of your stomach.

So what are the foods with the most calories? Those high in free sugars and fats. So, what foods are high in sugar and fat? dessert.

In other words, your dessert tripe is actually an evolutionary holdover from your days in the Serengeti. It’s there to make sure you’re craving the right types of food even when you’re full so you can maximize your calorie intake at every meal. After all, there was no guarantee at all when the next meal would arrive.

You’ve probably noticed an obvious problem here. While this movement has kept us living in a periodic cycle of feast and famine, many people today live in cycles of feast and then more feast. I definitely wasn’t need That sticky toffee pudding (which I really enjoyed and didn’t regret for a minute!).

By the way, the “dessert belly” is not just a strange human phenomenon. Now, I completely understand that I’m not going to top my lunch of crème brûlée and a glass of chilled muscat with a freshly killed antelope by a lion. But consider a grizzly bear during a salmon run upstream in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

Grizzlies arrive at the salmon run swimming buffet in the fall, with the aim of storing as much fat as possible for the upcoming hibernation.

The bear first eats the fish almost whole, down to the bones. However, as they become fuller and filler and store more and more fat, they will only eat the skin of the salmon and the thin layer of fat underneath. why? Because this is the most caloric part of the fish. They begin to change what they eat to maximize their energy reserves.

So, while desserts are clearly a human cultural construct, the phenomenon of maximizing the caloric density of foods that we crave when we are full has been conserved through evolution. That means it’s not your fault for finding room for dessert even after a satisfying meal.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com