
Top biohacker says this iPhone hack will improve your sleep
Seeing red usually means you're about to blow a fuse — but when it comes to sleep, it might be just what your brain needs.
Dave Asprey, the self-proclaimed 'Father of Biohacking,' swears by a clever iPhone trick that uses red light to keep your screen from sabotaging your sleep — and it's not just switching to 'night shift' mode.
'This is what biohackers do so that their phones don't wake them up at night,' Asprey told The Post.
Advertisement
4 Dave Asprey is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and top biohacker.
Robb Report via Getty Images
Why blue light is the real sleep demon
It all comes down to your circadian rhythm — the internal clock that signals when it's time to wake up and when it's time to wind down.
As the sun sets, your brain kicks into nighttime mode by releasing melatonin, a hormone that makes us feel tired. But the blue light from your phone and other screens interferes with that process by suppressing melatonin production, making it harder to fall — and stay — asleep.
Advertisement
Worse yet, research suggests that blue light doesn't just delay sleep; it also impacts its quality. Studies show that nighttime exposure can reduce the time we spend in deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which are both crucial for consolidating memories, regulating mood and supporting overall cognitive function.
This poses a significant problem, especially since nearly 90% of Americans report using a screen in bed before falling asleep most nights, according to a Sleepopolis survey.
Red light to the rescue
The Sleep Foundation recommends powering down your electronic devices, like cellphones, at least 30 minutes before bed. But in today's plugged-in world, that's easier said than done — including in the middle of the night.
Advertisement
'You should be able to wake up, check your alarm and go back to sleep, but if your iPhone is on this standard blinding mode, it doesn't work,' Asprey said.
4 Managing screen time before bed could improve overall sleep quality and mental health.
Andrey Popov – stock.adobe.com
His simple fix? Turn your iPhone screen red.
Unlike blue light, red light has longer wavelengths, which our eyes perceive as darker. Some research suggests that it may also stimulate melatonin production, rather than suppress it.
Advertisement
One study found that female athletes who used red light therapy for 30 minutes a night over two weeks slept better, had higher melatonin levels and even performed better in endurance exercises compared to a placebo group.
There's also evidence that red light may help preserve night vision and reduce grogginess after waking up.
How to activate red mode on your iPhone
4 Normal iPhone display, which emits blue light.
TikTok/thrivewithcandice
4 iPhone in red mode, which counteracts blue light.
TikTok/thrivewithcandice
Make your screen sleep-friendly in seconds with these simple steps:
Open Settings Tap Accessibility Go to Display & Text Size Select Color Filters Toggle Color Filters on, then pick 'Color Tint' as your filter Scroll down and slide Intensity and Hue all the way to the right.
'If you do that, when you wake up in the middle of the night or read your phone before going to sleep, it's so dim that it doesn't trigger your brain to wake up and be active,' Asprey said.
To streamline the process, set up a shortcut:
Open Settings Select Accessibility Scroll to the bottom and tap Accessibility Shortcut Choose color filters
Advertisement
Now, you'll be able to instantly switch between normal mode and red mode by simply triple clicking your iPhone's right-side lock button.
'The difference in your quality of sleep will be profound,' Asprey said.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Freeze your cherries, eat a cup of beans daily and try this hack to fall asleep fast — plus 9 more health tips to help you have a great week
Hello, Yahoo readers! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I'm here to share the best health and wellness tips from around the internet. Much has been said about our society's addiction to smartphones and social media, which has been linked to mental health issues, shortened attention spans and even disrupted sleep. An artist recently created a 'methaphone,' a piece of acrylic shaped like an iPhone, in order to help people be more thoughtful about their habits. Meanwhile, some members of Gen Z are eschewing smartphones entirely by practicing 'appstinence' and spending more time in the real world. And speaking of spending time in the real world: This week, Yahoo Reporter Kerry Justich tried Steppin, an app that encourages users to spend more time strolling (and less time scrolling) by making them earn one minute of social media time for every 100 steps they take. She says it's a game changer for avoiding doomscrolling. 'My earned time resets at midnight, which means I wake up to 0 minutes earned and can't start my day scrolling,' Justich writes, noting that using the app gave her more time to 'focus on what's ahead and approach my day more mindfully.' It also helped her resist the quick dopamine hits that 'otherwise keep me reaching for my phone throughout the rest of the day.' Bonus: Because you have to get steps in to access social media, this approach cuts down sedentary time. Sitting for long stretches of time has been linked to negative health outcomes. But you don't need an app to move more — just try going for a walk without your phone. Ready to start this week off right? Take a look at the local weather forecast and peruse your horoscope if you're so inclined. Then check out what small steps you can take to make the week ahead a good one. Cherries are in season — but they won't be for long. Grab an extra bag at the supermarket to pop in your freezer to enjoy later, dietitian Natalie Rizzo tells our friends at Today. These health benefits are worth getting year-round: Cherries are rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins, which offer immune support and protection against chronic diseases. Plus, they're excellent for reducing inflammation, making them a good choice for a post-workout smoothie. Simply throw a cup of frozen cherries in a blender with a splash of milk and a spoonful of almond butter (healthy fats!) for a drink that's a twist on the classic PB&J. Beans are budget-friendly and full of protein and fiber. Now, a new study from the Illinois Institute of Technology finds that eating a cup of beans a day can offer important benefits. Over 12 weeks, participants who ate chickpeas saw a drop in cholesterol, while those who ate black beans had reduced inflammation; these are both key risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Scoop some with whole-grain tortilla chips, add them to a salad or include them in a bowl with rice and chicken for an easy dinner. Or get creative and make this viral chickpea cookie dough recipe for some sweetness. So many people struggle with insomnia. If you're one of them, this viral sleep hack — which resurfaced on social media after initially gaining attention in the 1981 book Relax and Win: Championship Performance — might help. You start by relaxing your body piece by piece, beginning with your forehead and moving down to your toes, while taking slow, deep breaths. Then, clear your mind by imagining calming scenes (like lying in a hammock or napping on the beach). If you're plagued by intrusive thoughts, repeat the phrase 'don't think' for 10 seconds to send them away. Eventually you should doze off, though it may take some practice over weeks in order to really train your body to respond. One key thing needed to fall asleep, sleep specialist Dr. Sanjiv Kothare tells Today, is to make sure you're going to bed only when you're actually tired. If you're wide awake and trying to snooze, you'll frustrate yourself and wind up staying awake longer than you should. 'Get out of bed, go to a different area, read a book in dim light — do something boring, come back to bed,' he advises. 'In 20 minutes, do it again and keep doing it back and forth until you fall asleep.' Want to protect your brain health? Consider the MIND diet. As NBC News reports, researchers from the University of Hawaii and the University of Southern California found that following this eating plan — which focuses on brain-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fish and limits red meat, cheese, fried foods and sweets — could lower people's risk of developing dementia, with those who upped their adherence to the diet over 10 years seeing a 25% lower risk. One easy way to start is to get into leafy greens; the diet suggests six or more servings per week. Instead of relying on spinach, switch it up by getting kale, Swiss chard, collard greens or bok choy instead. Trying to stop scarfing down your food? It's time to spice up your life. A study from Penn State found that adding a little spice to your meal — just enough to feel a slight 'oral burn' from ingredients like chili peppers — can help you eat less without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. In experiments using spicy vs. mild versions of dishes like chili and tikka masala, participants who ate the spicier meals consumed fewer calories. Researchers say this slower eating pace helps your body better recognize when it's full, meaning you'll be more satisfied with your meal while consuming less food overall. So, if you can handle the heat, toss some chili peppers, hot paprika or crushed red pepper flakes into your next dish. McDonald's is bringing back its popular Snack Wrap this July, according to CBS News. While there's no harm in hitting the drive-through every once in a while, you can also whip up a healthier version at home. The classic wrap includes a crispy chicken strip, cheddar jack cheese, lettuce and a creamy ranch or honey mustard sauce in a soft tortilla. For a better-for-you take, swap in a whole wheat tortilla for more fiber, grilled chicken breast instead of the fried version and a tangy Greek yogurt-based sauce in place of the heavier dressing. Pile on extra veggies like tomatoes and shredded carrots for a boost of vitamins and fiber. While it's vital to drink water to keep your body functioning properly, you probably need extra hydration on super-hot days or during extreme exercise. That said, traditional sports drinks often come loaded with sugar. One solution, per EatingWell, is to drink unsweetened coconut water. You'll cut back on calories and sugar while still getting all-important electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. Dietitians also point out that unsweetened coconut water is a good option for people with diabetes, as staying hydrated can keep blood glucose levels balanced. Nicer weather means taking your exercise outdoors. One great way to do that is by biking. As USA Today explains, cycling, which is considered a moderate-intensity activity, gets your heart pumping, lowers blood pressure and cuts your risk of heart disease while also keeping blood sugar and cholesterol in check. Studies also show it can help you maintain a healthy weight. If you live in a bikeable neighborhood, consider running basic errands by bike rather than car. You'll save gas (win for your wallet and the environment) while also sneaking in some extra exercise. A study published in Nature Food found that eating a wide variety of flavonoid-rich foods — like tea, berries, apples, oranges, dark chocolate and even red wine — may lower your risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Since different flavonoids have different benefits for the body, the key to ideal health is making sure you consume as many different kinds as possible rather than, say, just loading up on tea. So, add some blueberries to your oatmeal in the morning, snack on an orange and have a square of dark chocolate after dinner. It's OK to feel angry sometimes. But if you find yourself bubbling with rage at inopportune moments, there are ways to redirect. Ethan Kross, a professor of psychology, tells USA Today that while there are "no one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to managing anger," there are some 'tools' you can use to cope. That includes shifting gears when you feel angry. Before reacting, take a beat and do something distracting, like splashing cold water on your face, stepping outside or counting down from 10. When you return, your anger will likely have simmered down. If you find yourself dealing with bouts of anger frequently, however, it's time to look at what might really be troubling you, be it a lack of sleep or work stress. A doctor can help direct you toward next steps. If you're headed out on a summer trip, try this viral packing hack shared by Yahoo Creator Alesandra Dubin. It's super-simple: Next time you're considering what you should put in your suitcase, pick up three tops, three bottoms and three pairs of shoes. You can mix and match these items to create up to 27 different outfit combinations, meaning you'll always feel fresh and stylish while staying under your airline's weight limit. The key, of course, is to make sure these items go well together while still having enough versatility for your trip's needs. For example, instead of packing three pairs of sneakers, you could throw in a dressier option in case you're out to a nice dinner. And don't forget to consider color: While you don't have to go with a neutral palette, choosing a color scheme will make picking out vacay outfits easier. Adore your morning cup of joe? It might have longevity benefits, according to a study from the University of Toronto. As CNN reports, researchers discovered that women in their 50s who drank one to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day were more likely to reach older age in good cognitive, physical and mental health and without any major chronic diseases. Meanwhile, caffeinated beverages like soda and tea — and even decaffeinated coffee — didn't have the same results, suggesting that caffeine-packed coffee in particular has special properties connected to longevity. While the study does not suggest people who aren't already coffee drinkers pick up the habit, it's clear that regular consumers are on the right track. Just keep in mind how caffeine affects your sleep, anxiety levels and digestion.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How the Musk-Trump feud became an online battle like no other
What happens when the world's most powerful man and the world's richest man - both accomplished attention-seekers - clash on the internet? We're finding out in real time. This week, billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump took to their respective social platforms to sling mud at the other after a fallout over federal spending. What started as a volley of barbs snowballed into a feud involving multiple social platforms and millions of onlookers, as everyone from big-name politicians to no-name meme accounts hurried to offer their takes and declare their allegiances. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. The split could have profound real-world consequences, as both men show their willingness to leverage financial and political power to hit back at the other. It also illustrates how quickly a conflict can escalate when it is fanned by algorithmic feeds and the demands of the attention economy, which prizes outrage and relishes a high-profile feud. While Trump and Musk circle their wagons, drumming up support and smearing the other through posts on X and Truth Social, millions of smaller content creators stand to capitalize on the attention the feud generates. On Thursday afternoon, the number of active users on the X and Truth Social mobile apps both reached 90-day highs, according to preliminary estimates by Sensor Tower, a market intelligence firm. Between 2 and 6 p.m. Eastern time that day, the firm estimates that X usage was up 54 percent compared with the previous seven days, while Truth Social was up more than 400 percent, albeit from a much lower baseline. 'Public feuds like this drive social media engagement like crazy,' said Casey Fiesler, a professor of information science at the University of Colorado at Boulder who studies social media ethics. 'It's high-octane content because it's easy to meme and very algorithmically rewarded.' Musk, whose business empire includes X as well as Tesla, rocket company SpaceX and artificial intelligence start-up xAI, kicked off the fight on Tuesday when he posted on X to criticize a congressional spending bill backed by the president: 'This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,' he wrote. The post was viewed more than 141 million times and sparked a flurry of commentary on X and elsewhere online. Gen Z internet personality Lil Tay, known for over-the-top posts flaunting luxury goods, got 2.8 million views on a reply clapping back at Musk for his former support of Trump, while far-right commentator Charlie Kirk referenced Musk's 'tweet heard around the world' in a post funneling viewers to Apple Podcasts to stream his talk show. Over the next two days, Musk continued to take shots at Trump on X, at one point posting a poll asking whether America needed a new centrist political party, while Trump told White House reporters that his and Musk's relationship was on the rocks. Then on Thursday, Musk escalated the back-and-forth by claiming in a post on X that Trump is implicated in the Epstein files, documents that allegedly contain the names of people who consorted with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein to sexually assault minors. The post exploded, drawing almost 200 million views in a day and stoking a second wave of content from politicians, creators and meme-makers. A post from an anonymous X user, liked by 192,300 people, mused: 'Who gets JD Vance in the divorce?' The vice president soon provided an answer, posting that Trump has 'earned the trust of the movement he leads.' On X, where Musk's changes to the platform's verification feature have blurred the lines between real public figures and paid subscribers, fake politicians joined the fray. 'Every time I smell a movement, I know you'll be next to it,' came a reply to Vance from an account for Rep. Jack Kimble - a fictitious congressman with more than 93,000 followers whose posts have often fooled social media users. Former Trump adviser Stephen K. Bannon seized the moment to make headlines with his podcast, in which he called for Trump to seize SpaceX and perhaps even deport Musk. Politics creators such as Philip DeFranco took to TikTok with beat-by-beat breakdowns of the feud, while Musk's estranged daughter Vivian Wilson posted to her Instagram stories a clip of herself laughing, with the caption, 'I love being proven right,' possibly in reference to past comments criticizing her father and Trump. In the Reddit community r/politics, self-styled sleuths conducted deep dives into Epstein-related court filings, at times linking to books and YouTube series that claim to investigate Epstein's celebrity accomplices. Far-fetched conspiracy theories floated around X as users speculated whether Trump and Musk could be secretly working together toward some noble end. Critics of Musk and Trump delighted in the affair. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York), who at 35 is a social media star in her own right, was stopped by a reporter outside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday and asked for her reaction to Trump and Musk's war of words. She was quick to spit an online catchphrase: 'Oh man, the girls are fighting, aren't they?' The clip spread quickly on TikTok, where it was boosted by left-leaning talking heads and news accounts. Academic research on online algorithms has shown that social feeds often prioritize content that elicits fear or rage. High-profile fights can boost the power and profiles of people involved, as with the infamous internet feuds between Kim Kardashian and Kanye West or influencers Trisha Paytas and Ethan Klein, said Fiesler. But trending conflicts are also a boon to the second-order creators, who jump to offer 'side takes,' playing off the argument of the day to drive traffic to their own products and profiles. A divisive court battle between actress Amber Heard and her ex-husband Johnny Depp, for instance, spawned its own media ecosystem, with creators and channels dedicated entirely to dissecting the feud - at times even falsifying or exaggerating information to keep viewers hooked. 'This [Musk-Trump feud] is half my TikTok feed right now,' Fiesler said. 'The more that people talk about it, the more people feel obligated to talk about it and take sides.' It's a dynamic the principals in this fight have long since mastered. Vance posted on X on Thursday a picture of himself with the popular podcaster and comedian Theo Von, with the tongue-in-cheek caption, 'Slow news day, what are we even going to talk about?' Musk reposted it, adding a 'laughter' emoji. Under Musk's ownership, X has lost advertisers and users turned off by his politics and lax approach to hate speech, with rivals such as Bluesky and Meta's Threads siphoning left-leaning users in particular. Now he risks alienating Trump loyalists. But in the meantime, even critics of his leadership of X acknowledged Thursday that it seemed to have 'the juice' - that is, it was driving the conversation - at least for the moment. 'A public blowup between the world's richest man and the president of the U.S. is hard for people to resist witnessing first-hand, even for those that may not regularly use X,' said Jasmine Enberg, vice president and principal analyst at eMarketer, a market research firm. 'That said, our media usage is so fragmented and we're being bombarded with the news from every channel that it's not likely to be significant or sustainable.' Truth Social, meanwhile, has become an increasingly important component of Trump's communication strategy, with the self-styled influencer-in-chief firing off a steady stream of posts - at times dozens a day - lauding his own actions or taking aim at rivals. White House employees and right-leaning creators then spread the posts to other platforms, broadening Truth Social's reach and influence even as the platform underperforms compared with X, Threads or Bluesky. (Sensor Tower estimates X has about 100 times more active users.) The Trump-Musk brouhaha exemplifies how online influencer culture has permeated politics, said Renée DiResta, a professor at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy and the author of 'Invisible Rulers.' 'Online beefing is not about winning - it's a kind of performance,' she said. The interactive nature of social media allows the audience to get in on the action. 'We pick sides, cheer for our champion and keep the fight going. We make memes - we can grab some attention for ourselves and help shape the fight if we make good ones.' But what might be harmless fun in the case of celebrity gossip, she said, has a darker side when the warring parties are among the world's most powerful people. In a striking example, a threat from Trump on Thursday to cancel government contracts with SpaceX prompted Musk to reply that the company 'will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately' - a move that would have severed NASA's only means of transporting astronauts to the International Space Station. A pseudonymous X user who had fewer than 100 followers at the time replied to Musk's post, urging him to 'take a step back' and reconsider. Within hours, Musk responded: 'Good advice. Ok, we won't decommission Dragon.' The online bedlam prompted sports commentator Darren Rovell to revisit a tweet he posted in 2016 that has since become a meme: 'I feel bad for our country. But this is tremendous content.' Related Content To save rhinos, conservationists are removing their horns Donald Trump and the art of the Oval Office confrontation Some advice from LGBTQ elders as WorldPride kicks off amid fears
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Teen TikTok skin care craze may be harmful — and expensive, study finds
Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. When Ayva Peña got a phone at age 10, her interest in skin care skyrocketed. At first, she bonded over it with her mother, Giselle Peña. Together, they would have spa days with face masks and take occasional shopping trips to try out new products. But when the Rhode Island mother found a $300 anti-aging face cream in Ayva's medicine drawer, it gave her pause. 'I got very upset. … She's 15 years old,' Peña said. 'It says it makes your skin ageless, improves fine lines, wrinkles and firmness. I was like, 'This is not for you, girl.'' Peña is among a growing number of parents concerned about how content on social media platforms is influencing children and teens into trying out elaborate, often age-inappropriate skin care products. Now, a study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics may confirm those parents' worries. After analyzing beauty routines from 100 TikTok videos by content creators ages 7 through 18, researchers found an average of 11 potentially irritating active ingredients among their regimens, many of which carry a risk of developing skin allergies and increased sun sensitivity. Only a quarter of the lengthy product lists contained sunscreens, however. 'The majority of (children) featured in these videos didn't have any visible acne. They had perfect, clear skin,' said Dr. Molly Hales, the first study author and a board-certified dermatologist in the department of dermatology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. 'For many of them, the harms probably outweigh any potential benefits.' Between the dozens of daily serums, moisturizers, toners and cleansers featured in the videos, the average routine was six steps long, costing about $168 — with some more than $500 — for one month's worth of product, according to the study. 'When you have kids waking up at 5:30 in the morning on a school day to have enough time to layer on these complicated regimens, I think it becomes less about health and more (about) pursuing an idea of beauty that is unrealistic and problematic,' said Hales, who is also a postdoctoral research fellow at Feinberg. The findings raise serious ethical questions about how social media content influences young people in their everyday lives, she added A TikTok spokesperson, noting that this type of content is 'common across all media,' said the platform is only for users ages 13 and older, and any creators suspected to be under 13 are removed. Additionally, they said that TikTok works with third-party doctors and experts in adolescent development to implement safeguarding policies. Most of the studied skin care routines lacked a form of sunscreen but contained products that could increase sun sensitivity and risk of skin cancer, the authors found. Common active ingredients found in recommended skin products were alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs, mild chemical exfoliants that help remove top layers of skin cells, Hales said. While they have the intended effect of evening skin tone and creating a more youthful appearance, they are known to make the skin more vulnerable to the sun's ultraviolet rays. 'I would recommend daily sunscreen use for all ages and regimens, but especially for those using these (AHAs),' Hales said. 'It's a necessary step to prevent permanent skin damage.' Those AHAs, as well as vitamin-based ingredients such as niacinamide, are also considered potential irritants, carrying side effects such as redness and dryness, especially with overuse. 'In many cases, the girls may not have realized they were applying the same active ingredient again and again, which just increases the risk of irritation,' said Dr. Tara Lagu, senior study author and adjunct lecturer of medicine and medical social sciences at Feinberg. More than half the products contained fragrance — a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis — and 20 other inactive ingredients that are known allergens, according to the study. 'Misinformation is a big issue on social media, but especially for these content creators younger than 18,' said Dr. Sonal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist in Cleveland and director of pediatric dermatology at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. Shah was not involved in the study. 'These are sources that perhaps don't have a scientific background and are not well read in the science behind a lot of these products, how they work, or what risks they carry,' Shah said, adding that there are board-certified dermatologists on TikTok that could offer more credible advice. Other concerning trends Shah has seen in her practice, but were not mentioned in the study, include mechanical exfoliants, such as scrubbing wands or cleansers containing plastic microbeads, which are often too rough for facial skin. The study also noted that many of the creators were offering tips relevant to those with lighter complexions, which may exclude the unique skin care considerations of darker complexions while perpetuating harmful ideals of 'brighter' skin associated with whiteness. Both Shah and Hales recommend children under 18 who are not dealing with acne use a gentle cleanser with no active ingredients, paired with a fragrance-free moisturizer and a daily mineral sunscreen. In general, children will not benefit from anti-aging products that promise to boost skin elasticity or eliminate fine lines, Shah said. In these young ages, collagen production is at the highest it will ever be. As children reach puberty, however, they may produce more acne-causing hormones. In those cases, Shah recommends adding an over-the-counter product with salicylic acid or a low percentage of benzoyl peroxide. 'Their skin care does not have to be complicated and does not have to be very expensive,' Shah said. Parents 'can talk to a board-certified dermatologist or pediatric dermatologist if there are skin concerns that are significant or don't respond to over-the-counter treatment.' Ultimately, if parents are concerned about their child's skin care regimen, they should talk about it, said Jennifer Harriger, a professor of psychology at Pepperdine University who studies childhood development, in a statement. 'I think that it is always best to have open conversations with children about the messages they see on social media as well as their own intentions behind purchasing particular skincare products,' said Harriger, who was not involved in the study. It's also important to keep an open mind, understanding the social dimension of youth beauty and wellness content, Hales said. 'These videos show a kind of playful self-expression that's very appealing to this age group,' Hales said. 'These are girls who are just starting to develop their own sense of independent identity, how they present (themselves) in the world, their gender identity, and in many cases what it means to be a girl in our society.'