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Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Gen Z's Summer Isn't Just a Vibe—It's a Whole Crafted Persona
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Are you a coastal cowgirl or a tomato girl? This year women are embracing "summer personas" that influence everything from wardrobe choices to food preferences. According to a new poll of 2,000 U.S. women aged 18-42, 74 percent said they are actively channeling a specific "summer vibe" this year. The study, conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by smoothie brand Jamba, highlights a growing cultural phenomenon. Among those who embrace a summer persona, a striking 91 percent say it reflects their truest self—a sign that what started as TikTok trends are becoming genuine expressions of identity. File photos of women with some of the popular "summer personas." File photos of women with some of the popular "summer personas." zamrznutitonovi, Jacob Wackerhausen, OKrasyuk/Getty Images What Are Summer Personas? The concept of summer personas has evolved from a blend of internet micro-trends, nostalgic aesthetics, and the seasonal rhythm of content creation. While people have long dressed for the seasons or planned summer "eras." Starting in 2021-2022, influencers coined catchy titles often representing moods, aspirations and aesthetics. From the "vanilla girl" to the "clean girl" and of course "brat summer," Gen Z and millennials have been the driving force behind the curated persona. Jo Hayes, etiquette expert and social trends commentator, told Newsweek: "It's the universal human desire for identity, and personal life meaning, that drives this 'persona' phenomena." From Grandmacore to Pilates Princess The survey asked respondents, all either Gen Z or millennial, to choose their top persona from a list of popular seasonal aesthetics. The top choices were: Grandmacore Gals (22 percent) : Drawn to cozy, vintage-inspired simplicity. They favor comforting meals like barbecue, seafood boils, and iced tea. : Drawn to cozy, vintage-inspired simplicity. They favor comforting meals like barbecue, seafood boils, and iced tea. Coastal Cowgirls (20 percent) : Embrace rustic-meets-beachy style, enjoying frequent pool days, summer drinks, and themed gatherings. : Embrace rustic-meets-beachy style, enjoying frequent pool days, summer drinks, and themed gatherings. Pilates Princesses (17 percent) : Focused on wellness, they're the most likely to match outfits to their aesthetic, read books, and sip green smoothies. : Focused on wellness, they're the most likely to match outfits to their aesthetic, read books, and sip green smoothies. Tomato Girls (14 percent): Inspired by Mediterranean romance, this group is known for colorful food, frozen cocktails, and plenty of Instagram-worthy meals. Each persona also came with distinctive habits. For example, coastal cowgirls average 10 summery drinks per week, while Pilates princesses exercise four days weekly and read an average of seven books over the summer. "Every human craves a strong sense of identity. In previous generations, individuals would launch from these families into careers and vocations that further enforced these identities. For example, teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and most definitely the role of husband or wife, mother or father," Hayes explained. When it comes to inspiration, TikTok leads the way, with 44 percent of women citing it as their primary source for developing their aesthetic. This digital influence is translating to offline choices. A third of respondents (33 percent) said they planned their vacations around their chosen summer identity, and more than half (59 percent) matched their outfits to the look they're curating. "Many young women do find themselves in the 20-something drift," Hayes said. "They may not yet be in 'getting married' or 'having babies' territory, so they can't take on the 'wife/mom' identity... So they seek out another 'persona' to give their life some sense of identity." But is it a good idea to choose a summer persona? Hayes explained: "A sense of identity is a good thing, and if the 'persona' is a healthy one, like doing Pilates and drinking green smoothies, as long as it doesn't turn into a 'full identity' thing, where one gets completely absorbed, with blinkers on, avoiding other life-giving activities that might align with other personas."
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Electronics Warning Issued to Hundreds of Thousands in This State
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists are urging hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors across Hawaii to move electronics to higher ground as afternoon high tides pose a coastal flooding hazard over the next three days. Why It Matters The coastal flood statement covers much of Maui County and the Big Island. The NWS's explicit mention of electronics and vehicle safety underscores the threat that even minor, short-term flooding poses to essential property and infrastructure. Coastal erosion, saltwater inundation, and flood damage can be amplified during events like king tides—abnormally high tides that expose low-lying areas to unexpected hazards. What To Know The NWS coastal hazard message, effective from 6 a.m. HST Thursday through Saturday afternoon, identified the risk of "isolated minor coastal flooding" along flood-prone, low-lying shoreline areas. A stock photo shows a man on his phone. A stock photo shows a man on his phone. Jacob Wackerhausen/Getty The warning was issued as afternoon high tides coincided with water levels roughly half a foot higher than predicted, and a "large south swell" contributed to coastal inundation. According to the agency, the greatest impacts are expected during the peak afternoon high tides from Thursday through Saturday, with water levels forecast to subside by Sunday. The advisory covered a broad array of Hawaiian forecast zones, including Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Kahoolawe, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island, identifying both urban and rural communities as at risk. The NWS expected "flooding of beaches that are normally dry, minor coastal erosion, and saltwater inundation," potentially exposing electronics and vehicles to corrosive conditions. Precautionary guidance from the NWS advised residents to "move electronics, vehicles, or other valuables to higher ground" and avoid driving through flooded roadways. Those who must pass through saltwater were encouraged to rinse their vehicles thoroughly with fresh water. The agency also asked boat owners to monitor vessel mooring lines and prevent overtightening as water levels fluctuate, as well as to secure canoes and watercraft stored on beaches. The public was invited to support scientific research by submitting flooding observations to the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program's King Tides Project. Newsweek reached out to the King Tides Project by email for comment. What People Are Saying NWS Honolulu in a coastal flood advisory: "Peak afternoon high tides, combined with elevated water levels running about a half a foot higher than predicted and a large south swell filling in, will lead to minor flooding along shoreline and low lying coastal areas through Saturday. Water levels should fall below thresholds during peak afternoon high tides Sunday." The King Tides Project, on a webpage: "King Tides, or the highest high tides of the year, are a unique coastal hazard. The timing of these extreme water level events can be anticipated through the use of tidal predictions yet their impacts (e.g., coastal flooding and inundation in low lying areas) can have devastating consequences for coastal inhabitants, particularly when combined with severe weather or high wave events." What Happens Next The NWS anticipates that coastal water levels will drop below flooding thresholds after Saturday's afternoon high tides, with conditions anticipated to improve by Sunday. Until then, residents and visitors are urged to maintain precautions and remain attentive to weather updates.
Toronto Sun
13-07-2025
- Health
- Toronto Sun
Long walks may help reduce risk of chronic lower back pain: Study
Researchers say going on long walks may help reduce the risk of chronic low back pain. Photo by Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock / Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Get out your favourite walking shoes and go on an extended stroll. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Researchers found people who went on very long walks — more than 100 minutes each day — were nearly 25% less likely to have chronic lower back pain than those who sauntered for less than 78 minutes per day. According to a study published last month in the JAMA Network Open , people who saw the best benefits were not necessarily those who walked the quickest or with the most intensity. 'The more people walked, the lower their risk,' said Rayane Haddadj, of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, reported Science News . However, researchers noticed people who walked for more than 100 minutes didn't see any extra health benefits. According to the World Health Organization, the leading cause of disability around the world is lower back pain. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Haddadj sought to learn if daily physical activities such as taking a stroll and the intensity of walking had any effect on the risks of developing lower back pain. He and his researchers analyzed data from 11,194 participants with an average age of 55 who didn't report having any chronic lower back pain. They attached movement-tracking devices to their bodies for up to a week to determine walking habits. About four years later, about 1,700 said they had back issues. Researchers discovered that the group of people who walked more than 100 minutes per day were 23% less likely to have chronic lower back pain. While it hinted that a higher volume of walking helped decrease the risk of chronic lower back pain, Haddadj cautioned the research didn't prove it because walking habits may have changed over the four years. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. And because the study was observational, the cause and effect can't be fully established. 'These findings suggest that policies and public health strategies promoting walking could help to reduce the occurrence of chronic (lower back pain),' the study's authors concluded. Read More For more health news and content around diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, drugs, treatments and more, head to – a member of the Postmedia Network. Golf Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Toronto Raptors Toronto & GTA
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Newsweek
The Gen Z Work 'Trend' That's Quickly Become the Internet's Favorite Joke
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Social media users are amused and horrified by a new Gen Z trend, which many critics argue is a bad sign for the future of work. A post on Fast Company, which has since been updated, explained the idea of "micro-retirement"—frequent and longer breaks from work, which are different than paid time off (PTO). An earlier version of the post, however, called micro-retirement, "one-to-two-week breaks every 12-to-18 months." As one viral post on Reddit's forum r/millennials put it: "We used to just call it vacation." Stock image: Driver and passenger in a car on a road trip. Stock image: Driver and passenger in a car on a road trip. Photo by Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty Images Users React Other Reddit users on r/millennials were similarly concerned by the trend. "Gaslighting to prepare us for never being able to macro retire," one user said, "'But you do so much micro-retiring, it should give you the energy to work until you drop dead in your 80s'." Another person quipped: "You've taken six micro-retirements over the last 15 years, so you've already met your freedom-quota for this lifetime. Thanks for playing." Merriam-Webster offered its own definition of micro-retirements on X, formerly Twitter, with the comment: "'Vacations.' The word is 'vacations'." A Reddit contributor said, "Everything is business speak. Or success-speak oriented around business accomplishment. Or your personal efforts to save for retirement. "Like, bro, what about life and art and family? [...] I just wish that such wasn't so hard on the culture and the arts. "Everything degenerates into a sequel, or the artist having to spend 99% of their time in a hopeless hustle where the extremely business savvy succeed and all the rest of the artists receive pennies for their work." Other users said they had experienced this phenomenon in their own work culture. "I took 10 days of PTO and multiple coworkers asked me if everything was OK," an individual shared, adding, "I said yea, just taking a vacation what's the big deal?" Another person joked: "I micro retire every day for 16 hours after 5:30 p.m." User womandefiner thinks there might be something more sinister at play. I actually think this is correct and the micro retirement thing is a psyop thought up by pr firms. — Paul (@WomanDefiner) July 6, 2025 Burnout and Taking PTO However, Dan Schawbel—best-selling author and managing partner of Workplace Intelligence—told Newsweek that the term "micro-retirement" is more nuanced than simply "vacation time," at least when used correctly. "'Micro-retirement' emphasizes shorter, more frequent periods of mental and physical disengagement that can be integrated into regular routines, rather than just extended breaks," Schawbel said. "It's about proactive emotional recovery and making space for reflection, which are increasingly recognized as essential tools for sustained performance and empathetic leadership. "These intentional pauses are vital for fueling creativity and preventing chronic burnout." 'Strategic component' According to Schawbel, micro-retirement actually aligns well with the modern evolution of work and that employees and employers should see PTO as a "strategic component" of workplace sustainability. "Our research, particularly on redefining productivity and preventing burnout, emphasizes the critical need for integrating movement, strategic thinking and intentional rest into daily work life," Schawbel said. "This shift recognizes that true productivity comes from sustainable practices, not just grinding through tasks." He added that as the relationship between people and artificial intelligence evolves, new team dynamics will be necessary. "This transformation, alongside the prevalence of burnout and diverse work models, underscores the imperative for companies to prioritize employee sentiment and well-being," Schawbel said. "Organizations that foster adaptability, provide clear policies and support intentional rest are building future-ready workforces that can thrive amidst constant change."
CNET
07-06-2025
- CNET
Home Swatting: I Asked Police for Details, Here's What I Learned About This Crime Trend
In recent years I've seen a disturbing trend grow around the world -- prank calls made to emergency services, like 911, that claim someone is dangerous and armed at a specific address, aka swatting. More often than not, this leads to law enforcement surrounding an innocent home and person inside, with potentially lethal consequences. Yes, it's very illegal harassment, but it keeps on happening. Swatting began in the gaming world as a particularly malicious joke after a bad game, related to doxxing people and making online threats. But it's grown since then, with swatting becoming a consequence of political disagreements, neighborhood feuds and teenage dares. It's also grown more sophisticated, with websites and apps springing up that let you spoof your phone number (or using a VoIP service) and disguise your voice. Some even hack into vulnerable security cameras when they do it. Obviously, that's a huge headache for anyone from gamers to public figures, so it's no surprise if you're wondering about the chances of getting swatted too. I spoke with law enforcement and emergency response specialists to get the good news, the bad news and everything in between on home swatting, including what you can do to stay as safe as possible. First, the good news about swatting Many police departments are now ready for swatting problems. Jacob Wackerhausen via Getty Swatting has been around long enough that law enforcement and emergency communication centers are generally aware of it. The FBI continues to issue guidance alerts, including the latest public service announcement from April 2025. That means swatting is a bit less likely to work since responders are increasingly aware of swatting signs, like spoofed or blocked numbers, a lack of background noises, a lack of nearby confirming calls and a caller who cannot confirm key details. I reached out to the Portland Police Bureau to learn more. Public Information Officer Sergeant Kevin Allen had encouraging information. "Every time I have heard about it happening, the initially responding patrol officers have done a phenomenal job of vetting the call and determining that it is not legitimate." That's helping to avoid the fear, money and time that is wasted when people are swatted. The FBI has worked to raise awareness of swatting, too. And despite the dangers, deaths resulting from swatting are very, very low and confined to a handful of tragic cases, such as a case in Kansas in 2017 and another in Tennessee in 2020. And now that a number of swatters have been sentenced to serious prison time, internet trolls know they can face real consequences. However, the problem is that the allegations in swatting are so serious -- like murder, kidnapping, bomb threats, etc. -- that emergency services generally have to investigate. And police don't always know if it's a swatting case until they arrive at an address and check it out, which is why it can be so dangerous. But there are safety measures that you and your friends and family can take. What to do if you think you've been swatted You can prepare for swatting if you believe you've been threatened. kali9 via Getty If you've gotten threatening messages or other signs that make you think that you've just been swatted or that you will be swatted soon, there are a few important things you can do right away to stay safe. Contact law enforcement Reach out to your local police and explain the problem. "If someone thinks they might be targeted, it's a good idea to file an informational police report about it," Allen said. "Responding officers would have access to that typically, and that would help." Responses to worries about swatting can vary, but sometimes reporting that you're worried you've been swatted will be able to help. "Here in Portland, officers may set up a perimeter around a residence and try to make phone contact," Allen mentioned, "So having an accurate and current name and phone number in the system is really helpful." Also contact your local emergency communications center and explain the issue to them. Often, they'll also be able to put in a note for your address that says you are worried that you've been swatted. Get loved ones to a safe place If possible, relocate pets and family until the swatting danger appears to have passed. You may not have a lot of time, but do what you can to make sure arriving police officers won't be running into your pets or scaring any children. Stay aware and alert If you get threatening messages in a game or online forum, take them seriously and start paying attention for signs of swatting. "It's smart to maintain some awareness about what's happening in your home," Sergeant Allen advised. "Sometimes we find people are home alone, playing video games with their sound-blocking headphones and can't hear us calling, knocking or 'loud hailing' -- that's when we use a loudspeaker to call into a home." Prep your home for a visit Remember, law enforcement is often required to investigate swatting claims even if it's a prank. That means you may still get a visit even if you do everything right. Store any weapons you have and prepare to greet police. When I talked with John Chiaramonte, president of consulting services at 911 facilitator Mission Critical Partners, he suggested, "Stay calm, follow police commands and avoid sudden with commands and clarify when it's safe. Afterward, file a report and preserve any threatening messages." Chiaramonte believes that additional federal legislation should address swatting, but for now he said to remember that police officers often believe it's a real emergency. "Awareness, preparation and communication can help ensure a safe outcome," he said. How to avoid being swatted You can help lower the risk of swatting if you think you may be a target. Maria Korneeva via Getty "It's difficult to 'prevent' swatting," Sergeant Allen told me. Swatting is frightening because it's uncontrollable, and you usually don't know when or even why it's happening. But there are several practical steps that can reduce your risk, especially when it comes to the internet hordes. Turn off location services : If your gaming platform or communication hub uses location-based services, turn them off when possible. They make it much easier to find your real address online. You can usually find these settings in your profile or data-sharing sections of the apps you use. : If your gaming platform or communication hub uses location-based services, turn them off when possible. They make it much easier to find your real address online. You can usually find these settings in your profile or data-sharing sections of the apps you use. Wipe your address from the internet : "Review your online presence for sensitive personal information that could enable malicious actors to conduct a swatting attack," the FBI suggests. I have a full guide on how to do this here. You can't usually scrub your address everywhere, but you can make it a lot harder to find. Steps like using a P.O. Box and sending requests to take down personal contact info can make a big difference. Plus, you may get less junk mail. : "Review your online presence for sensitive personal information that could enable malicious actors to conduct a swatting attack," the FBI suggests. I have a full guide on how to do this here. You can't usually scrub your address everywhere, but you can make it a lot harder to find. Steps like using a P.O. Box and sending requests to take down personal contact info can make a big difference. Plus, you may get less junk mail. Don't share your address on social media or other sites : From your profile info to other ID data, don't include information on your address or the city you live in on any social media that you use. If you use a payment service, create a separate one for your online activities that doesn't have your real name attached. "Exercise care when posting content (including photos and videos) or sharing it with individuals online," the FBI reminds. That includes platforms like Reddit, Discord or Twitch. : From your profile info to other ID data, don't include information on your address or the city you live in on any social media that you use. If you use a payment service, create a separate one for your online activities that doesn't have your real name attached. "Exercise care when posting content (including photos and videos) or sharing it with individuals online," the FBI reminds. That includes platforms like Reddit, Discord or Twitch. Use a VPN if worried : A VPN can make it much harder to track your IP address and similar info that could be used to identify your location by a more determined swatter. If you're worried and you aren't already using a VPN, this is an excellent opportunity to get one. : A VPN can make it much harder to track your IP address and similar info that could be used to identify your location by a more determined swatter. If you're worried and you aren't already using a VPN, this is an excellent opportunity to get one. Remember, swatting thrives on conflict: Unless you are a celebrity, swatting usually has some purpose or triggering event behind it. The more you avoid open conflict online and if you, well, generally avoid being an asshole, the less likely it is someone will swat you. Do you need to worry about accidentally swatting someone? Not really. If you're as honest as possible with emergency services, they should be able to help you out even if you accidentally get an address wrong or lose your train of thought. But it's a good idea to take a deep breath and try not to flub any details if you're dialing 911 in an emergency. For more helpful info from our experts, check out the best home security systems, how to update your smart home passwords and if you need to worry about any kinds of smart home hacking.
