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Axios
3 days ago
- Health
- Axios
Young U.S. men among the loneliest: Gallup
Nowhere in the world are young men as lonely in comparison to other people in their country as they are in the U.S., per a new Gallup poll. Why it matters: Loneliness is linked to a host of health problems, including increased risk for heart disease and dementia. By the numbers: One in four U.S. men ages 15 to 34 said they felt lonely a lot of the previous day, per new global Gallup data. That's a higher proportion than young American women (18%) — and than young men in other wealthy democracies. They also reported more stress and worry than others in the U.S. Between the lines: Although a separate survey, from Pew Research Center, did not find that men were lonelier, it noted that women tap into broader emotional support networks. Women were more likely than men to seek support from their mother (54% vs. 42%) or a friend (54% vs. 38%). Both relied heavily on their partner (74% each). The intrigue: In the Pew survey, men did not report having fewer friendships than women.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The biggest barrier to AI adoption in the business world isn't tech – it's user confidence
The Little Engine That Could wasn't the most powerful train, but she believed in herself. The story goes that, as she set off to climb a steep mountain, she repeated: 'I think I can, I think I can.' That simple phrase from a children's story still holds a lesson for today's business world – especially when it comes to artificial intelligence. AI is no longer a distant promise out of science fiction. It's here and already beginning to transform industries. But despite the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on developing AI models and platforms, adoption remains slow for many employees, with a recent Pew Research Center survey finding that 63% of U.S. workers use AI minimally or not at all in their jobs. The reason? It can often come down to what researchers call technological self-efficacy, or, put simply, a person's belief in their ability to use technology effectively. In my research on this topic, I found that many people who avoid using new technology aren't truly against it – instead, they just don't feel equipped to use it in their specific jobs. So rather than risk getting it wrong, they choose to keep their distance. And that's where many organizations derail. They focus on building the engine, but don't fully fuel the confidence that workers need to get it moving. Albert Bandura, the psychologist who developed the theory of self-efficacy, noted that skill alone doesn't determine people's behavior. What matters more is a person's belief in their ability to use that skill effectively. In my study of teachers in 1:1 technology environments – classrooms where each student is equipped with a digital device like a laptop or tablet – this was clear. I found that even teachers with access to powerful digital tools don't always feel confident using them. And when they lack confidence, they may avoid the technology or use it in limited, superficial ways. The same holds true in today's AI-equipped workplace. Leaders may be quick to roll out new tools and want fast results. But employees may hesitate, wondering how it applies to their roles, whether they'll use it correctly, or if they'll appear less competent – or even unethical – for relying on it. Beneath that hesitation may also be the all-too-familiar fear of one day being replaced by technology. Going back to train analogies, think of John Henry, the 19th-century folk hero. As the story goes, Henry was a railroad worker who was famous for his strength. When a steam-powered machine threatened to replace him, he raced it – and won. But the victory came at a cost: He collapsed and died shortly afterward. Henry's story is a lesson in how resisting new technology through sheer willpower can be self-defeating. Rather than leaving some employees feeling like they have to outmuscle or outperform AI, organizations should invest in helping them understand how to work with it – so they don't feel like they need to work against it. Many organizations do offer training related to using AI. But these programs are often too broad, covering topics like how to log into different programs, what the interfaces look like, or what AI 'generally' can do. In 2025, with the number of AI tools at our disposal, ranging from conversational chatbots and content creation platforms to advanced data analytics and workflow automation programs, that's not enough. In my study, participants consistently said they benefited most from training that was 'district-specific,' meaning tailored to the devices, software and situations they faced daily with their specific subject areas and grade levels. Translation for the corporate world? Training needs to be job-specific and user-centered – not one-size-fits-all. It's not exactly shocking: Younger workers tend to feel more confident using technology than older ones. Gen Z and millennials are digital natives – they've grown up with digital technologies as part of their daily lives. Gen X and boomers, on the other hand, often had to adapt to using digital technologies mid-career. As a result, they may feel less capable and be more likely to dismiss AI and its possibilities. And if their few forays into AI are frustrating or lead to mistakes, that first impression is likely to stick. When generative AI tools were first launched commercially, they were more likely to hallucinate and confidently spit out incorrect information. Remember when Google demoed its Bard AI tool in 2023 and its factual error led to its parent company losing US$100 billion in market value? Or when an attorney made headlines for citing fabricated cases courtesy of ChatGPT? Moments like those likely reinforced skepticism – especially among workers already unsure about AI's reliability. But the technology has already come a long way in a relatively short period of time. The solution to getting those who may be slower to embrace AI isn't to push them harder, but to coach them and consider their backgrounds. Bandura identified four key sources that shape a person's belief in their ability to succeed: Mastery experiences, or personal success Vicarious experiences, or seeing others in similar positions succeed Verbal persuasion, or positive feedback Physiological and emotional states, or someone's mood, energy, anxiety and so forth. In my research on educators, I saw how these concepts made a difference, and the same approach can apply to AI in the corporate world – or in virtually any environment in which a person needs to build self-efficacy. In the workplace, this could be accomplished with cohort-based trainings that include feedback loops – regular communication between leaders and employees about growth, improvement and more – along with content that can be customized to employees' needs and roles. Organizations can also experiment with engaging formats like PricewaterhouseCoopers' prompting parties, which provide low-stakes opportunities for employees to build confidence and try new AI programs. In 'Pokemon Go!,' it's possible to level up by stacking lots of small, low-stakes wins and gaining experience points along the way. Workplaces could approach AI training the same way, giving employees frequent, simple opportunities tied to their actual work to steadily build confidence and skill. The curriculum doesn't have to be revolutionary. It just needs to follow these principles and not fall victim to death by PowerPoint, or end up being generic training that isn't applicable to specific roles in the workplace. As organizations continue to invest heavily in developing and accessing AI technologies, it's also essential that they invest in the people who will use them. AI might change what the workforce looks like, but there's still going to be a workforce. And when people are well trained, AI can make both them and the outfits they work for significantly more effective. Greg Edwards does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump was convicted of 34 criminal counts a year ago. Can he pardon himself?
In the days leading up to the anniversary of his own criminal conviction, President Donald Trump issued a flurry of clemency acts. On May 30, 2024, a New York jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, the first time a former president had ever been convicted of a crime. Prosecutors argued Trump disguised reimbursements for a $130,000 hush money payment for porn star Stormy Daniels as legal expenses ahead of the 2016 election. In January, Judge Juan Merchan issued an "unconditional discharge' sentence for Trump's conviction, meaning he received no prison time or probation. The other cases in which he was also indicted are not moving forward while he is in office. But back in the White House, Trump has used the presidential power of clemency to ease consequences for people convicted of tax evasion, murder and bribery, to name a few. But can Trump use his clemency power on himself? Trump pardons: Todd and Julie Chrisley, health care tax cheat, Jan. 6 rioters A president issuing a self-pardon would be unprecedented, so its legality is unclear. If he did try it, it would not apply to the hush money case. Presidential pardons only apply to federal cases, not state cases. The Constitution states the president "shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." That text limits the pardoning power by excluding state criminal offenses and civil claims, according to the Constitution Annotated. More: Trump's latest wave of pardons includes rapper, GOP governor convicted of corruption Trump was convicted in a New York state case. The federal cases he was charged in, led by special counsel Jack Smith, were dismissed after Trump was elected to serve a second term. It is a longstanding policy at the Justice Department to prosecute a sitting president. In addition to those convicted in the Jan. 6 riots, Trump has granted clemency, including pardons and sentence commutations, to more than 45 people as of May 29. In his first term, he granted 238 clemency acts, according to Pew Research Center, which also found former President Joe Biden had granted more clemency acts than any other president on record with 4,245 acts. Some recent Trump pardons and sentence commutations that made headlines include: Paul Walczak, the son of a wealthy Republican donor who was convicted of tax evasion for siphoning more than $10.9 million in payroll taxes from the paychecks of doctors and nurses. He had been sentenced to 18 months in prison. Michele Fiore, a former Las Vegas City Councilwoman who was convicted of federal charity fraud after misusing donations for a planned police memorial. She had not been sentenced when she was pardoned. Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff convicted of bribery in what prosecutors called a "cash-for-badges scheme.' He was set to start a 10-year prison sentence on May 27, 2025. Todd and Julie Chrisley, reality TV stars convicted of conspiring to defraud community banks, defraud the IRS and commit tax evasion in 2022. Todd Chrisley had been sentenced to 12 years in prison and Julie had been sentenced to seven years in prison. Larry Hoover, a Chicago gang leader serving multiple life sentences for charges including murder, extortion and money laundering, had his federal sentence commuted. Hoover attracted celebrity attention in calls to be freed, including from rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. Hoover will remain behind bars to continue serving for state charges. Contributing: Jeffrey Meehan, Reno Gazette Journal; Hannah Phillips, Palm Beach Post; Bart Jansen, KiMi Robinson, Jay Stahl, Aysha Bagchi, Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY; C.A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@ Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @ This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Can Trump pardon himself? What to know on conviction anniversary
India.com
4 days ago
- General
- India.com
Muslim population to decline in these countries by 2050; Hindus to…, Muslims in India…
Millions of people live on planet Earth, each following a religion such as Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, or others. The U.S.-based Pew Research Center in its study 'The Future of World Religions' has estimated that by the year 2050, Islam will become the most followed religion in the world. The report further mentioned that the Muslims are projected to rise from 23% of the world's population in 2010 to 30% in 2050. As per a U.S.-based Pew Research Center report, 'The Future of World Religions,' the global Muslim population is currently estimated in 2010 at 1,599,700,000, and it is projected to reach 2,761,480,000 by the year 2050. Interestingly, there's one part of the world where the Muslim population is actually expected to decline. Back in 2010, about 61.7% of the world's Muslims lived in the Asia-Pacific region. But by 2050, that share is projected to drop to 52.8%.
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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
This Is the No. 1 Place to Live in the U.S. for Affordability and Cost of Living
In a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, a majority of Americans said the economy was either only in "fair" or "poor" shape, with 63 percent citing "inflation" as a major concern. If this is your top priority too, know that one, we can relate, and two, GoBankingRates may have a few suggestions on where you can relocate to in the U.S. to experience a more affordable lifestyle. The website released its "Most Livable Destinations" list, including 10 spots where you can live a great life without a six-figure income. For this report, GoBakingRates first sourced the 50 best places to live from U.S. News & World Report's "250 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026." Next, it looked into each city's average monthly and annual rent, which it sourced from Zillow's April 2025 data. It also examined each city's annual expenses for groceries, health care, utilities, and transportation, all based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2023 Consumer Expenditure Survey data points. And to determine the salary needed in each place, GoBankingRates followed the "50/30/20 budget rule," which Investopedia explained, "suggests that you spend 50 percent of your budget on needs, 30 percent on wants, and 20 percent on your savings goal," with housing falling under that "need" category too. After reviewing all the data, GoBankingRates named Laredo, Texas, the most affordable city, thanks to its annual cost of living expenses for homeowners at just $36,008 and the salary needed for homeowners at $72,015. It also found that the annual cost of living expenses for renters was just a touch higher at $36,888, and the salary needed for renters was also a smidge higher at $73,776. Texas also took the second-place spot thanks to the affordability of McAllen, where the annual cost of living expenses for homeowners is just $36,287, with the salary needed for homeowners at $72,574. The city's annual cost of living expenses for renters is $38,742, with the salary needed for renters at $77,484. These two Texas locations are joined by Moore, Oklahoma, in third, followed by Midland, Michigan; Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Springdale, Arkansas; Saint Peters, Missouri; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and West Des Moines, Iowa, rounding out the top 10. And while each of these spots requires less than $100,000 a year, GoBankingRates noted that all of the cities require an above-average salary to live comfortably." It added, "The average salary in the U.S. is about $67,000, but you'll need to earn over $70,000 to live comfortably in the top city for renters and over $72,000 to live in the top city for homeowners." See the full report at
