The real way Facebook knows so much about you (and how to stop it)

Is Facebook always listening? The truth is, it doesn’t need to.

Big Tech companies have far easier ways of gathering information on you. Take Google. If you use Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, Google Podcasts, and an Android phone, think about every bit of information you willingly pass along. Tap or click to erase what Google knows about you.

On Facebook, your activity speaks volumes. Say you join a “buy nothing” group. Facebook might guess you value sustainability or love saving money. This detail goes into its highly specific profile of you. Tap or click here to get free stuff in your neighborhood.

Facebook also knows what you do elsewhere because you might have connected apps sharing your data. You can stop that.

See the apps and games you have added to Facebook

If you’ve clicked “Connect with Facebook” or enabled apps or games directly through Facebook over the years, you may have lots of third parties watching what you do. Here’s how to check.

On a computer:

  • Click the downward arrow in the top right of Facebook.
  • Tap Settings & Privacy > Settings.
  • Select Apps and Websites in the left side menu.

On Android:

  • Open the Facebook app. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
  • Select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
  • Scroll down to Security, then click Apps and Websites.
  • Select Logged in with Facebook.

On an iPhone:

  • Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line menu in the lower right.
  • Select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
  • Scroll down to the Permissions section, then click Apps and Websites.

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How to leave a review on your favorite podcast

Sometimes, you listen to a podcast that’s too good to keep to yourself. We know the feeling, which is why we write guides to some fantastic shows you can’t miss out on. Tap or click here to listen to seven great podcasts that help you weed out misinformation online.

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The best way to listen to podcasts on iPhone and Android

Podcasts are exploding in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re a fun way to gobble down the content you love, and they don’t require too much attention. While you fold laundry, do the dishes or drive to work, you can listen to engaging audio stories that uplift, educate and inspire you.

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Best ways to listen to podcasts on your Android

As an Android user, you have access to a ton of different third-party apps to choose from. The open platform for Android makes it simple for developers to upload apps to the Google Play Store, which gives you an impressively wide range of choices.

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22 fun, smart and interesting podcasts worth checking out

As you face seclusion in your home for the next few weeks, finding enough activities to keep yourself and family busy can be quite a challenge. Thankfully, the internet is jam-packed with a world of ideas.

You can get busy with a well-deserved Netflix binge, play board games like Monopoly and Scrabble, or attempt a complicated puzzle. Tap or click to test your skills at the impossible ten penny puzzle.

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