They have feelings, too

They have feelings, too: Being polite to a chatbot can get you better results. AI mimics human reactions, so if you’re rude, it might hit you with short or wrong answers. Next time, throw in a “please” and follow up with a “Great job” or “That’s perfect.”

Tags: AI (artificial intelligence), chatbots, manners


How to choose a UPS to keep your computer (and files) safe

Today’s topic isn’t the most exciting — you might call it downright boring. If you don’t care about damaging your computer and losing your work because of a power outage, keep scrolling for the tech news you need to know. You won’t hurt my feelings.

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ExpressVPN amps up security with game-changing features

The VPN game has been seriously upgraded! My sponsor, ExpressVPN, recently rolled out a slew of feature-packed updates. ExpressVPN pushes the envelope to keep your digital life locked down, from ad-blockers to a beefed-up server network.

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Check your permissions: Certain websites may have access to your webcam and microphone. To check in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox, click the icon to the left of the address bar. In Safari on a Mac, open the Safari menu and pick Settings for …

10 cents off

Per gallon of gas for being an Amazon Prime member. Here’s how: Sign up for a free Earnify account, link it to your Prime membership at amazon.com/fuelsavings and boom — discount unlocked. Now, when you visit over 7,000 BP gas stations, just enter your phone number or use the Earnify app to save while you fill up.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

⌛ Quick podcast tip: Want to listen to a podcast more quickly to save time or more slowly to understand every word? There’s usually a “1x” on the now-playing screen. It’s your playback speed. You can increase it (e.g., by 1.25x, 1.5x or 2x) or decrease it (e.g., by 0.75x).

Need extra cash? If you really want to get scammed, search on Google for “make money fast.” For a safer bet, head to my site and take a look at all the best side hustles to make money on your schedule. I’ve got your back!

Have a Yelp page? Businesses that display their hours, phone number, website and a photo on Yelp get 7.6 times more pageviews per month. Dang. Log in and make sure yours is up to date!

Forgot why you walked into the kitchen? I love this trick to use with a smartphone assistant. Say, “Hey, Siri/Google, remind me to do [task] when I get to [location].” This is perfect for when you need to do something specific when you arrive at a place, like, “Remind me to defrost the chicken when I get home.”

🎄 ICYMI: It’s not the holidays without a Hallmark movie (or five). Luckily, Hallmark just released its holiday movie schedule. Here’s a link so you can print it out for friends, family — or yourself. ‘Tis the season!

Dino-mite: That little dino game Google displays in Chrome when your internet is out is surprisingly fun. You can play it even if your connection is good. Type chrome://dino into the Chrome browser address bar and hit Enter. Use the spacebar to hop over obstacles.