Pope Leo XIV's new statement on artificial intelligence argues that technology isn't neutral—it reflects the choices of those who build and use it, and we face a crucial decision about whether AI strengthens our shared humanity or fragments it like the biblical Tower of Babel. For people watching AI transform jobs, healthcare, and daily life, this matters because it reminds us that AI's impact isn't predetermined; how we choose to develop and govern it will determine whether it benefits everyone or widens divisions. You can stay informed by asking yourself who profits from AI systems you use—whether your bank, doctor, or favorite apps are thinking about fairness and human dignity, not just efficiency and profit.
A 56-year-old runner discovered that using a smartphone game called Zombies, Run! — which creates an imaginary chase scenario while you exercise — made training for his first marathon so engaging that he forgot about the physical discomfort and actually finished ahead of younger competitors. For people in their 50s and beyond who struggle with motivation or low mood, having a purpose or narrative while exercising (whether it's a game, a charity goal, or training with friends) can transform something painful into something you actually look forward to doing. You can try the Zombies, Run! app yourself if traditional running feels boring, or consider signing up for a charity marathon or local race — sometimes having an external goal and community makes all the difference in sticking with fitness.
California's attorney general is suing the DNA testing company 23andMe because hackers stole the personal information of 7 million customers last year and sold it on the internet's shadowy corners. This matters because if you've used 23andMe or similar genetic testing services, your name, email, and health details could be out there—and the company didn't protect your data properly. Worth knowing: if you've used 23andMe, check your account security settings, use a strong password, and consider whether you want to keep your genetic information stored with them.
Walmart is now offering Teladoc's virtual doctor visits through its healthcare platform, making it easier for people to see doctors online without leaving home. For people over 50 who may find it harder to travel to appointments or live far from specialists, this partnership means more convenient access to medical care at a familiar retailer. Worth knowing: next time you're at Walmart or on their website, you can ask a pharmacy worker or check their health services section to see what virtual visits are available to you.
Criminals are sending fake messages to Signal users, pretending to be from the app itself, and trying to trick people into revealing their backup recovery key—a special password that protects all your stored messages. If hackers get this key, they could read your entire message history and potentially impersonate you in conversations. Worth knowing: Signal will never ask you for your recovery key in a message, so if someone claims to be from Signal and requests it, that's a red flag—delete it immediately.
Apple is bringing Google's advanced Gemini AI to Siri on iPhones, but it turns out the technology will need to rely heavily on Google's powerful computers in the cloud rather than running entirely on your phone itself. For you, this means Siri could become much smarter at understanding questions and giving helpful answers, though some of your requests will be processed by Google's servers rather than staying private on your device. Worth knowing: when Siri gets this upgrade later this year, you might notice it asks for your permission to send certain requests to the cloud—that's your cue to decide if you're comfortable with that trade-off for better AI assistance.
California's top lawyer is suing the DNA testing company for claiming a 2023 data breach wasn't serious, when in fact millions of people's genetic information and family details were exposed to hackers. If you've used a ancestry or health DNA test, this matters because your most private biological information could have been accessed without proper safeguards in place. Worth knowing: check your email for any breach notification letters, and if you use 23andMe or similar services, review your account security settings and consider enabling two-factor authentication to protect what remains.
A company that runs phone services in prisons left sensitive information—including driver's licenses from over 300,000 people—publicly visible on the internet where anyone could see it. If you or a family member has ever called an inmate, your personal ID information could have been exposed to strangers. Worth knowing: if you've used a prison phone service, keep an eye on your credit reports and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, since criminals could use driver's license information to commit identity theft.
Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Google's parent company, has launched a new driverless taxi service using Chinese-made minivans instead of the smaller cars it used before. The company is betting this bigger vehicle will carry more passengers and earn more money, which matters because Waymo has been struggling to turn a profit despite years of investment. Worth knowing: if you live in areas where Waymo operates (currently Phoenix and San Francisco), you can now try booking one of these minivans through their app to see how the technology works in real life.
Governments around the world are trying to block young people from certain websites by requiring age verification, but this means everyone has to hand over personal information like their ID or financial details to companies that store it—creating a treasure trove for hackers and scammers. For people your age, this matters because your personal data could be exposed in a security breach, and these same verification systems can be misused by governments to censor what adults can see online. Worth knowing: before entering your personal information on any website asking for age verification, check whether the site really needs it or if there are privacy-friendly alternatives—and consider supporting organizations pushing back against these requirements.
A Thai police station's Facebook post showing officers in sparkly dresses arresting a suspect turned out to be entirely made up by artificial intelligence, not a real photograph. The station administrator created the fake image hoping to make the police look friendlier and more approachable to the public, but it was so convincing that major newspapers around the world published it as real news. Worth knowing: AI can now create images that look completely authentic, so it's wise to be skeptical of photos you see online, especially if they seem unusual or too perfect.
YouTube is adding special features designed to make listening to podcasts easier, like a simpler audio-focused screen and automatic speed controls that let you listen faster if you want. For people who enjoy podcasts while walking, driving, or doing other things, this means YouTube is finally catching up to dedicated podcast apps by making it less clunky to listen hands-free. You can try the new "on-the-go mode" starting today if you have YouTube Premium on Android, or look for it on your iPhone in the coming weeks.
