Hilary Bird

Smart devices are collecting more personal information than ever before, from what you do on the internet to where you use your phone. It’s not just smartphones, either—that smart device in your kitchen and the smartwatch on your wrist may be collecting information, too.
But what can you do? While it’s possible to limit the devices and apps you use, you probably enjoy using the technology and would rather figure out a few ways to keep your information safe, especially as you bring more new ga...

Have you ever texted while driving? Has your parent, partner, or friend ever told you to put your phone away during dinner? Do you find yourself daydreaming when you have a lot on your plate? These habits are distractions, and they’re more common than you may realize.
Distraction occurs frequently in daily life, but it’s a real enemy at work. According to one UC Irvine study, it takes an average of 25 minutes to refocus after a distraction, which can really add up in terms of time (and, ultim...

BY HILARY BIRD
Plenty of negative hype surrounds the use of social media in education. However, there is also substantial evidence that careful social media usage can benefit teens. And the benefits don’t stop there: it can also help parents and teachers if used wisely.
The positive uses for social media tend to get buried underneath an array of negative content. For that reason, I’ve collected some of my favourite classroom strategies for productive social media use and described them below....

estimates that by 2020, more than 25% of all homes will be smart homes. And as high-tech habitats grow increasingly attractive to homebuyers, many will be willing to pay more for pre-installed smart tech. Appraisers are even beginning to place increased value on homes with smart features.
But what smart home technology features are homebuyers willing to pay the most for? Typically, devices that provide greater safety, security, efficiency, or cost savings add more value than novelty gadgets.
...

A smart city sounds like a term from a science fiction novel. This is anything but fiction, though: as smart technology and Internet of Things (IoT) devices become more affordable, cities around the country are beginning to pilot the use of these devices. One such city is Cary, North Carolina.
Cary is a town near Raleigh. Considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the south, it’s expected to have a population over 165,000 in 2019. What makes Cary special? The extensive smart tech program...

We hear a lot about how technology is killing modern romance. One Google search on technology and relationships is almost enough to make you swear off tech altogether. (Almost.) But for all the doom and gloom out there, technology isn’t the boogeyman we’ve made it out to be. When used responsibly, tech can actually strengthen and enhance your intimate relationships.
Here are five ways you can use technology to improve your love life.
1. Screen Your Dates
If you’re single and trying to mingle,...

The concept of AI has been a subject of fascination for almost as long as computers have existed. However, we’ve only recently begun to see what a future with AI might actually look like and — despite the grim picture that is often painted in sci-fi stories — the outlook is pretty exciting.
Luckily for us, the AI industry is currently less focused on the task of replacing the human race with an army of brutal machines and more occupied with solving big data problems.
While this might stave of...

Sophia the Robot has always had a good head on her shoulders, and now she has a snazzy pair of legs to match.
Sophia was created by a team lead by David Hanson of Hong Kong-based Hanson Robotics and was officially activated on April 19, 2015. If you happen to forget her birthday, don’t be surprised if she gives you a dirty look—Sophia’s humanoid face uses a combination of advanced artificial intelligence and mechanical skin to mimic real human expressions and conversations.
Originally just a ...

It’s safe to say that the internet is as exciting and scary for kids as it is for parents realizing their kids are now…online. The internet provides a world away from home that kids can access from anywhere, anytime, and we can’t always be there to make sure they’re being safe.
Cyber bullies, identity theft, online predators and inappropriate content are just a click away.
We don’t want to become helicopter parents that suffocate our children by controlling every decision they make (and like ...

People say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for long-distance couples, separation can be unbearable at times. Long-distance relationships (LDRs) are more common than ever, thanks to more affordable and reliable travel, and tech gadgets have kept up with these changes fairly well. There are now a plethora of options (that cover different relationship needs) that are available.
This is great news for LDR couples, where “normal” communication methods might not cut it – i.e. texting. Mea...

As a vacation rental manager, you understand how important it is to have your property ready for guests. Keeping up with cleaning and maintenance, prepping the house with necessities, and facilitating a sm...

We’ve all experienced moments of memory loss at work—forgetting someone’s name after an introduction, forgetting where we put our cell phone, forgetting an appointment.
Forgetfulness can be common in the workplace, especially if you work in a high-stress job or are not getting enough sleep, and it’s also a normal part of aging. But how can you recognize when your absent-mindedness is a sign of something more serious?
Here are nine signs to look for if you’re concerned your memory issues may n...

In the 2017 Internet Trends Report, Mary Meeker reported a 40% growth in global eSports viewership year over year. The gaming world has also grown from 100 million to 2.6 billion users since 1995, and Meeker predicts that number will continue to rapidly rise.
What is it about eSports, otherwise called interactive gaming, that draws in so many, and how will it affect traditional sports viewership? Let’s look below at the factors that have allowed eSports to blossom in popularity and why the tr...

Social media is an integral part of our lives these days, and that’s doubly true for kids growing up in a post-Facebook world. Since parents and children are often on the same social platforms, it may seem natural to follow your child and interact. Is it a good idea though? The topic is more complex than it seems.
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
Like so many other issues around parenting, this is a case where every family and child is different. What works for one may not work for another...