Are Facebook and Instagram too addictive for children and teenagers? That’s a question that the United States wants Meta to answer. The answer, however, comes in the form of a US$ 18 billion fine and changes to how teenagers can use the platforms.

Recently, Meta found itself in a pool of hot water over how addictive their platforms are for younger users. The government alleges that the company incentivizes a teenager’s prolonged usage and collects their data without their consent.

After some deliberation, Meta has agreed to the US$ 18 billion settlement and policy changes for younger users, pending the court’s agreement, of course.

Besides the hefty (but ultimately insignificant for the multi-billion dollar company) fine, Meta will impose stricter limits on teenage use. For example, teenagers can now use the platforms for only up to two hours per day. Meta will also block usage between midnight to 6AM. Parents can still manually change these limits. The platforms are also blocking notifications for younger users at night and during school hours.

Meta says that they’ll increase these limits to only one hour per day and a block from 10PM to 7AM, if rival platforms like YouTube and TikTok follow in their footsteps. They will also withhold 30 percent of the fine, unless these same platforms agree to the limits.

Most notably, Meta is starting a new “non-algorithmic” feed for teenagers which limits what they see only to accounts that they actually follow. This prevents the algorithm from sinking them into an endless doom-scrolling loop. Honestly, we wish that this “feature,” which is already what Meta was years before, comes to all users, too.

Though these measures are a welcome change to combat addiction, it’s only the tip of the iceberg on what Facebook and Instagram can change for the better. One can hope that this settlement will lead to more changes in the future.

BINI and KATSEYE topped recent Google Search trends ahead of their Coachella performances this month.

It’s clear that Coachella attendees are curious about the popular Philippine pop girl group, as well as the Los Angeles-based global girl group.

That’s aside from dedicated BLOOMs who are eager to see Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena take part in the legendary California music festival on Friday, April 10.

According to Google Trends data, global searches for the term “BINI Coachella” hit a perfect
score of 100 on April 8.

This indicates that the search term briefly became the highest-ranking search trend.

Meanwhile, “KATSEYE Coachella” scored 98 on April 7 on Google Trends, followed by a perfect 100 on April 8.

The timing of KATSEYE’s new single, “PINKY UP” couldn’t have been better as it dropped just a day before their Sahara stage set.

At the same time, the Filipino octet has also released “Blush” as their new comeback song — just hours ahead of KATSEYE.

As such, EYEKONS have also been scouring the interwebs for the global girl group.

And as these are worldwide search data, the recent Google Search trends somewhat prove these artists are effectively breaking through the global mainstream, and introducing their respective cultures to the global stage.

After an accidental wine night, I almost drunk-texted my long-term, long-distance, low-commitment casual boyfriend — until I saw Jam Villanueva’s screenshots splashed all over Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and everywhere else.

In case you’re out of the loop, Villanueva is now the ex-girlfriend of Filipino actor Anthony Jennings, who’s allegedly caught in a sizzling affair with his co-star Maris Racal. The drama allegedly unfolded while Jennings and Racal filmed Incognito.

This tea is extra spicy because Racal, months ago, split with long-term boyfriend Rico Blanco, who insisted Jennings wasn’t involved. But as they say, time tells all — and honestly, the math isn’t mathing.

Cue me, waking up with wine-stained teeth and fresh eyes (still a little red from the wine).

Suddenly, the Racal-Jennings affair felt less like a scandal and more like a masterclass in thirst trap captions. Because honestly, those lewd texts? They’re a treasure trove for Instagram, TikTok, and maybe even Bumble.

So, to save you the trouble of scrolling through messy screenshots, I’ve rounded up the best lines and how to use them — because you deserve captions as hot as you are.

“can we delete msgs?”

Best used for: smokin’ hot mirror selfies with an air of mystery. Bonus points if you’re holding the hand of someone — but don’t hard-launch them just yet.

P.S. Let it actually be your man. We don’t condone home-wrecking here.

“come be my pillow”

This one’s for those sultry bedtime selfies where your makeup or skincare glow is fire. A literal thirst trap, no explanation needed.

“you look so tired i wanna baby u”

Perfect for an irresistible photo meant to elicit a DM from your crush. Just make sure they’re single, because you’re better than a messy love triangle.

“not ready for ‘I love yous'”

For my commitment-free girlies. Use this when you’re traveling solo or just out here thriving, reminding the world you’re too fabulous to settle but still worth worshipping.

“that was so hot”

Post this after a fiery gym session, a post-run selfie, or a beach pic in that new swimsuit that has you feeling yourself.

“smoke then f*ck”

For your night-out pics in that dress — the one you wear when you’re ready to dominate the club (or the smoking area).

“really wanna smoke tonight”

Best paired with a sultry balcony shot overlooking a city skyline. Bathrobes optional but recommended.

“you’re sexy in person”

Mysterious but bold, this line shines with photos where you’re giving just enough. Think: covered face, fine body. Let them wonder.

“wish this night was longer”

For those cozy-yet-sexy bedtime shots in lingerie or silk. Keep it ambiguous: are you pining for someone, or just enjoying your own glow?

“but i like being held by you”

The ultimate flirt caption. Post with a smokin’ hot selfie, and trust me, the right person will slide into your DMs. And maybe, sliding something else soon.

“i’ll touch myself”

For the queens who know their worth and take pride in self-love. Celebrate you and your right to the Big O.

“you forgot your sweater”

An iconic caption for pics with no clothes on (or strategically placed blankets). Your crush should leave their sweater behind for you to sniff like a rom-com heroine.

“u miss my body?”

An iconic caption for when your photo is that good — so good, even you’re turning yourself on.

“i want baby kisses”

For the flirty queens who love a little harmless attention. Best paired with mirror selfies that focus on your glowing face and just enough of your upper body to keep them hooked. You’re not looking for love; you’re just reminding them who’s the moment.

With all these fire captions, remember: they’re for you

These captions are for self-love, not stolen love. Validate your glow, hype your body, and own your moment — but never send them to someone else’s boyfriend. We’ve all been Jam Villanueva, and trust me, you don’t want to be on the receiving end of that kind of heartbreak.

So, channel your inner diva and let them wish they had a chance. Stay confident, stay hot, and keep it classy. You’re better than a messy affair.

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