social

Star NBA players like LeBron James take to social media to praise the Miami player’s incredible scoring achievement.

Miami Heat centre Bam Adebayo’s 83-point performance against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday – the second-highest scoring game in NBA history – was a historic statistical line no one saw coming.

The Heat star shot 20-43 from the floor and was 7-22 from beyond the three-point line. Thirty-six of his 83 points came from the free-throw line (36 of 43).

Entering the game, Adebayo was averaging just 18.9 points per night this season, placing him outside the top 40 scorers in the league.

Now, the 28-year-old only trails the legendary Wilt Chamberlain for most points scored in a single NBA game after he passed the late Kobe Bryant’s 81-point masterpiece against the Toronto Raptors, set in 2006.

Post-game, Adebayo spoke of the significance of passing Bryant, who he idolised growing up.

“To be 83 and passing [Bryant], in my mind, it’s like, what would he say to me? Because I’ve always wanted to have a conversation with him,” Adebayo said. “He’ll probably say, ‘Go do it again.’

“Just a surreal moment being in the company with somebody that you idolised growing up.”

Here is some reaction to the Miami big man’s incredible scoring feat from some of the biggest names in the NBA:

“BAM BAM BAM ,” wrote LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time career leading scorer, on X.

“Bro, what?” said Jalen Brunson in disbelief.

Former Miami Heat legend Dwayne Wade wrote: “83 for Cap”

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant, who was asked about Adebayo’s achievement in a post-match news conference on Tuesday, said:

“I couldn’t believe it when I was hearing about it in real time. He got 30 in the first quarter … Congratulations to Bam. I know how much work he puts in.

“I looked at the statsheet, and it’s pretty crazy, 40 shots, 40 free throws, 20 threes, that takes a lot of stamina man, that takes a lot of energy to not only go out there to put those shots up, but also make them to set the record to surpass Kobe [Bryant] as the second-highest scorer in the history of the game,” Durant added.

SOCIAL media is a great place for discovering hacks, but sometimes they don’t always work.

To save you the time and money, we have tried and tested some of the viral travel hacks that have popped up on our social media.

Whether it is grabbing an item you already have and using it for another purpose to save yourself some money or a specific product that can make travelling better, we know what works and doesn’t.

Tried and tested and would recommend

New toys for the journey

One of the best tips I’ve followed is to buy a couple of new toys and keep them out of sight until the plane journey, if you’re travelling with young kids.

Wiki sticks were recommended to me and went down a treat with my son.

Read more on travel inspo

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You can mould them into different pieces of art, then pack them away for the next trip.

A small box of Lego works very well too, and you can even pick these up in duty free at most airports.

If you’re looking to save money, a kids’ magazine with several naff plastic toys on the front works equally well – they have often kept my child entertained for the journey and the whole trip.

CBeebies magazine, Lego magazine and Pokemon magazine have held attention for a particularly long time.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Snoozeband

Any hack that promises to improve sleep will pique my interest and the Snoozeband did not disappoint me.

Essentially, it makes using headphones much more comfortable, particularly when you are trying to catch some kip.

I’ve used my band on many overnight flights – and it’s pretty much the only way I can ensure I’ll get some shut eye.

It looks a little like a sweatband or running headband in that it’s made from elasticated material that wraps around the circumference of your head, over the ears.

Built into the band are two mini speakers that line up with your ears and connect to your device via Bluetooth.

They most definitely save you that horrible discomfort that you get with traditional earbuds or AirPods-style headphones, particularly if you are leaning on a surface trying to catch some Zs or even when on a pillow.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Have an iPad for holidays-only

We have an old iPad that my child is only allowed to use on holiday.

Before the trip, I download audiobooks and Netflix shows and he’s allowed to watch as much TV as he wants on the actual flight.

He also has some apps that he is allowed to use on the holiday.

A big favourite at the moment is Simply Draw, with video tutorials on how to draw different things.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Universal plug adaptors over single country ones

Plug adapters are a travel essential that often prove to be more frustrating than you’d think.

It’s difficult to remember which countries use which type, and even if you think you know, you can sometimes still end up packing the wrong one.

Some countries will catch you out, too.

For example, even though Switzerland is in Europe it doesn’t use the standard EU Type C plug – it uses the Type J instead.

So the easiest way I’ve found to get around all of this is by packing a universal travel adaptor.

One simple block with prongs that fold in and out depending on which plugs and sockets you’ll need to use – nice and easy.

I often leave one in my suitcase: readily prepared for the next trip, no thinking required.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Inflatable booster seats

Hiring a booster seat from a car rental company can be astronomically expensive, costing up to £15 a day.

But you can buy an inflatable booster seat by BubbleBum for under £40 and take it on multiple holidays for years.

You’ll make the money back in just one trip.

Plus it’s also helpful for if you take taxis to the airport or go on coach transfers.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Balloons to cover bottles

If travelling with liquids, my biggest worry is always, what if they leak?

But a while ago whilst carrying out my daily doom-scroll session, a video came up of a woman cutting the stem off of a balloon, just to be left with the bit that would have been the spherical part of the balloon.

She then stretched this over a bottle of fake tan.

I was sold, and sure enough on my next trip I tried it out and it worked.

A bag of 20 plus balloons will set you back a couple of quid, which is well worth it when you could be saving your suitcase from being an entire ooey-gooey mess.

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

TikTok underseat bag for budget flights

Ever since I had to fork out £65 in excess baggage fees at the Ryanair departures gate, I’ve made sure never to make that expensive mistake again.

I realised just before boarding that you can’t simply eyeball your travel backpack and hope for the best – especially since the eye-watering fee cost me more than my return flights to Dublin.

So when I saw the perfect underseat bag pop up on my TikTok For You Page – black, collapsible and barrel-shaped – I knew I had to grab it.

Since my purchase I’ve been able to stuff my new bag to the brim – and it still slides perfectly into the baggage sizer at the gate.

And at £11.99, this one-off purchase has saved an over-packer like me from endless extra luggage fees!

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Ditching tours for Google Lens

A friend introduced me to the wondrous Google Lens a while back and it’s saved me hundreds on guided tours over the years.

Strolling around an unknown city and curious to know what a particular landmark is?

Snap it on your camera with Google Lens and it will be identified in a matter of seconds – and if you want to learn more about that monument’s story or historical significance, you can expand the description through use of Google’s integrated AI tools.

The Lens feature is built into the Google app, so it won’t take up an unnecessary storage on your phone.

It doesn’t just work on well known buildings either.

I often use it to identify unusual plants that I don’t recognise in tropical climates or even items of food and old artefacts in museums.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Packing cubes

If there is one thing I never do on holiday, I never check in a suitcase.

And trying all the hacks over the years, my failsafe?

The good old packing cube.

I’ve managed to cram in 10 days worth of clothes into just four packing cubes, which all fit into my hand luggage-size suitcases.

It also makes it so much easier finding my clothes, as everything is separated into tops, bottoms, jumpers and underwear.

You don’t need to spend too much on them either – certainly less than having to check in a suitcase, anyway.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Solid shampoo and conditioner bars

If you’re anything like me, packing your liquids bag often feels like an impossible challenge of fitting a million make-up items into one tiny pouch.

And once you’ve got your mascara, concealer, foundation and perfume in there, suddenly there’s no more room for your actual shower essentials.

So instead of buying a large (and often more expensive than you’d hope) shampoo and conditioner abroad, I recommend packing a solid shampoo and conditioner bar.

These won’t affect your liquids allowance, which is especially great when you’re travelling with hand luggage only.

My personal favourites are from Lush – the Squeaky Green shampoo is packed with fragrant herbs and flowers, and the ‘Big’ conditioner leaves my hair beachy and shiny with a coconut oil and vanilla scent.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Free calculator currency converter

Trying to work out if that Moroccan souk bag is really a bargain? Not sure if that cheap glass of wine is really so cheap?

You don’t need any fancy currency converter apps.

Did you know that the iPhone calculator app can be used instead?

Simply click the button at the top right and change it from Basic to Convert.

And there we go – every currency you can think of at your fingertips, so you don’t end up paying £1,000 for that rug you thought was £100 instead…

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Tried and tested and wouldn’t recommend

Foot hammock

With an old knee injury, long haul flights in economy can be pretty unbearable.

So when everyone was raving about ‘foot hammocks’ which you can tie underneath the plane seat, I was intrigued.

The mini hammock is meant to raise your legs to a higher, more comfortable position to ease pressure on your knees and back.

However, I found it didn’t help at all, instead just making my feet slide together and feel even more crammed in.

My cheaper, easier hack?

Just put a small bag on the floor underneath the seat in front of you, and rest your feet on that instead. Voila.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Mobile phone straps

A strap for your phone that hangs around your neck, allowing you to go hands free, sounds great. In reality, however, it falls short.

I don’t think you’ll ever feel fully secure parading one of your most valuable possessions around on display for the world to see, especially in city or festival environments.

The only thing standing between you and a thief is your neck.

And I’m not sure I’d fancy putting my neck on the line (quite literally).

The one time I did use a mobile strap, I found that I wasn’t able to wear it for long as my neck started to ache – and wearing it across the body, on one shoulder, defeats the purpose of having your phone easily accessible as I’d have to remove it from under my arm to use my device.

The one time I did find it useful was at a theme park, when on a roller coaster – although many places don’t allow this.

In general, though, a cross body bag is much more practical. You can carry a shed load more, too.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Elastic band phone strap

I love taking photos and videos on my phone when away, but in some spots I am stressed about losing it forever.

For example, let’s say you are on a boat tour and want to lean over the edge of the boat to take photos of the vibrant blue water.

The fear is that you’ll drop your phone in the sea, right?

Well, if you have an elastic band or hairband, you can loop this through the bottom of your phone case and pop it around your wrist for a makeshift wristband.

After seeing this on Instagram, I thought it was a great idea.

That was until the hairband snapped and my phone plummeted to the ground. Luckily, I wasn’t there.

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Mini toiletries

So-called ‘travel-sized’ toiletries are not suitable for travel at all – unless you’re planning on only showering once on your holiday.

These often overpriced minis can set you back £3 to £5 per tiny bottle, or even more if you opt for the luxury brands.

I often find that I can only get one use out of mini shampoos and conditioners, especially when you have longer hair.

And when it comes to the mini spray deodorants, it soon seems like you’re only spraying air from these aerosols.

Other than the disappointing contents, these mini toiletries are also not the most sustainable option.

Plus it can save you both time and money to simply refill a set of reusable 100ml bottles each time you go away, rather than repeatedly fork out on minis.

It’s also worth checking the toiletries your hotel already provides ahead of time.

Most hotel bathrooms are stocked up with shampoo, conditioner and body wash as standard.

So once you’ve simply topped up your refillables with your holy grail products, you’re all set.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Paper to stop clothes creasing

When packing a suitcase, it is slightly heartbreaking to think the next time you open it you’ll see the clothes you meticulously packed, but now with loads of creases.

So you can imagine when I saw someone on social media saying that acid-free tissue paper helps to prevent clothes from creasing, I was thrilled.

You are meant to place a sheet between each folder layer of clothes and essentially, the paper acts as a buffer to stop creases.

Though, having now tried this a couple of times, it hasn’t worked for me.

In the future, I think I’ll stick to using the hotel iron…

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Boarding the plane first

You know that announcement at the beginning of the flight that says families with young children can board first? Ignore it.

Unless you have masses of cabin suitcases and are worried about there being enough space on the plane, wait until the end of boarding to get onto the plane.

Because the last thing kids need is MORE time stuck in a seat.

I’d also add that if you’re child can possibly walk to the boarding gate, do away with the buggy and let them.

Because it will tire them out before the journey.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

For more travel tips, here are The Sun’s Travel Editor’s top hacks for having the cheapest ever break with Hols From £9.50.

Plus, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has visited more than 100 cities – here are her nine ways to do it on the cheap from ‘alternative’ airports to cheap business hotels.

“During that time I think that we weren’t playing badly at a club and I wasn’t playing badly but certain people decided to just send abusive messages after pretty much every game and it got to a point where I thought this is not OK,” Cain added.

“It didn’t matter what I did on the pitch and it does affect you at some point.

“You see so much of it you start thinking, are they right? Obviously you know that they’re not but I think it was becoming so much that sometimes you have to speak out.”

Cain believes people can forget that footballers “are actual humans”, with abuse affecting players’ lives away from the pitch as well as family members.

Therefore, Cain says, she will use her platform to try to prevent further abuse.

“I think when you do say something, people start deleting all the negative comments they’ve made and they think that’s OK,” she added.

“But if I can have a tiny, tiny effect on people maybe thinking before they write something, then I’ll absolutely do that.”

“You have to take the good with the bad sometimes and I understand people can get carried away and let their emotions get away from them, but I think [it is good to have] a reminder that it can have a serious effect on people’s mental health.”

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has appeared in a Los Angeles court to answer questions about accusations of harm that his company causes to young users.

The landmark trial is looking into the addictive aspects of the use of social media.

It’s part of a big wave of growing anger against tech platforms, which are said to contribute to addictive behaviour.

As a response, some countries have already started restricting access to youngsters.

Others have gone as far as banning their use for children younger than 16.

But can a court case change things?

And what role should families play in controlling their kids’ excessive use of social media?

Presenter: James Bays

Guests:

Adele Walton – Online safety campaigner

Larry Magid – CEO of ConnectSafely.org, an internet safety and security organisation that advises companies, including Facebook

Donna Dawson – Psychologist focusing on personality and behaviour

Feb. 18 (UPI) — Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify Wednesday in a trial that will decide if his social media platforms and YouTube intentionally harmed children and teens.

The lawsuit in Los Angeles was filed by a 20-year-old woman called KGM in the suit and her mother, Karen Glenn, who claim the platforms damaged her mental health as a child. It’s the first in a group of lawsuits brought by 1,600 parents, teens and school districts who allege that when teens are addicted to the platforms, they suffer from depression, self-harm, eating disorders and more.

KGM, also known as Kaley in the suit, began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at 9, said her lawyer, Mark Lanier. Despite her mother’s efforts to mitigate her social media use, Kaley sometimes used Instagram for “several hours a day.” The app’s addictive features led her to develop anxiety, body dysmorphia and suicidal thoughts, she alleges. She was also the victim of bullying and sextortion.

A Meta spokesperson said the company strongly disagrees with the allegations.

“The question for the jury in Los Angeles is whether Instagram was a substantial factor in the plaintiff’s mental health struggles,” CNN reported a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. “The evidence will show she faced many significant, difficult challenges well before she ever used social media.”

The company said it is “confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”

Plaintiffs’ lawyers in the cases say internal documents at the companies stress the goal of making apps difficult to put down like infinite scroll, auto-play, likes, beauty filters and push notifications.

“These companies built machines designed to addict the brains of children,” lawyer Mark Lanier said in his opening statements, NPR reported. “And they did it on purpose.”

The trial is in state court, which means there only needs to be nine of the 12 jurors in agreement. If Kaley and her mother win, it could lead to settlements in the other cases.

Feb. 17 (UPI) — Spanish authorities plan to investigate social media giants X, Meta and TikTok over the distribution of child sex abuse materials on their respective social media platforms, the government announced Tuesday.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said there is a pending investigation by state prosecutors into the alleged spread of artificial intelligence-generated material.

“These platforms are jeopardizing the mental health, dignity and rights of our sons and daughters,” Sanchez said in a translated post on X.

“The state cannot allow this,” he said. “The impunity of the giants must end.”

The Spanish government said it is looking at options for holding tech firms accountable for “potential criminal liability of increasingly widespread practices in the digital environment, such as the generation and dissemination of sexual content and child sexual abuse through deepfakes and the manipulation of real images to create others with explicit sexual content, thereby undermining the dignity of the victims,” as reported by The Guardian.

A recently produced report suggested that social media platforms enable the creation and rapid distribution of offensive content that enables their makers to elude detection and potential criminal prosecution.

Meanwhile, the respective social media sites profit from such activities, officials said.

Sanchez said Spain’s Council of Ministers will invoke Article 8 of the Organic Statute of the Public Ministry to ask it to investigate the alleged crimes that the three tech firms might be committing via the creation and distribution of AI-generated child sexual abuse materials using their respective AI tools.

The Spanish probe into the social media giants arose after French authorities raided X’s offices in Paris over similar accusations, but X officials there have denied any wrongdoing.

X recently added Grok AI, which is the creation of Elon Musk’s xAI artificial intelligence company. Musk also owns X.

TikTok offers AI tools, while Meta AI is integrated into Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp platforms.

The issue raises the matter of free speech laws in the European Union and the United States.

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission is among European regulatory bodies leading the European Commission’s inquiry into X over the use of the Grok AI tool to generate deepfake and sexualized images of real people, including children.

The investigation is to determine if X is complying with European laws regarding personal data and how algorithms might protect lawbreakers.

The Irish Rugby Football Union had to turn off comments on a social media post which congratulated debutant Edwin Edogbo, following replies which contained racial abuse.

Munster forward Edogbo came off the bench and played the final 10 minutes of Saturday’s 20-13 victory over Italy in the Six Nations.

The IRFU confirmed in a statement that the comments made on the social media post on Saturday are now subject to investigation.

“We’re aware of some targeted abuse online in recent days and continue to work with Signify and the relevant authorities to report it,” the full IRFU statement read.

“We will also continue to fully support all affected by the cowardly actions of a minority and investigations are under way alongside our partners Signify.

“It is clear that racist abuse has no place in Irish society and the IRFU has a zero tolerance policy towards racism of any form.”

The 23-year-old lock has made 24 appearances for Munster and has registered 30 points.

After that nervy victory on Saturday, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell praised the debutant’s contribution in his post-match news conference.

“Well, we need to celebrate Edwin’s first cap, that is for sure as it is one amazing story,” Farrell said.

“I am so pleased we were able to get a win and show some fight to get a win for him because his story is a phenomenal one so we will celebrate that with him.”