Fitness trainer and media personality Jillian Michaels is urging parents to "keep the pressure on" social media companies, warning about the platforms' allegedly "addictive" algorithms and content.
Michaels made the comments during an appearance on "The Faulkner Focus" while promoting her new Fox Nation documentary, "Toxic 2: A Generation on the Brink." Michaels advised parents to limit their children's access to online activities.
"You have to do everything you can," Michaels said. "And that means putting parental controls on your kid's phone, period. Take the phone away at night, limit the sites that they can access, have communications with them regularly about the content that they're seeing online. But you also have to be realistic about what they're going to do when they're not with you."
"This is the part where we also have to continue putting pressure on the social media companies to make their algorithms safer for kids," she said. "They created an addictive product, they know it, and we need to keep the pressure on."
In the documentary, Michaels examines the risks she says children face in the modern age, including excessive screen time, mental health issues and over-medicalization.
"The truth is, a lot of parents probably don't realize the scale of what kids are dealing with today," she said. "From day one, the fragile little bodies and brains of the tiniest and most vulnerable among us are being targeted, treated and toxified from all angles."
Michaels is joined by several experts in "Toxic 2: A Generation on the Brink," including psychology researcher Jean Twenge, who argues that individuals who begin using smartphones at an early age are more likely to experience mental health issues later in life.
"In some of the best design studies, the heaviest users of social media are about twice as likely to be depressed as lighter non-users," Twenge said. "Even in other studies, you see at least often a 40% or a 50% increase in depression from not using social media to being a heavy user of social media."
"Gen Z and Gen Alpha know how bad these technologies can be for them," Twenge added. "They're the ones who came up with phrases like 'chronically online,' which make it sound like a disease, 'brain rot,' that it's bad for your attention span and your focus."
Social media companies have faced increasing pressure to be regulated and be held accountable for the potential effects of their platforms. In August, Meta agreed to pay as much as $17.1 billion and implement restrictions on teen accounts to settle claims that it designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children and misled the public about the platforms' safety. Meta denied the allegations.
For more on the potential risks personal tech and other issues pose to young children, make sure to watch "Toxic 2: A Generation on the Brink," now streaming on Fox Nation.
Fox Nation programs are viewable on demand and from your mobile device app but only forFOX Nation subscribers.Go to Fox Nation to start a free trial and watch the extensive library of your favorite FOX Nation personalities.
Have you ever found something you wanted to buy, only to wonder whether the price might drop next week? Maybe it's a new pair of headphones, a kitchen appliance or a gift you've had your eye on. You could keep checking the website every day, but who has time for that?
Here's something you may not realize. Your phone can help watch prices for you. Apple's Safari browser has a feature that monitors website changes, while Google's shopping tools offer price tracking on supported products.
That means you can spend less time refreshing product listings and more time deciding whether a deal is actually worth your money. I'll show you how to set up these alerts on an Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel.
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How to get price-drop alerts on iPhone running iOS 27
Apple introduced a feature called Notify Me in Safari with iOS 27. Instead of returning to a website to see whether something has changed, you can tell Safari what to watch. For example, you might ask Safari to notify you when a pair of headphones drops below $150. You could also monitor a sold-out item and get an alert when the website indicates it's available again.
Unlike a traditional price tracker, Safari can look for other changes on a webpage, too. However, the feature doesn't work with every website, and alerts depend on Safari detecting the requested change.
Important: Notify Me requires Apple Intelligence. It works on compatible models, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 or later. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus do not support Apple Intelligence.
Steps to set up Safari Notify Me
Open Safari on your iPhone.
Visit the product page you want to monitor.
Tap the Page Menu button in the address bar. It may appear as a puzzle piece.
Select Notify Me.
Choose a suggested request or enter what you want Safari to watch, such as "Notify me when the price drops below $150."
To change how often Safari checks the webpage, tap Edit and select your preferred interval.
Tap the checkmark to finish.
Allow notifications if your iPhone asks for permission.
Safari checks the page at your selected interval and sends a notification when it detects the change you requested. The available checking intervals include hourly, daily, weekly and monthly options. You can also use Notify Me for something other than shopping, such as watching for event tickets or a registration page to open. Just remember that updates are not necessarily instantaneous.
Can you track prices on an iPhone without Apple Intelligence?
Yes. If you have a standard iPhone 15 or another model that doesn't support Safari Notify Me, you can use Google Chrome instead. Google offers Chrome price tracking on iPhones running iOS 15 or later, including iOS 27. It works on supported product pages and requires a signed-in Google Account, history synchronization and the necessary browsing settings.
Steps to track prices using Chrome on iPhone
Open Google Chrome on your iPhone.
Visit the webpage of the product you want to track.
Tap the three-dot More menu.
Look for and select Track Price, if available.
Scroll through the available products and select the one you want.
Tap Track, then Done.
Allow Chrome notifications when prompted.
To manage tracked products, look for Track Price in Chrome's three-dot menu. You may also find alert controls under Chrome > three-dot menu > Settings > Notifications. The exact options can vary by Chrome version and account.
Don't see Track Price? The option may not be available for that product or your account. You can also try searching for the product in the Google app and looking for a price-tracking option in its shopping results.
How to get price-drop alerts on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel
Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel owners can use Google's shopping tools to track products and receive alerts when prices fall. The easiest place to start is the Google app, which works similarly on both phones. Chrome may also show price-drop indicators on shopping pages you've left open.
How to track a product using the Google app
Open the Google app on your Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel.
Tap the search bar at the top of the screen.
Type the name of a product you want to buy, such as Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, then tap Search.
Look for a picture of the product with its name and price in the search results. You may need to scroll down.
Tap the product's picture or name to see more details.
Look for Track price or a bell-shaped price-tracking icon and tap it if available.
Select your preferred size, color or other options if asked.
Choose the price you want to pay if Google gives you that option.
Tap OK to confirm.
Google can send you a notification on your phone or an email when the product reaches your selected price. Make sure you're signed into your Google Account and have notifications enabled.
Don't see Track price? Go back to your search results and tap Shopping near the top of the screen. Select the product you want and look for Track price again. Google doesn't offer price tracking for every product, and the option may not appear for every account.
How to track prices directly in Chrome on Android
There's another handy option for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel owners. Chrome can actively track prices on supported product pages and alert you when they drop. That means you don't have to leave a shopping tab open and keep checking it yourself.
Here's how to get started:
Open Chrome on your Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel.
Visit the product page you want to monitor.
Tap the three-dot More menu in the upper-right corner.
Select Track prices, if available.
If Chrome displays a first-time introduction, tap Show me.
Follow any remaining prompts to enable tracking.
You can find your tracked items under Chrome > three-dot menu > Bookmarks > Tracked products. To manage alerts, go to Chrome > three-dot menu > Settings > Google services > Getprice tracking notifications. From there, you can adjust mobile and email notifications. Keep in mind that this feature only works on supported product pages. You'll also need to be signed into Chrome with your Google Account, enable syncing for tabs and browsing history and turn on Make searches and browsing better.
Google's new Universal Cart adds another way to track prices
Google introduced Universal Cart in the United States earlier this month. The feature is rolling out across Google Search and the Gemini app, giving shoppers another way to keep track of products without constantly checking different websites. Universal Cart lets you save items from multiple retailers in one place. Once you've added a product, Google's shopping tools can monitor its price and alert you when the cost drops or an out-of-stock item becomes available again. The cart can also identify promotional codes and suggest payment options that may help you save money.
For example, if you're shopping for a new TV, you can save models from different stores and let Google watch for price changes. When you're ready to buy, you can complete eligible purchases through Google Pay or finish checkout directly on the retailer's website. Universal Cart is rolling out in the U.S., so it may not appear in every account immediately. It's another option worth checking if you already use Google Search or Gemini to shop.
Why your phone might not show the price-tracking option
If you don't see Notify Me or Track price, the feature may be unavailable for your phone, account or shopping website. Start by checking that your apps and browser are updated. On iPhone, Safari Notify Me requires a compatible device with Apple Intelligence enabled. For Google's shopping tools, make sure you're signed into your Google Account. Chrome may also require additional browsing or synchronization settings for certain shopping features.
Some product pages simply don't support tracking. In that case, try another retailer's listing for the same item. Google's price-tracking features are available in supported countries, including the United States, although availability varies by product and account.
Three things to check before buying after a price alert
A lower price can be tempting, especially when a notification pops up while you're doing something else. However, I wouldn't rush to check out without checking a few details.
Look at the price history. Chrome's Shopping Insights can show historical pricing on eligible products. That can help you determine whether today's discount is unusually good or fairly common.
Check the total cost. Shipping fees, taxes and optional extras can change how much you actually pay. Compare the final checkout price, not just the advertised discount.
Make sure you're buying the right version. A lower price might apply to a different storage capacity, color, model year or product condition. Check the details before placing an order.
A price alert tells you something has changed. It doesn't necessarily mean you've found the lowest available price.
A quick privacy consideration
Price tracking comes with a privacy trade-off worth understanding. Google's shopping tools use your Google Account to manage tracked products and alerts. Certain Chrome shopping features may also require additional browsing information or settings, including Make searches and browsing better. You should review those options before enabling them.
That setting allows Chrome to share browsing-related information with Google to improve its services. You can review these options under Chrome > 3 dots in the upper right >Settings > Google services. Apple's Safari Notify Me uses Apple Intelligence to monitor webpages for requested changes. Before enabling either feature, consider whether the convenience is worth the information and permissions involved.
One more shopping safety tip
Be careful about clicking price-drop alerts or shopping links from unfamiliar senders. Scammers can create fake sale notifications that lead to fraudulent websites. Strong antivirus software can provide an additional layer of protection by helping detect malicious links, phishing attempts and other online threats. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
Kurt's key takeaways
I've lost count of how many times I've looked at something online, decided to wait and then completely forgotten to check whether the price dropped. That's why I like having my phone do some of the watching for me. With Safari's Notify Me feature in iOS 27, compatible iPhones can monitor more than just prices.
Meanwhile, Google's shopping tools can help Samsung Galaxy and Pixel owners follow prices on supported products, while Chrome offers additional shopping features on compatible devices. My advice is to start with something you actually need, especially a larger purchase where a price drop could save you a meaningful amount. Set up an alert and see what happens. You might save some money without spending your evenings hunting through shopping websites.
Have you ever bought something only to see the price drop a few days later? Would you trust your phone to watch prices for you, or do you prefer hunting for deals yourself? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Ever notice that websites keep asking you to verify your identity when you're using a VPN? Whether you're checking your bank account, signing into email or shopping online, those repeated security checks can get frustrating. Your VPN may be part of the reason.
A VPN changes the IP address websites see, which can sometimes trigger additional verification requests. Fortunately, a dedicated IP address may help reduce those interruptions while keeping your VPN protection enabled. Here's what you need to know.
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First, let's set the record straight: A VPN generally does not interfere with how your passkeys or two-factor authentication codes work. Time-based authenticator codes are generated on your device and can work without an internet connection. Passkeys use cryptographic keys to verify your identity during a sign-in, while push notification approvals require a network connection. A VPN can usually work alongside all of these methods. What it does change is the public IP address websites see. When you connect through a VPN server, websites and apps see that server's IP address instead of your usual public IP address.
That's the whole point. But it's also why banks, email providers, and financial apps sometimes get nervous. These services use your IP address as one of many signals to decide whether a login looks legitimate. If you always log into your bank from roughly the same location and the same address, and suddenly your account is being accessed from a different city or a different country, the system flags it. Not because your VPN broke anything, but because from the app’s point of view, someone new just walked in the door.
Why changing IP addresses can trigger extra security checks
One common trigger is a VPN connection that uses shared IP addresses. Your public IP address may change when you reconnect or switch servers, although some VPN connections can keep the same address across multiple sessions. For a bank or workplace login portal that recognizes your usual login patterns, an unfamiliar IP address or location can raise a red flag.
The second trigger is shared IP addresses themselves. When hundreds of users connect through the same VPN server, they all appear to be coming from the same address. Websites and security systems recognize these addresses as VPN traffic and treat logins from them with extra suspicion. That means more CAPTCHAs, more verification steps, more temporary lockouts. Neither of these is a flaw in your VPN. It's doing exactly what it's supposed to do. But if you're regularly logging into sensitive accounts, those extra security checks can get frustrating fast.
How a dedicated IP can reduce login interruptions
One potential solution is a dedicated IP address. Instead of sharing an IP address with other VPN customers, you receive a fixed address reserved for your use. Each time you connect to that dedicated VPN location, websites see the same public IP address. This consistency may help reduce unnecessary CAPTCHAs and security checks, especially on services that consider your usual login location.
However, a dedicated IP doesn't guarantee that a bank or website will recognize your connection as trusted. Security systems also evaluate your device, account activity and other risk signals.
Some VPN providers offer dedicated IP addresses as part of their subscription plans or as a paid add-on. These services let you maintain a consistent IP address while keeping your internet traffic encrypted through the VPN. However, privacy protections vary by provider, so check how your dedicated IP is assigned and whether it can be linked to your account.
There is also an important trade-off. Because only you use your dedicated IP, websites may find it easier to associate repeated visits with the same address. Shared VPN addresses can provide greater privacy against IP-based tracking by mixing your traffic with other users.
For people who frequently encounter login interruptions, a dedicated IP may provide a more consistent browsing experience without giving up VPN encryption.
For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
If you're still running into extra verification requests, here are five things worth trying.
1) Switch to a different VPN server
Some VPN server IP addresses trigger more security checks than others. Try connecting to a server closer to your actual location. This may help reduce verification requests, although websites can still recognize VPN traffic.
2) Use split tunneling for trusted apps
Some VPN services offer split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection. For example, you might allow your banking app to connect directly to the internet while keeping other apps protected by the VPN. Just remember that apps bypassing the VPN will expose your regular public IP address. Feature availability varies by provider and device. Only bypass the VPN for sensitive apps when you're using a network you trust.
3) Check your authenticator app's clock
If your six-digit authentication codes aren't working, your device's clock could be the problem. Time-based codes depend on accurate time settings. Make sure your phone's date and time are set to automatic. If codes still fail, confirm you're selecting the correct account in your authenticator app.
4) Let trusted websites remember your device
Some websites offer a "Don't ask again on this device" option after you verify your identity. Selecting it can reduce repeated security checks on your personal computer or phone. Make sure your browser allows cookies for those websites, since private browsing or automatically clearing cookies can cause them to forget your device. Never use this option on a shared or public computer.
5) Don't approve unexpected login requests
A VPN can trigger extra security checks, but that doesn't mean every authentication request is legitimate. If your phone asks you to approve a login you didn't initiate, deny it. Someone could be trying to access your account. Check your recent account activity for unfamiliar sign-in attempts. If you spot anything suspicious, change your password and review your account's security settings.
I like the extra privacy a VPN provides, but I can understand how repeated security checks could get frustrating. A VPN generally works alongside passkeys and two-factor authentication without interfering with their underlying security. However, changing IP addresses and shared VPN connections can prompt websites to request additional verification. A dedicated IP may reduce those interruptions by giving websites a more consistent connection to recognize. It won't eliminate every security check, but it can make frequent logins more convenient. The most important thing is to keep your authentication protections enabled, even when an extra verification step feels inconvenient.
Have you ever been locked out of an account while using a VPN, or found a solution that smoothed things out? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Take a look inside your wallet. There is a good chance at least one piece of plastic in there does little more than display a barcode. Maybe it is your library card. Perhaps it is a gym membership, grocery rewards card or another card you pull out every once in a while. Until now, getting some of those cards onto an iPhone could depend on whether the organization offered its own digital pass. Apple is changing that with iOS 27.
The latest iPhone software lets you create your own pass in Apple Wallet from a physical card, photo or screenshot. Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel owners have similar options, which means you may be able to leave a few more plastic cards at home. Here is how to turn a membership card into a digital pass on all three phones.
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Apple added the ability to create your own passes in Wallet with iOS 27. This comes in handy when a membership or loyalty card has a barcode or QR code, but the organization never gave you an "Add to Apple Wallet" button. Apple specifically points to library cards and gym memberships as examples.
If you have an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, you can create a pass from a photo or screenshot containing the barcode or QR code. Apple Intelligence recognizes the code and can give you the option to add it to Wallet.
Apple Intelligence on iOS 27 requires a supported device, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 family and later compatible models. Availability can also depend on your language and region. However, Apple also gives you a manual way to create a pass directly inside Wallet.
How to create an Apple Wallet pass from a photo or screenshot
First, make sure the barcode or QR code is clearly visible. A blurry photo could make the code difficult for your iPhone to recognize or for a scanner to read later. On a compatible iPhone, Apple Intelligence can recognize the barcode or QR code in a photo or screenshot and offer to create a Wallet pass.
On a compatible iPhone running iOS 27 or later:
Take a photo or screenshot that includes the barcode or QR code.
Tap Add Pass to Wallet when the option appears. If you're viewing an existing photo in the Photos app, tap the Info button or swipe up to find that option.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Pro tip: After you create the pass, you can tap View Original Photo to see the image you used.
How to manually create a pass in Apple Wallet
You can also build a pass yourself in iOS 27. This gives you another option when you want to add the information manually.
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
Tap the + button, then tap Create a Pass.
Tap Create Pass Manually, then choose a template.
Tap any field to enter or edit its information.
When you're finished, tap Done.
How to edit a pass you created in Apple Wallet
Once you've created a pass, you can customize its appearance or change the information it contains. You can also add or remove fields if you want different details displayed.
Open the Wallet app.
Tap the pass you want to change.
Tap the More button, then tap Edit Pass.
To change the background or color, tap the paint palette button.
To change which fields appear, tap the Edit button > Add or Remove Fields, then select the fields you want.
To change information already on the pass, tap the field you want to edit.
Samsung Galaxy owners already have a similar option through Samsung Wallet. Samsung says almost any membership card with a barcode can be stored in the app.
On a Galaxy phone running the latest available Samsung software:
Open Samsung Wallet.
Tap All.
Tap Memberships.
Choose how you want to add the card.
Select Import from Gallery if you already photographed it, or choose Take a picture to scan its barcode or QR code.
You can also choose the option to enter membership information manually.
Follow the onscreen instructions to save the card.
Samsung also supports participating memberships that are already built into Wallet. Once you need the card, open Samsung Wallet and select the membership. The barcode can then appear on your screen for a cashier or compatible reader to scan. Menu names can vary slightly depending on your Galaxy model and Samsung Wallet version.
How to turn a membership card into a Google Wallet pass on Pixel
Google Wallet can save passes from images when they contain a barcode or QR code. Google specifically lists library cards, gym passes and parking passes as examples.
On a Google Pixel running the latest software:
Take a clear photo of the card and make sure its barcode or QR code is easy to see.
Open Google Wallet.
Tap Add to Wallet.
Tap Photo.
Tap Manual.
Tap the photo library icon.
Choose the photo of your card.
Add a name and description for the pass.
Tap Add.
When you need the card, open Google Wallet and select the pass. You can then scan its barcode or QR code at the reader.
Tip: Google also lets you return to the original image you used to create the pass. Open the pass and tap the More button in the upper-right corner to find the original image.
You may also see Everything else under Add to Wallet. Google uses this option for creating other types of passes from a photo. Select Everything else, accept the consent terms if prompted, then take a photo or choose one from your phone. Google will preview the information it detects so you can review and manually edit it before tapping Add.
What kinds of cards should you try?
Start with cards whose main purpose is giving a business or organization a barcode or QR code to scan. A library card is an obvious candidate. Gym memberships and store loyalty cards may work well, too. Parking passes and other simple barcode-based credentials can also be good candidates, depending on how the organization verifies them.
The easiest test is to look at the physical card. If the person behind the counter normally scans a static barcode or QR code printed on it, there is a reasonable chance a digital version can work. Keep the physical card until you have successfully tested the digital version. Some scanners may have trouble reading a phone display, and some organizations may require the original card.
What these homemade digital passes cannot replace
There is an important limit here. Creating a digital pass from a photograph does not turn every card in your wallet into an official digital credential. Do not assume you can photograph a driver's license, credit card, secure workplace badge or another sensitive credential and use the resulting image as an official replacement.
Some digital credentials require verification from the organization that issued them. Payment cards also have separate security and enrollment requirements. Event tickets deserve extra caution. Many ticketing services now use barcodes that refresh or change to prevent fraud. A screenshot of one of those codes may fail at the gate. Whenever an issuer provides an official Add to Apple Wallet, Add to Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet option, use that instead.
I like this iOS 27 addition because it fixes a surprisingly annoying limitation. I have had plenty of cards with perfectly usable barcodes that could not go into Apple Wallet simply because the organization behind them never created a digital pass.
Now Apple is giving iPhone owners more control over that process. Samsung and Google already offer useful ways to accomplish something similar, so this is one of those rare phone features that can help you regardless of which of the big three you carry.
I would start with the low-risk stuff. Put your library card or gym membership on your phone and see how it goes. If it saves you from carrying another card around every day, great. Just remember that a photo-based pass and an official digital credential are very different things. Your phone can replace more of your wallet than it used to, but I would not empty the whole thing yet.
If your phone could replace every card in your wallet tomorrow, which physical card would you be most nervous about giving up for good? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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