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By BARBARA ORTUTAY, AP Technology Writer Nearly half of American teenagers say they are online “constantly” despite concerns about the effects of social media and smartphones on their mental health, according to a new report published Thursday by the Pew Research Center. As in past years, YouTube was the single most popular platform teenagers used — 90% said they watched videos on the site, down slightly from 95% in 2022. Nearly three-quarters said they visit YouTube every day. There was a slight downward trend in several popular apps teens used. For instance, 63% of teens said they used TikTok, down from 67% and Snapchat slipped to 55% from 59%. This small decline could be due to pandemic-era restrictions easing up and kids having more time to see friends in person, but it’s not enough to be truly meaningful . X saw the biggest decline among teenage users. Only 17% of teenagers said they use X, down from 23% in 2022, the year Elon Musk bought the platform. Reddit held steady at 14%. About 6% of teenagers said they use Threads, Meta’s answer to X that launched in 2023. The report comes as countries around the world are grappling with how to handle the effects of social media on young people’s well-being. Australia recently passed a law banning kids under 16 from social networks, though it’s unclear how it will be able to enforce the age limit — and whether it will come with unintended consequences such as isolating vulnerable kids from their peers. Related Articles National News | American released from Syrian prison is flown out of the country, a US official says National News | How to protect your communications through encryption National News | Companies tighten security after a health care CEO’s killing leads to a surge of threats National News | Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge National News | Unidentified drones spotted flying at locations across NYC, including LaGuardia Airport Meta’s messaging service WhatsApp was a rare exception in that it saw the number of teenage users increase, to 23% from 17% in 2022. Pew also asked kids how often they use various online platforms. Small but significant numbers said they are on them “almost constantly.” For YouTube, 15% reported constant use, for TikTok, 16% and for Snapchat, 13%. As in previous surveys, girls were more likely to use TikTok almost constantly while boys gravitated to YouTube. There was no meaningful gender difference in the use of Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook. Roughly a quarter of Black and Hispanic teens said they visit TikTok almost constantly, compared with just 8% of white teenagers. The report was based on a survey of 1,391 U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 conducted from Sept. 18 to Oct. 10, 2024.By Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet The battle to get here was certainly an uphill one, but people are generally feeling better about the economy and their finances than they once did. On top of that, the economy has been easing into an ideal, Goldilocks-like position — not running too hot or cooling too quickly. Throughout 2024, consumer sentiment data showed people were fairly positive about the economy and their own finances, even if there’s remaining frustration over elevated prices compared to four years ago. Looking ahead, households are feeling more optimistic about their personal finances in the next year, as the share of those expecting to be in a better financial situation a year from now hit its highest level since February 2020. Combine positive personal vibes with a strong economic picture and it looks like 2024 wasn’t so bad for consumers, after all. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road or potential roadblocks ahead. To cap off the year, NerdWallet writers reflect on the top trends in personal finance and the economy this year — and what they think might be ahead in 2025. The economy steadily grew Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet’s economist What happened: In 2024, U.S. consumers have proven resilient following a period of high inflation and ongoing high interest rates. Wage growth has been strong, owing in part to rising productivity. This has driven robust spending throughout the year, which has kept the economy growing at a healthy pace. The labor market has remained steady, though cooler than 2023, and price growth continues to moderate towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal. What’s ahead: Barring significant changes to economic policy and significant shocks, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming year. Inflation will continue to moderate and the labor market will remain relatively healthy, all due in part to continued slow and deliberate rate cuts from the Fed. However, there are risks to this path. Higher tariffs and tighter immigration policies are likely, but the extent of these changes are yet unclear. The potential policy scenarios are many, and the economic outcomes complex. Increased tariffs are generally inflationary, and stricter immigration policies could impact the labor supply and economic growth. Consumers and small business owners with their eyes to the new year should focus on the things within their control. Savings accounts offered high rates and returns Margarette Burnette, consumer banking and savings writer What happened: High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit offered elevated rates in 2024, rewarding savers with strong returns. Following the Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, high-yield accounts had modest rate decreases, but they continued to outperform traditional savings accounts and CDs. What’s ahead: We’re watching for further Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could lead to more decreases in savings rates. Credit card debt hit a high Sara Rathner, credit cards writer What happened: Credit card debt levels hit record highs, with consumers turning to credit cards to pay for necessities. While the economy is doing well, many individuals have struggled to make ends meet, as incomes haven’t kept up with certain costs. What’s ahead: We may see some policy and regulation changes with the incoming administration that could affect folks when it comes to credit cards, debt and consumer protections. Small business boomed Ryan Brady, small business writer What happened : New businesses continued to blossom in 2024 as business applications remained well above pre-pandemic levels. Confidence in the future state of the U.S. economy also spiked after the presidential election, but that optimism was tempered by concerns over rising costs and labor quality. What’s ahead: All eyes are on the incoming administration as small-business owners brace for turbulence resulting from potential tariffs, tax policy changes and dismantled government regulations. We’re also watching the possibility of interest rate cuts in 2025 and small-business owners’ growing reliance on new technologies, such as AI. Home buying remained challenging Holden Lewis, mortgages writer What happened: Home buyers struggled with elevated mortgage rates, rising house prices and a shortage of homes for sale. On top of that, a new rule required buyers to negotiate their agents’ commissions. What’s ahead: The Federal Reserve is expected to cut short-term interest rates, but mortgage rates might not necessarily fall by a similar amount. Buyers will probably have more properties to choose from, and the greater supply should keep prices from rising a lot. Interest rates on home equity loans and lines of credit should fall, making it less expensive to borrow to fix up homes — either to sell, or to make the home more comfortable and efficient. The markets were a boon for investors Sam Taube, investing writer What happened: The stock market had a great year. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% due to falling interest rates, fading recession fears, AI hype, and the possibility of lighter taxes and regulations under the new administration. Cryptocurrency also saw big gains in 2024; the price of Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in December. What’s ahead: A lot depends on how fast the Fed reduces rates in 2025. Another key unknown is Trump’s second term. Regulatory rollbacks, such as those he has proposed for the banking industry, could juice stock prices — but they also could create systemic risks in the economy. His proposed tariffs could also hurt economic growth (and therefore stock prices). Finally, it remains to be seen whether trendy AI stocks, such as NVIDIA, can continue their momentum into next year. It’s the same story with crypto: How long will this bull market last? Premiums went up for home and auto insurance Caitlin Constantine, assistant assigning editor, insurance What happened: Many people saw their home and auto insurance premiums skyrocket in 2024. In some states, homeowners are finding it harder to even find policies in the first place. Meanwhile, life insurance rates have started to decrease post-pandemic. We also saw more insurers offering online-only policies that don’t require a medical exam. What’s ahead: Auto and home insurance costs will likely continue to rise, although auto premiums may not rise as dramatically as they have over the past few years. And if you’re in the market for life insurance, expect to see competitive life insurance quotes and more customizable policies. Lawsuits and uncertainty over student loan relief continued Eliza Haverstock, student loans writer What happened: Borrowers received historic student loan relief, but lawsuits derailed an income-driven repayment plan used by 8 million whose payments are indefinitely paused. Uncertainty will carry into 2025 as a result of the presidential administration change. What’s ahead: Trump has pledged to overhaul higher education and rein in student loan relief. The fate of the SAVE repayment plan, student loan forgiveness options, FAFSA processing and more remain in the balance. Traveling in style was all the rage Meghan Coyle, assistant assigning editor, travel What happened: People are willing to pay more for big and small luxuries while traveling, and airlines and hotels are taking note. Many airlines raised checked bag fees early in 2024, credit card issuers and airlines invested in renovated airport lounges, and major hotel companies continued to add luxury properties and brands to their loyalty programs. What’s ahead: Southwest will say goodbye to its open seating policy and introduce new extra-legroom seats, a major departure for the airline. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will unveil a unified loyalty program in 2025. Spirit Airlines may attempt to merge with another airline again after its 2024 bankruptcy filing and two failed mergers under President Biden’s administration. Travelers will find that they’ll have to pay a premium to enjoy most of the upgrades airlines and hotels are making. Dynamic pricing expanded its reach Laura McMullen, assistant assigning editor, personal finance What happened: This year, dynamic pricing expanded beyond concerts and travel to online retailers and even fast-food restaurants. This practice of prices changing based on real-time supply and demand received plenty of backlash from consumers and prompted the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how companies use consumers’ data to set prices. What’s ahead: Beyond an expansion of dynamic pricing — perhaps with added oversight — expect subscription models to become more prevalent and demand for sustainable products to grow. The car market came back for buyers Shannon Bradley, autos writer What happened: New-car prices held steady in 2024 but remained high after a few years of sharp increases — the average new car now sells for about $48,000, and for the first time ever the price gap between new and used cars surpassed $20,000 (average used-car prices are now slightly more than $25,000). Overall, the car market returned to being in the buyer’s favor, as new-car inventories reached pre-pandemic levels, manufacturer incentives began making a comeback and auto loan interest rates started to decline. What’s ahead: The future of the car market is uncertain and depends on policies implemented by the incoming administration. Questions surround the impact of possible tariffs on car prices, whether auto loan rates will continue to drop, and if federal tax credits will still be available for electric vehicle buyers. Buy now, pay later grew in popularity Jackie Veling, personal loans writer What happened: Buy now, pay later continued to be a popular payment choice for U.S. shoppers, even while facing headwinds, like an interpretive ruling from the CFPB (which determined BNPL should be regulated the same as credit cards) and Apple’s discontinuation of its popular Apple Pay Later product. Large players like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay continued to offer interest-free, pay-in-four plans at most major retailers, along with long-term plans for larger purchases. What’s ahead: Though more regulation had been widely anticipated in 2025, the change in administration suggests the CFPB will play a less active role in regulating BNPL products. For this reason, and its continued strength in the market, BNPL will likely keep growing. Inflation eased, finally Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Easing inflation was a bright spot in 2024. In June, the consumer price index fell below 3% for the first time in three years. Consumers saw prices level off or decline for many goods, including for groceries, gas and new and used vehicles. But prices haven’t fallen far enough or broadly enough to relieve the pinch many households feel. What’s ahead: The new and higher tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could reignite inflation on a wide range of goods. Rents were still high, but price growth slowed Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Rent prices remain high, but annual rent inflation slowed significantly compared to recent years, staying around 3.5% for much of 2024, according to Zillow, a real estate website that tracks rents. A wave of newly constructed rental units on the market seems to be helping ease competition among renters and forcing landlords to offer better incentives for signing a lease. What’s ahead: If it continues, a softening rental market could work in renters’ favor. But construction is one of several industries that could see a shortage of workers if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deport undocumented immigrants. A shortage of workers would mean fewer houses and apartments could be built. Trump won the election, promised tariffs and deportations Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: After a contentious presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to lower inflation, cut taxes, enact tariffs, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve, deport undocumented immigrants and more. Many economists have said Trump’s proposals, if enacted, would likely be inflationary. In Congress, Republicans earned enough seats to control both houses. What’s ahead: It’s unclear which campaign promises Trump will fulfill on his own and with the support of the new Congress. He has promised a slew of “day one” actions that could lead to higher prices, including across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations. Most recently, Trump pledged to enact 20% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on China. He has also promised to extend or make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; many of its provisions expire by the end of 2025. Congress squabbled while consumer-first, antitrust efforts won Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: Fiscal year 2023-2024’s funding saga finally came to an end in March, then six months later, the battle to fund the fiscal year 2024-2025 began. The Biden Administration waged its own war against junk fees . Antitrust enforcers pushed back against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta; prevented the Kroger-Albertsons merger; nixed the Jet Blue-Spirit Airlines merger; and moved to ban noncompete agreements. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as a challenge to abortion pill access. SCOTUS also overruled its landmark Chevron case, which means every federal regulatory agency’s power to set and enforce its own rules are now weaker. What’s ahead: The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. They’ll face the threat of at least one more potential government shutdown; a debt ceiling drama comeback; and the beginning of the debate over extending or making permanent provisions of the expiring 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More From NerdWallet Anna Helhoski writes for NerdWallet. Email: anna@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski. The article What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? originally appeared on NerdWallet .Dear Eric: We live on a lake and love hosting our great-nieces and nephews on school breaks and the entire family on vacations. My husband and I have no children. Our niece's families are dear to us. Our 11-year-old great-nephew has been gaming now for about a year. When he comes to visit, instead of reading or playing cards or board games with us, he wants to disappear with his video games. We feel vacated. How do we navigate this with his parents who think his being on a video gaming team at school is awesome and I think it is a bad omen? What is a fair place of compromise and balance? — Game Off Dear Game Off: Let his parents parent their child. The other night I re-watched the movie "Network" from 1977. In it, a character in his 60s dismisses a character played by Faye Dunaway by saying, "She's the television generation. She learned life from Bugs Bunny. The only reality she knows is what comes to her over her TV set." Every generation has anxieties about the ways that technology is changing social interactions or altering the minds of the generations below. While some of those concerns are valid, those of Faye Dunaway's generation (now in their 70s and 80s) would argue that they've managed to stay quite well-rounded, despite TV. In moderation, video games have been shown to improve a child's cognitive function and working memory. While your great-nephew's gaming might not be your choice, it's important that you not seek to undermine the research and thinking that his parents have done about it. What you're really yearning for is a sense of togetherness as a family, so try talking to your niece and her spouse about group activities you can plan to meet your great-nephew where he is. Dear Eric: I eat at a local restaurant a couple times a week and tend to get one of three meals. This one waitress asks me what I want to eat, but then interrupts me to make guesses or tell me my choice. I just put my head down and nod yes or no to the guesses. It's frustrating, but not life-threatening. She enjoys it. I hate it. However, if I were to say something, it would force her to make the choice of being herself, doing something she likes doing, or appeasing me so I can order the way I want to order. I don't know if this is a big enough problem to have a "high road." The answer will not change my life. She can easily change, and I can easily suffer. The question is who gets to be themselves? — Speaking Up Dear Speaking Up: I worked in the service industry for more than a decade. I loved it. I loved seeing regulars, meeting new people and carrying a lot of beverages in my hands at one time. The whole bit. I also loved knowing what people wanted, but I would always ask and confirm. That's part of the job. She may think you're a regular who likes to be known in this way. So, informing her that that's not the case won't be keeping her from being herself. It will be helping her to do her job better. You may not have the kind of temperament that easily or comfortably course-corrects in social situations. That's just fine. But know you won't be causing her suffering by saying something like, "I've already decided on my meal. Let's skip the guessing today and I'll just tell you." This also clears the path for the two of you to talk about something else, if you want. 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DETROIT – The Detroit Lions listed one player to the final injury report before their week-15 matchup against the 10-3 red-hot Buffalo Bills inside Ford Field. Injuries throughout most of the season have ravaged the Lions, but according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, they are in line for some reinforcements. Pelissero says left tackle Taylor Decker (Knee/Ankle) and defensive tackle D.J. Reader (Shoulder) are both off of the injury report and are set to return in Sunday’s (Dec. 15) 4:25 p.m. potential Super Bowl preview against the Bills. #Lions LT Taylor Decker (knee/ankle) and DT D.J. Reader (shoulder) are both off the injury report and set to return Sunday vs. the #Bills . The Lions are riding a franchise-record 11-game winning streak. They snapped a 10-game winning streak set in 1934 after they defeated the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. --> Detroit Lions set franchise record for consecutive wins with divisional victory over Packers After 14 weeks of football, the Bills and the Lions have the top two offenses, with Detroit leading the league with 32.1 points per game after toppling the Green Bay Packers with a 34-31 victory. Both teams faced off in 2022, and the Lions fell 28-25, thanks to a Tyler Bass tiebreaking 45-yard field goal with two seconds remaining. --> Allen, Bass, Diggs end surging Detroit Lions win streak at 3 in Thanksgiving Day thriller This week’s inactive players have been announced, and the Lions will be without linebacker Trevor Nowaske . Here’s the full injury report from Friday’s practice : Kickoff is at 4:25 p.m. #BUFvsDET injury report presented by Henry Ford Health. pic.twitter.com/VMDoBsRuct
Caravanning continues to grow in popularity as people seek affordable, flexible, and adventurous ways to explore the world. The caravan industry, including stores like , is evolving rapidly to meet the demands of modern travelers. Innovations prioritize sustainability, comfort, and smart technology. As we approach 2025, here are the key trends in caravan design that will shape the future of this travel lifestyle. Sustainability is a driving force in nearly every industry, and caravanning is no exception. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly materials and designs to reduce caravans’ environmental impact. The smart home revolution is making its way into caravans, turning them into highly connected and automated spaces. Efficiency in space usage will be a key focus, ensuring that even smaller caravans offer maximum comfort and utility. The desire for off-grid living is driving innovations that make caravans more self-sufficient and capable of handling remote adventures. Modern travelers expect the same level of comfort in their caravans as they do at home. Designers are focusing on creating interiors that are both functional and luxurious. Reducing weight and improving aerodynamics will remain priorities to enhance fuel efficiency and ease of towing. Families remain a key demographic for the caravan market, and designs are evolving to cater to their needs. The rise of the sharing economy is influencing how caravans are designed and used. As we look ahead to 2025, caravan design is entering an exciting era of innovation. The focus on sustainability, smart technology, and luxurious yet practical living spaces ensures that the caravanning lifestyle remains relevant and appealing to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re an eco-conscious adventurer, a tech enthusiast, or a family seeking unforgettable experiences, the caravans of the future promise to redefine what it means to travel in comfort and style.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in the hot seat (so to speak) on Thursday, appearing on the latest episode of Hot Ones Quebec . The show, which appears on the streaming platform of Videotron, is a French-language adaptation of Hot Ones, an American YouTube-based show in which celebrities are interviewed while eating increasingly spicy chicken wings. Here’s what we learned from Trudeau’s appearance, which was filmed on Nov. 24. Host Marc-André Grondin joked that he wanted to alert the prime minister’s security team about the name of one of the sauces, called Da’ Bomb, with Trudeau kidding him not to use the name at an airport. Da’ Bomb is rated at 135,600 on the Scoville scale (very hot!) but Trudeau didn’t look concerned as he ate the wing. “You’re very strong,” Grondin said, to which Trudeau replied with a grin: “I like it spicy.” He added: “It burns, I feel it in my mouth, but—” There’s a pause as the heat seems to catch up with him. “It’s true the beer doesn’t help,” he continued, pointing to a pint from which he was drinking. “But it’s good.” “For a certain portion of the population, you’ve kind of become a symbol, seen as responsible for all of the problems on the planet,” Grondin said at one point. “Was there ever a moment when you looked at all this and said: OK that’s it, I’m out?” Trudeau noted: “I see people reacting with so much hate and I’m worried for my children because they all have the name Trudeau. So when you say ‘F–k Trudeau,’ it’s not just me you’re talking to. There’s an anger in the public space right now that worries me.” But he later said: “I think if I thought it was really terrible for my kids I’d no longer be in politics.” Trudeau told Grondin: “I was seven years old when a guy came up to me in the schoolyard to say ‘I don’t like you. My parents didn’t vote for your father and we don’t like you.’” Trudeau was born on Christmas Day, 1971, and his father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, won elections in 1968, 1972 and 1974 before losing in 1979 and then being re-elected in 1980. He added: “I was 13 when my father quit politics and he quit because he knew being a parent of teenagers was super important, especially as a divorced single parent.” His own son Xavier is now 17, daughter Ella will be 16 in a few months, “and I couldn’t leave politics to be with them. So we’re having moments, they’re teenagers, they go out with their friends, they do silly things, and it’s tough.” “After Donald Trump was elected at the end of 2016, I was with Angela Merkel in Germany,” Trudeau said, referring to the then-chancellor. “She said, ‘What do you think?’ And I said, ‘We’ll see what he’ll be like.’ Then she said, ‘Did you read the Playboy interview?’” Trudeau asked when the interview had run in the magazine, and Merkel told him it was from the 1980s. He told Grondin that he admitted to Merkel: “If I was looking at Playboy in the 1980s it wasn’t to read articles on Donald Trump!” She later sent him the article. “It was interesting to see that already in the 1980s he was saying that we have to put tariffs on Japanese cars, on German cars, that we have to put America first. There’s a real continuity in his political thought. “But you should’ve seen my face when Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, said, ‘So, did you read the article in Playboy?’ I was like: OK, I have to answer this in an honest way.” Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our newsletters here .ECU CB Shavon Revel Jr. declares for NFL draft
'Development won, Parivarwad, negative politics lost': PM Modi on landslide victory in Maharashtra (WATCH)
Mumbai Metro Updates: BKC-Colaba Route to be Fully Operational by May 2025 - Details InsideThis Gigantic 85-Inch Sony 4K TV Drops Below $1,000, Black Friday Madness Is Here
OpenAI's Altman will donate $1 million to Trump's inaugural fundLocal schools receive TVA STEM grantsTendring College 'superstars' shine at first CrossFit session in Colchester Gym
