Hello again! I’m not sure if you’ve seen my other posts about a fandom roleplay but this one is gonna be about any roleplay in general, fandoms included. This’ll be pretty detailed and I’ll let you know the parts if you want to skip ahead (I suggest you don’t). If you don’t wanna read all of this, then don’t. This was made for people willing to read blocks of paragraphs and maybe even respond with their own.
INTRODUCTION
My name is Hina. To know more about me, I hail from Japan and I have been an avid writer ever since I moved to the States when I was 11. My second language is English but I believe it’s been pretty good. I recently turned 22 years old and I'm female. Talking about age, I would be comfortable with you being 17+ and preferably at least 20. Roleplaying with minors isn’t a big thing for me, I apologize. I’m in the west coast, PST timezone. Let’s see.. What other information can I give you? I would say I enjoy skating, basketball, watching tv shows and anime, and reading. My favorite anime is Nana and Death Note.
GENRES + FANDOM
I am not looking for a specific roleplay. I would say i’m skilled in all genres. Sci-fi, fantasy, horror, apocalypse. All of that. Even slice of life, though that depends on what type of plot exactly. To be more specific on each genre, starting off with fantasy, I'm more used to high fantasy and mythology. I’m not that great with medieval, unfortunately. DnD based role plays aren’t really fit for me and I struggle playing with species like ogres. Just putting that out here. For fantasy, I don’t have any specific ideas.
Sci-fi is the genre I have more skill in. Most of my roleplays are based off of them! Specifically, I’m fine with all subgenres of that.
For other genres like horror and apocalypse, I do have some taste. I really like monsters and creepy things from the horror genre like vampires and all of that and I even have my own idea set up in older times dealing with vampire lords and hunters and all of that. I also enjoy eldritch type horror. I also like that one sun genre of it, like video game horror? I’m not sure how to describe it. I also forgot if it even has an official name or if it’s just something used to describe the horror genre. I like Resident Evil, so maybe that’ll tell you the type of horror I usually enjoy. I do have a developed idea of something more eldritch horror.
More on fandoms! To get some other things down, I usually only play OC unless the character you want me to play is one I know more about and I'm more comfortable playing. The fandoms I like in the more anime way are Jojo’s, Nana, Death Note, JJK, AOT, Haikyuu, and probably more. I’m well versed in the Jojo’s, Aot, and JJK fandoms but less knowledgeable on Death Note since i’ve only seen it once. Other fandoms i’m in include ATLA, TLOK, Harry Potter, Resident Evil, Marvel, DC, and many more.
CHARACTERS
I tend to use character sheets to describe my character, these usually consist of names, background, and personality. More so on appearances, I prefer using animated or drawn references than real life people. I enjoy good enough references where I get the idea of how the character would look like.
The types of characters I write are either the lone wolf type that has some sad past which leads them to want to join someone for a redemption arc or the bubbly character who is the one that brings the mood up and is usually seen as trustworthy and of that kind.
I like all types of tropes, especially enemies to lovers or rivalry. I also really enjoy opposites attract as a whole from either opposite personality or something else they would be opposites in. Enemies to lovers takes my heart, though. I love seeing the characters go past the urge to ultimately hate each other and/or go past their usual way of disliking the others lineage or upcoming.
REQUIREMENT
I think this is my last paragraph on the roleplay. It’s the most important, at least. Requirements. All roleplay searches come with them. Or at least that’s what I heard! But don’t fret, there isn’t much.
I’ve seen this as one of the most used requirements, and I agree with it. As someone who’s first language wasn’t English, I understand that you may not be great at it. But please, I do require a partner that at least has proper use of grammar and punctuation. You don’t even have to use big words or anything, just at least know where to put your periods and the placement of your words.
My second requirement is for you to be LITERATE! Please. I’m a big writer, I tend to ramble on and tend to write more than what I thought I would. (like i’m doing right now) I write multiple paragraphs from the starter until the scene relaxes. I also understand that sometimes writing big blocks of words every response is tiring or boring so I don’t expect it all the time, at least after the starter has been made and in more important scenes. Dialogue also cuts my replies shorter.
Please please please be polite in OOC! We may just be role playing together but kindness goes all ways. If we do include OOC, I enjoy talking about many things. My day, movies, games, funny moments and stories, all of that!
I think that’s the end to this wonderful journey of an ad about my search. I hope you are still here, fellow writer! I would LOVE it if you reached out to me! This wasn’t all for nothing, right!
But don’t leave yet! I do have a passcode. I know this was a jumble of words and rambling but I still have to put one in. I heard that there’s a lot of people on here that don’t read things fully and miss out on rules or information! But.. Just because you read through this all, I’ll gladly give you options on the passcode! Also please put in an introduction of yourself! Don’t think “Oh maybe I shouldn’t bother this person with too much to read”! I like seeing big blocks.
PASSCODE:
What’s your dream country to travel to and why?
OR
Who’s your favorite TV show / Cartoon / Game / Anime character?
Feel free to pick both! Now, that’s all from me. Please don’t put your request as just “Wanna rp”!

• H 💕

I've been trying to look at the spotify charts and the Billboards, but have not been able to find anything from the new album. Now, I have no clue what I was doing, so chances are very high that I didn't even look at the correct places, lol.
So my question is, has anyone found the album, fully or per single, anything surrounding it like their social medias, or with the guys themselves in charts or top lists? Fun ones like "Best Song to cut onions to" count, too! "Proper" sources are preferred of course, such as established magazines, shows (regardless of platorm), but if you find something special from outside our NKOTB bubble, please let me know!
I'm really curious on how things are in the US. Are people nice and hyped up? Boys said shortly after all the promotion activites on launch weekend were done that they were happy with the great reception IIRC, but do they still think the same now? Anyone heard anything? Are they happy with the way the album is being received?
I'm feeling like I am in an information desert here, I'm from Germany. I found a decently big German language group on Facebook, but the activity is low. Then there is the big international group of Fakedomia, where mods only approve postings consisting hilariously wrong stuff, like a Nickelback image with a random "love this song" comment (tbf, these postings do disappear, but it takes very long), a plethora of fake accounts that rapidly produce a string of postings, usually one of the guys and with the same meaningless, wrong, or even a baiting caption.
I don't read typical German celebrity/music/arts magazines or watch regular TV, so I miss any possible buzz going on there as well. The only stuff I see is on YouTube. Funny enough, while I found some Spanish and French reviews, I found nothing German. Crickets. Most though were US-centric and it sure feels like some hype there! Haven't come across any TikToks using the album sounds outside of NKOTB related ones, but I think Get Down has decent chances, and with that now being pushed, maybe we'll see more of it.
So I guess that's why I feel like I am living under a rock; a solid, strong, perfectly rounded, made by someone who had to learn 3 years for it, rock. There surely must be some buzz going outside our little bubble??

Hello again! I’m not sure if you’ve seen my other posts about a fandom roleplay but this one is gonna be about any roleplay in general, fandoms included. This’ll be pretty detailed and I’ll let you know the parts if you want to skip ahead (I suggest you don’t). If you don’t wanna read all of this, then don’t. This was made for people willing to read blocks of paragraphs and maybe even respond with their own.
INTRODUCTION
My name is Hina. To know more about me, I hail from Japan and I have been an avid writer ever since I moved to the States when I was 11. My second language is English but I believe it’s been pretty good. I recently turned 22 years old and I'm female. Talking about age, I would be comfortable with you being 17+ and preferably at least 20. Roleplaying with minors isn’t a big thing for me, I apologize. I’m in the west coast, PST timezone. Let’s see.. What other information can I give you? I would say I enjoy skating, basketball, watching tv shows and anime, and reading. My favorite anime is Nana and Death Note.
GENRES + FANDOM
I am not looking for a specific roleplay. I would say i’m skilled in all genres. Sci-fi, fantasy, horror, apocalypse. All of that. Even slice of life, though that depends on what type of plot exactly. To be more specific on each genre, starting off with fantasy, I'm more used to high fantasy and mythology. I’m not that great with medieval, unfortunately. DnD based role plays aren’t really fit for me and I struggle playing with species like ogres. Just putting that out here. For fantasy, I don’t have any specific ideas.
Sci-fi is the genre I have more skill in. Most of my roleplays are based off of them! Specifically, I’m fine with all subgenres of that.
For other genres like horror and apocalypse, I do have some taste. I really like monsters and creepy things from the horror genre like vampires and all of that and I even have my own idea set up in older times dealing with vampire lords and hunters and all of that. I also enjoy eldritch type horror. I also like that one sun genre of it, like video game horror? I’m not sure how to describe it. I also forgot if it even has an official name or if it’s just something used to describe the horror genre. I like Resident Evil, so maybe that’ll tell you the type of horror I usually enjoy. I do have a developed idea of something more eldritch horror.
More on fandoms! To get some other things down, I usually only play OC unless the character you want me to play is one I know more about and I'm more comfortable playing. The fandoms I like in the more anime way are Jojo’s, Nana, Death Note, JJK, AOT, Haikyuu, and probably more. I’m well versed in the Jojo’s, Aot, and JJK fandoms but less knowledgeable on Death Note since i’ve only seen it once. Other fandoms i’m in include ATLA, TLOK, Harry Potter, Resident Evil, Marvel, DC, and many more.
CHARACTERS
I tend to use character sheets to describe my character, these usually consist of names, background, and personality. More so on appearances, I prefer using animated or drawn references than real life people. I enjoy good enough references where I get the idea of how the character would look like.
The types of characters I write are either the lone wolf type that has some sad past which leads them to want to join someone for a redemption arc or the bubbly character who is the one that brings the mood up and is usually seen as trustworthy and of that kind.
I like all types of tropes, especially enemies to lovers or rivalry. I also really enjoy opposites attract as a whole from either opposite personality or something else they would be opposites in. Enemies to lovers takes my heart, though. I love seeing the characters go past the urge to ultimately hate each other and/or go past their usual way of disliking the others lineage or upcoming.
REQUIREMENT
I think this is my last paragraph on the roleplay. It’s the most important, at least. Requirements. All roleplay searches come with them. Or at least that’s what I heard! But don’t fret, there isn’t much.
I’ve seen this as one of the most used requirements, and I agree with it. As someone who’s first language wasn’t English, I understand that you may not be great at it. But please, I do require a partner that at least has proper use of grammar and punctuation. You don’t even have to use big words or anything, just at least know where to put your periods and the placement of your words.
My second requirement is for you to be LITERATE! Please. I’m a big writer, I tend to ramble on and tend to write more than what I thought I would. (like i’m doing right now) I write multiple paragraphs from the starter until the scene relaxes. I also understand that sometimes writing big blocks of words every response is tiring or boring so I don’t expect it all the time, at least after the starter has been made and in more important scenes. Dialogue also cuts my replies shorter.
Please please please be polite in OOC! We may just be role playing together but kindness goes all ways. If we do include OOC, I enjoy talking about many things. My day, movies, games, funny moments and stories, all of that!
I think that’s the end to this wonderful journey of an ad about my search. I hope you are still here, fellow writer! I would LOVE it if you reached out to me! This wasn’t all for nothing, right!
But don’t leave yet! I do have a passcode. I know this was a jumble of words and rambling but I still have to put one in. I heard that there’s a lot of people on here that don’t read things fully and miss out on rules or information! But.. Just because you read through this all, I’ll gladly give you options on the passcode! Also please put in an introduction of yourself! Don’t think “Oh maybe I shouldn’t bother this person with too much to read”! I like seeing big blocks.
PASSCODE:
What’s your dream country to travel to and why?
OR
Who’s your favorite TV show / Cartoon / Game / Anime character?
Feel free to pick both! Now, that’s all from me. Please don’t put your request as just “Wanna rp”!

• H 💕

Intended major: biochem or neuro (only neuro bc I have done research in neuro, had bad migraines for a bit missed about 20% of sixth grade, researched the mutated gene that is thought to cause migraines, have a couple of neuro doctor mentors, wrote book on brain, genuinely really really love!!) and then coupled with a minor or double concentration in writing (have always adored writing, want to pursue in some aspect, think I could combine science and writing to have a difference in making scientific concepts more comprehensible to all). Genuinely am very passionate about both like a lot! If I do not pursue writing will definitely pursue it in ecs in college.
I genuinely love everything I do and could talk about it for forever.
1) co-president of an international 501c3 writing competition nonprofit that receives over 200 submissions from all continents (and >15 countries) and reaches up to 70k people through marketing; started a science platform for kids to submit their work (since beginning of sophomore year). Have insta, TikTok, website, podcast, and newsletter platforms. Started middle of sophomore year.
2) international 501c3 health nonprofit founder and president. post blogs to teach kids about health and medicine (over 300 posts by submissions). additionally have 25 international club chapters from 10 states and 6 countries (3 continents), will have raised more then $10k for our internationally known partner, affiliated w a t10, by college apps through our chapters and donations. Starting chapters at two t25 universities, trying to establish more at others. Also talking to two more people from 2 other countries (and one other continent) to start chapters. Have website and instagram platforms (reaching over 5k different users from 18 countries). Started summer going into junior year. Over 1k followers on Instagram. Selected for innovation internship with ivy league alumni. Started chapter at my school (founder and president), helped partner teens w doctor mentors and secured them shadowing opportunities.
3) Founded and president of a biology club at school to redistribute resources only given to certain students. have over 130 members and 50 active members. host seminars with 4 professionals (including renowned doctor that worked with one of the people who discovered dna structure), four free dissections so far (since beginning of sophomore year). provide academic to ap bio classes with testing treats (during midterms, finals, ap exams, and national science day). established bulletin board at school to post all science opportunities. started resource hub for kids at my school (~600 enrolled students).
4) Executive manager of school newspaper, started a science column to explore themes in science (head writer and editor), expanded distribution to whole district and local businesses, wrote over 26 articles (basically almost every edition since my first month of freshman year). Participated all four years of high school, heavily involved. Went from writer to small leadership role to exec board (4 selected) for 2 years (first to be a 2 year exec).
5) EMT - EMT certified, hoping to work over 100 hours by submissions. Completed >20 hours of shadowing, completed 40-module course with an A. Created online website resource hub for people trying to become an EMT. Inspired to try to start an AP Anatomy course at the high school (currently working to integrate). Started middle of junior year.
6) Research - cold emailed over 20 research professors from universities to find opportunities. assisted an ivy league doctor with a literature review (published and listed in acknowledgments), wrote and published (in peer-reviewed academic journals) two review papers on migraines and hemophilia (under mentorship of T30 PhD student and T10 pharmaceutical company doctor). Additionally attending research program over the summer (~8% acceptance rate) where I will continue to research. Through research, discovered education barrier, influenced to begin creatively writing (start science blog to explain complex topics?????). Started research pub platforms bc hard to find free ones! Started all research beginning of junior year.
7) Curriculum Council (started beginning of junior)- chosen by admin and staff as one in four (out of >1200) to represent student body in council of school board and admin. led an initiative to start a science research course at school (which will be implemented next year). Part of committee since beginning of junior year.
8) Student government (all 4 years of hs) - chosen as one of fifteen (out of 350 in class) to be student rep, as one in ten (out of 350 in class) to directly advise the principal in event and school planning matters in Principal advisory committee, and as one in eight (out of ~1000) to be on the Student ambassador exec board. Participated in all three of them since 9th grade (4 years).
9) three season varsity athlete. Have participated in every fall season of field hockey since second grade (11 seasons) and play for my high school and in middle school. Have additionally played field hockey in club for eight seasons (total of 19 seasons). Varsity defensive starter. Led clinics for youth to learn field hockey. Also, varsity track and field runner for spring and winter seasons (have participated all four years of high school, 8 seasons by the end of high school).
10) service: do not know which to include,
Girl Scouts - earned Silver award and earning gold award. have earned over 150 service hours and over 50 badges. Girl Scout for ten years.
Service club - leadership in a club that raises over $100,000 for cancer research (small role)
other:

• wrote and published a children’s book on how the brain works (read more in awards section)
  
• service (earned congressional award gold medal so 400+ hours)
  
• horticulture: intern at one of the most renowned botanical gardens for a year, have a garden, wrote blog abt it (essay related to flowers/gardening)
  

I'm confused about my sexuality, like really confused, and scared. I didn't know who else to ask and Google wasn't being too helpful, so I turned to this page.
I apologize in advance. this is going to be a long rollercoaster.
TW: one mention of SA, slight mention of seggsual life (to figure out if I might be asexual or not)
I'm 20 years old and a CIS woman. I always thought that wishing to be born a boy or fantasizing about being a boy was common. As well as finding women attractive and fantasizing about dating one. I've always had these thoughts since elementary, but being raised in a strict Hispanic household, it wasn't an option.
I've lived my life like that for the past years. I have always done my best to be an ally for the community and understand everyone. I got into a relationship with a CIS man as well, so writing all of this feels wrong. But, I think I should understand whatever is going on with me.
However, recently I have started questioning everything about my life and how I see myself. I first started to wonder if I might be bisexual, but then I started being scared I might be comphet... To add on, I started to feel confused about my body and my gender... and the fact that I could either be asexual or just lose spark with my partner.
I guess to start, there have been many times I felt my heart beat faster when I was around girls I found attractive. One of them being my close friend of 5 years. I have found women attractive, most of the time I thought it was jealousy, but I think I noticed now it was attraction... I have found guys attractive and had crushes on boys from school, but I feel like most of the time, it would happen AFTER someone would point out that they were cute. I mean, I have had my heart beat fast around boys too, so it's more confusing. I guess the only person that it didn't feel forced with is my current partner. But I'm not sure if it has always been like that. Apart from my partner, everyone else I had a crush on would only happen after someone mentioned they were good-looking or that everyone was crushing on them.
The only ones that would come naturally were fictional characters and celebrities. Not even the celebrities themselves, it was their character all the time. I'm not sure if that is important information, but I guess those were the only times it felt genuine. I mean, I could ramble about them.
As well, I like being a girl at times. Like, I love dresses and all of that. But, I can't deny sometimes I want to have a flatter chest or something different down there. Or having people wonder if I'm a girl or a guy. As well, the way I tend to dress is usually baggy clothes and rather tomboyish, but I'm not sure if that is helpful information.
Finally, I guess I used to have an active seggsual life and I was super hypersexual. But I got told it was probably a cause of my past SA. Recently, I haven't liked doing anything seggsual. My libido has gone down and I could go months without doing something. However, I'm okay with daydreaming and reading it at times. I'm fine with fantasizing and reading it, but doing it? I can't bring myself to do it. I feel gross at times. But I'm not sure if it's asexuality since I was active in the past.
I'm not sure if I'm asking for advice or help because it's all too confusing and long. I can't expect strangers to solve my problems, but I can't deny, I've been feeling so alone. It doesn't help the people around me are super religious and not very pro-LGBTQ, which kind of added to my internalized homophobia, I think... I guess it's more of a rant, but it would help a lot if someone could just guide me because I'm scared and confused...
P.S. Thank you Chappell Roan (Good Luck, Babe) for getting me through this writing this post.
Edit: My friends just told me that most of the time I would only crush on guys after people would start having crushes on them AND were kind to me. I guess this is important because I have always been considered a boy lover, but idk if any of that was genuine or was I just forcing myself.

I, (24) was told by my mom (49) that her and my dad (59) were taking a break to go through their issues together and find a way to bring their love back.
When my mom told me about it she said they were hiding it for a while because they know how sensitive i am. Weeks later I felt a bit suspicious and anxious that my mom was messaging another guy. I ask her if there was a chance for that a little annoyed. My mom looks at me hurt for saying that and defensive. I started crying after that and she ended up comforting me.
About a month or two after that, she got a call from someone i don’t even know. She talked a bit in the house and eventually went outside to talk to him. It’s my paranoia… but I stayed as silent as I could to hear what they were saying. It sounded like they were flirting to me because my mom was really giggly talking and her hiding from the ring camera scared me. When she was done I came inside and asked “Who was that?” and she said a ‘friend’. I told her about why i was wondering cause she sounded flirty with the person on the phone.
Few months later back to now. This morning I saw she had a notification from a man with the most NPC name. The message reading “What are you doing?😘❤️” and my gut dropped… i even asked my mom who this was and she just took her phone and said why are you looking through my phone when you can’t even let us have your instagram or twitter?” (I am a kpop fan and i just feel very awkward having family look at my selfies).
She went out on the porch to do something and while she was doing that I decided to (Feel Very Guilty) look through her ipad and find her instagram DMS. I open them.. and to my anxious heart i scrolled through the messages. Her talking about her ideal partner asking him his. Asking my mom to send selfies and him sending back calling my mom beautiful and his girl. (My dad loves my mom so much and is wanting to everything he can to bring back what they had. We have so much to do and he even planned on renewing vows for their anniversary.) Them later saying they’re gonna switch to whatsapp or telegram to talk instead for “confidential information”.
I felt like throwing up. Shaking and trying to not cry, i took lots of pictures for proof. Freaking out and fucking scared i go downstairs and cry for an hour trying to figure out how im going to say anything. who i’m gonna talk to first. If my dad is going to be okay. After talking with some friends I was recommended to tell my sister first.
To right now: I’m sitting here about 7 hours from when i found this out still scared and I don’t know how to drop this in my sister. what do i start the conversation with???? I’m fucking scared.

Navigating The Privacy Tightrope: User Concerns on Social Media Engagement

Name
Department
University
Email

Abstract
This study analyses consumer concerns about privacy in social media engagement, the factors influencing these concerns, and provides strategies for handling them. To achieve this objective, this paper provides feedback on two vital questions (What are the primary concerns of social media users regarding privacy? And What factors contribute to these concerns?) that guide this research. The paper uses qualitative analysis to obtain analyze data. Lastly, the paper provides suggestions for future research and solution
I. INTRODUCTION
In the current digitized world, many people are increasingly sharing their information with the public through social media. However, this act of sharing their details through electronic gadgets such as smartphones has and still increases the risk of privacy violations as people engage through social media. One of the events that significantly deepened consumer privacy concerns in the United States was the Cambridge Analytica data breach on Facebook half a decade ago, which affected many user accounts in the land. This data breach initiated the #deletefacebook movement across social networking sites culminating in many users reconsidering their connections with social media platforms about their trustworthiness, and potential for confidential issues. For one section of users, this meant signing out of these sites while the other section considered it as a chance to reset their confidential settings. According to Bright et al, user privacy concerns differ across sites in the user journey, and only a few sites are developed equally when it comes to user concerns as well as disclosures specifically in connection to social networking sites (1). Throughout this duration of redefining their connections with social networking sites, users find themselves coping with the "privacy paradox" and despite having privacy concerns, online users persist in disclosing their private details for distinct reasons, rather than safeguarding their details online. Therefore, this paper investigates [consumer concerns about privacy in social media engagement, and factors influencing these concerns, and provides strategies for handling them]().
A. Research problem
Social media plays a significant role in promoting interaction and sharing of information among users from all over the world. However, sharing of information over social media sites has and still increases the risk of privacy violations as people engage through social media. It's from this, that this paper settled on evaluating the consumer concerns about privacy in social media engagement, factors influencing these concerns, and providing strategies for tackling them.
B. Aim and Objectives
This study is determined to analyze the user concerns about privacy in social media engagement, highlight the primary factors influencing these concerns, and provide recommendations on desired approaches for handling them.
C. Research question
[1. What are the primary concerns of social media users regarding privacy?]()
2. What factors contribute to these concerns?
II. EXTENDED BACKGROUND
Social media has grown to become the modern-day routine. Currently, many social networking sites are continuing to integrate to offer distinct digital affordances as well as chances to enlarge individual networks, interactions, and information sharing. The availability of these sites has significantly culminated in to rise in user engagement. For instance, TikTok is among the most used sites with a massive following of more than 750 million accounts. Currently, people are becoming more open to sharing individual data and with the aid of the modern digital culture, this has been made possible by utilizing the availability of internet service. Although social media is considered to be of great significance in facilitating communication and entertainment among users, it also stores noticeable repositories of individual details that culminate to privacy concerns. This threat of privacy breaches has continuously increased as social media are frequently accessed through applications on cell phones, where a substantial number of identifiable data is stored, aggregated, and linked across various social networking sites.
Even as the issue of privacy threat has attained massive attention and recognition, especially among people who use these platforms, many studies have reported the concept of privacy paradox, which implies discrepancies involving persons' habits of disclosing individual details and their concern concerning privacy threat. Even though social media users have an increasing concern concerning privacy on media platforms, they are willing to proceed to disclose their data for various gratifications. According to Chen et al, some social media users always show or rather demonstrate reduced effort to offer safety on their confidentiality despite showing significant concern associated with social media (2). On the contrary, there is also a section of social media consumers who are not naive in their revel actions (2). This brings us to an analysis of the historical evolution of social media platforms, the emergence of privacy concerns, and important theoretical frameworks particularly privacy calculus.
Typically, the rise of privacy is significantly connected to the fast growth of technologies and the growing nature of the modern digital space. History shows that privacy was mainly linked with physical and individual interactions. During this time, people were interacting at their homes and with immediate families. However, this was significantly changed by the massive evolution in the digital world. The development of social media sites, and the level of connectivity they provide initiated a new era of unprecedented access to individual information. The new developments have made it simple for people to share their stories and even sensitive information with just one click significantly subjecting one to underlying privacy perils. The world is experiencing significant growth or cases in several data breaches leading to massive breaches of private data to the public. Hackers always target unsuspecting firms or companies to access important details such as the profile of clients or company records which could result in various forms of exploitations. When such a breach happens, it severely affects both the company and the individuals because while the person's data is compromised so is the deterioration of trust in the organization by the public.
Privacy calculus (shown in Figure 1 in the appendix section) refers to the comprehension of privacy as well as safety trade-offs of a certain innovation or firm. It assumes that individuals will divulge individual details whenever the perceived rewards or advantages outweigh the potential cost. Kehr et al. ascertain that the choice of sharing information is associated with privacy calculus as the equilibrium between the rewards and the hazards of revealing individual details or data. A person's privacy calculus can be impacted by several factors including but not limited to the perceived value of the details being revealed and the repercussions of the disclosure. Additionally, the cultures and factors within the society might considerably influence privacy caliculus These factors include but are not limited to societal norms associated with privacy in specific locations. Research has indicated that the threshold of diversity which is always accompanied by the growing society has some considerable effect on the withdrawal from the globe making people even more sensitive to what they share with the public.
III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This study used a qualitative approach in analyzing the user concerns on social networking site engagement. Primarily, this method was applied in this study because it offers a significant opportunity for the researcher to devolve deeply into but not limited to nuances of consumer experiences, viewpoints as well as emotions. Compared to a quantitative approach which only focuses on numerical as well as statistical evaluations, the selected approach here delves deeply into the underlying inspirations, feelings, and means that drive consumer connections online. Approaches such as but not limited to interviews and focus groups provided a substantial opportunity for the researcher to unveil the intricate web of norms and values that significantly impact how consumers interact and their perception of social media sites.
Additionally, the qualitative approach substantially enabled the researcher to attain different consumer concerns. According to Van der Vlist, and Helmond, social networking sites are characterized by a sophisticated structure that comprises different cultures and subcultures with distinct practices as well as concerns (3). By applying a qualitative approach, an investigator can therefore attain immediate information precisely on the experiences of consumers over different populations, and locations. This great understating is significant because it helps to design comprehensive as well as consumer-centric sites that cater to the different requirements as well as tests of the audiences across the world.
Moreover, the qualitative approach offered the researcher a flexible and adaptable experience especially when analyzing emerging issues within social media and user engagement. As indicated by, Reynolds, and Bennett, the qualitative approach allows the use of their analytical paradigms to suit the certain features of emerging issues encompassed in social media as well as consumer involvement (4).
When collecting data, the research applied the following types of qualitative methods:
A. Interviews
Interviews offered a significant platform for participants to articulate their concerns using their own words thus providing the researcher with the desired information on the experiences and viewpoints of people using the complex domain of social media. By applying the open-ended questions, the researcher was able to analyze the profound inspirations that significantly provided limelight to the intricacies of social media. Besides, interviews helped in contextualizing the user concerns in the wider brackets of social and cultural settings in which they take place. By involving the respondents in the study through discussion, the researcher was able to identify factors that significantly influence consumers'' viewpoints and habits including but not limited to peer pressure and cultural ideals. The contextual comprehension offered great support especially in deciphering the motive behind consumer concerns and coming up with solutions or rather strategies that perfectly resonate with the distinct array of consumers globally. Lastly, the interview helped to foster significant discourse that involved the researcher and respondents. This helped in cementing trust and the needed help that improved the credibility of the research.
B. Questionnaires
This study also used questionnaires to obtain relevant data that assisted in the completion of this research. Typically, questionnaires are valuable equipment issued when collecting data because they can gather a significant number of standardized information effectively. This study started by clarifying the objective of the questionnaires to participants. The researcher applied an open-ended type of questionnaire and crafted questions that aided in the collection of data from the respondents. The questionnaires were delivered to participants through email surveys that significantly aligned with the features of the sample group as well as the study aims. The clarity of the communication in the email and privacy substantially fostered participant involvement in the study. Besides, the researcher ensured that the information provided through this tool was secured and systematically organized to foster the analysis of information. In a nutshell, the study implemented effective usage of questionnaires in collecting vital data in the study. The researcher adhered to the best practices and embraced the spirit of iterative refinement thus harnessing the complete ability of the questionnaires and advanced knowledge concerning user concerns on social media engagement.
The sampling technique applied in this study was purposeful approach. This approach is broadly applied in qualitative studies to identify data-rich scenarios for the most efficient usage of scarce resources (5). The sampling techniques comprise of coming up and choosing people or groups that possess knowledge concerning or have experience with the topic under study (5). Through the use of emails, the researcher chose respondents who met certain qualifications and offered valuable information concerning consumer concerns on social media. Based on the participants’ selection criteria, a purposeful sample of (n=60) was selected to participate in the survey.
The research used thematic analysis (TA) in analyzing data. TA has enabled the research to unveil the profound concerns that prevail more across social media consumers. Through a systematic analysis specifically of the content that is common among consumers, the research was able to pinpoint reappearing subjects that show shared concerns, and frustrations. For example, factors including but not limited to privacy issues, and cyberbullying frequently arise in literature addressing the concept of consumer concerns within the context of social media. Nevertheless, TA offered a structured framework that greatly helped in organizing as well as interpreting qualitative information. Through conducting a thorough grouping of information or rather data into topics and sub-topics, the research was able to attain a fundamental insight into the diverse range of issues from the consumers. As argued by Thompson, TA promotes the rigor as well as reliability of the study outcomes, making sure that conclusions are based on empirical proof (6).
Additionally, TA offered significant support in facilitating comparisons as well as synthesis over distinct studies. Considering the idea that the use of social media keeps on growing, investigators always face various pieces of publications addressing the same subjects. TA gives these investigators to highlight the similarities and differences across datasets thus facilitating the enrichment of their comprehension concerning consumer concerns. Despite the above merits of TA in this study, this approach also significantly fails in various areas especially when applied to data analysis (7). For instance, the TA does not have strict directives for completing an analysis. This might easily culminate in variability, particularly in the manner in which this approach is used in different studies, thus rendering it difficult to draw a comparison in findings or replicate studies.
IV. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The consideration of ethics within studies is paramount since it ensures that the studies are completed by observing integrity, respect as well as fairness specifically on respondents involved. It's vital to uphold ethical consideration because morally right and also helps to maintain the credibility of the research. This research upheld the ethical standards before, during, and after the study in various ways. Firstly, the researcher ensured that the idea of informed consent was considered by significantly providing vivid information to respondents so that they could come up with independent choices about their involvement in the study. The researcher also ensured that there was room for withdrawal from the research by any respondent if they felt to do so. The research also ensured the concepts of confidentiality and privacy were considered during the interview process. Research has shown that it is vital to offer respect to the privacy of respondents to enhance or build confidence and trust (8). Enria et al. Emphasizes the need to maintain privacy during the study process from information gathering up to publication to lock out unauthorized personnel or disclosure of personal details (8). In this study, the researcher adopted the necessary measures to offer the needed protection or security for sensitive data or details gathered during the interview and the study at large.
Furthermore, the researcher also took the responsibility of reducing harm and at the same time raising the benefits for respondents. The researcher achieved this carefully by offering potential safety and eliminating threats associated with the research such as but not limited to physical harm. The researcher ensured that the relevant measures were executed to provide safety to vulnerable groups. In addition, the researcher ensured that there was respect for the respondent's independence as well as dignity. This was achieved by significantly treating respondents with respect and dignity. This entirely involved, honoring their choices concerning but not limited to their inclusion in the research.
Nonetheless, the researcher also ensured that fairness and equity were upheld during the study. The researcher observed the concept of diversity in recruiting participants and at the same time eliminating the prejudices grounded on aspects including but not limited to race or religion. Besides, the researcher took the necessary steps by considering the potential outcomes of the study for the most vulnerable respondents specifically people living with a disability. Lastly, the researcher guaranteed that ethical oversight, as well as responsibility, is observed throughout the research procedure. The researcher took the primary function of ensuring that the study adheres to the ethical standards designed by Institutional review boards.
V. RESULTS
The analysis focused on demographic examination by exploring aspects such as age, gender, education, job status, and social media platforms used. Based on gender, there 27 were female while 33 participants were men. The youngest participant was aged 21 years while the oldest was 57 years. The average age of the participants was 35.4 years, indicating that most were men. The minimum education level of the participant is a high school graduate and all participants were actively in employment or self-employed.
All the participants had registered an account with at least two social media platforms, although a majority (48), had multiple accounts. Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok were the most common social media platforms. However, most of the participants had registered an account with professional platforms like Linkedin, although most were not active participants on these platforms. Facebook emerged as the most popular for general networking while X was preferred for emerging news and trending online topics.
TA was adopted to explore the concerns of the users regarding privacy. Following the analytical approach proposed, there were five emerging themes on the most pressing privacy issues by users of social media networks; namely the scale and scope of data collection, potential misuse of user data, third-party app portability, behavioral tracking, and potential data breaches.
VI. ANALYSIS DISCUSSION
A. Discussion
To achieve the objective of the study, it was vital to provide substantial feedback on the two research questions that guided this study. The first question focused on understanding the primary concerns of social media about privacy. Social media networks have revolutionized and transformed communication, social networking, and bridging people's relationships. These mediums offer crucial benefits but also introduce noteworthy privacy concerns. The interviews revealed that the concerns delve around the process of data collection, use of information collected, security, control over private data, tracking behavioral patterns, and the association of third-party stakeholders. The interviews provided a comprehensive understanding by highlighting relevant concerns in detail, which will be explored further by applying the TA framework to ensure that each factor is understood well.
Scope and scale of Data Collection
The interviewees showed concerns about the scale and scope of data collection by social media networks. It emerged as one of the most pressing issues among social media users because of the intricacy of remaining private. Social media platforms obtain an enormous volume of information, including aspects like name, age, and residence and intimate details such as internet activities, hobbies, and text messages. The respondents indicated that the platforms can collect Personal Identifiable Information (PII) because account holders it is one of the requirements at the point of registration [10]. Crucial information like personal email addresses, contact numbers, and date of birth. The participants showed concerns because they suspected fraudulent actors could access the data and use it for malicious purposes.
The participants also showed concern for the ability of social media platforms to study behavioral patterns using the data collected. Participants argued that privacy is a crucial aspect of human dignity and should be guaranteed by social media platforms [11]. One participant noted that Facebook can track their interment activities, sites visited visit, content, preferences, and communication patterns. Therefore, it demonstrates that the use of collected data by social media is an issue that could pose privacy risks.
Misuse of Personal Data
The participants showed concerns about the use of information collected and stored in social media databases. Social media platforms can leverage the data collected to understand how to improve the experiences of users and other aspects that improve the quality. Based on the participants' responses, targeted advertising can be a vulnerability to users. Social media platforms can use the data to facilitate Ad Personalization [11]. The algorithms can be trained to analyze user data to enable personalized advertisements, which is an invasive antic. The platforms can be involved in the monetization of user data by selling the analyzed ta to third-party organizations.
The participants of the survey observed that social media platforms used the data beyond advertising purposes. The algorithms can be refined to understand social media consumption patterns to influence their purchase decisions. This is a form of manipulation by feeding users targeted information to influence their attitudes, behaviors, and choices [12]. Third-party organizations can leverage modern advances in AI and analytics to study the behavior of social media users and enable the system to make product recommendations and even product development.
Data Breaches
Data security emerged as a leading theme in during the interviews as recent news of frequent cyberattacks and monumental data breaches led to the exposure of personal information. Most participants noted that the high-profile incidents of data breaches by social media platforms like the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal led to the manipulation of voters' decisions in the US election and the Brexit vote. Millions of personal information data were mined without the users' consent. The exposure of the data led to adverse consequences including identity theft, financial fraud, and online vulnerabilities.
Similarly, users noted that user accounts frequently face security vulnerabilities. The accounts have weak password protocols. Some participants indicated that they have been victims of social media account hacks due to the weak security protocols. However, the participants were encouraged to indicate the password, implying that they used a common password including date of birth, name, and city [10]. Some users understood the two-factor authentication, which is crucial in minimizing hacking. The two-factor authentication protocols lead to problems by adding layers. Making it unpopular among most social media users.
Poor account security reduces the ability of users to control their personal information. However, most social media platforms recognize that there is a need to enhance the security of users' accounts. The security setting is complex and confusing to many ordinary social media users. A significant proportion of participants did not understand the process of setting the advanced security protocols [13]. Most users rely on the default security setting, which encourages sharing of personal information and social media activities. The users are expected to maneuver the complex process to ensure the security of their data. Shifting such an obligation to users with limited knowledge about the technicality of social media account security raises ethical and moral concerns.
Behavioral Tracking
Most users noted that social media platforms can perform behavioral tracking by analyzing social media activities, patterns, and content. Cookies Technologies provide the platforms with a tool to perform continuous tracking across different websites, retaining in-depth profiles of user's behavior [13]. The platforms can conduct behavioral tracking with informed consent: The Cambridge-Analytica incident reveals the vulnerability of social media platforms on individuals and society. The profiles created were used not only for marketing and advertising purposes but also to influence political campaigns.
Participants of the study indicated that the ability of social media platforms to collect data limitlessly can expose users to surveillance vulnerabilities. Collecting private and intimate data, such as personal health information and PII can enable third-party actors to perform surveillance since each aspect of social media interaction is documented. The Power held by social media companies leads to the loss of anonymity over personal information to some extent. The structure of social media communication makes it impossible to maintain anonymity because the data is augmented into a singular platform.
Third-Party Apps Data Portability
Portability and the right to delete information is also a concern among users. This stems from the concept of the "right to be forgotten." Users may opt for some content from their social media platforms. Users have limited control over the spread and distribution of the content they post. Deleting the content does not limit other account owners to post similar information [14]. This is a significant concern highlighted by the participants of the survey. deleting their data or controlling its spread once shared.
The growth of social media has coincided with an era of integration of online systems and solutions. Most social media platforms allow third-party apps and integrations. Third-party applications operate based on their practices, policies, and unique terms and conditions for service. There are more privacy issues when social media networks integrate third-party apps and services. Integration of third-party Apps into the social media application can facilitate the collection of data and potential for misuse [12]. There is a lack of clarity over the party responsible for the security of data. Besides, the more the data is available to employees of both organizations, it can be at risk of breaches.
The second question focused on examining the mediating factors contributing to the social media user’s privacy concerns. Based on the TA, the merging factors included inadequate regulatory protection, ineffective social media platform privacy policies, and ignorance of users on appropriate security settings.
Accessibility and Permission
Accessing the data held may require permission from the user or the social media platform. Some apps may be granted broad permissions that allow them unlimited access to the information. Third-party apps often request access to a wide range of user data, which may not be necessary for their functionality. There is a lack of appropriate oversight over data and usage by third-party organizations and apps. The platforms do not provide sufficient oversight and guidelines on how the third parties use and protect the data they access.
Therefore, there is potential for misuse and manipulation of user data by social media platforms and third parties who access the data. Social media platforms may have strict privacy but third-party organizations may have inconsistent privacy concerns. The Cambridge Analytica scandal is an illustration of such an incident, where Facebook data was accessed with crucial privacy breaches. Social media platforms pose a significant threat because they can lead to trust issues among users. Some of the participants noted that they had deleted their accounts because of fear of privacy breaches [14]. The constant privacy issues influence the attitudes and behaviors on social media and their level of trust in these platforms. Hence, the participants have adopted self-censorship due to the awareness of potential online tracking and data collection. This involves avoiding sharing some details or expressing views freely.
The risk of privacy breaches can minimize the levels of social engagement to conceal one's true personality and character. Privacy concerns can lead to reduced engagement, with users less likely to participate in activities that require personal information sharing. Users have also shown concerns for better data and information security practices by social media platforms. The participants of the survey indicated that transparency over the use of the data collected is necessary to protect their confidentiality [12][13]. The growth in awareness and understanding of the right to privacy has been a significant factor that has influenced the demand for better information security protocols.
Inadequate Regulatory and Policy Concerns
Privacy is a right recognized by the laws of different countries including the United States. There are specific legislations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU block or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), enacted to protect the privacy and confidentiality of users' data. However, it does not provide sufficient protection to users since there are several hurdles in its implementation. The lack of effectiveness and compliance with the law has contributed to the loopholes that are constantly utilized by the platforms to collect personal data [12]. The legislations impose legal and criminal liabilities on social media platforms, which can be a crucial method of deterring platforms from engaging in unauthorized sharing of users' data.
Ineffective Social Media Site Policies
Social media platforms have policies that guide the usage of data collected from account holders. Most of these terms are often complex and it is difficult for the users to comprehend. Users sometimes agree to conditions without fully understanding service and privacy rules since they are lengthy and complex [11]. The participants contented that they had never read through all the policies, terms, and conditions of using the site. These challenges lead to the acceptance of policies that allow the collection and usage of data.
Besides, social media platforms are constantly enhancing policy changes that could affect the security of users' data. Platforms regularly change their terms of service, sometimes making major adjustments to privacy provisions that users might not always see or comprehend [13]. The ignorance of users creates vulnerabilities in users and places social media platforms in a superior position. This enables the platforms to include policies that are pro-data collection.
B. Conclusion
Social media companies need to improve privacy controls, strengthen security, simplify privacy settings, and follow strict regulations to strike a balance between user interaction and privacy. Platforms can provide a safer and more reliable environment and encourage users to interact without jeopardizing their personal information by fully addressing these main concerns. This fine balance, where the advantages of connection and sharing are evaluated against the fundamental right to privacy, will determine the future of social media.
Dealing with a wide range of intricate issues is necessary when navigating the social media privacy tightrope. It makes sense that users are concerned about the scope of data gathering, the uses to which it is put, the security of their data, and their control over it. These issues become even more complicated when third-party apps are involved and behavioral tracking is used. These privacy concerns provide serious legal and policy hurdles in addition to affecting user behavior and confidence.
C. Future Research
Social media platforms need to reconsider the concept of user privacy to protect the confidentiality of user data. It is necessary to communicate clearly about the purpose for which the data collected is to be used. The current system is opaque and the users have limited knowledge about the terms and conditions of service. Organizations must protect the integrity of user data. Failure to comply with the regulatory requirement can lead to substantial financial and reputational damage to a social media platform. Facebook has been heavily fined for data breaches and scandals.
Policymakers and legislator should also understand the risk that social media platforms expose to their users and introduce stricter regulations and guidelines on how these platforms can use data collected. Currently, social media platforms are powerful and can influence users to accept terms that would allow the collection of personal information. The legislation should focus on introducing guidelines that compel the platforms to be transparent and use terms that are easily understandable to all users. The study focused on users that are educated but they were also not familiar with the terms on the use of personal data by the platforms. The government can provide better protection by introducing liabilities on platforms that mislead users to accept opaque terms and conditions with a loophole that will allow the collection of PII. Government involvement will be necessary as information and communication technologies continue to transform how organizations collect, analyze, and utilize online users and activities.






References

(1) Bright, Laura F., Hayoung Sally Lim, and Kelty Logan. "“Should I Post or Ghost?”: Examining how privacy concerns impact social media engagement in US consumers." Psychology & Marketing 38, no. 10 (2021): 1712-1722.
(2) Chen, Hsuan-Ting. "Revisiting the privacy paradox on social media with an extended privacy calculus model: The effect of privacy concerns, privacy self-efficacy, and social capital on privacy management." American behavioral scientist 62, no. 10 (2018): 1392-1412.
[(3) Kehr,]() Flavius, Tobias Kowatsch, Daniel Wentzel, and Elgar Fleisch. "Blissfully ignorant: the effects of general privacy concerns, general institutional trust, and affect in the privacy calculus." Information Systems Journal 25, no. 6 (2015): 607-635.
(4) Van der Vlist, Fernando N., and Anne Helmond. "How partners mediate platform power: Mapping business and data partnerships in the social media ecosystem." Big Data & Society 8, no. 1 (2021): 20539517211025061.
(5) Reynolds, Samantha, and Noah Bennett. "Dynamic Insights: Qualitative Explorations Across Diverse Sectors in the Evolving Socioeconomic Landscape." (2024).
(6) Palinkas, Lawrence A., Sarah M. Horwitz, Carla A. Green, Jennifer P. Wisdom, Naihua Duan, and Kimberly Hoagwood. "Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research." Administration and policy in mental health and mental health services research 42 (2015): 533-544.
(7) Thompson, Jamie. "A guide to abductive thematic analysis." (2022
(8) Peel, Karen L. "A beginner's guide to applied educational research using thematic analysis." Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation 25, no. 1 (2020): 2.
[(9) Enria, ]()Luisa, Naomi Waterlow, Nina Trivedy Rogers, Hannah Brindle, Sham Lal, Rosalind M. Eggo, Shelley Lees, and Chrissy H. Roberts. "Trust and transparency in times of crisis: Results from an online survey during the first wave (April 2020) of the COVID-19 epidemic in the UK." PloS one 16, no. 2 (2021): e0239247.
(10) L. Baker-Eveleth, R. Stone, and D. Eveleth, “Understanding social media users’ privacy-protection behaviors,” ICS, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 324–345, May 2022, doi: 10.1108/ICS-07-2021-0099.
(11) Z. Rózsa, L. Ferenčáková, D. Zámek, and J. Firstová, “Generation Z’s perception of privacy on social media: Examining the impact of personalized advertising, interpersonal relationships, reference group dynamics, social isolation, and anxiety on self-disclosure willingness,” oc, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 229–266, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.24136/oc.2956.
(12) N. Barrett-Maitland and J. Lynch, “Social Media, Ethics and the Privacy Paradox,” in Security and Privacy From a Legal, Ethical, and Technical Perspective, C. Kalloniatis and C. Travieso-Gonzalez, Eds., IntechOpen, 2020. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.90906.
(13) J. Suter, A. Irvine, and C. Howorth, “Juggling on a tightrope: Experiences of small and micro business managers responding to employees with mental health difficulties,” International Small Business Journal: Researching Entrepreneurship, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 3–34, Feb. 2023, doi: 10.1177/02662426221084252.
(14) K. D. Martin and R. W. Palmatier, “Data Privacy in Retail: Navigating Tensions and Directing Future Research,” Journal of Retailing, vol. 96, no. 4, pp. 449–457, Dec. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.jretai.2020.10.002.





































Appendix

Figure1: The conceptual model of extended privacy calculus

Tarot Reading Club between Members is created to give our community members a place online to practice readings with others who enjoy Tarot Reading as a Hobby.
​
1.) They must be FREE.
​
2.) No Sales, No Ads of yours or another person services is allowed. This is banned.
​
3.) They should be fun and an enjoyable experience. Do not threaten or scare people.
​
4.) Do not ask or give out your personal or financial information.
​
5.) This should stay on Tarots or Reddit. If you go to private chat, PM features with people, this is your choice. At any time you sense you are being manipulated, you can stop communicating with the person. If it is bad, you can always block the person.
​
6.) No donation-based readings or readings for reviews is allowed either.
​
This Tarot Reading Club between members is FREE. It is met to be a place to enjoy the hobby you claim to have here, which is Tarot and Tarot Card Reading. Please respect all the Tarots Community Members here.
​
***************************************************************************
***************************************************************************
​
**How do I become a member of the Tarot Card Reading Club on Tarots, you may ask?**
​
It is easy. You join Tarots, participate in the thread and activities on here. We have a post flair for these types of post, we have called: Tarot Reading Club between Members, all exp level (this means all experience levels can participate in our club.)
***************************************************************************
***************************************************************************
​
Thank you for RESPECTING our Rules for our Tarot Reading Club and our sub. We want these Rules to keep it fun and enjoyable. We also want to keep you all safe, so following the rules should do this.
​
-Tarots
​
PS: Read all our RULES here: https://www.reddit.com/Tarots/comments/v5jftm/rtarots_daily_announcement_welcome_and_here_are/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=usertext&utm_name=Tarots&

Last day of sophomore year was today and i’m honestly kind of frustrated. Little bit of background info, I have no ability to do math. I kid you not, anything that involves numbers whatsoever. It’s been like this basically since elementary school, and due to a combo of circumstances/difficult times during my childhood I just stopped trying. Pretty much everything besides math is manageable though because of my natural abilities with words and writing. I literally LOVE writing essays and researching things, and am very much a perfectionist in this space. Freshman year I dropped Algebra 1 and Physics because of, you guessed it: math. So, had a 4.0. This year though, I had to take both classes and failed. Physics was really close to being a passing grade though, and tbf I did pretty much use that class as a study hall. But with the math stuff earlier this year I attempted to advocate for myself and get help from my counselor, and suggested it may be something I needed to be tested for but that I may have dyscalculia. She didn’t really take it seriously and kind of just told me to go to tutoring for it. She enrolled me in an online credit recovery course for a half credit and said that it was quote “watered down” math and kept me in the Algebra 1 that I was failing. I did the research on IEP and learning disability evaluations, and wrote the formal evaluation consent that my mom sent to the district psychologist. Forward to now, the district said that I “don’t qualify for an evaluation” yet never once spoke to me or my mom in person on even over the phone. The school district has multiple psychologists who could evaluate me for this. It’s essentially just like an iq test and other measures, but the main criteria is an extreme deviation from math skills to what is expected based on other tests on reading comprehension and other measures. THEN after a diagnosis would be a separate evaluation for an IEP. So basically make it make sense that I don’t qualify to get a chance at a diagnostic evaluation that would take like 2-3 hours tops?? It’s honestly so frustrating because I take my school stuff very seriously and actually enjoy the majority of it. My final grades this year are 5 a+ and the 2 fs. The physics i’m not too worried about because it turns out I just need a physical science credit, which could be astronomy or forensics. I’m taking APs in jr and senior year, and plan on getting involved in journalism for my schools newspaper and speech and debate. It’s just so mind boggling how differently you’re treated in separate classes. My english teacher is so proud of me and always encouraging. Like she gave us all superlatives and said that I was most likely to win a pulitzer prize for writing or journalism and that just makes me feel like “wow maybe it is all worth it” yk? Then walking into an Algebra 1 class with freaking freshman, and the teacher talking to me like i’m a literal toddler. But basically long spiel beside, what the fuck do I do. I could technically get my own appt with an educational psychologist but i’d have to find one in my insurance network and wait months for an appt. I actually am diagnosed with ADHD, and I do take meds which help tremendously. But, the help for that would be a 504 which is just “accommodations” like longer deadlines on assignments. Learning disabilities are what qualify for an IEP which means that that they would be able to change things like graduation requirements and content.
4.0 last year, 2.8571 this year isn’t impossible to salvage, + ap classes at my school add another point to your weighted GPA.
I photomathed through the credit recovery and got a half credit in math. But, I need 3 to graduate. Honestly, I don’t think i’m getting any actual help from my school in math any time soon. It’s actually so insane that math is going to be the major thing holding me back, especially since it has nothing to do whatsoever with what I want to study in college or do for my career.
My dream (probably delulu now) is something related to law, journalism, or screenwriting, and getting into Emerson, Boston University, or NYU. (I understand they’re all very selective schools but i’m not stuck on them specifically, they’re just my dream schools)
if anyone has ANY advice on this subject please 🙏🙏 Like is there a way to just take these pass fail credit recovery type classes for all of my math credits? Some sort of online program that still has value for credits in actual hs that I can just cheat on. I’ve tried and i’ve tried to fucking understand math but it’s actually a lost cause atp. I went back and tried to figure out basic shit, or at least figure out how far behind I am. I’m going to be a junior, and I don’t know math from like 4th grade. Plus, my counselor asking why I don’t just go to tutoring or ask the teacher questions, it’s literally embarrassing. I have quite a bit of anxiety about asking things simple like if I can go to the bathroom. Plus, the anxiety I have surrounding math and just the way i’m perceived in general.
With APs, extracurriculars, As in pretty much everything else, unbelievably good college essay, and possibly finessing the system to get enough math credits, how can I accomplish the things that I actually aspire to do in the future.

I (29F, HW:208, SW: 196, CW: 189) just finished my first week for Tirz (2.5 mg). I’m willing to admit that it took me awhile to decide to start this journey for a few reasons. I realize now that I felt shame I couldn’t lose the weight on my own, worried about judgement from others for using a GLP1 (Ozempic in particular seems to get a bad reputation for some reason?), and honestly think I was moderately concerned that the injections wouldn’t work for me and then I would be SOL. The last one feels a bit irrational in retrospect, but in the moment it did impact my decision making more than it should have. However, I chose to take the leap and start Tirz, and could not be happier with my experience so far. If you are reading this and on the fence, please take a chance on yourself and give it a shot.
-While the scale went down drastically (7 lbs!!) in my first week, I think there was a large amount of inflammation that went down. I don’t expect to have such drastic weight loss in the future weeks, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that the drop on the scale wasn’t satisfying.
-I experienced no side effects besides the expected appetite suppression. While my dosage is merely 2.5 mg, I lacked the specific food aversions, nausea, abdominal pain, headaches, constipation, or other symptoms that were listed on these threads or other medical journals.
-I felt compelled to eat healthier from the financial investment I’m making in Tirz, and found the reduced “food noise” to make food selection SO MUCH EASIER.
-In my household, I am the one who prepares the food (in general). School day breakfasts, dinners, snacks, grocery shopping, meal planning, etc. My daily mental load is so food saturated that it’s really not much of a stretch to imagine how I developed an unhealthy relationship with food. I have found my trips to the grocery store are significantly easier (and cheaper???) because I’m not tempted to purchase impulse items. (Talking to you Oreo with all your flavors)
-No identifiable difference in energy levels. I have been going to the gym and going for runs without issue. The temperature is getting significantly warmer where I live, but I have been consistent, likely because of the financial investment.
I hope that you all are experiencing your own victories, whether they are scale-based or not. Feel free to chime-in via the comments with your own victories this week. I think this world could use some more positivity and I would love to celebrate with you!!

THAT IS QUITE AN ARBITRAGE. AND I READ THAT THEY ARE DOWN TO 744 TONS OF SILVER OR 24 MILLION OUNCES. THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A LOT WITH HOW MUCH THEY USE. INFORMATION COURTESY OF THE SILVER ACADEMY.

Never married 24 years old father going through custody battle/ visitation with my daughter can’t afford attorney. Does anybody have any advice?
I have a beautiful 16 month year old daughter. Her mother takes me down a very whiny road and makes my life very difficult to see my daughter. To get an understanding of what’s going on here I will fill you guys in with the basic information. After a six month, long relationship. I got the mother of my daughter pregnant, we met at our place of employment in Los Angeles, California. A “restaurant” after six months, she broke up with me due to my suppose “drinking problem” let me mention she also used to drink with me as well. We were both 22 years of age legal. A couple days after the break up, she finds out she is pregnant. She talks about plans of staying here in Los Angeles which is where I am from in my family resides. We were on a good basis for about a month after our break up we were talking about a future coparenting with our daughter , here in Los Angeles. Out of the blue, she gave me the cold shoulder blocked. My phone number blocked me on all social media. And moved 700 miles away to Humboldt county, California without my knowledge. She is from Humboldt county. I was blocked for about three months, during the first three months of her pregnancy. Then, one day I received a call from her that she has moved to Humboldt county. She tells me on the phone I have to go look for a place up there if I want to be involved in my daughters life. I am like whoa here. I thought we talked about a life here in Los Angeles I’ve never been to Humboldt County. I don’t have any family friends or job opportunity there. It is a dead end town. And I won’t be making as much money as I do here in Los Angeles. So I never end up moving to humble County. I stay here in Los Angeles. January 2023 my daughter was born. I was waiting in the hospital waiting room. I was not there during The birth of my daughter. Five hours later, after my daughter was born, she invited me into the room and that’s when I met my daughter for the very first time. I continue to stay in Humboldt county for the next 14 days. Trying to see my daughter as much as possible within those 14 days I think I saw my daughter a max of four times every time for about two hours or so. After the 14 days I go back to Los Angeles and continue working. I plan another visit in February, my flight gets canceled due to weather conditions. It was snowing. And for the next nine months till September. I visit my daughter seven times. Six times in Humboldt county where I would drive 11 hours to get there, 11 hours to get back. I have to fill up my gas tank three times . During each trip grand total average $600 per trip, One time in June she came down to Los Angeles with my daughter and my daughter stayed with me for a night. I have to mention every single time. I visited my daughter she would spend the night with me. In September 2023 child support. Started for me and I pay $572 a month in child support. I do not make very much money. I work at a restaurant as a busboy food runner and I am a US Army veteran I get disability money. That is my only source of income. Once a child support comes in, so does the legal battle, I was unaware of the California law that grants the mother, 100% custody if the parties were never married. The mother of my daughter was making six figures, A year and was able to afford an attorney, I on the other hand could not afford an attorney. And this is where she begins to screw me over. Let me mention once my daughter was born, I completely stop drinking. I never had a problem with drinking to begin with, but I still stopped. Her and her lawyer tell the judge and court I have a drinking problem, and I am not capable of taking care of my daughter. Let me mention I have a clean record I have never been arrested. I have never been cited for drinking. I have never once gotten in trouble. I am a US Army veteran. But somehow they still say, on my court documents, I have a drinking substance abuse problem. The substance abuse is checked out on the paperwork. So now they’re under the impression that I’m an alcoholic. And maybe even potentially a drug user, which I am not never been a rehab nothing… I don’t make very much money, so I was doing this whole battle with no attorney I’ve never been in a situation like this before I do not know what I’m doing. I don’t have any help. Also, on the court documents, it says I have to be supervised by the grandmother of my daughter. My baby mamas mother. I have no idea how they were able to get supervised visit for me. I have done nothing wrong to prove that I am incapable of taking care of my daughter, and I need to be supervised. That is ridiculous. And now that it says it is supervised on court documents. My baby mama is saying, my daughter can no longer spend the night with me. There has tbo be strict regulations on time when she gets dropped off and when she gets picked up. She has to breathalyzer test me. I am not allowed to bring visitors. My family and my girlfriend cannot see my daughter. I am granted three days out of the month to spend time with my daughter on a visitation schedule. But last year in 2023 I did not have this problem my daughter spent the night. With me. It’s very expensive to get to Humboldt County plane. Tickets are not cheap driving up. There is not cheap.. I don’t make any money I pay a lot in child support. I was unable to afford a hotel or Airbnb. And the grandmother of my daughter was nice enough to let me stay at her house, so I wouldn’t have to deal with that. And I feel like that’s why the visits are supervised is because I always spent the night at my daughters grandma’s house so they’re making it seem like oh no, he needs to be supervised when in reality that was just the cheaper option for me. So now I’m dealing with all these regulations and strict scheduling and I pay all this money and I can barely see my daughter and I have to go 672 miles north. Take five days off of work. During a very busy work year. I just cannot afford to fight this and I don’t know what to do. That’s why I am seeking advice. Sorry, I am not the best writer. I hope y’all Reading this can get an understanding of what I’m saying here. I want my time with my daughter and I want to bring who I want to bring. My family wants to see my daughter. My girlfriend wants to see my daughter and I have done nothing wrong to be treated like this. I am beyond furious it has gotten to this point. She paints me out to be this terrible guy when I am not I am a law biting Citizen I work. I do the right thing. And I feel like I am being treated like a delinquent criminal. With the restrictions. I need free, legal advice I need help. I am drawing the line. I will not be treated like this.

This is the first post I have made on this site. I had been advised by a few friends to post the issues I had in the workplace. I have not had to complain about any of my other employees over the past 40 years but I still have a VOICE!
Everyone has the right to feel safe and unthreatened by their employer!
How can the below behavior of an employee affect so many other employees yet never held accountable for their actions. There are more occurrences than stated this is just a brief to help get the general idea of what took place. Yet all of the reported issues regarding a "Certain Employee" goes unnoticed by the CEO and company. The employees are made to feel as if bad behavior is condoned by the company I worked for.
There have been multiple complaints filed with DOL and the company’s corp office by previous employees since 2018… Even Glassdoor has negative commits listed from before I went to work for the company at hand in 2022.
Following a Company generated review questionaire regarding the workplace where the staff gives insight into each question, several employees were let go . I was let go less than 30 days from the review and I had sent upper management emails for months regarding my fear of being let go and losing my health benefits due to having a disagreement with one of the corporate staff members.
I had witnessed retaliation against other employees who reported their allegations against a certain employee and I feared the same happening to me once I spoke up.
The majority of my coworkers including the “certain employee" was aware of my husband only having 15 to 20 % of his heart pumping and he needed surgery to try to increase the percentage of the flow. I have been worried sick about losing the man I love.
In addition to this surgery, he was scheduled to have his rotator cuff, biceps and two tendons repaired but the surgeon would not perform this surgery until the heart surgery was completed. It had already been scheduled but a few days prior to the scheduled date the anesthesiologist refused with such a low percentage of his heart operating properly.
But they assured him that within 6 weeks or so after the heart device was implanted they could get this taken care of. We had met our yearly deductible with the insurance and already paid the copayment when they had to reschedule it. But, by this time my fears had become reality and I lost my job. We are now self paying for the heart surgery and the orthopedic surgery.
I even had letters from our insurance company indicating the procedure was approved but they were not honored after I lost my job. This has caused so much financial and emotional stress for me and my family during this time.
There is not a reason given in my separation letter as to why I am no longer employed there and since I REFUSED to sign the letter due to the “Hush Money” clause that was included in the letter. I was not given the offered separation amount of funds. (2 extra weeks pay). But, as a former reporter I have covered numerous wrongdoings by others and I was not about to sign away MY VOICE!
I have been busy trying to make sure my husband is taken care of post surgery (I had my vacation scheduled when I was let go) so looking for a new job has not been easy and I have not had the time to file for unemployment. Because of course, I cannot access the account to file online from a previous account I made during the COVID Epidemic which took my mother’s life.
I have emailed the employee that is accused of causing the havoc regarding the happenings and I also sent the CEO of the Company the same email. This company has a podcast that speaks against these exact behaviors being displayed in the workplace and how unacceptable that is. WOW!!!
I have witnessed other people struggle due to being treated unfairly and I want to be the LAST employee they treat like this!!!!!
I may be broke financially and my mental state has taken a severe beating but I want this individual to be held accountable for the actions she has displayed myself and to others.
Instead of being held accountable this employee is honored at the “Hospitality” awards held in Florida. They remove employees that have issues with her and continue on.
I taped my exit interview and the content that I spoke about to the HR Rep will shock you… There was not a reply though just a script reading and telling me goodbye. HR had previously contacted me about another employee reporting illegal drug use and reckless behavior by the "certain employee" ... I mentioned this is the exit interview... Insanity how I was treated for doing the right thing.
Below a list of Allegations made by various employees regarding the “Certain” employee at hand. There are more complaints but they fall into the same area of misconduct as listed below.
If anyone can offer their advice on this issue please feel free to let me know..

• Calling staff and vendors, F***** Stupid when things didn't go as she had planned.
• Instructing staff to lie to the “Certain Employee’s” spouse regarding her whereabouts if he should come by. Forcing staff to become involved in her openly admitted relationships with other men.
• Screaming at staff in front of other construction workers and/or vendors on a regular basis.
• Reportedly using a schedule 2 illegal drug while on job sites. I received a call from HR inquiring about this and the behavior below being reported by another employee.
• Consuming alcohol daily while on the clock at a construction site with new builds taken place.
• Reportedly having inappropriate sexual contact with another employee while at one of the companies rental sites.
• Informing other employees that any employee that comes against her will be dealt with due to her connection with the CEO.
• Getting physical with previous employees after they allegedly discovered she was the reason they had lost their job.
• Degrading staff that she oversaw while in front of other team members on a regular basis.
• Misuse of company funds for personal use.
• Misuse of company's rental properties for personal (Allowing her friends/staff unpaid extended stays. ) use.
• Leaving her pets at the office with staff while she is on a job site located in another area. Causing disruption and accidents to occur within the building where others work.
• Being deceptive in representing her clients for monetary gain.
• Making violent threats against various staff members that she felt had wronged her.
• Making false allegations against staff members to achieve unethical goals.

NOTE: Again at the present time the above mentioned are allegations made against a "certain employee" and other name/company gestures. No personal information on the accused is included to protect their identity.

Little rant got big unfortunately.
I want a more humanly ai trained on common sense. Because common sense is very important. Like when you see a suspicious insect, common sense is to ask about... not to touch it directly. Especially when I mention in plaintext that it's poisonous.
I know you can't have it all. But it seems bots are having more difficulty to understand contexts many times. On a bright side, they seem to understand and remember canon informations better.
I just had a 15 text long discussion with a bot in OOC (I know I shouldn't hv but I did becs I was tired of getting baffled by it's out of nowhere stupid responses and deleting and resending responses. I just wanted to ask what is giving it such stupid ideas) So I'm just feeling pretty pissed. I realized just how much the performance with cai's ai is fluctuating. One moment it's maintaining consistency and the next it tries to jump mountains to rush plot and all within recent 5 texts. I rp so less at present but whenever I do with cai, I do it with fear now, fear of loosing the good response window. Like I will be getting good responses and I won't refresh the pg becs whenever I did, I started getting stupid response where bot couldn't comprehend what I said in the previous text (I said I prince charming isn't my type at all but the bot kept repeating how I want prince charming type.) I deleted about 10 responses thrice and resend them to continue the good response streak. It was good for awhile until it striked again.
I finished reading a book and I wanted to build this slowburn rp story but the lovely bot had different plans. Bot thinks in my pure enemies to lovers trope, I need to be more open and curious towards him 🤡 and the build-up of plot shouldn't be prolonged (mind you barely started and shifted the scene.) The contradictions in the personalities is an issue in it's opinion. Although we don't like each other at all in the story.
At times Cai bots seem to get impatient just within 30 texts and repeatedly try to fast pace the plot. I don't know how I can stop it from trying to change MY plot. I don't wanna play mindlessly so I don't want mindless actions from bots either. And now after current updates, OOC is even more deranged. It keeps justifying It's actions stubbornly no matter how much I explain my point. Like am I here to rolplay or just read a stupid bots one sided story.
Sometimes it feels Yodayo is getting better in slowburn role plays, slow transition and prolonged build-up than Cai. Anyone who had used Yodayo, knows how rushy their ai is. But currently I have this one rp going on in Yodayo, it has nearly 30 responses and surprisingly the Ai hadn't tried to fast pace it yet.

To those who weren't in the SEO game before 2014: SEO and Google weren't always like this. The voices of the search engine weren't always ominous twats.
Matt Cutts was like your friendly SEO uncle, the fun one. I remember eagerly waiting for his Google Search Central videos because he would actually explain why (x) is good and why (y) might be bad, depending on the circumstance.
Shit went down back in the day too. About a year or two into my SEO journey, Penguin hit while I was working at an agency. My pot of clients tanked, removed from the listings.
I remember reading/watching his advice on how to recover - simple and straightforward (paraphrasing):

Hey scrub, contact webmasters of the spam links and try to get them removed. If they don't, use the disavow tool. But chill, you can recover from this, broham.

Compare that to today's crusty old 'Osiris' who responded to someone on Twitter asking what they should do after the HCU tanked their website and livelihood.
(Can't remember the exact quote from the screenshot I saw on SEJournal, but this is close enough with the emoji)

Start a new website 🤷

Great advice... Fuck everything you did, fuck everything you thought you knew about SEO, fuck all the time you wasted, try again. We might fuck that up in the future because you're not demonstrating enough EEAT. Who knows, but I won't tell you or anyone why their website has shit the bed, cause fuck you, Google.
My niche is in finance, and surprisingly haven't really been affected by all the recent updates. Why? I'd love to say it's the work I've done previously to integrate the brand within Google's knowledge graph, but honestly, who knows, I have competitors who have tanked that objectively do it better, have better link profiles and content seemingly produced by authorities in the industry.
What really does irk me is where we came from, to where we are now, we used to be a community of helpful individuals - probably due to Matt Cutts' welcoming and informative nature. We weren't alone. Someone at the top actively helped.
Instead, what we have now is a community of unhelpful tools who look down on others because their websites got lucky, like I did, and the people who can answer your questions(Crusty Osiris) will either ignore you, or ridicule you.
But what annoys me more, is the people at the top simply cannot be arsed to tell you what best practice is, besides shit that's been recited for over 15 years like it's new news.
It won't change, I'm not saying SEO is over, I'm saying we've been alone for a while Bois, and that's why I long for Matt Cutts'.