The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. Imagine a town with two widget merchants. Customers prefer cheaper widgets, so the merchants must compete to set the lowest price.

Our basement bedroom has a huge desktop computer that we never, ever touch -- except to dust. Why are we keeping it? A recent CNET survey found that nearly a third of us are hoarding old electronics, ...

The same personalized algorithms that deliver online content based on your previous choices on social media sites like YouTube also impair learning, a new study suggests. Researchers found that when ...

We use algorithms every day for things like image searches, predictive text, and securing sensitive data. Algorithms show up all over nature, too, in places like your immune system and schools of fish ...

Social media companies and their respective algorithms have repeatedly been accused of fueling political polarization by promoting divisive content on their platforms. Now, two U.S. Senators have ...

All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. Microsoft's Surface Laptop ...

ZDNET experts put every product through rigorous testing and research to curate the best options for you. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn Our Process 'ZDNET Recommends': ...

To better understand which social media platforms Americans use, Pew Research Center surveyed 5,022 U.S. adults from Feb. 5 to June 18, 2025. SSRS conducted this National Public Opinion Reference ...

Thomas Lincoln and Sarah Bush Lincoln—Abraham’s father and stepmother—are buried at Shiloh Cemetery just south of town, offering a quiet reminder that even legendary presidents came from regular ...

If you're looking to transition from a gaming desktop to something more portable, now is the time to do so. Modern day gaming laptops today are truly "gaming-worthy", with the most powerful models ...

Cyber Week is here, and holiday season savings are waiting to be claimed. Take up to 55% off on top-rated Asus laptops, routers, mice, and more.