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On the rare occasions that we lift our eyes from our mobile devices, everywhere we look, we see more and more people staring at their phones. With technology having become such a major part of our lives, it's no wonder that 90% of the data in existence was created in the last two years alone. What's crazier is that nearly everything we do on our mobile devices can and is being tracked by what are called Data Brokers. These companies and people gather, analyze, and sell our personal information to advertisers and marketers for billions of dollars. These advertisers, in turn, can have access to all kinds of information about us -- our age, location, likes, dislikes, buying habits, religious practices, even our daily movements -- in an attempt to better target their efforts.
With little government regulation on these data brokers, they're able to do as they please with our information -- whether obtained legally, like through an app to which we've provided too much access, or illegally, like when a data breach occurs. With data breaches happening more and more, and data collection becoming more thorough and intricate, it might be time to ask -- do you know how much data you create? And do you know where it's going?
Pivot’s “Know Your Rights” campaign, in association with the ACLU of Southern California, empowers you to learn more about your civil liberties in the digital age. To join those who are exposing corruption, fighting abuses of power, and demanding transparency, visit the Truth and Power website now.
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.