12 things the internet taught us weve been doing wrong our whole lives

When we spend so much of our time online, we’re bound to learn something while clicking and scrolling. Discover something new with Mashable’s series I learned it on the internet.

Alleged "hacks" for "life" born on the web have been known to — at best — be simply useless. At worst, they risk getting the "life hacker" killed or injured(Opens in a new tab). Yet the old gal (by which we mean the entirety of the online human population) still has some new tricks to teach us.

Inevitably, when you gather all of modern human knowledge onto several communication platforms like social media, you're bound to discover some mind-blowing revelations. With TikTok in particular, folks are having the humbling experience of learning they've been doing even the most mundane everyday things completely wrong.

We don't blame you if these 11 examples make you feel like you've been lied to all your life. But let's just take a deep breath and remember that we don't get manuals on How to Life. At least, we didn't before the internet was around to show us what a bunch of idiots we were.

1. Starbucks Frappuccinos

OK, when Starbucks described their take-home frappuccinos as "chilled" drinks, we did not know they actually meant literally frozen. In retrospect, the above reveal from a #TikTokMadeMeDoIt experiment makes sense. I mean, frapps are usually served with the consistency of icy slush rather than cooled vanilla coffee milk.

2. Hammering nails

I was today years old when I learned that human society has learned to improve on the design of hammers so you don't have to risk life and limb every time you use them. I blame not knowing this one on literally every depiction of a nail being hammered that's ever been shown in film, TV, and home improvement videos. How will I ever learn to trust again?

3. Garlic

Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)

Garlic remains one of the most "hacked" items on the planet, with entire Youtube videos(Opens in a new tab) dedicated to demonstrating different methods. But this one, retweeted by Chrissy Tiegen, takes the crown for most popular.

4. Laundry

Despite what the poster says, the above video is honestly one of the least nasty examples of "laundry stripping(Opens in a new tab)" (which uses the power of Borax and baking soda) I've seen on TikTok. This TikToker at least cleans her couch cushion covers twice a month, which is more than I can say for myself and many others who bought their couches used(Opens in a new tab).

This is the one hack I remain scared to try, though. I'd rather live in the blissful ignorance of doing it wrong rather than face the dirty bath water reality of doing it right.

5. Curly hair

To be fair, the hair-drying method known as "plopping" (basically just carefully wrapping your soaking wet hair in a T-shirt or a microfiber towel) has been well-established in the curly hair community for years. But TikTok gets credit for turning this more niche expert knowledge into a full-on viral trend(Opens in a new tab). By spreading the trick for effortless locks, it changed the lives of many folks who went their whole lives never realizing they even had curly hair in the first place.

Welcome to the club, newbies! Have you tried the aloe vera trick yet(Opens in a new tab)?

6. Can openers

Move over Bean Dad, because you were actually "teaching" (or, more accurately, "smugly tormenting") your daughter into learning the wrong way of opening that damn can of beans anyway. You're actually supposed to fix it to the top of the can (as Bean Dad's daughter first attempted), rather than sideways as the rest of us plebs have been doing (Bean Dad included). So for those keeping score that's: Bean Daughter 1, Bean Dad 0.

Aside from just using it wrong, there's a whole host of other uses for can openers(Opens in a new tab) that can save you a lot of hassle — like opening that impossible plastic clamshell-type packaging that's the bane of all existence.

7. Peeling stuff

As Mashable associate animator Elvie Mae Parian described, "I think one of the biggest most life-changing things that I learned [on the internet] is how you can peel ginger with a spoon."

Indeed, peelers are yet another thing we've been royally screwing up in terms of proper use, with this one TikToker discovering(Opens in a new tab) that you can use them in both directions rather than just the downward motion.

8. Strainers (or "colanders")

This one feels like a betrayal. How the hell have I, a grown-ass woman, gone my entire life believing the lie of dumping my pasta into a strainer?

9. Group texts

This account(Opens in a new tab) has all sorts of neat Apple tricks and tips worth checking out, like the secret shortcut to an emoji keyboard(Opens in a new tab) on your Mac or a more secure way to chat by using the Notes app(Opens in a new tab). But the above reply-button tip from the iOS 14 update feels like a real game-changer for group chats, which are notorious for becoming unruly nightmares real fast.

10. Cupcakes

Let's be real: As great as they are, cupcakes come with some major design flaws. Putting all the filling on top makes for a very cute aesthetic. But it also renders taking a bite with the perfect filling-to-cake ratio impossible. Admittedly, the cupcake sandwich method looks a lot more monstrous. But your taste buds will thank you.

11. Pizza boxes

Here's to realizing those dotted lines on your pizza box actually have a purpose. Whichever engineer is responsible for this stroke of genius, our over-stuffed fridges thank you.

12. Blow pops

This probably would've been more useful to know a decade ago, but it's never too late to take advantage of being able to suck on a blow pop 30 seconds faster.

Keep learning

• Never trust a single source: The new rules for learning anything online

• 5 of the best knitting projects for newbie crafters on YouTube

• Where to find photography classes online

• The best online tools to trace your genealogy from home

• Twitter taught me I have no visual imagination

Taking nudes is an art. Heres how to create a masterpiece.

When YouTuber and content creator Maddie Dragsbaek(Opens in a new tab) first started taking nudes, she thought she had to contort her body into being the "most sexy" for whomever was going to see them.

That changed when she wanted to mimic women in Renaissance paintings. It started by capturing a nude in a mirror as she lounged like the Venus of Urbino(Opens in a new tab) and other reclining art figures(Opens in a new tab).

"Then it spiraled into...how else can I get creative with this?" Dragsbaek said.

While bathroom dick pics and the like make us think otherwise, nude-taking can be an art — and a self-love practice. Here's how to create your masterpiece.

Reframe your mindset, reframe your nudes

The right mindset — about your body and photos of it — is crucial for good nudes.

Dragsbaek now sees nude-taking as a creative expression and a way to have fun. No longer solely about being sexy, nude-taking is now a way to connect with herself and celebrate her body.

Adult content creator and BDSM model Zoey Sterling (@etherealzoey(Opens in a new tab)) said she focuses on the self when taking nudes, as well. "Think of it less as 'who am I taking it for,'" she said, "and more so as 'I'm taking this for me.'"

Writer and photographer Haley Jakobson(Opens in a new tab) recommends starting with a mindset of nudes being a skillset, something to learn and get better at over time. It's not about being photogenic.

"Photogenic is a made-up word," said Jakobson, who previously ran a photography business.

When she used to take nude and partially nude photos of her clients, Jakobson would have them breathe and move, not freeze as many of us are taught for photos. "Photos are meant to capture us living and breathing and in-motion because we're animals," she said, "and that's what we do."

After her shoots, she'd send her clients hundreds of photos; she wouldn't delete any "awkward" ones. She wanted them to look through them all and see ones they loved alongside the ones they deemed horrible. Homing in on one "bad" photo — which captures a millisecond of your life — and discarding the others is a toxic mindset, said Jakobson.

"You do yourself a great disservice by not clicking to the next photo and seeing something you really love," she said.

Negative thoughts about how you look may be present when you take nudes, said Jakobson, and they may not go away. Western ideals of what's sexy or not is ingrained in us — especially if you're socialized as a woman — and that socialization doesn't go away overnight.

But you can still take nudes even with that mind chatter; in fact, nudes can combat it.

"The biggest 'fuck you' to the chatter that you could do is say, 'I might look at this photo and feel a lot of [body] dysmorphia, but I still want this photo...Maybe in a week I can look at it and be like, I'm really glad I took it,'" said Jackobson.

Are you in the mood?

Sometimes, you're sexting someone when you've already washed your face and tucked yourself into bed with no reason to take off your PJs. Then, bam: the "send nudes" text.

There's no need to take photos when you're not feeling it, even if someone asks. Instead, take them when you're in the mood, and safely store your nudes for when that text pops up.

Sterling said it helps if she's in a provocative mood to start with, but she always does a couple test shots to warm up before a session.

Dragsbaek, who has a nude-taking series(Opens in a new tab) on her YouTube channel, is more inclined to take nudes after she buys a new set of lingerie or another item that makes her feel excited to take them.

Jakobson suggested focusing on your environment. Get comfortable, put on some good music, even take a bath with all your favorite products beforehand.

Before you whip your iPhone out, though, establish your personal boundaries. Do you only want to show yourself from the waist up? Do you want your face to be cut off? Clarify those limits for yourself, Dragsbaek said. If someone asks for a photo of a body part you're not comfortable sharing, don't force yourself.

"Block anyone who doesn't appreciate them," said Sterling of your nudes. "Protect your peace."

The logistics of a great nude

There are various elements that go into a photo, including lighting and accessories — and what you're actually shooting on.

If you want that bright natural light, shoot in the afternoon. If you want soft and warm natural light, take photos during golden hour (right after sunrise or before sunset).

You can use artificial lighting like from a ring light or box light too, but it'll be a bit harsher — and be more of a production for you. If you want to play with artificial light, try a smart light bulb(Opens in a new tab) and experiment with different colors. When chatting virtual sex with Mashable, sex educator Kenneth Play recommended red lighting as it looks good on camera and on different skin tones.

Then there's the equipment. A smartphone is more than good enough to take nudes, but other cameras can be part of the session too, if you have access to them. Dragsbaek likes to try out different cameras, such as her camcorder or her Macbook's webcam.

Taking nudes on a film camera will likely result in shots with a vintage-looking glow — if you can wait long enough for them to be developed. Though, there are apps like Huji(Opens in a new tab) that can fake the look on iPhone photos too.

If taking photos by yourself, utilize the self-timer. The iPhone camera app has that capability, but there's also the influencer-approved app Lens Buddy(Opens in a new tab) with a customizable timer. You can also pick up an inexpensive mini tripod if you don't have a stable surface to place your phone on.

Jakobson recommends taking as many self-timed shots as possible, or taking a video and screenshotting your favorite moments, especially if you're a beginner.

You don't need to focus on the technical aspects like lenses or lighting, either.

Focus on how you feel, instead. Jakobson typically shot in front of a plain backdrop, but nudes can be taken anywhere you feel comfortable: your bed, elsewhere in your room, the shower, in the bath, or — as Sterling suggested — you can capture a "wild and adventurous" shot on a nude beach or in nature.

Zoey also mentioned accessories. Decide if you want to wear jewelry or lingerie, or if you want fabrics in your shot like your comforter. If you want to be not-quite-nude but still revealing, Dragsbaek mentioned wearing a wet T-shirt.

Taking the shots

What's your favorite asset? What do you want the photos to focus on? Pick something as a warm-up or teaser, said Sterling. There's no need to show your whole body if you don't want to.

If you do want to pose full-body, however, Jakobson had some suggestions. You can play with moving your arms over your head, or angling your body in different ways (such as popping your butt out), and tilting your head back.

Or, if you're someone with breasts, you can splay yourself out on your knees and hold your bust. Swaying your hair from side to side can make you feel sexy, and also result in some good shots.

When Jakobson shot masculine people, she focused on aspects like one's shoulders. She also found that masc people liked to touch their bellies, which she said always turned out sexy.

This is all experimentation and learning how you like your body to look in photos.

"You can't know what angle is going to look right for you, until you try it out yourself," said Jakobson. "You really need to give yourself an afternoon when the light is shining in your room and just put your camera on every different surface."

Keep breathing and keep moving — that's how Jakobson would take nudes of others. She would constantly tell clients to breathe before every pose, every click. "That is what gets people the best results," she said.

Nudes as a self-love practice

You may not take nudes you love right away, but that's OK. Get to know how you look while you're naked and in motion. It will be jarring if you're not used to taking photos of yourself, Jackobson said, and it takes time to get comfortable. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become.

Nudes are less about what's in the photo and more about how the photo makes you feel, said Sterling. The photos are for you first, even if you send them to someone else.

Dragsbaek's number one nude tip is to throw out the idea that your body needs to look a certain way in order to be sexy. Let your body exist as it is. You can tell yourself, "I am allowed to exist right here as I am in this body," she said. "I am not for anybody else. This body is for me and I'm trying to celebrate that."

See Also: Which dating app should you use? This guide can help you figure it out.

"Even if you're not at a place where you can look back at those photographs and consume yourself in that way," Dragsbaek continued, "going through the motions of taking them and allowing yourself to just be is really powerful."

There may be photos of yourself that make you cringe, or days where you don't feel sexy at all. But it's all a process — and, over time, you'll definitely take shots you find sexy.

While taking nudes is part of her job, Sterling takes nudes for herself because they make her feel confident, attractive, and sexy.

"Smile at yourself while taking them, laugh at yourself, be sultry with yourself," she said. "I am who I am because of how comfortable I am with being fully human. Being nude is to be human."

Related video: Moment lenses take phone photography to the next level (if you put in the practice)

How to use stainless steel sex toys

Stainless steel sex toys are having a serious moment in the media. Did you do a double-take after reading that? That was no error. The best thing to happen to your sex toy collection: Stainless. Steel. 

Now this may sound a little bit (or very) intimidating, but don’t worry. These toys offer truly intense stimulation, are easy to use, and last for a lifetime. While they do high-key look like they’re medieval torture devices straight out of the Tower of London, they truly are fantastic for sex, no matter how kinky or vanilla your persuasion. And while they are expensive, they're an investment that will last longer than some lesser-made toys in your nightstand.

"Stainless steel sex toys are brilliant because they feel so damn good," says Lucy Rowett(Opens in a new tab), a certified sex coach and clinical sexologist. "The combination of the weight, the texture, and the fact [that] you can warm them up or make them cool adds a whole new dimension to sex.

Stainless steel sex toys are the heavyweights (literally) of sex toys, and we should all get on board. If you’re feeling curious — and maybe a little bit turned on — here is everything you need to know about using stainless steel sex toys to have a truly epic sexual adventure. 

The appeal of stainless steel sex toys. 

Firstly, while these toys are, like, completely terrifying at first glance, they’re actually freakin’ gorgeous. Dr. Celina Criss(Opens in a new tab), a certified sex coach specializing in BDSM and gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity, says that their aesthetic appeal lies in the "sleek lines and well-weighted designs that can feel like a work of art as well as a sensually exciting toy." They’re also hella shiny.

Stainless steel toys have weight. They can add pressure and intensity to your sexual play without having to put in a lot of effort. These toys engage the entire clitoral structure (both internal and external(Opens in a new tab)), can massage the G-spot with the pressure of a deep tissue massage, and even bring the nerve-rich anal opening into play. 

These toys really make the most of gravity. "Heavy, with no flexibility to move around, [they] give the benefit of pinpointed stimulation and a sense of 'density,'" adds Julieta Chiaramonte(Opens in a new tab), a kink instructor, writer, and sex expert. Anyone into (or curious about!) the sensation of fullness will appreciate the meditative heft of a stainless steel toy.

The benefits of using stainless steel toys.

There are so many benefits to using stainless steel toys. Besides their weight, they are perfect for anyone who finds ABS plastic or silicone toys to be lacking in sensation or otherwise unpleasant from a tactile point of view. 

What’s more, because they are made from high-grade metal, "stainless steel [toys are] a godsend for those with sensitive skin, [because they] put pressure in all the right spots," without exposing you to any allergens that may be irritating, says Chiaramonte. This is especially important for anyone with sensitivities to latex or other phthalates.

They’re also amazing for temperature play. Try "cooling it off in the fridge or warming it up with some hot water," Chiaramonte adds. Be sure to test the toy's temperature with your fingers before placing it on the genitals. No one wants to get burned.

Lastly, these toys are dope AF because they are SO easy to clean, "which is essential for safer sex play if toys are being shared by partners," Criss says. You can, no joke, drop a stainless steel toy into a pot of boiling water to disinfect it. Doing some dishes? Pop them onto the top rack of the dishwasher and call it a day. You can even sanitize them with UV light!

Keep in mind that some of these toys do vibrate and contain electromechanical components. For these, warm water and soap will do the trick for cleaning.

How to use stainless steel sex toys.

• Always use lube. 

Stainless steel toys are compatible with all forms of lube (oil-based, silicone, or water-based). Because they are metal, you want to be sure they have a lot of slip when you’re using them. Friction is the enemy. The more lube the better.

• Go slowly.

"Take time to read your care instructions and handle your toys gently and they'll last a lifetime," Criss says. You want to take your time to get to know your toy before you go shoving it all up in yourself or a partner. 

When you start using it, Rowett says you should still move more slowly. "As both the inside of the vagina and anus respond best to pressure, think sensual and slow pressure and movements so that you and your partner can feel EVERYTHING." Now is not the time for the jackhammer in-and-out … but then again, is it ever the time for the jackhammer? You may even not want to move the toy once it's inserted; lots of folks enjoy the feeling of fullness in and of itself, or combined with other sorts of stimulation.

• Some advice for anal use.

Use a generous amount of lube. Insert the toy into the anal opening slowly. Be sure the receiver is relaxed and breathing into the sensation. Communicate during the play to ensure everyone is comfortable. If the anus is tensed up, penetration can cause pain. This is not normal. If anything hurts, stop, take a beat and decide if you want to continue.

Toy recommendations to get you started on your journey.

You want to be extra careful with stainless steel to be sure you’re not getting a knock-off. "Companies try to sell you cheap metal toys that aren’t even made of stainless steel. To make sure you’re getting top-grade stainless steel, you will have to pay for it. If a toy is being sold too cheaply, stay away," warns Emme Witt(Opens in a new tab), a BDSM expert and writer. Be sure you’re extra careful when buying products — ensuring they are stainless steel. It’s definitely best to stick to well-known brands, especially if you’re new to these toys.

For anal play: Njoy Wand and b-Vibe

An Njoy wand is perfect for prostate play(Opens in a new tab) … and all play, really. The balls on either end of this toy are fantastic for deep stimulation of the p-spot. 

This small metal plug from b-Vibe(Opens in a new tab) is also adorable and great for beginners.

For vaginas: L’Acier and Le Wand

Most metal toys that vibrate do not feel very strong, "but L'Acier Shop(Opens in a new tab) has mastered the art of dense, slick penetration with POWERFUL vibration that can be added or removed from the stainless steel toys," Chiaramonte says. 

If you’re looking for something on the smaller side, the chromed steel mini vibe collection(Opens in a new tab) from Le Wand is gorgeous, sleek, and powerful.

You can also get stainless steel cuffs, clamps, and other kinky gear — but since this is a 101 guide and these more advanced toys are best made custom, we’ll stick with the basics.

Stainless steel toys may seem daunting, but they are accessible for one and all. They’re an easy way to up the ante on your sex toy collection, explore mind-bending new sensations, and invest in one-of-a-kind toys that will last you a lifetime.

What’s not to love?

How to squirt during sex

TLC famously once sang "don’t go chasing waterfalls," but what if we want to in our sex lives?

Yes, we’re talking about squirting — the most debated aspect of orgasms for people with vaginas. According to research(Opens in a new tab), around 10 percent to 54 percent of us can do it — and yet, there is a whole lot of confusion around it.

If you’ve not experienced squirting personally, the likelihood is that you’ve seen what it looks like. It only takes a quick search on a porn site to find video after video of porn stars expelling what looks like litres of fluid from their vaginas seemingly effortlessly and, as it turns out, people can’t get enough of it. 

According to(Opens in a new tab) Pornhub’s latest year in review, searches for "squirting" on site have soared by 188 percent. Pornhub also found that searches for "how to squirt" have also seen a massive rise over the last year – "how to" searches increased by 244 percent and there are now more than 200,000 videos on Pornhub that are tagged or titled as instructional videos. Porn is designed to entertain, not educate, however.

We’re here to debunk the myths of squirting for you with the help of the pros and keep you away from typing "how to" into any porn site’s search bar.

But what actually is squirting? Is it really just pee? And for those of us who are yet to experience the phenomenon, how on earth are we meant to open the floodgates?

What is squirting?

First things first, squirting and female ejaculation are two different things.

Yes, really. Dr. Andrea Maduro, MD, medical advisor at period tracking app Flo Health(Opens in a new tab), explains that you can ejaculate and squirt at the same time, but the two actions are completely separate.

"Vagina ejaculate itself is a fluid released commonly at orgasm with a consistency that is sometimes thick, white, milky, and/or gray. It originates in the Skene’s glands, which are located around your urethra and that in turn might lead you to think that female ejaculation is just pee," she tells Mashable.

OK, but if squirting isn't pee, then what is it?

When it comes to female ejaculation, Maduro explains that two enzymes that can be found in semen —prostate-specific antigen(Opens in a new tab) and prostatic acid phosphatase(Opens in a new tab) — are also found in its vaginal counterpart, alongside very low levels(Opens in a new tab) of urea and creatine, the chemicals that are in pee. The two enzymes produce the liquid that sperm swims around in, but for people with vaginas it is produced in the Skene's glands and simply acts as ejaculate.

So, that means although it’s not urine specifically, you’re always going to find traces of it because it comes out the urethra. 

Where does squirting come into it and how is it different? Well, if you imagine ejaculation as a trickle, squirting is a tsunami. 

"In more complex terms, squirting is an orgasmic expulsion of about 10 millilitres (0.35 fluid ounces) of clear fluid(Opens in a new tab) from the bladder, while female ejaculation is only about 3 millilitres (0.1 fluid ounces) of thick fluid from the Skene glands," Maduro explains. 

How do I squirt?

Before you start trying to get your juices flowing, you need to remember the most important thing — squirting is not a sign of "good sex" or of successful masturbation. While some bodies find it really easy to squirt, some can’t — and both are totally normal, Maduro stresses.

Alix Fox, award-winning sex writer, sex educator and UK spokesperson for Japanese designer adult toy brands, TENGA and iroha(Opens in a new tab), is a squirting pro and has a plethora of tips to get your juices flowing.

"Prepare by drinking plenty of water in the preceding hours, then laying down a towel, or waterproof sex blanket. The Liberator Fascinator Throw is the go-to GOAT, in my opinion – it has a liquid-resistant core but is slinky and velvety on the outside, and you can bung it in the washing machine once you’re done going with the flow. If you like to self-pleasure standing up, the shower can be a convenient experimentation location too," says Fox. 

For many of us, it can feel like we’re about to pee right before squirting so to ease your worry, Fox advises that you should visit the bathroom before hitting the bedroom (or your preferred setting for pleasure).

"Many gushing gurus advise that you need to ‘push through’ or ‘lean into’ this feeling of needing to pee, while bearing down with your pelvic muscles. It can be much easier to let go rather than clamp up if you’re confident that you’re not actually going to piss yourself."

Toilet break done, what’s next? According to Fox many people with vaginas will find G-area stimulation the key to achieving squirting. 

"The G-area is a zone of tissue about 0.5-2 inches inside the vagina, on the front wall (so towards the belly button, not the backbone). The G-area tends to plump up when you’re aroused, as it engorges with blood, and applying rhythmic pressure to with fingers or a specially shaped toy stimulates the Skene’s glands and the ‘legs and bulbs’ of the clitoris: hidden bits that extend down from the little ‘nub’ you can see on the outside of your body," she explains.

Lean into that feeling of pressure that Fox describes and bear into your pelvic muscles and you may just find that you’ve managed to squirt. Maduro adds that the way ejaculation feels can also differ from person to person and while to some, squirting may just feel like a normal orgasm, while to others it can feel like warmth or pressure followed by a release.

As for how much liquid you might release, it can vary massively person to person. 

"A 2013 study(Opens in a new tab) of 320 participants measured volumes of approximately 0.3mls to more than 150mls – so from a few drops to a small wine glass," says Fox. "Although the current world record is 1350ml, produced in just 24 seconds."

Is it just about G-area stimulation?

If you struggle to orgasm through internal stimulation, the good news is that it’s not the only way to induce squirting, with Fox herself adding that she prefers to do things externally using sex toys.

"Personally, my favoured route to becoming suddenly sodden is to give myself an orgasm by stimulating my external clit with my iroha Temari vibrator(Opens in a new tab) then keep the vibe in place rather than removing it after I’ve come. It feels slightly overwhelming at first, since I’m very sensitised, then that sensation gives way to a release of liquid. 

"Other people find rabbit-style dual stimulators that hit the G-area and the external clitoris are what get them to Waterworld, or airpulse suction-type clit stimulators like the Satisfyer Sunray(Opens in a new tab)."

What about squirting during sex?

Although sussing out squirting on your own can be fun, you may want to give it a bash with a sexual partner to spice things up. 

"Get your partner to finger your G-area with a ‘come hither’ motion and use the same toys and techniques together that work while you’re alone," advises Fox, adding that positions during sex that will stimulate the G-area while using an external clitoral vibrator will also have the same effect as your solo squirting attempts.

However, if you want to try and squirt during sex, it’s about way more than the positions, sex toys, and movements you choose. 

"It’s as much about mindset as it is the right motions," Fox urges. "You’ll need to feel at ease and NOT as though your partner is putting you under pressure to squirt and will be disappointed if you don’t break the seal."

Even with endless squirting practice, you might find that it is something that doesn't quite happen for you and, we cannot stress this enough, that is completely normal. If anyone is pressuring you to do something that your body doesn't do naturally, then the only cumming you should be doing is to your senses – if your sexual partner is shaming you, it's time to get rid of them, and the same goes for sexual partners who try and embarrass you for squirting. 

"You also need to make sure that there’s not going to be any ‘ugh, it’s like wee-wee’ immature shame rained down upon you if you do squirt. Like all sex stuff, squirting should be pleasurable for everyone involved," Alix adds.

How do porn stars squirt?

It won’t come as a massive shock that there’s some trickery involved in being able to produce floods on command.

According to Fox, she’s interviewed adult actresses who’ve said that the demand for squirt porn has meant that they can get paid more if they can squirt on cue, so they’ve had to get creative. 

"It’s not uncommon to fake it either by drinking a lot and forcefully urinating, or filling the vagina with water using a douche, then contracting the vaginal muscles to dramatically shoot it out," Fox explains.

"A lot of young people might be trying to use this footage as an educational model without realising that they’re witnessing misleading imitation irrigation; squirt comes out of the urethra, not the vagina, and it can be more of a dribble than a jet."

One porn star told Mashable that sometimes it's not even squirt you're seeing: "There are some times where you get booked for a squirt movie or something like that and you will pee because you're over hydrating."

Whether you find that you can become the human equivalent of Niagara Falls or that downpours just aren't part of your body's forecast, it's crucial to remember that not everything you see online is legit.

No, the Apple Watch Ultra is not too big

Ever since I've posted a photo of the Apple Watch Ultra on my wrist(Opens in a new tab), I've been getting questions from concerned smartwatch/fitness aficionados who worry that the new outdoor enthusiast smartwatch is simply too bulky.

While I cannot say whether the Ultra will comfortably fit every wrist, I can assure you Apple's new wearable is just the right size.

Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)

The thing about the Ultra is that it's a special purpose smartwatch. It's a diving computer; it's something you take on hikes, swims, kiteboarding sessions, and even Ironman competitions. It has to have a big display, a long-lasting battery, as well as a larger crown and button (that you can operate with gloves on) to be useful. So that's exactly what Apple did when it designed the Ultra.

The Ultra has a 49mm case, which is 4 millimeters bigger than the largest Apple Watch Series 8 you can get. It doesn't sound like a lot, but the case is also fatter and bulkier, and it adds up to a considerably bigger wearable.

When I tried the Ultra on my wrist, I could feel the extra heft from the added weight and, yes, it's a lot bigger than the regular Watch (the full set of tech specs is unavailable at this time, but the Ultra definitely feels heavier than the regular Watch). But that's exactly what I expected from a smartwatch like this. In fact, I'd be disappointed if the Ultra were any smaller.

I'm far from an "extreme" athlete, but I do my bit of outdoor workouts and swims, and I need a smartwatch that can withstand bumping into something, with large, legible letters on the display. Two years in, my own Apple Watch Series 6 has been used for this purpose and it's quite busted up. With a display that's slightly recessed into the case (instead of being curved down into it like the regular Watch), the Apple Watch Ultra feels like it could take a lot more punishment.

I also love the Apple Watch Ultra's new crown, the little rotary dial on the side used for tasks such as browsing through apps. Handling the regular Watch's gentle crown while running or doing an intense workout can be a daunting task. The Ultra's crown is bigger, with far deeper recesses giving you the extra grip you need when you're halfway into a long trail run.

For comparison, check out other rugged watches from companies like Garmin(Opens in a new tab) and Polar(Opens in a new tab). Garmin's popular Fenix 7 sports watch comes in several case sizes, with the largest being 51mm. I've tried the smaller, 47mm-sized variant on my wrist, and it's roughly as bulky as the Apple Watch Ultra.

Of course, if you're intent on buying the Apple Watch Ultra for its aesthetics alone, you'd do well to try it out on your own wrist before you buy. But as far as rugged, sporty smartwatches go, the Apple Watch Ultra is just the right size.

Viral TikTok air fryer popcorn hack technically works but has one glaring problem

Welcome to AirFryDay, where — you guessed it —every Friday Mashable covers the latest trends, dispenses advice, and reviews recipes for your air fryer.

Here's a sentence someone who works on the internet never expects to write: I should've read the comments first. But damn, it would've saved me a fair bit of time, a lot of cleaning, and an acrid smell overtaking my apartment if only I'd read the comments before testing a viral TikTok air fryer hack.

That's because the comments pointed out something obvious about cooking popcorn in an air fryer. If you toss loose popcorn kernels in the basket of a heated air fryer, they will certainly pop. But they will pop and fly upward, sometimes careening into the heating element of an air fryer, which is typically placed right above the basket, totally exposed. Some kernels might even get lodged in the heating element, which would certainly not be good...

But we're getting ahead of ourselves. First, here's the viral TikTok in question(Opens in a new tab), published by user ameerah_mh(Opens in a new tab), which garnered about three quarters of a million views. It's super basic: Put loose kernels in air fryer, blast at 200 degrees Celsius — that translates to 392 degrees Fahrenheit — and cook for five to six minutes. Here's how their product looked.

While it might seem pointless — since, you know, microwave popcorn exists — I can actually see the utility in this recipe. Using loose kernels, you choose exactly how much popcorn you make, which is helpful if you don't want a whole bag. The recipe also doesn't use any oil or butter — no added fats at all — which makes it an especially low-calorie snack for folks who want that. If you make loose kernels on a stovetop pot, you absolutely must use at least some oil to prevent burning and most microwave popcorns have at least some butter or oil. I can see the promise in tossing kernels in an air fryer basket, walking away, then having neatly contained popcorn in the basket five minutes later.

So I set about testing the recipe for this week's iteration of AirFryDay.

One issue: The air fryer in ameerah_mh's TikTok had a mesh basket. Mine has a nonstick grate, set inside the basket. Popcorn kernels would likely fall through the grate, and thus not receive hot, circulated air from all sides. To correct this, I lined my grate with aluminum foil and poked holes through it, which would allow hot air to circulate underneath the kernels while also keeping them off the bottom of the basket.

From there I preheated the air fryer to about 400 degrees, set the timer to six minutes, dumped a handful of kernels into the foiled basket, and started the cooking process.

About one minute in, a few kernels popped. From there, I listened closely because the best way to cook popcorn is to pull it when the popping slows to a crawl. The popping increased until about 3 minutes were left, when kernels really started clanging around. For lack of a better term, the popping sounded violent. Then the smoky smell started leaking out. Shit, I realized, it's probably ricocheting off the heating element.

Is this the end for my air fryer? I wondered.

Eventually the popping slowed and I turned the heat off with more than a minute left on the timer.

When I pulled the popcorn out, I was pleasantly surprised, considering the burning smell. There was a decent bounty of well-popped, stark white popcorn. No oil, no muss, no fuss. Sure, there were a number of un-popped kernels, but such is life with popcorn.

I dumped the product into a bowl, enjoyed a few kernels, then salted the whole thing and crunched a big handful. Not bad! In a pinch, it was a healthy, easy snack.

But then I inspected the heating element and yikes, it was not good. A fair number of pieces of popcorn had popped, shot into the heating element, and lodged themselves into the element itself. The popcorn was charred and still smoking. Frankly, it looked like a mess that was going to suck to clean.

Sheepishly, I went to the comments of the viral TikTok to see if other folks had run into this issue. To my dismay, people pretty much predicted this would happen. "What about the element," wrote one commenter. "Don't do it. I have exactly the same air fryer and the popcorn burns on the element," wrote another. "If any gets in the fan that's a problem," wrote a third.

Well, don't I feel silly. So, yes, while this popcorn air fryer hack technically does work — heat pops popcorn, duh — there is no way I'd recommended anyone try it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a heating element to clean.

People are selling Disney Splash Mountain water on Ebay. Its the dumbest thing ever.

There's that saying "a fool and their money is soon parted," but I typically try not to judge people by how they spend their money. Life is short and whatever floats your boat, you know? I've spent far, far, far too much money(Opens in a new tab) at Buffalo Wild Wings to cast judgement.

But if you buy grody water from Disney's Splash Mountain then, pal, you are a fool. I would need you to sit down, take a long look in the mirror, and rake the depths of your soul to uncover what led you to such a dumb decision.

In case you've missed it, people are selling (what they claim is) water from Disney World's Splash Mountain, the famed ride that's getting reimagined because of its connections to the racist old movie(Opens in a new tab) Song of the South. The ride officially closed this week, and people began selling what they claimed was water from the log flume ride on eBay.

A Dasani bottle of "Splash Mountain water"(Opens in a new tab) can be yours for the low, low price of $99.99. Meanwhile, this person is trying to get(Opens in a new tab) over a grand for some of that "Splash Mountain water." Somebody has actually bid(Opens in a new tab) $13.50 on this sandwich bag of water. There are so, so, so many listings of water that may or may not be from Splash Mountain.

Never underestimate the power and strangeness of Disney Adults(Opens in a new tab). It would not be shocking to find out that people are really shelling out money for this stuff. They are obsessed with the House of Mouse and will spend every last dime on it, so it doesn't seem that outrageous to imagine people buying the water from a racist amusement park ride.

Now, to be clear, there really isn't a great way of knowing where the water comes from. I could go into my kitchen, fill up a bottle with tap water and put it up for sale. Some people likely could identify the water if they could smell it, however.

CNN pointed out(Opens in a new tab) that Disney people swear that water at Disney rides is just...different — that whatever chemicals the park uses to kill germs gives it a distinct, pleasant smell. I am very sorry, but that does not make it worth purchasing it online.

Anyone willing to buy that water represents all the worst parts of fandom. It's just so over the top. Yeah, fans of all kinds spend their hard-earned cash feeding their fixations and adding to their collections. Whatever makes you happy. But buying gross water from a racist theme park ride without any way to actually authenticate it? That's just a step too far up the mountain.

Harry Styles is going to read us a bedtime story and its exactly what we need right now

There's something very soothing about Harry Styles' mellifluous voice. So soothing, in fact, that you'll soon be able to hear him read you a bedtime story.

The One Direction star has voiced a sleep-encouraging story for meditation app Calm and you'll be able to listen to it from July 8.

If you've ever had any trouble nodding off to sleep, you might already be familiar with Calm's Sleep Stories(opens in a new tab), which launched back in 2016 and have a range of star-studded narrators, including Nick Offerman, Lucy Liu, Stephen Fry, and Matthew McConaughey. And, if you haven't heard of the magical wonders of sleepcasts and sleep stories before, here's a great article with much more useful information.

There's even a hashtag to accompany the dropping of this....bedtime story: #DreamWithHarry. 

To give you a taste of how that Sleep Story might sound, listen to the below video right until this end.

CARD ID: 503417

Even that one sentence — "Hello, I'm Harry Styles" — is enough to make me drop off to the land of nod.

The collaboration isn't such a stretch, as fervent Harry Styles fans know: Not only has he been open about the importance of mental health(Opens in a new tab), but he also invested in Calm in 2018(Opens in a new tab) during their Series A round.

"Sleep and meditation are a huge part of my routine, whether I'm at home, in the studio, or out on the road," Styles said in Calm's press release. "I'm so happy to be collaborating with Calm at a time when the world needs all the healing it can get. Treat people with kindness."

Michael Acton Smith, Calm co-founder and co-CEO, said in their press release that Styles' Sleep Story(Opens in a new tab) will help millions sleep every night. "His mellifluous voice is the perfect tonic to calm a racing mind," said Smith.

"Rest and recovery is as important as doing the work," said Styles. "Finding a balance has been endlessly beneficial to both my physical and mental health. It’s changed my life."

Sweet dreams, one and all.