Social media, while revolutionary, can also be a lot. On one hand, it offers a community and puts the world at our fingertips, but it can quickly become overwhelming. For most of us, it’s now an integral part of our lives, enabling us to connect with friends and family, stay updated on news and events, and share our thoughts, experiences, and creativity. However, social media can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and negativity. With endless posts, notifications, and messages it can take a toll on our mental health. Let’s explore some ways in which you can make your social media feeds a more comfortable space for you.

One of the easiest ways to make social media a more comfortable space for you is by limiting the amount of time you spend on it. With so much content being posted every minute, it's easy to get caught up in the scroll and lose track of time. In a recent study, it was found that 38.16% of teenagers spend more than 8 hours daily on social media. Spending too much time on social media can be detrimental to your mental health, leading to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. To avoid this, try setting a daily time limit for social media usage and sticking to it. You can use apps like Screen Time to monitor your usage and help you stay on track.

Join Communities That Match Your Interests:

Another way to make social media more comfortable for you is by joining communities that match your interests. Whether it's a group of people who share the same hobbies or a community focused on mental health and well-being, finding like-minded individuals can provide a sense of belonging and support. These groups can also be a source of positivity and inspiration, with members sharing helpful tips and advice on how to navigate life's challenges. Whether you find your people in Yubo Lives, Reddit subreddits or other various online forums, there’s a community for you. 

One of the downsides of social media is that it can expose us to content that we don't want to see, such as negative news stories or offensive posts from friends or family. To make social media more comfortable for you, consider censoring things that you don't want to see. Most social media platforms, like Yubo, have a feature that allows you to mute or block certain users or keywords, which can help reduce the amount of negative content you come across. And censoring doesn’t need to be as straightforward as blogging, but can also just include unfollowing creators or even friends whose interests don’t align with your own.

How To Mute Words and Report on Yubo

Taking regular breaks from social media can also help make it a more comfortable space for you. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed out by the constant stream of posts and notifications, take some time away from social media to recharge and refocus. This could be a short break during the day, such as a 15-minute walk outside, or a longer break, such as a weekend without any social media use. During your break, try engaging in activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading a book, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones.

Finally, one of the best ways to make social media a more comfortable space for you is by practicing mindful social media use. This means being intentional about the time you spend on social media and how you engage with it. Before logging on, take a moment to check in with yourself and ask if you're in the right headspace to consume social media content. If not, consider taking a break or engaging in a different activity. When using social media, try to focus on positive and uplifting content, and avoid engaging with posts or comments that are negative or triggering. Additionally, be mindful of your own social media habits, and try to avoid posting content that could be harmful or hurtful to others.

Social media can be a powerful tool for connection and community, but it can also be a source of negativity. By following these tips, you can make social media a more comfortable space for you. Limit your time on social media, join communities that match your interests, censor things you don’t want to see, take breaks, and practice mindful social media use. These strategies can help you create a more positive social media experience that aligns with your values and supports your mental health and well-being. Don’t force yourself to use social media how you think it should be used, rather, use social media in the best way that works for you. 

Social media, while revolutionary, can also be a lot. On one hand it offers a community and puts the world at our fingertips. However, social media can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and negativity. With endless posts, notifications, and messages it can take a toll on our mental health. Let’s explore some ways in which you can make your social media feeds a more comfortable space for you.

How To Use Social Media for YOU

How are you supposed to make friends when socializing seems scary?

As an introvert, making friends can be challenging or even seem scary. You likely prefer spending time alone or hanging out in small groups of close friends. You might feel like you have a shallow social battery and that large in-person social events are overwhelming. However, that doesn’t mean it is impossible for introverts to make friends. In fact, they may have less friends, but sometimes that also means they have stronger and closer connections with their smaller circle. With a little effort and some strategies in place, introverts can smoothly navigate making new friends and enjoying social interaction.

Quick and easy tips to make socializing more enjoyable:

Finding friends with similar interests is an instant de-stressor. Joining clubs or finding groups of people with similar interests is a great way to cut a lot of “new friend stress” out, because you don’t need to worry about forcing a conversation about the weather. Whether it’s a gaming community, a book club, or a sports group, finding other people who share your interests can help you connect and socialize with those who share your passions. Yubo makes finding friends with similar interests easy by using the Tags feature. You can quickly find plenty of people with the same interests as you, even down to your favorite TV show or musician. It is important to be open-minded in general, but it is especially important when you are making new friends. And you never know, the person you are interacting with might also be an introvert, which could be another level to relate with one another on.

You might need to step out of your comfort zone and initiate conversations you don’t know well. Doing this in person can be stressful, which is why “breaking the ice” online can be far less stressful and can allow you to be a free-er version of yourself. Social media is a great tool for introverts looking to make new friends. Plus, there are plenty of online communities and forums full of people with similar interests and views. It is a great place for people to showcase their interests and creations without face-to-face interactions that might feel too overwhelming. Social media provides a shortcut to having more meaningful conversations, and even developing deeper connections than might be possible in person. It is also a great way to stay in touch with friends you already have. Maybe you are traveling, moved, or just don’t feel like seeing people in person.

Of course, it's important to be cautious when using social media to make friends. It's a good idea to stick to positive, well-established online communities, and to avoid sharing personal information with people you don't know well.  On Yubo, all users are age-verified, so you can feel more confident that the people you are speaking with are actually who they say they are. Authenticity is key to making and maintaining friendships. It is important to be yourself and not try to be someone you are not in order to “fit in” or “impress” others. Genuine interactions create genuine relationships that last a lifetime.

Being authentic can be scary, especially for introverts. Being a true version of yourself requires confidence, which can be hard to come by when you have all of the internet to compare yourself to.

Practicing self-acceptance is a great way to understand yourself better and to be more confident in who you are. Recognize your strengths and flaws and take the time to understand them. If there is a part of yourself that you want to change for the better, set some realistic and attainable goals. For example, if you are an introvert, setting the goal of being an extrovert is unfair, because it clashes with who you are. However, you can set the goal of putting yourself out there more and taking the steps to start conversations. It may be challenging at first, but with practice, everything becomes easier and more natural. You can play up your strengths with ease, so don’t forget to use those. There are also some practices you can easily implement to quickly boost your self confidence, like: learning new skills, exercising, eating better, reading, becoming well-versed in a certain topic, and getting enough sleep. These things may seem unrelated, but they can greatly increase your self-confidence. With more confidence, you will have an easier time pushing through the discomforts that being an introvert can trigger.

Humans are social beings and today there are so many avenues to forge friendships that it can feel overwhelming. Rest assured, it is not about how many friends you have – having good ones is what truly matters. Remember, building friendships takes time. They should never be forced, so don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen right away or if it takes a few tries to find someone you really connect with. Keep putting yourself out there and soon enough you’ll have a network of new friends and the rest will be history.

How To Make Friends as a Introvert

The United States recognizes March as Women’s History Month. But, globally, March 8th is recognized as International Women’s Day. It’s a day dedicated to bringing awareness to the continuing issues surrounding gender equality and women’s rights, while also acknowledging and honoring the contributions to our society brought by women. So, for this International Women’s Day, we’d like to honor some incredible woman-founded companies and organizations, and the women who created them. 

Glossier (Emily Weiss) – Beauty & Skincare

Before creating one of the biggest beauty brands in the world, Emily Weiss had a blog titled “Into the Gloss” that gave women everywhere an up close look at the beauty secrets from their favorite celebrities. With her blog, Weiss discovered what women truly wanted from their beauty routines, and created Glossier to fill that need. 

UOMA (Sharon Chuter) – Beauty & Skincare

Sharon Chuter created UOMA in 2018 after noticing a lack of beauty products for women of color. UOMA offers a diverse shade range and colors that will pop on any skin tone. You can even find on their website that “beauty comes in every color, and we intend to wear them all”.

Megababe (Katie Sturino) – Personal Care

Megababe went viral for their anti-chafing “thigh rescue” stick. Since then, they’ve released products for the entire body including a foot spray and “bust dust”. Katie Sturino founded Megababe as a solution to the thigh chafing she (like most) experienced every summer. 

Juvia’s Place (Chichi Eburu) – Beauty & Skincare

Unable to find makeup that enhanced the beauty of her natural skin tone, Chichi Eburu created Juvia’s Place. A beauty company that offered world of makeup and skincare for all. Read more about Juvia’s Place origin and Chichi’s desire to create an inclusive beauty industry here. 

Bumble (Whitney Wolfe Herd) – Social App

Herd became the world’s youngest female self-made billionaire at age 31 when she took Bumble public in 2021. After co-founding the popular dating app Tinder, Herd sought out to create her own that was designed specifically with women in mind. Whether you’re looking for a date, a BFF, or to network professionally, Bumble has you covered.

Without a simple way to track her own menstrual and fertility cycle, Ida Tin brainstormed the idea for the Clue app. A simple, one stop location for women to track and understand their body’s cycles. Today, Clue has over 11 million monthly users. 

The Riveter (Amy Nelson) – Membership Network

The Riveter, founded in 2017, is a national membership network of community, content, resources, and coworking spaces, built by women for everyone. Nelson sought a place where women could go to learn and share resources with one another, and that’s when The Riveter was created.

Tia (Carolyn Witte and Felicity Yost) – Women’s Health Platform

Tired of women’s voices being ignored in traditional healthcare offices, Witte and Yost created Tia: one location for every healthcare provider a woman could need including primary care doctor, gynecologist, therapist, and wellness practitioners. 

The Malala Fund (Malala Yousafzai) – Advocacy for Girl’s Education

Co-founded by education activist and youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, The Malala Fund was created to advocate for girls’ education. Read more about Malala’s fight and her story here. 

Black Girls Code (Kimberly Bryant) – STEM Education for Girls of Color

Kimberly Bryant worked in the STEM field for 20 years when, after seeing the lack of representation of Black women in the industry, she decided to start this NGO. Black Girls Code introduces young girls of color to STEM fields. 

Women for Women International (Zainab Salbi) – Supports Female War Survivors

Driven by her own experiences and horror stories heard from her home country of Iraq, Zainab Salbi created Women for Women International in hopes of supporting female survivors of war. Her organization provides them with support, tools, and skills that help them to access a better life. Read more about Zainab Salbi here. 

Games for Change (Suzanne Seggerman) – Games for Good

CO-founded by Suzanne Seggerman, Games for Change is an organization that not only believes games can change the world, but also introduces and teaches youth game development and coding. 

The list above is just a small selection of modern women-found businesses and organizations. But, why does it matter to be aware of women-founded businesses? For one, it’s recognizing the impact and innovation of brilliant women across the globe. Too frequently, the achievements and successes of women get ignored. By supporting women-owned businesses, you can help to bridge the gender equality gap. Whether your support is a purchase, donation, or even a follow on their social media pages, it all adds up. So, for this International Women’s Day, we urge you to find your favorite women-owned business, and possibly a new one you didn’t know of before, and go show them some support! 

International Women's Day: Women-Owned Businesses

Video games have helped shape our world, and likely have had an impact on your life in some way. But, what if you were to enter the world of your favorite video game? Find your zodiac sign below to discover what video game’s world you’d thrive (and survive) in. 

What better for an Aries than a free for all world where you can cause as much conflict as you could ever dream of, and face very few repercussions? The Grand Theft Auto universe is your sandbox to be as headstrong and impulsive as you’d like, as long as you’re not a pedestrian. For this one, make sure you’re the main character. And if you ever get in over your head, well, just respawn! 

Mushroom zombies got nothing on the loyalty and perseverance of a Taurus. Sure, you may be a little scared, but knowing you have to protect those you care about will make you stronger than any video game character could ever dream to be. You won’t go down without a fight, and you’ll discover your true inner and outer strength while doing so. 

One of the scariest indirect horror games to ever be released, BioShock will offer excitement to any Gemini. For some reason, you love horror and mystery and diving into the creepy underwater city, Rapture is a dreamy Saturday afternoon. Given you’re a natural social spirit, you’ll make some questionable friends and have tales to share for years to come. 

Don’t worry, Cancer, you probably read the games above this and we’re getting pretty nervous, but we think your go-to game world would be the lovely land of Animal Crossing. Kind animal neighbors, a cute and cozy farm to maintain, and tons of friends to make! 

In case you’re not familiar with Civilization VI, it’s essentially choosing a famous leader in history and playing through from the stone age to the modern age while trying to build the most successful empire ever. And that’s the kind of environment a Leo would thrive in. Your ambition will help propel your empire the farthest it can go. Just make sure that Leo energy doesn’t go to your head and turn you into a dictator. But hey, it’s your empire. 

A game world where every choice you make significantly impacts your life? Perfect for an overthinking Virgo! While it may seem intimidating now, we trust you’ll be able to prove your loyalty and form genuine friendships in the world of The Witcher. It also may help you unwind a bit, lose the pressures you put on yourself, and enjoy being a magical fighter. 

In this video game world, you’ll still be a Sim, but also the controller of all Sims. Libras are naturally extroverted and friendly. You’ll have no problem meeting all your new neighbors and forming great connections. And, if you don’t get along with someone, it's your world to decide how to deal with that (such as removing the ladder from the pool). 

Scorpio, this one wasn’t chosen for you as much as the story of a single Jedi fighting against the dark side, but more because we think you’d be an absolute force if you were given the power of the Force. The intensity of a Scorpio can barely be contained normally, now add magic powers, and wow. There’s a solid chance your passions will turn you to the dark side, but if it does, you’ll be one of the greatest Siths ever met. 

Minecraft’s Overworld is where an Aquarius can turn their unique ideas into physical structures. Explore to your heart's content, fend off creepers, build anything and everything, and dig down to the center of the earth. Being in the Overworld will allow you to free yourself of these worldly restrictions.

The ‘gotta catch ‘em all’ world of Pokemon is the perfect choice for a Sagittarius. Embrace your adventurous side as you hunt for Pokemon and never give up hope that you’ll achieve your greatest goals. What Pokemon will be your starter? That’s a horoscope for another time. 

Capricorn, I know you know this one is an absolutely perfect fit. Enter Mushroom World (yes, this is the official name) and beat out all others to become the winner. Capricorns were made for a world of completing challenges and activities to prove yourselves. And you have no doubts you’ll succeed at everything. 

Pisces: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

A Pisces needs a world just as magical as them, that’s why you belong in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. There, your natural curiosity will help you uncover hidden treasures. You can be as daring as you wish to be and connect with nature on a deeper level than you could ever achieve on earth.

Let's fight the non-consensual spread of inappropriate imagery together! If you have been confronted with this situation or if you know someone who has, the new NCMEC service is here to support you

Yubo Horoscope: Video Games

How You Can Support Black History Month Year-Round

Black History Month is an annual celebration of Black achievements and contributions to the world. The origins of Black History Month can actually be traced back to 1926, where a historian proposed a Black History Week to be celebrated in February, because both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born in February. About 50 years later, president Gerald Ford extended Black History Week to Black History Month as he told Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Thankfully, there are many ways you can support Black History Month and the important message it highlights!

One great way is to support Black-owned businesses. You can do this by literally searching for Black-owned businesses in your area or online. By shopping at or buying from these businesses, you will help promote economic empowerment in the Black community. Due to power dynamics and the discriminatory history of the world, especially the United States, Black people have had to suffer significant economic disadvantages. While there are larger systematic and societal changes that need to take place to reach equality, supporting Black owned businesses is a small, but immediate step you can take to economically empower the Black community. Further, there are so many Black-owned businesses out there with such fantastic products or services, that you could easily become a returning customer, adding a longevity to this mission. 

Here are a few Black-owned businesses worth checking out:

Unfinished Legacy – If you like streetwear, you will love these

Baked Cravings – If you like sweets, you will love these nut-free treats

Partake – Cookies and pancakes that are gluten-free, vegan, and delicious

Karite – Natural moisturizers made with shea butter

Scotch Porter – Fine men's grooming products

Educate yourself through the right sources. While there are many books, documentaries, lectures, podcasts, movies, the list goes on and on, about Black history and Black culture/communities, not all of them come from Black people. This is an important distinction. These various forms of essay might be helpful in understanding the historical events that contribute to systematic racism. If you want to get a better understanding of what it is like to be Black in modern times, it is best to hear it from those who are living it and to hear the perspectives and points of view by those affected. This means seeking out resources, literature and materials by Black people themselves speaking about the issues that impact them and their fight throughout history and today.

One of the best ways to do this is to simply speak with Black people in your community to learn more about their expeirences – but you must always remember to be open minded and to hear what they have to say. It is all about respect. If you have any Black friends, it is also important to check in on them. Black History Month highlights the achievements and contributions of black people, but it can also be met with a lot of hate and problematic statements and actions, as well stir up some complex feelings about our country’s history and current day issues. Whether they like it or not, a light is being shined on them and it can be nice to have the support of a caring friend.

During Black History Month, and year-round, many institutions, art exhibits, movie theaters, and schools/universities highlight the Black community through events. It could be an art gallery consisting of work by Black artists, it could be poetry reading, films featured by Black directors, or even lectures. Expression and articulation takes many forms, which means there is definitely a medium for you! If you enjoy reading, we made a list of books everyone should read that are by black authors.

Since films are so accessible, here are three films that also highlight Black culture:

Blindspotting (2018) – A timely social commentary mixed with a buddy-comedy about being a Black man in modern America.

Do the Right Thing (1989) – A comedic drama about racial tensions in a fictional neighborhood in New York City, told through Spike Lee’s iconic lens.

You People (2023) – A light-hearted comedy about a modern interracial couple moving towards marriage.

One of the most important ways to support Black History Month is to get active and show solidarity. While going to events is helpful, being active takes it one step further. This can look like volunteering at organizations that serve the Black community or even one of those types of events mentioned above. You could also invite friends and family members who likely would not have gone to these events, to go with you. Further, there are many rallies during Black History Month and attending these shows strength in numbers. There are so many ways to show support your support.

Social media has become a large part of modern society and has also become a large outlet for sharing information. While social media is a fantastic place to get educated about Black History Month, it can also be full of misinformation. It is important to look into the information you are getting and its sources, especially before reposting or sharing it.

Most importantly, supporting Black History Month is not just a one month commitment. It is important to continually support the Black community every day by listening to their voices, advocating for equality, and taking actions against systemic racism and discrimination.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of Black achievements and contributions to the world. The origins of Black History Month can actually be traced back to 1926, where a historian proposed a Black History Week to be celebrated in February, because both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born in February. About 50 years later, president Gerald Ford extended Black History Week to Black History Month as he told Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Thankfully, there are many ways you can support Black History Month and the important message it highlights!

Supporting the Black Community This Past Month

If you’ve been swiping on Yubo today, you've probably come across our latest in-app campaign to introduce you to the National Center for Missing, and Exploited Children (NCMEC)’s new Take It Down service and the new reporting option on Yubo. At Yubo, the safety of our users is our top priority, so we are constantly finding new ways to make Yubo as safe as possible. We are fortunate to have the support and expertise of our partners, and this new feature is a perfect example. So if you want to know more about this new service and Yubo’s added reporting feature, welcome!

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 by the U.S. Congress. NCMEC is funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Justice. It operates as an information and resources center for parents, children, law enforcement agencies, schools, and communities to assist in the recovery of missing children. Its mission is also to educate the public on how to prevent child abduction, child sexual abuse, and child pornography.

How long have NCMEC and Yubo been partners?

NCMEC is a longterm partner of Yubo’s. We have been working together since July 2018. John Shehan, the Senior Vice President of NCMEC, is also a member of our Safety Board and offers his expertise and guidance for our strategies and approaches to safety, as well as the development of new safety features. We are fortunate to be able to rely on his experience to make Yubo even safer for all our users.

To continue its fight to protect young people online, NCMEC has launched a new service called Take It Down. This service is free and aims to stop the spread of nude, partially nude, or sexually exploitative content depicting minors. It is inspired in particular by StopNCII.org in the UK, which supports and helps victims of revenge porn.

How can I use the new Yubo feature developed with NCMEC?

To support this initiative and continue to protect with the best possible innovations, Yubo has decided to add a new option to its reporting flow. Any user, whose sexually inappropriate imagery of themselves taken before the age of 18 has been shared anywhere on the internet, can now report it by selecting “Inappropriate photo/video of me” in the reporting reasons list. If a user selects this option,  they will receive a link that will direct them to the Take It Down website, where they can submit an anonymous report.  

Yubo & NCMEC - a new reporting flow

How will Yubo know which image to remove? 

Once reported via NCMEC's Take It Down service, all images or videos will be assigned a unique hash value. This hash value works like a digital fingerprint and allows the content to be tracked and identified across other online platforms. All platforms participating in the initiative (including Yubo) will receive this hash value, which will allow them to identify and block any attempt to share the reported content.

Are you going to collect the photos that I am going to share with you? 

No photos or videos will be collected during the process, and the entire system is completely anonymous. Take It Down, and its partner platforms only receive the hash value to effectively block re-upload imagery attempts. 

Your privacy and anonymity are guaranteed at all stages of the Take It Down service. And what’s more, to avoid further spread of the imagery, you do not need to send the video or photo you wish to have removed – it will never need to leave your device, and it will never be seen by another person.

At Yubo, safety is at the center of every decision we make, and we are constantly working to make the platform as safe as possible. So it only made sense for us to collaborate with NCMEC and be part of a key step in this mission to eradicate CSAM online. 

With 99% of Yubo users being Gen Z ages 13-25, they may be vulnerable to practices such as revenge porn and nude photo sharing. It is important to us that we block all non-consensual use of sexually exploitative photos and videos on Yubo, and we have many advanced tools and practices in place to detect this type of harmful content. Take It Down will add yet another layer of safety and protection for our users while socializing on Yubo.

Is NCMEC’s Take It Down service available in my country?

Yes! Currently, the service is available globally in English and Spanish, and it is expected to be translated into 10+ more languages in the coming months. While Take It Down is available everywhere, the added reporting option on Yubo is currently only available for US users.

If my photos or videos have been shared without my consent, where can I find support?

Always report any inappropriate content immediately to Yubo, and our 24/7 Safety Specialists will be able to help. They are always on hand to support you in removing inappropriate content and to help make Yubo as safe as possible. However, having your private images exposed can cause significant psychological distress, and we will always advise you to contact a trusted person or a specialist to discuss and support you through this.

Below you will find some NGOs that will be ready to listen and assist you.

Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse (International)

And please remember, there are many people here to support you. You are not alone, and you do not have to be ashamed of having been a victim of online crime.

Yubo's new reporting feature in partnership with NCMEC

Celebrate Black voices this Black History Month (and every other month) by reading words written, stories told, and history explained by Black authors. Here is a list of books by Black authors to help you learn, understand, and celebrate both Black history and Black excellence. 

If you’re interested in buying any of the books listed below, please check out Racial Justice Bookshelf to help guide you to Black-Owned Bookstores to purchase them from!

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness  by Michelle Alexander

Alexander points out the racial disparities in the criminal justice system, and argues that mass incarceration has become a new form of oppression for Black Americans in the post-civil rights era. 

W.E.B Du Bois explores the experiences of black Americans in the aftermath of slavery in terms of race, identity, and the struggle for equality. Read free here.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley

Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement. 

Stamped From The Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi

Kendi chronicles the entire story of anti-black racist ideas and their staggering power over the course of American history. He uses the life stories of five major American intellectuals to drive this history. 

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass

The autobiography of Frederick Douglass, a former slave who escaped and became a leading abolitionist. Read free here.

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson

Three young people set out on a perilous journey out of the Jim Crow South to the North and West in search of what novelist Richard Wright called “the warmth of other suns.”

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (Urban Fiction) 

A sixteen-year-old girl was the only witness to a fatal shooting of her best friend at the hands of a police officer. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr. 

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (Biography) 

Coates offers a powerful new framework for understanding our nation’s history and current crisis by writing this novel as a letter to his adolescent son. 

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (Historical Fiction) 

Gyasi illuminates slavery’s troubled legacy both for those who were taken and those who stayed – and shows how the memory of captivity has been inscribed on the soul of our nation.

Sin, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward (Thriller) 

When the white father of Leonie’s children is released from prison, she packs her kids and a friend into her car and sets out across the state for Parchman Farm, the Mississippi State Penitentiary, on a journey rife with danger and promise. 

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (Historical Fiction) 

A stunning new novel about twin sisters, inseparable as children, who ultimately choose to live in two very different worlds, one black and one white. 

Red At the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson (Domestic Fiction) 

Red At the Bone is about love, and family, and the Tulsa Race Massacre, and Brooklyn, and getting pregnant young, and falling in love for the first time, and heartbreak, and motherhood, and daughterhood – the list goes on and on. 

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid (Domestic Fiction) 

A gripping page-turner with serious things to say about racism, class, gender, parenting, and privilege in modern America. 

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates (Historical & Fantasy Fiction) 

An unexpected journey into the covert war on slavery that takes Hiram from the corrupt grandeur of Virigna’s proud plantations to desperate guerilla cells in the wilderness, from the coffin of the deep South to dangerously utopic movements in the North. 

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Fiction) 

A powerful, tender story of race and identity. Two young lovers depart for the west, one landing in America, and the other entering a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria and reignite their passion – for each other and for their homeland. 

Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her – from her childhood on the South side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. 

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly 

Hidden Figures recovers the history of these pioneering women and situates it in the intersection of the deining movements of the American century: the Cold War, the Spae Race, and the Civil Rights movement and the quest for gender equality. 

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (Fiction) 

A nameless narrator describes growing up in a Black community in the South, attending a Negro college from which he was expelled, moving to New York and becoming the chief spokesman of the Harlem branch of “the Brotherhood”. 

Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Escaped Slavery and Became Millionaires by Shomari Wills

Between the years of 1830 and 1927, as the last generation of Blacks born into slavery was reaching maturity, a small group of industrious, tenacious, and daring men and women broke new ground to attain the highest levels of financial success. 

Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids by Kimberly Brown Pellum

Celebrates the incredible Black women in STEM who have used their brains, bravery and ambition to beat the odds. Features 15 powerful stories of fearless female scientists. 

Celebrate Black voices this Black History Month (and every other month) by reading words written, stories told, and history explained by Black authors. Here is a list of books by Black authors to help you learn, understand, and celebrate both Black history and Black excellence. If you’re interested in buying any of the books listed below, please check out Racial Justice Bookshelf to help guide you to Black-Owned Bookstores to purchase them from!

Books By Black Authors That Everyone Should Read

We spend a lot of time online, whether it is scrolling, watching, reading, commenting, or creating, we experience a lot of interactions. We both witness interactions between others and often engage in an online interaction ourselves. While most of the time being online is a pleasant experience, it is still possible to have a negative encounter every now and then. 

In fact, some online interactions and habits can actually be toxic in nature and can range from minor annoyances to genuinely stressful or harmful situations. Gen Z grew up with large amounts of exposure to the fast-changing and continually new internet landscape. Further, social media became synonymous with Gen Z when speaking about the internet – emphasizing the importance of this topic.

What are the damages of toxic online behaviors?

We’re just going to dive right into this difficult topic, so here we go. Toxic online behaviors and habits range greatly in severity and how they affect each individual. The most common negative effects of these behaviors are:

Increased anxiety and depression. The internet is often a place where people speak without thinking. They speak a little too freely and often do not connect the username they are speaking harshly towards to the human behind it. The internet is a big place, loaded with information and opinions that can come at you from every angle. It can be overwhelming and often conflicting with your own personal beliefs. A combination of these realities can lead individuals to have feelings of shame, embarrassment, low self-esteem, anger, sadness, pessimism, and more. These negative experiences and feelings can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression, which may have a long-term impact on one’s mental wellbeing.

Social isolation. Despite social media being a fantastic place to connect with others and socialize with people of similar interests,  online toxic behaviors from others or even your own habits (which we will discuss later) can increase the feeling of isolation. Sometimes you might wonder, “am I the only one out there?” and while the answer is absolutely, “no,” it might not feel like that. Again, due to the vastness of social media, individuals might find themselves in virtual places that conflict with their beliefs or identity, leading them to feel ostracized.

Negative body image. Social media has the tendency to promote unrealistic beauty standards across the board. Filters and photoshopping apps have also made this issue much more apparent, and images people post are curated to highlight their best looks. Seeing others constantly looking great can negatively affect our image of ourselves.

Addiction to social media. Many platforms build their apps around keeping users engaged, typically through making the app experience extremely fun and rewarding. Interacting with these apps can get our brain to release positive chemicals, known as endorphins, that make us want to keep coming back for more. Spending excessive amounts of time online can lead to addiction, which can have a serious negative impact on your quality of life.

Trauma. Worst case scenario, online experiences can be traumatic. While this is less common, it is just as real. Events like cyberbullying, doxxing, threats, and all hateful acts can cause lasting emotional and mental harm.

There are obvious behaviors like cyberbullying, doxxing, trolling, grooming, harassment, and stalking, which are never, ever okay. If you do notice any of these behaviors, please report them through the appropriate app features and even to your local law enforcement if needed. It is everyone's responsibility to keep the internet a safe place.

Here are some less-obvious toxic habits that you might encounter online:

Gaslighting. This is the act of lying to someone in order to convince them of a false truth. They begin to question their own sanity and perception of reality. While this might sound fun to do to your friends, it is a toxic behavior that can have serious implications. There is such a high volume of information and voices on the internet that it can be hard to decipher the truth. By promoting a false truth, you are also helping spread misinformation. You can combat gaslighting and misinformation by doing your own research and sometimes unplugging from the slew of other opinions to decide on your own.

Cancel culture. Cancel culture is a relatively new movement that has been commonly used on celebrities and corporations. Cancel culture is when people publicly shame or boycott an individual or brand for their actions or opinions. While you don’t need to agree and be passive about everything, cancel culture can be intense and leaves no room for learning or improvement through conversation.

Doom scrolling. A common habit social media users have is doom scrolling. The world is full of issues and, thanks to the internet, we can see all the issues at the same time all in one place. This can obviously lead to feelings of dread or “doom,” as the name suggests. It is easy to think the world is ending when every news article or post is about something horrible. Of course, acknowledging the harsh realities of the world is necessary to improve it, but if you only look at negative information, it can give you a pessimistic outlook on the world and heighten your anxiety. Remember, behind every storm sits a calm, blue sky.

Comparison. Finally, the most common toxic behavior we are all guilty of: comparing ourselves to others. It is natural to compare ourselves to others. However, it is never fair and often leaves us feeling bad about ourselves. Once you add the layer of social media, a place where people post highlights of their life, it can make your life feel inferior. When you look through someone's social media, you might get the impression that their life is perfect and awesome, which can lead to feelings of jealousy or a tainted perspective of your own life. 

If it's one thing we hope you take away from this blog, it's that you are now more aware of some of the toxic behaviors or risks of spending too much time online. We hope this will help you to be more mindful of how these aspects of your online experience might affect yourself and others. As always, if you are dealing with any of these, we recommend you speak to someone you trust – whether that is a parent or other family member, teacher, counselor, or friend. At Yubo, we’re also here for you too. 

We spend a lot of time online, whether it is scrolling, watching, reading, commenting, or creating, we experience a lot of interactions. We both witness interactions between others and often engage in an online interaction ourselves. While most of the time being online is a pleasant experience, it is still possible to have a negative encounter every now and then.

Avoiding Online Toxic Habits

While the short and sweet answer would be diverse, there is a lot to unpack here! Yubo has over 60 million active users from all across the world, with its three largest communities residing in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. While those are Yubo’s three largest communities, Yubo is also popular in places like the Philippines, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and the list just keeps going!

Do these communities use Yubo differently? 

Each country tends to have its own “style” of livestream. For example, The UK favors debate Lives. Most debates are about trending topics that can be funny or controversial. Regardless of what they are, one thing is for certain, they will be debated. The more ridiculous or satirical the argument, the more the UK users seem to enjoy it. France also loves its debates, and like its nation's high attention to social issues, the debates are often focused on social justice or politics. A lot can be learned from listening to those Lives. On the other end of the spectrum, there is the US who simply loves to entertain. US users not only enjoy the in-app games Yubo provides, but they have even created a few of their own games using the in-app prompts provided – such as using the “Would You Rather” boxes to conduct polls and using the spin the wheel from “Draw Quiz” to randomly select other users – pretty nifty. US users are also the most active participants in Yubo challenges and they never disappoint. Some of the more tight-knit Yubo communities are those in Latin America. They tend to have close connections with each other and spend a lot of time just hanging out together on Yubo.

Are there different types of profiles within the Yubo streamer community?

Naturally, there are different types of people who stream on Yubo Lives. There are solo entertainers, hosts for talent shows, or the majority of people just tryna hang out with a few of their friends or meet new ones. While some users primarily use swipes and direct messaging to connect with new people, on the flip side, there are also users who primarily use the app for its live streaming feature. The overwhelming majority of users dabble in both swipes and Lives – how could you not? There are roughly three types of Yubo streamers. There are the “entertainers” who always put on a show. They love to host talent shows, game nights, debates, meet and greets, and more. These lives often have a high number of viewers and are pretty fast-paced. Then, there are the “solo” streamers. These people are typically charismatic, funny, or both. They often talk with viewers, briefly rotate inviting people on stage with them, and tell lots of stories. Last but not least, there are the majority of Live users, the “friends.” These are people who use Yubo exactly as it's intended, they hop in small Lives and meet new people or chill with their friends virtually. 

How can such diverse communities make friends with others who share their passions? 

Although the background of Yubo users is both ethnically and culturally diverse, they still find commanilites through tags. If you don’t know, tags are topics of interest (for example, music artists, TV shows, sports or activities) that users can pin to their profile, making it easiest for people with similar or the same tags to find each other. You can also search for profiles based on tags, making it that much easier to find others with similar interests. Of the over eight million tags, some of the top tags across Yubo include: Naruto, Stranger Things, Minecraft, Drake, and The Avengers.

Can I make friends with Yubo users in another country? 

Of course with an international user base comes a wide array of languages and dialects. Users have access to Lives in other languages and can also add friends from other countries! This presents a great opportunity for users to find out about other cultures, as well as practice and learn other languages. After all, the best way to learn a new language is to speak it.

Are there any similarities across all of Yubo’s community?

While Yubo is a global app, one of the main factors our international user base has in common is the generation they are a part of: Gen Z. Generation Z, sometimes referred to as Centennials for being born on the turn of the century, were born anywhere between 1995 and 2010. This means that Gen Z currently spans the ages of 13 to 28 (at the time of writing). 99% of Yubo users are between the ages of 13 and 25, making nearly all of them Gen Z. All in all, this may seem like a huge age gap when thinking about interacting online. This is why Yubo has implemented a few powerful systems to keep users interacting with people of a similar age. While we can’t give away all of our secrets, we will briefly explain how these systems create an online environment for Gen Z to interact that is as safe and healthy as possible.

First off, Yubo requires all of its users to verify their age using cutting-edge age estimation technology. This ensures that each user is actually who they say they are. Our age verification system works hand in hand with what we call “age gates.” Yubo implements age gates, which can otherwise described as different groups or communities on the app based on age, that separates users based on their age and limits interactions teens from adults – similar to how you would interact with others in real life. For example, if you are 15, you are much more likely to hang out with other 15 or 16 year olds than someone who is say 25. 

You might be wondering how old you must be to use Yubo? The minimum age someone must be to use Yubo is 13 years old. If they are under 13, they are unable to create an account or use the platform. And if you're not at least 13 years old, our age verification system will make sure you can't join Yubo. Wait a few years and come back and we'll be happy to introduce you to the whole Yubo community.

Yubo was designed specifically for this generation, so it makes sense that 99% of our community is Gen Z between ages 13-25. So while the app is currently made for this age range, Gen Z is growing every year and it is normal that Yubo evolves with these users. 

Are you new to Yubo? Or are you a Yellow user and want to know more about the Yubo community? You've come to the right place! We'll introduce you to our community and all the different types of people you can meet. Welcome to the Yubo community.

Come and Meet the Yubo Community

In grade school, Valentine’s Day was about pretty pink decorations, giving out cards and candy, coloring in hearts, and discovering secret crushes. But now that you’re a few years older, you might have realized that the kind of display of love brought upon by this day, is overtly commercialized and not for you. We can understand why this could be enough to make you sick, but rather than letting baby cupid take you down, why don’t you instead celebrate yourself. Put selfcare first and take yourself on a date this Valentine’s Day.

You may be thinking: “Okay, but what can I even do?” Romanticize your life, treat yourself to something nice, put yourself first, and most importantly, don’t worry about what others think. Yes, going out by yourself can be scary or nerve-wracking for some, but you can’t let it stop you from enjoying yourself. So here’s a list of ideas of what you can do: 

What’s so special about going out to eat alone? You get to focus on yourself rather than those around you. This includes eating at your own pace, spending the time as you wish to spend it, not having to share dessert, and all with great company guaranteed.  In fact, dining alone can even increase your entire sensory experience of the dinner. 

Movies are far less intimidating to try out alone than restaurants. You’re in a dark room, with other individuals sparsely seated around you all looking at the screen. So, head to your local theater, get your favorite snacks and maybe an ICEE, and go get comfy. It doesn’t matter the type of movie you see, as long as you’re excited to see it. 

Prefer binging to movie theater-watching? No problem! Enjoy a streaming date at home. Prepare your bed or your couch with your favorite blankets, pillows, snacks, drinks, fuzzy socks and your go-to water bottle (of course). The key here is to really focus on what will make you happy. For extra comfort, look into how to make your space a bit more Hygge too. 

Like Miley Cyrus, go buy yourself some flowers. Flowers are not only beautiful, but they can have real benefits, such as increasing your mood, helping you relax, and even helping you feel better throughout the day. And they smell good too. Whether it’s roses, tulips, or dandelions you pick for yourself, just ensure it’s flowers you’ll enjoy having in your home and that will bring you joy. 

To clarify, we’re not talking about throwing some pasta in boiling water and calling it a day. No, we mean to get into your Master Chef state of mind and try out cooking something fun! Make sure to set up a nice candlelight dinner with your finest cutlery. This dinner is about you and forming a better relationship with your food. 

Take yourself out shopping this Valentine’s Day! Give yourself a budget beforehand (for safety purposes) and then go to your favorite store and indulge. If you start feeling guilty for spending money on yourself, just remind yourself that you deserve to treat yourself and lean into the process. Take your time walking around the stores, trying stuff on if applicable, and contemplating whether to make the purchase on your own terms and your own time. 

Who doesn’t love a creativity session? Channel your inner child, get some paint, markers, crayons, etc. and have an arts and crafts day! You can get some inspiration of what to create from your favorite social media sites, or check out this fabulous article on DIY crafts! All that matters is that you have fun! Included in arts and crafts is scrapbooking. Print out some of your favorite photos (or create a digital scrapbook) and relive those memories with happiness as you figure out the best way to display them. 

Make a List of Activities You’d Like to do

Make a list of all activities you’d be interested in trying out (and yes, trying out solo). Even after Valentine’s Day, you can refer to this list. Want to make it a bit more interesting? Get out some supplies and make a unique, cute jar to keep slips of papers with your ideas written on inside. Anytime you’re interested in taking yourself on a date, you can just pull out a piece of paper! Here are some suggestions to get you started: Go to a coffee shop, take a relaxing bath, head to a bookstore, visit a museum, go on a hike, have a spa day, bake your favorite treats, try a new restaurant, learn how to (insert activity here), write a letter to yourself. 

And lastly, don’t forget to love yourself. The true key to everything here is just to love and appreciate yourself. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in the Valentine’s Day craze or worry about what others are doing or what they may think of you. The only opinion that truly matters is your own. So, go out and take yourself on a date this Valentine’s Day! 

Yubo's Take

Here for all of it.