Side hustle culture may be giving way to a new lifestyle trend: soft living. The movement is centred on slowing down, reducing stimulation and creating more space for rest, reflection and meaningful connections.

The trend is influencing everything from home interiors and colour choices to hobbies, screen time and socialising. Soft living interiors favour matte finishes, curved forms, warm lighting and materials that help reduce visual and auditory clutter. Warm whites, greys, olive greens and earthy browns are also becoming popular as people look for calmer and more grounded spaces.

The movement also encourages a return to offline and analog activities such as reading, knitting and gardening. Instead of constant scrolling and digital stimulation, people are deliberately making time for activities that involve touch, creativity and presence.

Soft Living Is Replacing Side Hustle Culture | Why People Are Choosing Slower, Calmer Lives

From political controversies to shocking incidents, here are the biggest stories trending across Beyond's social media platforms.

A former Pakistan-occupied Kashmir minister facing allegations in the UK secures a seat in the assembly, sparking fresh debate. Meanwhile, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's first international media address from New Delhi triggers political reactions in Dhaka.

Also trending is the tragic incident of a young footballer in Thailand who died after being struck by lightning during a storm, with visuals of the incident gaining global attention.

Stay updated with the stories dominating social media, digital platforms, and global conversations.

Pakistan Politician Controversy | Hasina's Address  | Thailand Football Tragedy | Social Media Buzz

A new social media trend known as the August Dating Theory is going viral, claiming that August is the ultimate make-or-break month for relationships.

According to the trend, carefree summer romances either become serious commitments or quietly come to an end as people return to their everyday routines. The theory also suggests that ex-partners often reappear during this period, seeking familiarity and emotional comfort before autumn begins.

Following the viral June Dating Theory, which predicted unexpected romantic twists, the August theory shifts the focus to reality checks, emotional stability, and long-term relationship decisions.

August Dating Theory Goes Viral | Why Relationships Face a Make-or-Break Moment

<p>Are you eating dirt? The question might look like a joke, but it really isn't. In fact, eating mud is being touted as best thing for the human body, not just in terms of keeping you healthy, but also to keep you looking beautiful and young.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has taken off on TikTok majorly, with people citing its several health benefits, the New York Post reported. A TikTok shows a baby feasting on dry mud with the caption, “[One] teaspoon of organic biodynamic soil has more microorganisms than humans on earth." It was posted by Stephanie Adler, a fertility and hormone coach.</p>

<p>It is also being promoted as a potent beauty tool that can remove acne, tighten pores and make you more radiant. There are the claims being made by people selling dirt on the internet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yes, "edible" dirt is available for sale on websites like Amazon where you can order a bag if you don't want to go around picking it up from your yard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A sack of mud selling online typically comes in the form of ingestible clay and can cost you anywhere from around $11 to $27. The price is specific to not just the quantity, but also the quality of the mud.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per an Amazon vendor, an edible red clay sack costing $11.99 is an “anti-ageing” tool. He claims, “It unclog the pores from sebum, tightens pores [and] has anti-ageing effects.”</p>

<p>“It helps in balancing the sebum production that causes pimples [and] dandruff. Thus, we get a healthy face…”</p>

<h2>Is there any science to it?</h2>

<p>Yes, there is! Some scientific research shows that the odd practice of gobbling dirt might be good for the human body. A 2019 study said that "soil contributes to the human gut microbiome".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-_0-foods-that-help-burn-fat-naturally-and-boost-metabolism-758990">10 foods that help burn fat naturally and boost metabolism</a></p>

<p>“It was essential in the evolution of the human gut microbiome and it is a major inoculant and provider of beneficial gut microorganisms.”</p>

<p>The researchers stated that adding soil to one's diet might even eliminate the need for livestock and dairy products, and has the potential to improve the digestive system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study cited the role of dirt in the diet of pre-historic man who regularly used it to gain more nutrients. "Since pre-history, humans have willingly consumed soils as a supplement to their otherwise nutrient-poor local diet, a habitude called ‘geophagy,'" they said.</p>

<p>Other research, as per the Post, states that dirt can boost your immune system.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“Using materials…such as the soil and plant based materials…might be a more effective approach to enhance microbial diversity, and therefore prevent and cure immune system disorders," as per experts from the University of Helsinki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It can allegedly help fight obesity because it can absorb body fat. Beauty benefits of dirt, as per some influencers, include reducing acne and wrinkles.</p>

<p><em><strong>Warning: Despite what the research says, it is important to consult a health practitioner before you go munching on dirt.</strong></em></p>


Are you eating dirt? The question might look like a joke, but it really isn't. In fact, eating mud is being touted as best thing for the human body, not just in terms of keeping you healthy, but also to keep you looking beautiful and young.

Are you eating dirt? The question might look like a joke, but it really isn't. In fact, eating mud is being touted as best thing for the human body, not just in terms of keeping you healthy, but also to keep you looking beautiful and young. It has taken off on TikTok majorly, with people citing its several health benefits, the New York Post reported. A TikTok shows a baby feasting on dry mud with the caption, “[One] teaspoon of organic biodynamic soil has more microorganisms than humans on earth." It was posted by Stephanie Adler, a fertility and hormone coach. It is also being promoted as a potent beauty tool that can remove acne, tighten pores and make you more radiant. There are the claims being made by people selling dirt on the internet. Yes, "edible" dirt is available for sale on websites like Amazon where you can order a bag if you don't want to go around picking it up from your yard. A sack of mud selling online typically comes in the form of ingestible clay and can cost you anywhere from around $11 to $27. The price is specific to not just the quantity, but also the quality of the mud. As per an Amazon vendor, an edible red clay sack costing $11.99 is an “anti-ageing” tool. He claims, “It unclog the pores from sebum, tightens pores [and] has anti-ageing effects.” “It helps in balancing the sebum production that causes pimples [and] dandruff. Thus, we get a healthy face…” Is there any science to it? Yes, there is! Some scientific research shows that the odd practice of gobbling dirt might be good for the human body. A 2019 study said that "soil contributes to the human gut microbiome". Also Read: 10 foods that help burn fat naturally and boost metabolism “It was essential in the evolution of the human gut microbiome and it is a major inoculant and provider of beneficial gut microorganisms.” The researchers stated that adding soil to one's diet might even eliminate the need for livestock and dairy products, and has the potential to improve the digestive system. The study cited the role of dirt in the diet of pre-historic man who regularly used it to gain more nutrients. "Since pre-history, humans have willingly consumed soils as a supplement to their otherwise nutrient-poor local diet, a habitude called ‘geophagy,'" they said. Other research, as per the Post, states that dirt can boost your immune system. “Using materials…such as the soil and plant based materials…might be a more effective approach to enhance microbial diversity, and therefore prevent and cure immune system disorders," as per experts from the University of Helsinki. It can allegedly help fight obesity because it can absorb body fat. Beauty benefits of dirt, as per some influencers, include reducing acne and wrinkles. Warning: Despite what the research says, it is important to consult a health practitioner before you go munching on dirt.

People are eating mud on social media claiming it has health and beauty benefits

<p>In the fast-paced world of social media trends, as the fad of joining popular challenges often overshadows potential risks, the spotlight has fallen on a recent trend named "Get to Know Me on Instagram".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trend has caught the attention of cybersecurity experts and consequently concerns about online safety have grown.</p>

<p>Eliana Shiloh, known as @elshiloh on TikTok, a cyber security analyst at Deloitte, has sounded the alarm on the unsuspected dangers lurking within this seemingly harmless social media challenge.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Meta's Instagram under fire for showing sexual videos of young users | WION Dispatch</strong></p>

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<p>According to a report by the New York Post, Shiloh's video, posted on December 23 and viewed by over 1.5 million people, highlights the critical need for caution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In her warning, Shiloh urged viewers to refrain from participating in the trend.</p>

<h2><strong>'Get to know me on Instagram': What is the concern?</strong></h2>

<p>Shiloh's primary concern revolves around the inadvertent disclosure of answers to common security questions, potentially exposing individuals to cyber threats such as hacking attempts.</p>

<p>Shiloh revealed that she nearly fell victim to the trend herself. The information shared in the challenge closely aligned with her security questions, raising alarms about potential security breaches.</p>

<h2><strong>What is 'Get to know me on Instagram' trend?</strong></h2>

<p>The "Get to Know Me" challenge prompts users to share personal details like age, height, birthdate, preferences, tattoos, piercings, and phobias – information frequently used in security checks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wion-business-wrap-instagram-reels-reshape-beauty-openais-86-bn-valuation-in-limbo-more-660711">Wion Business Wrap | Instagram reels reshape beauty, OpenAI's $86 bn valuation in limbo &amp; more</a></strong></p>

<p>Shiloh, the online cybersecurity influencer said that while direct security question answers might not be explicitly disclosed, sharing this personal information could inadvertently create a goldmine of identifiable data for hackers.</p>

<p>Expressing her concern, Shiloh warned against sharing sensitive details online and raised the alarm about the possibility of even more confidential information, such as Social Security numbers, becoming unwittingly public.</p>

<h2><strong>How to mitigate risks associated with this trend?</strong></h2>

<p>Shiloh cautioned against oversharing on social media and advocated following the US Department of Justice's advice in related matters: avoiding the disclosure of personal information online or integrating it into passwords.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the fast-paced world of social media trends, as the fad of joining popular challenges often overshadows potential risks, the spotlight has fallen on a recent trend named "Get to Know Me on Instagram".

In the fast-paced world of social media trends, as the fad of joining popular challenges often overshadows potential risks, the spotlight has fallen on a recent trend named "Get to Know Me on Instagram". The trend has caught the attention of cybersecurity experts and consequently concerns about online safety have grown. Eliana Shiloh, known as @elshiloh on TikTok, a cyber security analyst at Deloitte, has sounded the alarm on the unsuspected dangers lurking within this seemingly harmless social media challenge. Also watch | Meta's Instagram under fire for showing sexual videos of young users | WION Dispatch × According to a report by the New York Post, Shiloh's video, posted on December 23 and viewed by over 1.5 million people, highlights the critical need for caution. In her warning, Shiloh urged viewers to refrain from participating in the trend. 'Get to know me on Instagram': What is the concern? Shiloh's primary concern revolves around the inadvertent disclosure of answers to common security questions, potentially exposing individuals to cyber threats such as hacking attempts. Shiloh revealed that she nearly fell victim to the trend herself. The information shared in the challenge closely aligned with her security questions, raising alarms about potential security breaches. What is 'Get to know me on Instagram' trend? The "Get to Know Me" challenge prompts users to share personal details like age, height, birthdate, preferences, tattoos, piercings, and phobias – information frequently used in security checks. Also read | Wion Business Wrap | Instagram reels reshape beauty, OpenAI's $86 bn valuation in limbo & more Shiloh, the online cybersecurity influencer said that while direct security question answers might not be explicitly disclosed, sharing this personal information could inadvertently create a goldmine of identifiable data for hackers. Expressing her concern, Shiloh warned against sharing sensitive details online and raised the alarm about the possibility of even more confidential information, such as Social Security numbers, becoming unwittingly public. How to mitigate risks associated with this trend? Shiloh cautioned against oversharing on social media and advocated following the US Department of Justice's advice in related matters: avoiding the disclosure of personal information online or integrating it into passwords. (With inputs from agencies)

Social media users warned against oversharing amid ‘Get to know me on Instagram’ challenge