Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Weird Wide Web: Invisible boyfriends, reckless Snapchats and what it's like to have your life stolen online

All of your essential tech and social media news for the week in one byte-sized portion.

WELCOME TO THE Weird Wide Web – where we take a look at the week’s best offerings in tech and social media news.

Invisible boyfriend of the week

There’s a new app which allows you to maintain a (completely fake) serious relationship with an invisible man or woman. You could, in theory, use it to convince nagging parents or friends who pity your singleness that bit too much into thinking you’re actually going out with someone. Or you could just sign up for the laugh, though at $25, it’s a pricey laugh. A Business Insider reporter tried it for herself, with some amusing results.

Holographic excitement of the week

People are really excited about Microsoft’s new headset. It allows users to see 3D images in the space they are in, combining the worlds of virtual reality and holograms with some pretty cool results. See for yourself:

Microsoft / YouTube

And while you’re at it, let us again remind you all of the time someone let us try out the Oculus Rift at TheJournal.ie HQ.

Reckless Snapchat of the week

A college student in New York was arrested after allegedly setting fire to a fellow classmate who fell asleep in his dorm and then sending out a video of it through Snapchat, Daily News reports.

Snapchat image Snapchat image

Catfish insight of the week

Someone has been using photos of Ellie Flynn and her friends to ‘Catfish’ people for nearly a decade. Writing for Vice this week, she explained the bizarre world she has been forced to become a part of, as a faceless person continues to steal her life.

Smart accessory of the week

It’s been mighty cold out recently and we all could have done with one of these babies. Microsoft researchers have created a smart scarf that can be told to heat up via a smartphone app, the MIT Technology Review said this week.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
8 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eddie Binbags
    Favourite Eddie Binbags
    Report
    Jan 25th 2015, 12:09 PM

    Is that girl Ellie Flynn that stupid to keep posting stuff online. The mind boggles!

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ally O'Rourke
    Favourite Ally O'Rourke
    Report
    Jan 25th 2015, 12:17 PM

    Yeah posting a load of photos of you and your friends in hotpants every weekend showing how wonderful you all are…it actually sounds like she’s bragging in the article….”some ugly sad lonely girls wanna be us yayy”

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Fagan
    Favourite Michael Fagan
    Report
    Jan 25th 2015, 12:23 PM

    Interesting that Microsoft doesn’t show, the actual headset, people are wearing in the ad, all shots are from behind, what are they trying to hide and why,

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hal Pacino
    Favourite Hal Pacino
    Report
    Jan 25th 2015, 11:47 AM

    Good morning Michelle! (Favourite journal person)

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hal Pacino
    Favourite Hal Pacino
    Report
    Jan 25th 2015, 12:06 PM

    But sleazy actually sorry!

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute z z
    Favourite z z
    Report
    Jan 25th 2015, 12:37 PM

    I NEED that scarf!!!!

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute thejournaltroll
    Favourite thejournaltroll
    Report
    Jan 25th 2015, 11:50 AM

    People are quite welcome to steal my online profile

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute thejournaltroll
    Favourite thejournaltroll
    Report
    Jan 25th 2015, 11:53 AM

    People are welcome to steal my online identity

    5
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds