Psychologists have found many advantages and disadvantages to online dating. Among the many criticisms aimed at online dating, the most severe concern is its effects on people's self-esteem and mental health.
Swipe left or right is the main feature of popular dating apps, where users quickly look at profiles. However, this system is criticized for being superficial. A study showed that users often feel less satisfied with their appearance. Jessica Strubel found that after a while, users begin to feel less like unique, special individuals and more like they're disposable. This feeling leads to users becoming increasingly sensitive about their looks and bodies, heightening self-consciousness. Dating apps also added to the idea that there's always something better around the corner, which further pressures users into trying to appear more attractive.
Dating apps not only harm self-esteem but also alter perceptions of relationships. By accelerating the dating process, these apps encourage poor social behavior. For instance, it's not unusual for people to ignore "likes" and messages or to lose interest and cut off communication. This behavior would have been considered extremely rude in the past. But with online dating, it is a common reality.
Furthermore, thirty-five percent of users actually reported feeling pessimistic about dating. Only twenty-eight percent of surveyed users reported feeling hopeful after using a dating site or app.
( Adapt from: Unit5 bright up 12 )

An engine is a machine that creates mechanical motion from energy. In order to do this, an engine frequently requires some type of fuel to burn. Nowadays, many engines are used to power cars and other forms of transportation. These vehicles most commonly have an internal combustion engine and rely upon gasoline for power. However, there are several types of engines that can use alternative energy sources. Many people are trying to switch to them because gasoline, which is a fossil fuel, creates pollution and is also a non-renewable resource.
These days, engines that are able to burn biofuels are somewhat common. Biofuels are fuels that are made from biological material, such as corn, soybeans, and sugarcane. These biofuels burn cleanly, so they produce much less pollution than fossil fuels. In some countries, such as Brazil, cars with biofuel engines are standard. In fact, most of the cars in Brazil have engines that can operate on either gasoline or biofuel.
A second type of alternative engine is the electric engine. Cars with electric engines have been common for decades. Most are being used in hybrid cars at the moment. These are vehicles that have both a gasoline-powered engine and an electric one. In many cases, the gasoline-powered engine is used to operate the car at high speeds on expressways. The electric engine is utilised for city driving. One benefit of hybrid cars is that as the gasoline-powered engine runs, it simultaneously recharges the electric engine.
A third type of alternative engine is the hydrogen engine. It utilises hydrogen fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity that can power the car These days, there are many cars and buses that rely upon hydrogen engines. However, there are some problems associated with this type of engine. The hydrogen used in the engine must be processed from other materials, and it is also difficult to store. As a result, vehicles that run on hydrogen are expensive.
Alternative energy sources create less pollution and are often renewable sources of energy. It is hoped that more and more innovations help the use of alternative energy sources become easier and easier.
(Adapted from express )

Vietnamese cultural identity is a rich and intricate tapestry that reflects the nation’s long and storied history. Rooted in over a thousand years of civilization, Vietnam’s cultural identity is a fusion of indigenous traditions and external influences, shaped by its geographical location and historical interactions.
First and foremost, at the heart of Vietnamese culture is a deep reverence for family and community. Confucian values emphasizing respect for elders, filial piety, and social harmony have played a pivotal role in shaping Vietnamese society. These values are reflected in the close-knit family structures, hierarchical relationships, and communal rituals that are integral to daily life.
Secondly, Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its exquisite flavors and diversity. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, fragrant herbs, and balanced flavors, Vietnamese food tells a story of the country’s agricultural heritage and regional variations. Iconic dishes like pho, banh mi, and spring rolls have become global favorites, representing the culinary artistry deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. Also, Vietnam’s artistic expressions are equally captivating. Traditional art forms like water puppetry, silk painting, and folk music continue to thrive alongside contemporary artistic movements. Áo dài, a graceful traditional dress, exemplifies the fusion of elegance and modesty in Vietnamese fashion, symbolizing cultural pride and identity.
Today, in the face of modernization and globalization, Vietnamese cultural identity remains resilient. While adapting to the challenges of the 21st century, the Vietnamese people continue to honor their traditions, celebrate their unique cultural expressions, and pass on their heritage to future generations, ensuring that their cultural identity remains vibrant and enduring.
(Adapted from Saigoneer)