Three and a half years. That’s how long it’s been since I last opened Instagram . Friends still ask why I ghosted the app, especially since my blog is full of photos of landscapes, animals, and the occasional latte. It wasn’t a dramatic breakup at first; I just felt drained. Every time I tried to browse nature shots, the algorithm shoved cringe Reels and brain‑rot content into my eyeballs. Eventually I realised the platform itself was rewiring my brain. Here’s what convinced me to step back and why I’m writing about it now. The dopamine trap: infinite scrolling and algorithmic nudging When Instagram launched, it was mostly about sharing snapshots. Over the last decade, it morphed into a machine that thrives on micro‑engagement. Research on the design of social media shows that features like infinite scrolling deliberately tap into psychological vulnerabilities. One paper describes how endless feeds exploit the Zeigarnik effect (we remember incomplete tasks better than comp...

I recently played Firewatch , and it turned out to be one of the most memorable gaming experiences I’ve had in a long time. At first glance, it might look like a simple walking simulator set in a forest, but it quickly reveals itself as something much deeper. You step into the shoes of Henry , a man looking to escape from the weight of his personal life by taking a job as a fire lookout in Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest . His only real connection is through a walkie-talkie, where he speaks with Delilah , a fellow lookout stationed miles away. Their conversations feel authentic and human, slowly building a bond that becomes the emotional center of the game. The world itself is breathtaking. The map feels alive with its pastel sunsets , vast forests , and quiet trails. Sometimes I found myself stopping just to admire the skies. Navigating with only a compass and paper map adds to the immersion, creating a sense of freedom where you feel both lost and grounded at the same time. G...

In the vast landscape of video games, it's not every day you come across a game that’s both soothing and thought-provoking, one that manages to be both an escape from reality and a poignant reminder of our responsibilities to the world around us. One such game is " Alba: A Wildlife Adventure ," which has resonated with players worldwide. Having recently played and completed the game myself, I couldn't help but dive into the beautiful narrative, serene environment, and its underlying message. 1. The Setting: A Lush Mediterranean Island The game welcomes players to the sun-soaked Pinar del Mar, a fictional Mediterranean island where nature and wildlife flourish. As you step into the shoes of Alba, a young girl visiting her grandparents for the summer, the island is yours to explore. From bustling towns and ancient ruins to serene beaches and dense forests, every nook and cranny has a story to tell. 2. The Mission: Conservation at Heart At its core, "Alba: A Wildlif...

  "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins is a memoir that tells the story of a man who overcame immense adversity to become one of the world's most elite endurance athletes and motivational speakers. The book is co-written with Adam Skolnick and was published in 2018. In this blog post, I will summarize the key themes and lessons from "Can't Hurt Me." David Goggins grew up in a broken home in rural Indiana, where he experienced physical and emotional abuse from his father. He was a shy and overweight child who struggled in school and had few friends. However, Goggins had a deep desire to improve himself, and he began to challenge himself physically by running and weightlifting. Eventually, he joined the Navy and became a Navy SEAL . Goggins' journey to becoming a Navy SEAL was not an easy one. He failed the entrance exam three times and was only accepted on his fourth attempt. However, even after becoming a SEAL, Goggins continued to push himself, setting...

  "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran is a literary masterpiece that has touched the hearts of millions of readers around the world. Published in 1923, the book has become a timeless classic that continues to inspire and enlighten readers today. In this blog post, I will review the book and share my thoughts on why it is such an important work of literature. The book is a collection of 26 poetic essays that are written in the form of conversations between a wise prophet named Almustafa and the people of a city called Orphalese. The prophet shares his wisdom on a wide range of topics, including love, marriage, children, joy, sorrow, freedom, and spirituality. What sets "The Prophet" apart from other works of literature is the way that Gibran uses language to convey his ideas. Each essay is beautifully written, with lyrical prose that is both poetic and profound. The book is filled with timeless quotes and passages that have become famous for their wisdom and insight. For ...

 Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. The book was first published in 1970 and has since become a cultural icon, inspiring countless individuals with its message of hope, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. The story revolves around the titular character, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, who is a seagull who is dissatisfied with the mundane and conventional life of a seagull. Unlike his peers, Jonathan is driven by a passion for flight and a desire to push the boundaries of what is possible. He spends hours practicing and perfecting his flying skills, much to the frustration of the other seagulls in his flock. Eventually, his relentless pursuit of excellence leads him to discover a new and better life beyond the limits of his old world. The book is a powerful allegory for the human condition and the struggle to break free from the constraints of societal norms and expectations. Through Jonath...

  Being so formal and "to the point" in today's blog post! Have you ever wanted to get started with 3D graphics programming, but didn't know where to start? Look no further, as the 3D Cube Example repository on Github provides a simple, yet effective introduction to the world of 3D graphics. This repository contains a demo of a rotating 3D cube, built using the Pygame and PyOpenGL libraries. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what this repository has to offer. The Working Demo The demo of the 3D cube is quite impressive, with a smooth and seamless rotation along the x, y, and z-axes. The demo can be seen in the gif provided in the repository's README file. Requirements and Installation The 3D Cube Example requires the Pygame and PyOpenGL libraries to be installed. The repository includes two installation scripts, one for Linux (pre-run.sh) and one for Windows (pre-run.bat), making it easy to get started with the demo. Simply run the relevant insta...