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Black Mirror

Some of us can live freely without worrying about the location of our mobile phones, and others can't.

Many of us know the sensation of an empty pocket leading to the terrifying feeling of loss when you can't find your phone, many of us don't. 

For certain people, the thought of not knowing where your phone is or not having it on your person at all times can cause genuine fear and anxiety. The scientific word for this is nomophobia.

If you get the feeling of ice cold dread just imagining the absence of your phone, you may be experiencing this 21st century phobia.

The phrase is an abbreviation for ‘no-mobile-phone phobia’, coined back in 2008 during a study of anxieties experienced by mobile phone users by the Post Office (random?).

Bear in mind that this study is now 11-years-old, but it discovered that 53 percent of phone users in the UK are anxious when they "lose their mobile phone, run out of battery, or have no network coverage".

The phobia is set to be among the largest non-drug addictions of this century, which is staggering.

We can now seemingly carry our entire lives with us in our pocket, whether it's for work, research, medical, business, pleasure, friendship, shopping, maps or just general communication.

While this is incredible advancement, it also means that we've grown to rely on the devices, to the point where some of us even feel chained to them.

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More recently, a 2017 YouGov study revealing that 38 percent of teenagers felt they couldn’t last a single day without their smartphone on them.

Nomophobia isn’t currently in the edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but has been proposed as a ‘specific phobia’. It's essentially synonymous with smartphone addiction.

The symptoms of nomophobia are similar to that of other addictions, from dependency to a growing panic psychologically when you're without it for too long, sweating, shaking and heart palpitations.

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Addictive behaviour can take it's toll when it comes to emotional and psychological ramifications; low self-esteem, constantly seeking reassurance from phones with social media engagement and a low sense of self-worth.

Treatments include EMDR and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and more scientifically-backed options. Professional help is out there when it comes to nomophobia, believe it or not.

Set yourself small goals, like leaving your phone farther away in terms of proximity and for longer periods. Try giving it to somebody to take care of, a trusted friend or family member.

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Log out of social media apps, or even just turn the notifications off. Silence is key, but it's important for you to realise that social media silence doesn't mean loneliness and isolation. 

Aim for more human connection, and give yourself breaks from technology by going on walks with friends or going for dinner with family. It's all about reliance and feeling okay with being totally alone.

Hypnotherapy is also becoming an increasingly common way to treat addiction, and acupuncture. Nomophobia is a totally irrational fear, seeing as we've survived without phones before and can do it again.

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When it comes to influencers, some of the settings which are staged for that perfect shot look absolutely effortless. Too effortless, tbh… suspiciously effortless…

An absolutely gas video has been posted online by @TaylorLorenz which sheds light on the environmental factors which influencers endure.

Whether it's freezing cold weather, sunlight blazing in your eyes or just awkward angles, getting the perfect shot isn't as easy as it looks.

The video displays several influencers and bloggers jostling to take the perfect picture at an intersection in New York, 59th and 5th avenue;

They're working hard, to be fair; they've all gotta compete for the best image possible.

Apparently 59th and 5th is some kind of blogger hotspot, an aesthetically pleasing location which influencers have now plagued.

Some witty Twitter users have compared the video to a favourite dystopian show…

It is pretty reminiscent of THAT Bryce Dallas Howard episode, where everyone can rate each other and give points based on their image and personality, similar enough to Instagram.

 Whether you find the video disturbing, hilarious, mediocre or just plain creepy, it says a lot about how different today's social media world is.

We are hugely entertained by the reaction tweets though… keep 'em coming.

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We can't express how embarrassingly excited we get when we discover what Netflix treats are in store for us.

The list of TV shows and movies heading to our screens this June feature some of the best additions to the streaming service yet. 

From action-packed thrillers, Netflix originals and dystopian worlds to nostalgic gems and fan favourites (Black Mirror season five, hook it to my veins); June is set to be a winner.

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Easy Watching

June 1 – Bad Teacher, Little Fockers, Horrible Bosses, Snatch

Action and Adventure

June 28 – Mission: Impossible- Ghost Protocol

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (Netflix)

Sofa Shows

June 10 – Blue Planet II

June 30 – Glee: The Complete Series

Glee (Netflix)

Original Series

June 1- Arthdal Chronicles

The new series depicts  the birth of civilization and nations in ancient times, featuring mythical heroes and the struggles and relationships of people living in a virtual land named Arth.

June 5 – Happy! (Season 2), Black Mirror (Season 5)

Boy, oh boy. The anticipation for Black Mirror season five is borderline unhealthy, but for good reason.

Charlie Brooker's iconic dystopian television show focuses on the dangers of technology and human connection, and the new episodes feature incredible actors.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by (@blackmirror.netflix) on

'Smithereens', starring Andrew Scott (AKA the hot priest from Fleabag, Moriarty from Sherlock) and Topher Grace (That 70s Show) centres around a cab driver with an agenda whose day spirals rapidly out of control.

'Rachel, Jack and Ashley, Too' stars the one and only Miley Cyrus, and ironically tells the tale of a pop star who a lonely teenager yearns to connect with. Of course, the singer's life isn't as perfect as it seems.

'Striking Vipers' has a cast of Anthony Mackie, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Beharie and Pom Klementieff backing it, and revolves around two estranged college friends who reunite later in life.

 June 7 – 3% (Season 3), Tales of the City, Designated Survivor (Season 3)

In Tales of the City,  Mary Ann Singleton returns to San Francisco in order to reunite with the colourful community of LGBTQ characters. Hell yes.

Season three of Designated Survivor will see Kirkman launch his election campaign amidst ethical quandaries, international incidents and a new domestic threat of terrorism.

June 13 – Jinn

June 14 – Unité 42, Leila, Awake: The Million Dollar Game, Charité at War.

June 17 – The Missing (Season 3)

June 21 – Ad Vitam, Dark (Season 2), Girls Incarcerated (Season 2), Mr. Iglesias, Bolívar, The Confession Tapes (Season 2).

June 27/28 – Answer for Heaven, Dope (Season 3), Paquita Salas (Season 3), The Chosen One.

Also coming in June: Trinkets, Marvel's Jessica Jones (Season 3).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Netflix Film

June 1 – Oh, Ramona! 

June 6 – Alles ist gut

June 7 – Rock My Heart, Elisa & Marcela, I Am Mother

June 13/14 – The 3rd Eye 2, Murder Mystery

Murder Mystery features Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler, Luke Evans and Gemma Arterton, among others, so it's sure to be a lot of fun. The plot centres around an NYC cop who takes his wife on a long promised European trip who get caught up in a billionaire's murder.

June 19 – Beats

A reclusive teenage musical prodigy finds an unlikely friend with a high school security guard who's life needs a turnaround. United by their love of hip-hop, they confront the demons of their past to break into Chicago's music scene.

June 28 – Shaft

Netflix Original Comedy Specials

June 4 – Miranda Sings Live…Your Welcome

June 18 – Adam Devine: Best Time of Our Lives

June 25 – Mike Epps: Only One Mike 

Netflix Original Documentaries

June 7 – The Chef Show, The Black Godfather.

June 12 – Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese looks back at Bob Dylan’s iconic 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue tour with a mixture of fact and fantasy.

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese

June 14 – The Alcàsser Murders, Life Overtakes Me

June 28 – Exhibit A

What a list. The streaming service continues to add to it's enormous collection, and we are SO here for it. Get ready to be disturbed by Black Mirror for another season, it's sure to make you question your entire existence.

Take a full look at the line-up below, you won't be short of entertainment next month:

Feature image: FOX via Getty Images

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New Miley Cyrus tunes are being delivered fresh out of the oven this Friday, May 31, and we CANNOT WAIT.

Per EntertainmentWeekly, the actress and singer's brand new project will take the form of an EP entitled She Is Coming.

Cyrus shared the release date and cover art to her Instagram and Twitter followers last night, featuring the star wearing a Never Mind The Buzzcocks t-shirt.

The 26-year-old began teasing the EP earlier this month on social media, and premiered three new songs over the weekend during her BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend set.

Cattitude, Dream and Mother's Daughter were the names of the tracks, and fans were loving them. She Is Coming will follow the sinfger's 2017 album, Younger Now.

Her last effort saw the musician return slightly to her country roots and embracing a more rock-orientated sound.

It was a sonic shift away from her psychedelic pop album from 2015; Miley Cyrus and her Dead Petz, and 2013's Bangerz.

Not one to stick to a solo project alone, Cyrus is also starring in an upcoming Black Mirror episode; Rachel, Jack and Ashley, Too.

She will be playing a pop star peddling toy robots that have her exact appearance to her young fans in the show.

“This is the story of females in the music industry,” Cyrus told BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat about the episode.

"I understand everyone’s gone through this but I do think for females in the industry… it’s hard to be taken seriously.

"People assume that if you’re not wearing a body suit and singing pop music, why would anyone want to see you.”

She Is Coming is now available to pre-save on Spotify and Apple Music, and Black Mirror returns on June 5.

Feature image: Instagram/@mileycyrus

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Black Mirror has fast become one of the most groundbreaking storytelling series on television, smashing the borders between screens and consumer with their recent interactive effort, Bandersnatch.

The trailer and cast list has just been released for season five of Charlie Brooker's mastermind show, and it's absolutely spine-tingling.

Irish actor Andrew Scott (AKA Moriarty in Sherlock and THAT hot priest in Fleabag) can be seen surrounded by police in a car, shakily holding a gun in the trailer.

The all-star talented cast features Anthony Mackie, Miley Cyrus, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Topher Grace, Damson Idris, Andrew Scott, Nicole Beharie, Pom Klementieff, Angourie Rice, Madison Davenport and Ludi Lin in new roles which will test their boundaries.

Miley Cyrus is shown in a purple wig, seemingly playing an entertainment artist or performer. It's as futuristic as you may expect of this show, but we'll have to wait and see what her character resembles.

The anthology series taps into our collective unease with the modern world, and each stand-alone episode illustrates a suspenseful story exploring the contemporary theme of techno-paranoia.

Image credit: Netflix/Black Mirror

Featuring 'one future we should have seen coming', three all-new stories illustrate the danger of isolation and technology, privacy and human connection. 

Technology has transformed all parts of our lives; at home, on every desk, in every palm. Black Mirror season five is ready to give us the unsettling conclusion, and we CANNOT wait. 

Black Mirror returns to Netflix on June 5, 2019. Start your countdown, lads.

Feature image: Netflix

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EVERYONE is talking about Netflix's new episode of their hit dystopian show, Black Mirror. To be honest, we can't forget it, because it's so damn INTENSE.

Bandersnatch is an interactive feature which clocks up over an hour-and-a-half of pure, unadulterated MADNESS where the viewer makes choices on behalf of the protagonist.

Each choice which we make influences the future and fate of Stefan, a computer programmer who is creating his own version of Bandersnatch as a game in 1984.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Everything but make it Bandersnatch

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) on

Writer Charlie Brooker must have almost gone insane himself writing all ten endings; the episode is so tangled and complex that the audience themselves feel complicit in every horrible thing which ensues.

Whether it's choosing methods of murder, the music which Stefan listens to or even just his cereal preference, we are in control of him and boy is it a RUSH.

The reactions online, predictably, have been absolutely hilarious. Here are some of the gems which we dug up after we un-shook ourselves (it took some time and whiskey TBH)…

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WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.

1. Those of us who enjoyed controlling Stefan a lil bit too much:

 2. Our tangled minds trying to comprehend reality:

3. Will Poulter's EYEBROWS?

4. The shock we felt when our decisions had actual consequences…

5. The whole dad debacle. I mean, no words needed.

6. Those CRAZY folk who decided to watch Bandersnatch and Bird Box on the same day, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING:

7.  Those tough, tough choices re: breakfast though:

8. Let's face it, we all chose for Colin to jump rather than Stefan and then felt guilty didn't we:

9. We don't even know how to explain this one:

10. When Colin was the SPITTING IMAGE of Sid from Toy Story, except blonde:

11. Poor Stefan trying his best to understand us:

12. Why murder was easier than deciding cereal?

13. We're all evil.

14. When we chose a computer game over a 19-year-old boy's sanity:

15. We got banderSCALPED.

16. We couldn't live without finding out those endings, mmkay?

17. We became sub-human:

18. Our own mental health was simply compromised:

19.  We all wanted Stefan to succeed, didn't we?

20.  The whole Colin-Stefan relationship was warped AF:

21. Finally, who else was attracted to either Colin or Stefan??

The show has ruined us completely. 

Good luck to anyone who managed to watch the full thing, as well as finding out each (mind-boggling, usually tragic) ending.

We need to go lie down, the world is SPINNING. 

black mirror colin GIF by NETFLIX

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Miley Cyrus stopped by Howard Stern's Siriux XM show yesterday to chat about her new song, Saturday Night live and her guest slot on the upcoming fifth series of dystopian Netflix thriller Black Mirror.

She dropped Nothing Breaks Like A Heart with Mark Ronson only a few weeks ago, and we are LOVIN' it. 

She's set to perform Happy Xmas (War is Over) with Ono Lennon on SNL, and will more than likely appear in a sketch or two. The buzz surrounding Black Mirror began when Cyrus was spotted filming in South Africa.

She commented about her involvement with the smash hit show (which honestly shakes us to our core) in a coy manner, but we all know it's damn truth and we cannot wait to see her act.

When Stern quizzed the singer on her guest role, she said; “If you guess it, then I will shake my head ‘yes.'” She nodded, confirming that our TV drama dreams have come true.

“The minute I say I never want to do something again, all of a sudden, there I am,” she added.

“I hate everything, but it was the first time I’ve left somewhere feeling really proud of my work…but you know if I like it that might mean it’s horrible.”

Speaking about her character on the show, she described her as having “a lot of dynamic”, and also mentioned the horrific wildfires which raged in California and destroyed her home. 

“There’s a lot of dimension to it, and actually it was while the devastation of Malibu was happening, and it was a really weird learning experience for me, because I was so far from home and the show is already really dark, and it’s already kind of eerie when you’re there the whole time," she said.

The Malibu songstress was also questioned on her friendship with fellow pop goddess Ariana Grande, and Miley claims that she texted the Thank U, Next icon following her much-publicised break-up with Pete Davidson a… cat emoji?

“I thought it was slightly even making her feel good, like maybe I was hitting on her a little bit.” I mean, Ari is a queen, so we support this.

We can't wait to see Miley hit our Netflix screens when the anticipated next season of Black Mirror is released, the countdown begins.

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We all know that friend who has a SERIOUS case of Netflix addiction, and if you don't know which member of your friend group it is… then it's you.

From the Orange is the New Black days, to Black Mirror to the more recent Riverdale phenomenon, certain shows on Netflix really know how to reel us in.

There are days when we don't even get out of bed, all we do is watch shows over and over again and only pause for occasional snacking and bathroom breaks.

It's called dedication, people.

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Here are a few key items on the gift list for those Netflix addicted friends or family members, or even just for yourself.

1. Noise cancelling headphones

If your Netflix-addicted gift recipient really appreciates their streaming game, they NEED noise-cancelling headphones.

Or else how can they show how dedicated they are to their true craft? We recommend these audio-technica headphones, you won't be interrupted by anything except good-quality Netflix.

Buy: Amazon
Price: €108.33

2. Wearable blanket with sleeves…of course…

Any decent Netflix fan needs the ultimate blanket for their watching needs.

This snuggie blanket has SLEEVES, so there's no need to get tangled in your blankie and trip as you take a much-needed bathroom break or stock up on snacks.

It's practical, it's cosy, it's a gift.

Buy: New Chic
Price: €15.06

3. Reusable water bottle 

24Bottles have created the perfect reusable water bottle in their Eclipse pattern, and a Netflix addict has to stay hydrated while they're carrying out all of that bingeing.

This one is great value, environmentally friendly, sleek and lightweight. What better gift for a Stranger Things nerd than the present of H2O hydration?

Buy: Gifts for Guys
Price; €14.93

4. Huggable Alpaca Cooling & Heating Pad

Each and every one of us could make use out of this precious baby alpaca cooling and heating pad.

If we're bingeing on Netflix shows like The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina or Riverdale, temperature has to be taken into account.

You may get overheated watching Archie Andrews on screen, or need some warming up after seeing the creepiest show of aLL TIME; The Haunting of Hill House.

Either way, the alpaca is bae.

Buy: Urban Outfitters
Price: €25

5. Lovato Candles

You'll be needing a top class atmosphere while you dedicate the rest of your life to streaming services.

Candles are ideal for your shrine to Netflix Christmas movies such as The Holiday, Love Actually, The Princess Switch, A Christmas Prince and The Christmas Chronicles.

Get yourself in the mood for some treat yourself time.

Buy: Lovato Candles
Price: €21.95

6. Fairy lights

Setting the mood involves creating the perfect lighting.

Fairy lights are your best buddy when it comes to getting a sense of total relaxation and cool vibes for your Netflix sessions.

Festive Lights have some unreal ones on offer, including these ORCHID ones, which we are frankly dying to buy. Dying. Dead. Deceased.

Buy: Festive Lights
Price: €4.48

7. Ice Cream… for obvious reasons.

Whether you're watching a sob story, rom-com or straight-up horror, you'll be needing some frozen yoghurt or ice cream to keep you company.

Irish brand Nobó make dairy-free frozen yoghurt that is honestly one of the best things we have EVER tasted. 10/10 would recommend for a Netflix friend.

Buy: Nobó
Price: Ranges by product

8. Luxurious fur throw blanket

Surround yourself with luxurious fur as you stretch out on the sofa and watch yet another TV programme.

You know how it is… promise yourself it will only be 'one more episode', and four seasons of Drag Race later, you're sprawled out on the ground covered in popcorn.

Have this gorgeous fur blanket with you for support, at least?

Buy: Urban Outfitters
Price: €119

9. Just Eat voucher

For Netflix nights with the gals, a night in watching movies with your significant other or just to stock up on food for yourself, Just Eat vouchers will go a long way.

You'll need all of that energy to finish Black Mirror, trust us.

Buy: Just Eat
Price; Whatever your bank balance allows

10. Stranger Things Monopoly board

We have no idea who came up with this absolutely outstanding idea but we THANK THEM.

Play the classic monetary board game with Eleven, Mike, Hopper, Lucas, Will, Joyce, Mike and Nancy and prepare to battle against the Upside Down… cash money style.

Buy: Easons
Price: €29.99

11. Rick and Morty mug

The classic animated satiric comedy has resulted in an absolutely MASSIVE fanbase, and every fanbase needs a mug. FACT.

This Rick and Morty mug is the best thing you'll see today, the alcoholic science genius is the perfect face to have on any drink holder.

Buy: Emp
Price: €14.99

12. Riverdale Southside Serpents t-shirt

Riverdale fans, your time has come.

If you want to feel fierce in your Southside Serpents gear, try this Red Bubble t-shirt to get in the gang zone and embody your inner Jughead Jones.

Buy: Red Bubble
Price: €18.36

13. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina comic book

Read the basis behind Netflix' hit series, by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.

The young half-witch Sabrina Spellman must decide between an unearthly destiny or her mortal life on her sixteenth birthday.

Archie Comics' most recent horror sensation is a decent read, consider it 'research' for your Netflix binge.

Buy: Book Depository
Price: €13.94

14. 'I Do Marathons' t-shirt

Ah, the classic humorous t-shirt relating to how lazy you are. Perfect for a gift.

We're all human, and good quality humans have extreme Netflix marathons. It's just life.

If you don't do it, we can't understand you as a person.

Buy: Red Bubble
Price: €17.72

15. Gourmet popcorn maker

Why make microwave popcorn when you can create your own gourmet popcorn in this gourmet contraption from Brown Thomas?

Your Netflix loving pal will shower you with gratitude for this present, we promise.

Buy: Brown Thomas
Price: €30

There you have it, friends.

All of the gifts and goods you'll need for the perfect Netflix bingeing session this Christmas.

Enjoy waking up covered in melted chocolate and regret at losing the last 26 hours to whatever show has changed your life.

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If you can no longer fit into anything except your PJs and the thought of wedging yourself into your local is more than flesh and blood can stand, you're clearly in desperate need of a night in.

And thankfully, Netflix, has got your back.

As of today, Black Mirror Season 4 is available on Netflix, so wrap up 2017 and ring in the New Year with six all-new episodes of the always anxiety-inducing series.

Starring Jesse Plemons, Rosemarie DeWitt, Jimmi Simpson, Cristin Milioti, Aldis Hodge, Maxine Peake, Andrea Riseborough, Letitia Wright and Michaela Coel, among countless others, Black Mirror is an anthology series that taps into our collective unease with the modern world.

Each stand-alone episode consists of a sharp, suspenseful tale exploring themes of contemporary techno-paranoia leading to an unforgettable – and sometimes unsettling – conclusion, and tonight that's exactly what we're down for.

So, grab those leftovers, and settle yourself in for a night of suspense.

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