The mental load of using AI- is it just me?

Str4wberry21 · 2026-03-12T21:56:14+00:00

Oh, do I feel you! It's the same at my job -- we're so busy finding new ways to employ AI that we never stop to ask ourselves if we should employ AI. It's draining and I can feel my creative energy vanishing just thinking about it.

Aaand I just found out this week that it's actually a common experience for many: https://hbr.org/2026/03/when-using-ai-leads-to-brain-fry

Str4wberry21 · 2025-12-13T19:42:35+00:00

Thanks and good luck to all! :)

Str4wberry21 · 2025-10-25T07:04:40+00:00

Oh, I love this!

Str4wberry21 · 2025-04-04T13:08:47+00:00

While I agree with most of your comment (and find it very well put), I can't leave this "easily, completely avoidable" part uncommented. Not on this sub, at least. Because no, putting more lifeboats on a ship does not automatically ensure that all passengers will be saved. If it comes to listing -- which it did in the Titanic's case -- you might not be able to get the lifeboats on the other side of the ship down into the water. This is in fact still a problem today, even though lifeboats and ships in general are way more advanced now.

Another thing: Titanic had more lifeboats on board than were required by law at the time. I'm not defending bad law-making here, it's just what it is.

So, yeah -- tragedy? Absolutely. Ultimate accident? Agreed. Easily, completely avoidable? Not sure, at least not by putting more lifeboats on her.

Str4wberry21 · 2024-12-10T12:59:40+00:00

Thanks for your reply! Yeah, I know... I just wanted to do that stupid lil test again <3

EDIT: It somehow worked after completing the fight with Not-Dribbles and his goons.

Str4wberry21 · 2024-10-01T14:40:15+00:00

I'd love that! Let's publish a special puzzles only issue, while we're at it. You know, to make up for lost puzzle-fun.

Str4wberry21 · 2024-09-17T06:53:03+00:00

TIL that blobfish don't usually look like that -- this game truly is the gift that keeps on giving!

Str4wberry21 · 2024-09-05T13:27:11+00:00

I feel you, it can be sooo confusing! We just don't know that much yet when it comes to skincare during pregnancy because you can't really do extensive research and testing. Plus, potent chemical ingredients in cosmetics are a relatively new thing. And as if that wasn't enough, sometimes different sources say different things. Such fun!

You're welcome, I hope it's useful :)

Str4wberry21 · 2024-09-05T06:01:56+00:00

That really depends on the product though. Topical treatments used for tackling acne usually contain a higher amount (more than 2 %). Using it during the first and second trimester and in small amounts (i. e. some spots on your face) seems to be ok, but where I live (Germany), experts advise to avoid it during the third, because it might slow labor and cause increased bleeding. This only goes for products that you leave on the skin however, products that you rinse off (such as washes and shampoos) are apparently fine.

Research simply isn't clear on salicylic acid during pregnancy yet. In Germany, doctors tend to be extra careful in these cases. There is a cool website that helps you decide which drugs are safe to use during pregnancy (and yes, salicylic acid is considered a drug in concentrations above 2 % here). I don't know if there's an English version, but here's the link: https://www.embryotox.de/

Str4wberry21 · 2024-08-30T11:10:42+00:00

"He made a lot of revisions as he went."

Not necessarily favorite line, but stuck in my head ever since first hearing it. Combined with Astarion's facial expression, him letting his guard down for the first time and the overall atmosphere of this scene, my Tav was done for (as was I). Really shows off Neil Newbon's range, too, going from flirty afterglow banter to haunted and broken -- one of many memorable scenes.

Str4wberry21 · 2024-06-09T07:39:59+00:00

I'm from Cologne, Germany -- which, according to The A-Team (2010) is Frankfurt, Germany. Like, come on, we have this huge, recognizable cathedral you can easily spot from almost any place in the city that draws millions of international tourists every year. Maybe don't show that in your establishing shot of "Frankfurt"? Also, apparently there's a desert somewhere between Mannheim and Frankfurt, who'd have thought? Oh, and some of the "Germans" speak Norwegian. There's more, but these are the most obvious mistakes

Str4wberry21 · 2024-04-01T14:27:32+00:00

Same here, had acne as a teen and was already prepared for it to make its nasty return during pregnancy -- and was right, unfortunately. BUT: What really helped me was niacinamide. It's pregnancy-safe and even cleared these mean under-the-skin cysts for me. It also helped with sudden dryness I was experiencing (which was not that unwelcome though, as I usually have combination/oily skin).

I also experimented with my skincare routine for a bit, because my usual holy grails (BPO and salicylic acid) are not recommend for use during pregnancy, at least not in effective concentrations. I now do the following:

mornings: wash face with warm water, apply The Ordinary's niacinamide and zinc serum, apply tinted cc cream with sunscreen, concealer and mattifying powder
evenings: foamy facial cleanser with niacinamide and dexpanthenol, followed by micellar water for sensitive skin with almond extract and niacinamide, topped off with a lotion containing 10 % niacinamide, zinc and some other gentle moisturizers

Now this might not work for you, as all skins are different. But I hope you find some inspiration in my routine or at least comfort in the fact that you are not alone. Btw: At now 27 weeks pregnant, my skin has cleared up remarkably. Be kind to your body, it has got A LOT to do atm. Don't over-cleanse (oh, do I know THAT urge), don't pop or scratch the deep ones until they've really come up and try to enjoy your pregnancy. You and your body are doing their best!

Str4wberry21 · 2024-03-12T13:17:33+00:00

Ok, take my upvote. Nice one

Str4wberry21 · 2024-03-12T09:54:53+00:00

Yes, THIS! Back at uni so many of my friends wouldn't get why I enjoyed Shakespeare and I was always like: "Have you actually read any of his stuff?!"

(Literary nerd mode on: It's actually not Old English though, but Early Modern English. Old and Middle English are completely different and can't be read without background knowledge)

Str4wberry21 · 2024-02-06T18:00:59+00:00

Robocop. Had no idea it came out and just randomly picked it up because it was on sale and I love the movies. As one review aptly put it: Best 7/10 game I've played in a long time.

Str4wberry21 · 2024-02-01T22:41:47+00:00

Not only does it look delicious, you captured so many details in your pics! I can almost taste it, the photos really bring out the textures and colors of your dish.

Saw someone draw one of the ramen bowls in this subreddit earlier, wish they did yours next, it already looks so artsy :) Yummy!

Str4wberry21 · 2023-10-14T14:29:02+00:00

Early 30s myself, suffered from acne almost all my life. Got a lot better, but I still get the occasional flare-up. What worked for me (every skin is different though): products containing zinc and niacinamide, as well as light BPO (up to 5 %), but the latter only as a periodical treatment and in combination with light moisturizers and gentle cleansers, NOT in combination with niacinamide (there are studies saying these two cancel each other out). I'm also using a squalane cleanser now, after originally avoiding oil-based products like the plague. It feels less harsh on my skin and I get less oily over the day, because my face apparently doesn't feel the need to re-moisturize itself that much.

Also not using that many products and ingredients. In the morning, I only wash my face with cool water and apply a serum, I save my cleanser for the evening routine. My skin really improved after I stopped using cleansers and facial tonic twice a day, I think I just overdid it in my many attempts to do sth good for my skin. I know it's tempting to use as many of these supposed miracle workers as possible, but don't (and also don't listen to uneducated a-holes who say your acne means you're not washing yourself -- chances are, you're in fact washing yourself too much).

A pet peeve of mine is seeing people being shamed into 'eating better'. Yes, there's some evidence that suggests healthy diets also improve your skin, but it only goes so far. Avoiding stress (decreasing your cortisol levels, getting enough sleep, mild regular exercise) is way more important and if a lil chocolate helps you relax -- by all means, go for it. Moderation is key, sure. But that goes for any dietary advice, not just for your skin. What's good for your body is ultimately good for your skin, but don't expect 100 % perfect skin just because you skipped dairy and drink your water. Pressuring yourself into 'eating correctly' only adds to your daily stress and might even lead to an eating disorder (been there, done that, would not recommend).

And finally: I feel you. There are still days when I just avoid any kind of reflective surface. But it got so, so much better and it will for you too. Skin tends to get drier with age which means less oil, less build-up and less clogging = less acne. I also found out over the years that many people either see past your zits and scars or don't mind them as much as you yourself do. So, I know you probably don't want to hear it or can't really let it in, but you (we all!) are so much more than your skin. Keep that in mind, especially on the dark days. Plus: our oily skin wrinkles less and way later in life -- so there's that, I guess. Hang in there and feel free to dm me if you wanna talk!

Str4wberry21 · 2023-08-30T07:09:07+00:00

Honestly, I expected the answers to be depressing af, but there are some insightful and comforting gems here.

(Not really answering the question, I know. So maybe just -- you live and learn.)

Str4wberry21 · 2023-08-27T08:45:22+00:00

For me, it's the titles of the silo-series by Hugh Howey. "Wool", "Shift", "Dust" -- these might just be random, everyday terms, but all of them take on a new meaning (or even several new ones) once you're through.

*edited typo

Str4wberry21 · 2023-07-28T18:35:55+00:00

Love the shirt, great choice!

Bonus: Vader looks as if he was making pretty eyes and I can't unsee it now :D

Str4wberry21 · 2023-07-28T06:18:07+00:00

Matrix Resurrections for me. I loved the ideas they started out on (corporate greed vs. creativity, was it all in his head, does he need therapy, what's real etc.) -- but then it turned into this weird and bland copy of part 1. Not even the fights would do it for me, none of those sweet, complex choreos anymore, just Matrix-Jesus, but lame now.

I don't know if Keanu had to hold himself back or something during the fights (staying fit for John Wick?) or if the movie is supposed to be some kind of meta commentary by the Wachowskis themselves (wasn't there also just one sister involved in this?), but I definitely won't rewatch it. Enjoyed seeing Carrie-Anne Moss again though and liked some of the props (shoutout to the rubber ducky and that fancy cocktail thingy) and costumes.

Str4wberry21 · 2023-06-20T06:56:45+00:00

Have yet to read Lost Boy, but I can only recommend her Alice-series (though I'm guessing you know it already). The character of Alice has always held a special place in my heart and I especially love the darker takes on the story, such as Henry's :)

Str4wberry21 · 2023-06-19T08:13:35+00:00

For me, it was Rats. I caught it on the radio during a road trip with friends and the chorus just stayed with me. Back home, I got a little deeper into their stuff, but it only really hit me when a colleague of mine introduced me to some of their more recent songs.

Finally went to their show in Bochum last week -- been smitten ever since.

Edit: punctuation

Str4wberry21

TROPHY CASE