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This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. Subscribe here.AI assistants are now more than simple answer machines. ChatGPT’s new Study Mode, Claude’s Learning Mode, and Gemini’s Guided Learning represent a significant shift. Instead of just providing answers, these free tools act as adaptive, 24/7 personal tutors.Guidde | Create how-to guides with AI Tired of explaining the same thing over and over again to your colleagues? Guidde is an AI-powered tool that helps you explain the most complex tasks in seconds with AI-generated documentation. Turn boring documentation into stunning visual guides Save valuable time by creating video documentation 11x faster Share or embed your guide anywhere Just click capture on the browser extension. The app will automatically generate step-by-step video guides complete with visuals, voiceover and call to action. The best part? The extension is 100% free. Try it Free New Tools for Studying and Learning ChatGPT Study Mode Get Started: Select Study Mode from the plus menu when starting a new chat. [Screenshot]. Start with context. Tell ChatGPT what you want to learn, why, and what you already know. The model excels at adapting to your level and guiding you step by step. My take: Ive been experimenting with AI learning modes to understand the intricacies of venture capital investing. ChatGPT initially overwhelmed me with info [screenshot], then seemed to notice I was drowning and adjusted its pace. It must have seen my confused frown. Note: You can use Study and learn mode on mobile and with ChatGPT in a browser, but you cant yet access it in the desktop app or within a ChatGPT Project. Below is a quick example of a dialogue in Study Mode Gemini Guided Learning Get Started: Visit g.co/gemini/guidedlearning My take: Gemini has been an excellent tutor. It replies concisely to my questions about venture capital. For example, so far it has: Quizzed me (try a basic example) Created a helpful infographic Generated an audio overview, in the style of NotebookLM Made me a custom Web page Shared simple digital flashcards The tangible artifacts help me visualize concepts and test my own understanding. The model takes a minute or so to produce infographics and a little longer to create audio overviews. Im repeatedly returning to these materials to review what still feels fuzzy arcane details of valuation, cap tables, dilution, and convertible notes. Below is an example of a scientific infographic: Other Google Learning Tools Illuminate turns academic papers and research into audio summaries Learn About responds thoroughly and helpfully to any inquiry Learning Coach Gem is an assistant you can chat with. Little Language Lessons offers quick takeaways. LearnLM is Googles family of language models for learning, grounded in educational research. Claude Learning Mode Get Started: Select “Learning” from the style menu. This step initially confused me because the other options in that menu are writing styles. My take: Claude’s scenario-based questions like these push me to think through real-world situations to practice applying what Im learning. Tips: As you learn, ask Claude to create artifactslittle interactive apps that help you practice what you’re learning. Also request occasional challenges, case studies, or quizzes. Advantage: Unlike ChatGPT, you can use Learning Mode within Claude Projects. That allows you to benefit from personalized learning alongside your uploaded documents and context. So you can upload a slew of files, reports, and research resources and let Claude tutor you on those materials. The additional concentration required for socratic learning helps with mastering complex concepts, as reflected in this image made with ChatGPT Learn Mode vs. Answer Mode Turn on the learning features for any of these AI assistants and youll quickly notice the difference. Learning modes use Socratic questioning asking rather than telling. They adapt to your level of understanding. They nudge you to make your own observations. They help you test your understanding with informal quizzes. They guide you step-by-step through complex topics rather than rushing to throw answers at you. In learning mode, these assistants feel like tutors; in standard mode theyre more like interactive encyclopedias. The difference is significant. On previous occasions when I wanted to analyze data, I’d ask for quick insights. In study mode I’ve learned, among other things, how to use pivot tables more effectively so I can analyze data more thoroughly myself. Rather than getting fish handed to me, I’m learning to fish. Topics to try in learn mode How do tariffs impact supply chains? or How does cryptocurrency work? Guide me through the basics of [science/math concept] In what ways might Shakespeare have influenced Montaignes essays? How do private equity firms operate? Help me understand the nuances. 4 Ways to Learn with AI 1. Understand a complex concept or skill What it’s for: Work or school topics you need to grasp thoroughly, or just topics youre curious about My experience: I’m using AI study modes to review probabilities for dice, tile and card picking for tabletop games like Qwixx, Splendor, Azul, Point Salad, and backgammon. The AI helps me move forward step-by-step, checking my progress and slowing down when I get confused. I like being able to ask dumb questions without embarrassment. 2. Indulge your intellectual curiosity What it’s for: Topics you find fascinating. Learning for its own sake. My experience: After reading Hernán Díazs Trust recently, I went down a rabbit hole learning about metafiction (stories within stories) and polyphony (stories from multiple vantage points) and discovering new connections between various authors. This pure intellectual exploration feels different from work-focused learning. It’s driven by curiosity rather than necessity. I like that I can leap from tangent to tangent whenever I feel like it. I can also stop suddenly and return to a thread days later. The assistant loses no momentum and continues as if we never paused. Brain candy generated with Gemini 2.5 Pro 3. Deepen your expertise What it’s for: Expand your understanding of something youve already studied. My experience: I’m using AI learning modes to explore connections between classical composers whose music Ive spent my life listening to and playing. Im also sharpening the way I use spreadsheets for data analysis. The AI builds on what I already know, rather than starting from scratch. 4. Learn how to learn What it’s for: Discover how you learn best. Learn about learning and how to sharpen your brain. My experience: I’m experimenting with AI learning approaches to see what works best for me, and getting to know more about learning science. Most valuable so far: Gemini’s quizzes and infographics, Claude’s short answer questions, and practicing summarizing and expanding on ChatGPTs explanations. The most useful learning mode features Short quizzes with instant feedback that force me to apply what Im learning Scenarios I have to analyze that force me to make nuanced distinctions Realistic case studies that require me to summarize new concepts Asking as many dumb questions as I wantRequesting tangible learning artifacts, like infographics, audio overviews, flashcards, and tables In my own teaching (at CUNYs Newmark Graduate School of Journalism) Im planning to incorporate more formative micr-assessments brief in-class ungraded quizzes using tools like Slido and Socrative to help me check what students understand and to give them more tiny opportunities to practice what were learning.This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. Subscribe here.
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Lets be honest: weve all got that one celebrity, influencer, or podcast host who lives rent-free in our heads. You know their dogs name, their morning routine, their trauma story, and their oat milk brand of choice. You might even find yourself defending them in comment sections like theyre your actual friend. Congratulations, youve formed a parasocial relationship. For those who arent as active on social media, thats a one-sided bond we form with people we dont actually know. And while these connections can sometimes sound a little delusional, heres the twist: theyre not all bad. In fact, parasocial relationships can meet some very real psychological needs. Where it gets dangerous is when you start to forget where the screen ends and real life begins. Whats a parasocial relationship anyway? Sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl coined the term in the 1950s. Parasocial relationships describe the illusion of intimacy audiences feel toward media personalities. Back then, it was people writing fan letters to their favorite TV hosts. Now, its me crying in sync with a YouTubers breakup vlog or feeling like I know my favorite podcaster personally. On a neurological level, this makes sense. After all, our brains dont perfectly distinguish between real and mediated (through a screen) interaction. When someone looks into the camera and speaks directly to you, your mirror neurons light up just as if youre talking to them face-to-face. This is why parasocial relationships can feel genuinely comforting. They activate the same circuits of familiarity and trust as real friendships. And in an increasingly disconnected world, that comfort definitely counts for something. The surprising benefits of one-sided bonds 1. They can buffer loneliness During lockdowns, many of us maintained a sense of social connection through our favorite online creators. Studies show parasocial relationships can actually reduce feelings of isolation and even improve mood regulation, especially when people lack strong offline networks. 2. They model vulnerability and emotional expression Watching creators openly discuss anxiety, grief, or trauma can normalize emotional honesty and destigmatize speaking about challenges like mental health. This helps us feel seen in our own mess. We can tell ourselves, Okay, Im not the only one falling apart on a Wednesday. 3. They inspire growth A parasocial connection can serve as a mirror. It can show you the kind of energy, confidence, or values you want to embody. This is why certain influencers become aspirational figures. As long as you keep awareness intact, these relationships can spark genuine motivation. When parasocial relationships turn dangerous It is worth noting, however, that there is a very thin line between inspired and attached is thin. And unfortunately, powerful algorithms are built to blur it. These algorithms reward creators for being relatable, which means sharing enough personal details to make you feel like youre in their inner circle. That emotional intimacy creates loyalty, engagement, and ultimately, a chance for monetization. This isnt inherently evil, but it can distort our sense of reciprocity. You might start to feel like this person owes you honesty, consistency, or moral perfection. And when they slip up (as humans inevitably do), the disappointment can feel personallike a friends betrayal. These one-way relationships can also subtly erode our capacity for deeper real-world intimacy. When we satisfy our social cravings with curated, low-risk digital connections, we stop practicing the messy vulnerability of actual human contact, the kind that requires our patience, discomfort, and presence. The psychology behind the pull Parasocial attachment is driven by the same neural systems that govern all bonding. Dopamine fuels the anticipation of new posts or updates. Oxytocin, the bonding hormone, spikes when we watch someone share emotionally or make eye contact with the camera. But heres the kicker: unlike reciprocal relationships, parasocial ones never demand anything of you. No commitment. No conflict. No compromise. No vulnerability. Its a connection on your terms: all of the closeness, none of the interpersonal risk. Its no wonder our brains love it. Especially in a culture where real connection often feels draining, these one-sided bonds offer safe (and lazy) intimacy; its like a form of social snacking. The problem is that snacks, while comforting, dont nourish us long-term. So where do we draw the line? Heres the thing: you dont need to quit parasocial connections. You just need to bring consciousness to them. Try this quick self-check by asking yourself a series of questions. Are you replacing or complementing real-world connections? If your closest relationship is with someone who doesnt know you exist, its time to recalibrate. Do you feel possessive or reactive when your favorite creator posts (or doesnt)? Thats a sign of emotional overinvestment and might be a sign to step back and reanchor. Lastly, figure out if their content is influencing your self-worth. If their wins make you feel inadequate, mute or unfollow for a while. Inspiration should energize you, not erode you. How to keep a healthy parasocial relationship Take the following steps to prevent a parasocial relationship from becoming unhealthy: 1. Diversify your social diet Online creators can be a supplement, but real relationships are the main meal. Reach out to friends, join local groups, or talk to someone face-to-face. 2. Practice digital discernment Notice the kind of creators you gravitate toward. Do they invite reflection and growth or feed comparison and self-doubt? 3. Set parasocial boundaries No DMs. No stalking their partners feed. And definitely not forming an identity around being in a relationship with them of any kind. 4. Do regular connection audits Once a month, ask: Who are the five people I feel most connected to right now? If you find that most of them are social media figures, it might be time to rebalance. Parasocial relationships arent a glitch in modern life; theyre normal. And they act as a mirror, showing us what we craveintimacy, belonging, inspiration. When you hold them consciously, they can even bridge moments of loneliness or offer glimpses of our better selves. But the minute we start mistaking someone elses content for actual closeness, we drift into illusion. Thats when we can confuse visibility for intimacy. So by all means, keep cheering for your favorite podcaster and cry with your comfort YouTuber. Just make sure youre also tending to the relationships that see all of younot just your usernamebecause theyre the ones who will keep you grounded in whats real.
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Theres a commercial break on the TV — why not scroll through a few TikToks to pass the time. Ten minutes early for an appointment? Catch up on Instagram Stories. Train delays? A quick doomscroll of the news while you wait. Its a common reflex: Americans check their phones 144 times a day, on average, according to a survey from Reviews.org. Its also a habit many are trying to break. My biggest fear is that Ill lie on my deathbed and regret how much time I spent on my phone, TikTok creator Sierra Campbell said in a video posted in May. Her answer? An analog bag. Campbell carries with her a bag of analog activities at all times, including crossword puzzles, watercolor paints, knitting needles, anything that can be reached for in those in-between moments to keep from scrolling. Inspired by Campbell, the analog bag trend has, somewhat ironically, caught on online. The hashtag #AnalogLife is up 330% this year, according to TikTok data shared with Axios. The idea isnt less technology, explained Campbell. Its more analog fun. Other screen-free alternatives include coloring books, journals, embroidery or word searches. By keeping a bag of activities in arms reach, it’s easy to resist the urge to mindlessly reach for our phones for a quick distraction or dopamine hit. This trend fits into a broader revival of analog hobbies — also known as grandma hobbies — to help us slow down and tackle digital fatigue. In a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, 71% had participated in a craft project in 2024, said research firm Mintel. “Analog wellness” was named a top trend for 2025 by the Global Wellness Summit. The benefits of analog bags are backed by research. A study published in 2023 by Nature Medicine suggests that having a hobby is good for your health, mood, and more, while digital detoxes can improve focus, mood, and sleep quality. That doesnt mean you need to give up your phone entirely and wholeheartedly embrace an analog life. But armed with a crossword or some knitting needles, each of us could all work towards being more mindful in those in-between moments during the day. In a world full of brain rot, be an analog bag.
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