
Abi Travis
Executive EditorLocation: Pasadena, California, United StatesEducation: Grand Valley State UniversityAbi Travis is Distractify's Executive Editor. She loves reading, cuddling her dogs, and reading while cuddling her dogs.
More From Abi Travis
FYI
No, You Can’t “Unsend” a Message on TikTok
On some apps, you can delete a direct message in order to “unsend” it to keep the recipient from seeing it. Is that possible on TikTok? FYI
Did Your YouTube Watch History Suddenly Stop Working? Don’t Panic!
YouTube users recently started noticing that YouTube wasn’t keeping track of their Watch History like it usually does. Here’s what we know. Entertainment
This Is Why You Can’t Find the Creepy Grinning Filter on TikTok
The Grinning Filter on TikTok superimposes a digital grin on the face of whoever appears in the video. Some people are unable it— here's why. FYI
Regis Philbin’s Late Son Daniel Was Recognized for Bravery After 9/11 Attacks
Regis Philbin was the father of three daughters and one son, Daniel. Daniel was awarded for his bravery after the 9/11 attacks and died in 2014. Entertainment
Here’s How to Watch ‘Dil Bechara,’ the Hindi Adaptation of ‘The Fault in Our Stars’
‘Dil Bechara’ is the Indian Hindi-language adaptation of John Green’s popular novel, ‘The Fault in Our Stars.’ It’s available to stream for free. FYI
Here’s How to Purchase TikTok Coins (and How to Use Them)
TikTok Coins allow you to pay content creators. Here’s how to get them, plus how to use Coins to purchase virtual gifts during livestreams. Entertainment
What Happened to Zoila Chavez, the Real Star of Bravo’s ‘Flipping Out’?
Zoila Chavez worked as Jeff Lewis’ housekeeper for 18 years before quitting the show during Season 10. Jeff says they’ve since reconciled. Entertainment
‘Blindspot’ Series Finale: Did Jane *Actually* Die This Time, or What?
The ‘Blindspot’ series finale left many fans more confused than ever about the fate of Jane Doe. What was real? What was a hallucination? Gaming
This Is Why 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Is Banned in China
‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ was never officially released in China, but it is now unavailable even from gray-market sellers. Here’s why. Entertainment
The Pinterest Trend on TikTok Is Seriously Blowing Our Minds
TikTok’s Pinterest trend requires some fancy editing skills and an ability to stay very, very still. Here’s how to make your own Pinterest trend video. FYI
Teachers Are Creating Incredible Bitmoji Classrooms for Their Students
Teachers often spend hours getting their classrooms ready for the new school year. This year, many are perfecting their virtual Bitmoji classrooms. FYI
Yahoo News Suspended Its Comment Section, and People Are Freaking Out
Yahoo News has temporarily disabled its comment section, and some people are very upset about it, claiming their free speech is being “censored.” FYI
What the Heck Is a “Black Swan Event” Anyway?
Nassim Nicholas Taleb says an event has to fit specific criteria to be a black swan and the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t. Here are some examples. Gaming
Popular Twitch Streamer Sodapoppin Was Banned, but He’ll Probably Be Back Soon
Chase Morris aka Sodapoppin is one of the most popular Twitch streamers of all time. He recently got banned, and people are wondering why. Here’s why. Entertainment
Charli D’Amelio’s Dad Had Some Trouble With the Law
Marc D’Amelio’s DUI occurred back in 2014, but has since been expunged from his record. Now, he’s focused on supporting his daughters’ TIkTok careers. FYI
The Surprisingly Interesting Reason Crackers Have Holes
Have you ever noticed that most crackers have holes baked into them? There’s actually an interesting reason for it. (We think it’s interesting anyway.) FYI
So, Um, Did TikTok Witches Really Hex the Moon, or…?
A rumor that “baby witches” attempted to hex the moon started on TikTok and eventually made the jump to mainstream Twitter. But is it true? Gaming
What Happens if You Don’t Give Wisp His Spirit Pieces in ‘Animal Crossing’?
After you search your whole island and collect Wisp’s spirit pieces, he asks you to give them back. But what if you say no and keep them for yourself? Gaming
Here’s a Foolproof Method for Catching Fast Sea Creatures in ‘Animal Crossing’
Most of the sea creatures in ‘Animal Crossing’ can be caught pretty easily, but sometimes you get one that’s super fast. Here’s how to catch them. Entertainment
No, Dr. Ish From ‘Marriage Boot Camp’ Doesn’t Have a Head Tattoo
‘Marriage Boot Camp’ Host Dr. Ish Major gets asked about the discoloration at the back of his head a lot — people often think it’s a tattoo. It’s not! FYI
6-Year-Old Bridger Walker Is on the Road to Recovery After Harrowing Dog Attack
Six-year-old Bridger Walker stepped into action when a dog charged at his little sister. His parents released a statement providing additional details. FYI
It’s Totally Possible to Sneeze Underwater (but It’s Not Very Pleasant)
Random question of the day: What happens if you sneeze underwater? As it turns out, it’s probably not something you really have to worry about. Entertainment
Megan Thee Stallion Posted a Touching Tribute to Her Late Father
Megan Thee Stallion’s father passed away when she was only 15 years old. She says he was her first best friend and the best dad ever. Entertainment
Here’s How You Can Watch ‘American Trial: The Eric Garner Story’
‘American Trial: The Eric Garner Story’ is an unscripted film that shows what could have happened if there had been a trial after Eric Garner’s death. Entertainment
Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Lawyers Say He Disappeared From Social Media for His Safety
As Tekashi 6ix9ine’s house arrest comes to an end, the rapper has deactivated his social media accounts. His lawyers say he did it as a safety measure. FYI
Viral Photo of "Little Boy" Escaping Buckingham Palace Is a Total Hoax
The ‘little boy escaping from Buckingham Palace’ photo is a screenshot from a video made to promote a television show about the British royal family. FYI
What Happened to Fred Trump’s Face? The Internet Has a Few Theories
In some photos of Fred Trump (Donald Trump’s father), his face appears to have a unique shape. This has led some people to make up their own theories. Entertainment
Was ‘Days of Our Lives’ Star Melissa Reeves Fired for “Liking” Anti-BLM Tweets?
‘Days of Our Lives’ star Melissa Reeves has come under fire for “liking” anti-BLM messages on social media — but has she been fired from the show? Entertainment
It Looks Like ‘The Kissing Booth 2’ Might Be Rated TV-MA — Here’s Why
Although ‘The Kissing Booth’ had a TV-14 rating, it looks like the sequel might be rated TV-MA. Here’s why ‘The Kissing Booth 2’ has a higher rating. FYI
Think You’ve Been Shadowbanned on TikTok? Here’s How to Fix It
If your TikTok videos aren’t getting any views, you may have been shadowbanned. Here’s what to do to get unshadowbanned from your account. Entertainment
People Are Accusing TikToker Jaden Hossler of Supporting the KKK in Old Tweets
TikTok star and Sway House member Jaden Hossler is in hot water (again). People have uncovered an old tweet that appears to defend the alt-right. Entertainment
John Travolta’s House Is Also His Own Personal Airport
Where does actor John Travolta live now? At an aviation estate in Florida where he keeps his planes and a runway leads directly to his front door. Entertainment
Is Freddy Krueger Based on a Real-Life Serial Killer From the 1800s?
A viral meme claims that Freddy Krueger, the villain of ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street,’ is based on a real serial killer. Is it true? FYI
People With Curly Hair Swear by the “Plopping” Technique — Here’s How to Do It
“Plopping” curly hair involves wrapping it up in a cotton shirt instead of using a terrycloth or microfiber towel. It makes a huge difference! FYI
Here’s Why You Keep Having Dreams About Your Ex (It’s Not Because You Miss Them)
People have recurring dreams about their exes for tons of different reasons — it doesn’t mean you secretly still have feelings for them. FYI
What Happened to the Super Gross (Yet Super Addictive) Pimple-Popping Subreddit?
The popular pimple-popping subreddit r/popping suddenly went into lockdown mode, and people are freaking out about it. Here’s what happened. FYI
Here’s How to Call the Police in a Situation Where You Can’t Speak Freely
In the U.K., people can silently alert emergency services by texting 55 after calling 999. The U.S. has similar silent systems in place in some areas. FYI
Why Are the Swabs for COVID-19 Tests So Long?
The current COVID-19 swab test involves swabbing inside someone’s nose with a very long swab. Why do they have to swab so far back? Entertainment
Is It Possible to View Someone’s Instagram Stories Anonymously?
Instagram doesn’t make it easy to view others’ Stories anonymously, but it is possible if you use one of these handy and simple tricks. Entertainment
Diane Keaton Has Never Been Married, but She’s Dated Plenty of Famous People
Actress Diane Keaton has never been married, but she has been romantically attached to several famous people, including Warren Beatty and Al Pacino. Entertainment
The True Story of ‘The One and Only Ivan’ Isn’t Exactly a Happy One
The upcoming Disney Plus film ‘The One and Only Ivan’ says it’s inspired by a true story. While that’s true, the actual story of Ivan is quite different. Entertainment
The Dogecoin Challenge Isn’t a "Sure Thing," No Matter What TikTok Says
The Dogecoin Challenge on TikTok encourages people to buy Dogecoin, a joke cryptocurrency. Here’s why you may want to hold off on the challenge. Entertainment
Some People Want to Cancel ‘Hamilton’ — Here’s Why
Now that ‘Hamilton’ is available to watch on Disney Plus, some people are calling for it to be “canceled” due to whitewashing the founding fathers. Entertainment
Just Like Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda Is Working “Like He’s Running Out of Time”
In the five years since ‘Hamilton’ first came out on Broadway, Lin-Manuel Miranda has been busy. Very busy. What is he working on next? Gaming
‘Smash Bros.’ Player ZeRo Admits to Sending Suggestive Messages to Minors
Gonzalo Barrios aka ZeRo is one of the latest ‘Smash Bros.’ players accused of misconduct. He has decided to ban himself from future gaming events. FYI
People Are Now Doing the Pink Whale Challenge to Boost Positivity and Self-Love
The controversial Blue Whale Challenge promoted self-harm and suicide. The Pink Whale Challenge list is basically the complete opposite. Entertainment
Here Are the Stories From the First Six Episodes of 'Unsolved Mysteries’
So far, there are six episodes of Netflix’s ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ reboot. Here are the stories featured in each of those episodes. FYI
“Baby Jessica” Is All Grown up — What Is She up to Now?
In 1987, Baby Jessica McClure was trapped in a well for more than 50 hours as the world watched dozens of people try to rescue her. Where is she now? Gaming
Your Guide to Collecting Pearls in ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’
Now that the ‘Animal Crossing’ summer update is here, you can dive for sea creatures and treasures. Here’s a guide to collecting pearls in the game. Entertainment
It Looks Like Lee and Rena From ‘My 600-lb Life’ Are Back Together
Lee Sutton and Rena Kriser first appeared on Season 6 of TLC’s ‘My 600-lb Life,’ and then in a follow-up episode in 2019. Where are they now?