Today’s Tech Sightings:

Social Media and the Cost of Caring

You’d think the world would be totally stressed out with the way people obsess over technology and social media. But a study from the Pew Research Internet Project says otherwise. The study notes, however, that social media exposure increases awareness of unfortunate events and suffering affecting other people.

New Report Warns Against Ransomware Risks

A new report from mobile phone security app Lookout says cyber criminals are resorting to new methods to steal money and data from cellphone users. The report warns against “ScarePackage” attacks that deliver fake messages from law enforcement to users, claiming illicit materials were found on their mobile devices.

A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) devices — smart gadgets that are always connected —  are here to stay and will become more prevalent moving forward. Writer Bonnie Cha offers an IoT primer to help users understand what they’re getting into.

Facebook’s Zuckerberg Brings Free Internet to Colombia

During a visit to Colombia Wednesday, Facebook CEO Mark Zucherberg launched an application that lets people in the Latin American nation connect to the Internet free of charge. The service in Colombia is the first Internet.org step toward bringing the entire region online. Globally, Colombia is the fourth country to receive the service.

Bitcoin Mining Suspended as Prices Plunge

London-based CEX.IO, a leading Bitcoin exchange, has temporarily suspended cloud mining services after the price of Bitcoin dropped by 82.7 percent, making mining operations no longer profitable.

BlackBerry Falls as Report of Samsung Deal Talks Denied

Samsung and Blackberry both denied today any talks of a merger, which pushed Blackberry’s stocks down by 17 percent. Reuters reported earlier that Samsung was in talks to acquire the Canadian smartphone maker and its coveted patents for about $7.5 billion.

Starter Kit for Giant Mech Suit Lands on Amazon Japan

No, it’s not science fiction. The Kuratas mech, a four-legged robotic suit that previously made several public appearances, is now on sale for a little over one million dollars. There are a few problems, however. The suit ships without arms, the shipping rate is unrealistic, sales are limited to Japan and last, but not least, the kit requires some assembly.

Smithsonian App Gives Old Bones New Twist

A new mobile app from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History for iOS devices gives users a new way to look at the skeletons on exhibit. Using Augmented Reality, the app gives users a 3D digital experience that allows them to see how the skeletons functioned during their lifetime.