Stories to fuel your mind

A Noncomprehensive List of Things That Are Overrated

From seltzer to travel to engagement rings: It’s okay if you find these hugely popular things boring or just plain... okay.

Pocket Editors

Read when you’ve got time to spare.

We live in an age of recommendations, which means it’s impossible to go online without being subject to someone hyping up a product or activity. Their goal? Often to establish their own expertise—or just to get you to spend money. But it’s okay to take a break from the non-stop raves and reviews. Instead, enjoy a chance of pace by browsing these impassioned anti-endorsements.

Image by Kwangmoozaa / Getty Images

The Case Against Travel

It turns us into the worst version of ourselves while convincing us that we’re at our best.

All the Very Specific Reasons I Hate Seltzer

I’m a sensory person, so I understand that my food and drink preferences do not always line up with what many other people tolerate or outright enjoy. That’s fine.

10 Classic Rock Albums That Are Overrated

Not exactly timeless.

Is Human Intelligence Overrated?

Experts suggest that our great, big brains may not be so great after all.

The Case Against Engagement Rings

It’s time to end this marriage-proposal tradition.

The Most Overrated Chain Restaurants in the US, According to the Mashed Staff

There’s nothing wrong with chain restaurants. Some of them are truly outstanding and worth visiting. Others, however, are a bit overrated, if you ask us.

What If You Just Didn’t Clean That Up?

Our ideas about cleanliness are stuck in the mid-20th century. Today, women can afford to care less.

Bonus Read: A Counterintuitive Guide to Happiness

For true contentment, adjust your approach.

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