The Know Daily - Monday 3 November 2025

_{Read in 4m 21s ∙ Listening to Sabrina Carpenter ∙}

Did you know that more than half of UK women have never held an investment product? We think it’s time to change that. With Trading 212, investing is simple, accessible and built for everyone – no finance degree or jargon required. Capital is at risk.

✨ Thank you to Trading 212 for partnering with The Know to help close the gender investing gap and for keeping this newsletter free for all ✨

There’s a brand-new Booker Prize on the block (and this one’s for children) 📚 Aimed at ages 8-12, the £50k award will celebrate incredible storytelling – and even invite kids to help choose the winner. With thousands of books set to be gifted to schools, it’s a joyful new chapter for children’s literature and the readers who make it come alive.

📺 Casual viewing phenomenon

Streaming giants are reportedly intentionally oversimplifying TV shows and movies to cater to the scrolling generation.

What’s happening?
Ever noticed your favourite show explaining every twist like you’ve just tuned in? That’s the “second-screen” effect where streaming platforms are designing stories for viewers who are on their phones. Dialogue is extra obvious, plot points are repeated, and subtlety takes a back seat so you can scroll without getting lost. It’s not just reality TV, documentaries or sitcoms, as dramas are also getting the casual viewing treatment.

Why’s it happening now?
Our focus is splintered. A study found that 83% of Americans use another screen whilst watching TV, whilst other researchers found people now stay on one screen for just 47 seconds before switching, down from over two minutes two decades ago. With constant pings and multitasking, our brains crave quick hits of clarity. Add in the ‘always-on’ culture of productivity and background entertainment, and streaming platforms are purposefully targeting split attention.

Is it a problem or just evolution?
Maybe it’s not all doomscroll and gloom. Stories have always adapted to how we consume them and what we’re seeing now could just be storytelling meeting us where we are. That accessibility isn’t all bad, but if every story is built for distracted brains, we risk losing the thrill of real immersion. The upside? The fact we miss that feeling means there’s still a hunger for shows that make us put the phone down and tune back in fully. In fact, streaming platforms have seen a surge in interest in high-immersion series, like Succession and Adolescence.

What’s being done about it?
There’s a push in the opposite direction with “lean-forward” TV, immersive formats, and interactive storytelling designed to pull viewers back from distraction. Companion podcasts, apps and social campaigns extend the experience beyond passive watching and encourage engagement having been fully absorbed in the show or movie’s drama. While casual viewing dominates, there’s growing space for shows that demand focus.

How can we make TV time count?
Here are some top tips for being more intentional while tuning in:
🍿 Set the scene: Put your phone away, use headphones, or dim distractions so you can watch without constant interruptions. Treat it like a mini event (this time of year is perfect for cosying up with a blanket, hot chocolate and popcorn!).
🛋️ Pick with intention: Choose shows or movies that reward focus – slow burns, layered dialogue, or immersive storytelling.
💬 Engage with the drama: Jot thoughts (on paper!) to debrief with family and friends after, or just savor the moment of escapism.

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💰 Money Monday: Rental payments will now count towards credit scores under a new system.

• The bigger story: The overhaul aims to make credit scoring fairer by recognising everyday financial habits like paying rent, cutting overdraft use and staying on top of bills. The update could help renters who pay on time build a stronger credit history which is a big win! (But remember, missing payments could hurt your score.) To make the most of the change, opt in to have your rent reported and check your credit report regularly to spot any errors early.

🇬🇧 Party politics: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said she is "rebuilding" the party as she marks one year since being elected, despite criticism from MPs that the party’s strategies aren’t landing with voters.

🦫 Beaver moon: Get your cameras out – the biggest supermoon of the year will be visible in skies over several days this week.

👩🏻‍🎤 Robot remixes: Universal Music Group is now partnering with Udio to build an AI music service allowing listeners to revamp well-known songs.

🌿 Naturally obsessed: The country where people have the strongest connection with nature has been revealed. 

👩‍❤️‍👨 Shrekking: There’s a new dating trend on the rise – before you ask, it’s not going on a date to Far Far Away…

🔗 Last week’s most clicked: The Renters’ Rights Act, power cables transformed into animals and free tickets to see Craig David (it’s true!).

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Trivia answer: C) Pooches can now be dog-walk ready with a collection of bows and the profits being donated to an animal rescue centre in New York.

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