About

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Stay Connected, Learn Naturally

In today's fast-paced and ever-connected world, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. With news feeds constantly updating and notifications vying for your attention, staying connected to what's truly important has become a challenge. At Helm, we believe in cutting through the noise to make learning accessible, engaging, and aligned with your natural interests. We're passionate about helping people develop lifelong learning habits that not only keep them informed but also enrich their lives.

Research indicates that information overload can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress levels. By streamlining content delivery, we aim to enhance your ability to absorb and retain information that matters most to you (Bawden & Robinson, 2009).

Our Mission

Helm is your compass in the vast sea of information, guiding you toward meaningful content without the usual distractions. We believe that staying informed shouldn't feel like navigating a labyrinth. That's why we've created a platform that brings you everything from everywhere, all in one place. Our mission is to empower you to learn, stay informed, and even master new languages through immersive experiences tailored to your interests.

By providing a holistic approach to news and information, we aim to broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of the world. Studies have shown that exposure to diverse perspectives enhances critical thinking and broadens understanding (Paul & Elder, 2006).

Everything from Everywhere

Discover over 700 fresh stories every day, covering a wide array of topics—from entertainment and sports to business and technology. Unlike traditional news outlets that often focus narrowly on political commentary, Helm offers a broader scope. We provide links to over 30,000 global sources, enabling you to dive deeper into local and niche insights that truly matter to you.

  • Personalized Content: Customize your experience by searching keywords and saving your favorite topics. Whether you're passionate about Alabama college football, Pakistani cricket, Japanese anime, or environmental sustainability, Helm brings your interests right to your fingertips.

Research shows that curated and customizable content enhances user engagement and information retention. By catering to individual preferences, platforms like Helm foster deeper comprehension and satisfaction (Buckland, 2017; Zuiderveen Borgesius et al., 2016).

A Distraction-Free Experience

We understand that your time and focus are valuable commodities in an age of constant interruption. That's why we've eliminated clickbait, pop-ups, autoplay videos, and ads (for subscribers). With Helm, you get just the core facts—pure, unadulterated insights that allow you to focus on what truly matters.

  • Effortless Navigation: Skim headlines with ease, read concise summaries, and delve deeper into commentary from global sources when you choose. Our intuitive interface is designed to make your information consumption as seamless as possible.

Just as fresh, healthy food nourishes the body better than heavily processed fast food, we believe quality content feeds the mind more effectively than sensationalism and clickbait.

Reducing digital distractions not only enhances focus but also improves comprehension and critical thinking. A streamlined environment allows you to process information more efficiently and thoughtfully (Carr, 2010; Ophir et al., 2009).

Immersive Language Learning

Why not learn a new language while staying informed? Helm offers an innovative "learn by doing" approach to language acquisition that integrates seamlessly into your daily routine.

  • Real-World Content: Read articles in your target language across hundreds of categories. Whether you're a beginner or advanced learner, you can immerse yourself in authentic content that's both interesting and educational.
  • Interactive Features: Tap to translate unfamiliar words or sentences, and listen to pronunciations to improve your listening and speaking skills. Customize your learning experience by focusing on topics that interest you most.

Like training wheels on a bike, our intuitive features support you until you're ready to ride on your own.

Immersive language learning has been proven highly effective. Linguist Stephen Krashen's Input Hypothesis emphasizes that exposure to comprehensible input slightly above one's current level enhances language acquisition (Krashen, 1985). Engaging with meaningful, real-world contexts leads to higher fluency and comprehension (Cummins, 2009; Kinginger, 2011). Additionally, bilingualism has been linked to cognitive benefits such as improved memory and problem-solving skills (Bialystok et al., 2012).

Ready to dive deeper? Learn more about our immersive approach on our article The Science of Natural Language Learning: Why News Works.

Join Us on the Journey

At Helm, we're more than just an app or a website—we're your partner in navigating the complexities of the modern world. By combining comprehensive content, a distraction-free environment, and immersive language learning, we're committed to enhancing your learning experience and helping you develop habits that last a lifetime.

Developing lifelong learning habits not only keeps you informed but also contributes to personal growth and adaptability in an ever-changing world. Embracing continuous learning can lead to increased career opportunities, personal fulfillment, and cognitive longevity (Oxford, 2016).

References

  • Bawden, D., & Robinson, L. (2009). The dark side of information: overload, anxiety and other paradoxes and pathologies. Journal of Information Science, 35(2), 180-191. Link
  • Buckland, M. (2017). Information and Society. MIT Press. Link
  • Zuiderveen Borgesius, F., Trilling, D., Möller, J., Bodó, B., de Vreese, C., & Helberger, N. (2016). Should we worry about filter bubbles? Internet Policy Review, 5(1). Link
  • Carr, N. (2010). The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains. W. W. Norton & Company. Link
  • Ophir, E., Nass, C., & Wagner, A. D. (2009). Cognitive control in media multitaskers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(37), 15583–15587. Link
  • Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257-285. Link
  • Krashen, S. D. (1985). The Input Hypothesis: Issues and Implications. Longman. Link
  • Cummins, J. (2009). Fundamental psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic principles underlying educational success for linguistic minority students. In The Handbook of Educational Linguistics (pp. 136–152). Wiley-Blackwell. Link
  • Kinginger, C. (2011). Enhancing language learning in study abroad. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 31, 58–73. Link
  • Bialystok, E., Craik, F. I., & Luk, G. (2012). Bilingualism: consequences for mind and brain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(4), 240-250. Link
  • Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2006). Critical Thinking: The Nature of Critical and Creative Thought. Journal of Developmental Education, 30(2), 34. Link
  • Oxford, R. L. (2016). Teaching and Researching Language Learning Strategies: Self-Regulation in Context. Routledge. Link

Experience Helm Today

Embark on a journey of discovery, free from distractions and full of opportunities to learn and grow. Download the Helm app or visit our website to start your personalized learning experience. Together, let's navigate the information age with clarity, purpose, and passion.