The World’s Most Important App (For Now)
Telegram played a central role in Yevgeny Prigozhin’s revolt—and in so many other chaotic events that have defined recent history.
There Will Never Be Another Second Life
The virtual world, a strange cross between Burning Man and Neal Stephenson’s metaverse, marks its 20th anniversary with no true corporate competitor in sight.
Social Media Has Collapsed Good Debate
Joe Rogan’s podcast is an awful venue for serious disagreement. But the alternatives aren’t much better.
The Nerds Are Bullies Now
Musk vs. Zuck makes losers of us all.
Your Phone Is a Mindfulness Trap
Relying on apps for meditation is a recipe for distrac—hold on, I just got a text.
How the Vape Shops Won
It’s a rough time for retail stores in America. How can there be so many vape shops?
AI Is an Existential Threat to Itself
Generative-AI programs may eventually consume material that was created by other machines—with disastrous consequences.
When the Unnatural Becomes Natural
Artificial intelligence will redefine some of our deepest assumptions about the makeup of the world around us.
Apple Is an AI Company Now
Lots of tiny AI tweaks are quietly taking over the iPhone.
Car-Rental Companies Are Ruining EVs
Good luck charging your surprise electric rental car.
Why Are So Many Women Being Told Their Hormones Are Out of Whack?
At-home test kits promise clarity about users’ health and fertility. Experts say they could just lead to more confusion.
Tesla’s Magic Has Been Reduced to Its Chargers
Ford and GM are turning to Tesla’s charging connectors, giving the company more influence over our EV future.
AI-Generated Junk Is Flooding Etsy
Coloring books, stickers, mugs, and T-shirts are being pumped out by AI-assisted hustlers.
The Instant Pot Failed Because It Was a Good Product
A one-hit wonder is never enough.
Somehow, Airline Customer Service Is Getting Even Worse
Chatbots are taking over, and it’s a mess.
No One Knows Exactly What Social Media Is Doing to Teens
Years and years of research add up to an uncomfortable reality: The connection between social media and mental health is more complicated than it seems.
The Vision Pro Is the Perfect Gadget for the Apocalypse
Apple’s latest product will insulate users from a burning world.
The Age of Goggles Has Arrived
But why?
The AI Mona Lisa Explains Everything
Depending on how you look at it, generative AI is either astonishingly powerful or totally pointless.
‘Hell Welcomes All’
Can hard-core gamers learn to play well with others?
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