Technology

The Junk Is Winning

TikTok’s experiment in shopping has quickly become another place to hawk products.

The Future of AI Is GOMA

Four companies are taking over everything.

AI Has a Hotness Problem

In the world of generated imagery, you’re either drop-dead gorgeous or a wrinkled, bug-eyed freak.

AI Takes on Expiration Dates

The fight against food waste is getting high-tech.

The War in Gaza Is Getting Remixed in Real Time

Unconfirmed atrocities are turning into memes.

If You Ever Speak in Public, Follow This Advice

Or, how Bob Barker ruined my wedding

AI Is About to Photoshop Your Memories

The smartphone camera roll is a digital diary. What happens when the images inside are more perfect than real?

MAGA Bluey Is Stressing People Out

Facebook’s largest group for posting memes about the beloved children’s show has turned into a political free-for-all.

We Don’t Actually Know If AI Is Taking Over Everything

A test of AI transparency gave every major company an F.

Self-Checkout Is a Failed Experiment

Please, not another “unexpected item in the bagging area.”

The Internet Could Be So Good. Really.

Today’s social platforms are designed for spectacle and entertainment—but it’s not too late to build a platform that improves society.

America Is About to See Way More Driverless Cars

Robotaxis are now picking up riders in L.A. and Houston—and facing a whole new set of challenges.

How Starbucks Perfected Autumn

The pumpkin spice latte has defined fall for 20 years.

Online Betting Has Gone Off the Deep End

What are the odds this story wins a Pulitzer?

Computers Are Learning to Smell

AI could revolutionize our understanding of one of the most mysterious human senses.

This War Shows Just How Broken Social Media Has Become

The global town square is in ruins.

Should You Delete Your Kid’s TikTok This Week?

Hostage videos could present a horrific new dilemma for parents.

The New AI Panic

Washington and Beijing have been locked in a conflict over AI development. Now a new battle line is being drawn.

Your Sweaters Are Garbage

The quality of knitwear has cratered. Even expensive sweaters have lost their hefty, lush glory.

We Finally Have Proof That the Internet Is Worse

High-profile lawsuits against Google and Amazon have revealed Silicon Valley’s vise grip on our lives.