“People who grew accustomed to sexting with Replika’s AI-powered companions were heartbroken when the company blocked its bots from engaging in racy chats.”
Bloomberg Businessweek
Posted inEditor's Pick
Can a Better Technology Dethrone the Gas Stove?
“While culture warriors and foodies panic over their favorite kitchen appliance, the induction range is still waiting for America to fall in love.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
How Target Got Cozy With the Cops, Turning Black Neighbors Into Suspects
“For decades, Target fostered partnerships with law enforcement unlike those of any other U.S. corporation.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Airbnb Is Spending Millions of Dollars to Make Nightmares Go Away
“When things go horribly wrong during a stay, the company’s secretive safety team jumps in to soothe guests and hosts, help families—and prevent PR disasters.”
Posted inNonfiction, Top 5
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Elizabeth Weil, Amirah Mercer, Jason Motlagh, Esmé E. Deprez, and Michael Paulson.
Posted inNonfiction, Top 5
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Timothy Snyder, Austin Carr, James Murdock, Myriam Lahouari, and Brian Hiatt.
Posted inBusiness, Current Events, Highlight, investigations, Nonfiction, Quote Posts, Quotes, Travel
What Happened to Cruise Ship Workers Once the Passengers Were Gone?
At the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, cruise companies “went to great lengths to repatriate vacationers.” But for crew members, it was a different story.
Posted inEditor's Pick
The Cruise Ship Suicides
Cruise crew members experienced a “more extreme version of the household lockdowns that have sent people tumbling into depression.”
Posted inHighlight, Quote Posts, Science & Nature
A Bit of Mud is Good for You
“Leung says a “misalignment with nature” in building design is partly to blame for our scourge of chronic diseases and the current pandemic.”