The "Crapification" Of The US Economy Is Now Complete

The U.S. economy has fundamentally changed, and not for the better. There are numerous dynamics behind this decay, and I'll discuss a few of the more consequential ones this month.

One consequential dynamic few mainstream pundits dare discuss is the "crapification" of the entire U.S. economy. That isn't my description, "crapification" is now in common use. If the word offends you, substitute terminal decay of quality, competition, utility, durability, repairability and customer service. READ MORE

Facebook is staring down a 'perfect storm' of challenges that will define its future

Facebook has had an abysmal week.

In its fourth-quarter earnings report, parent company Meta revealed a major revenue shortfall, missing Wall Street expectations amid challenges spurred by its multibillion-dollar investment in its augmented reality “metaverse,” setting off a wave of stock-price volatility Thursday. Markets closed with Facebook down 26 percent, having shed roughly $230 billion from its market value — the biggest-ever one-day loss for a U.S. company. READ MORE

Dotdash Meredith ends print editions of six magazines

Dotdash Meredith, owned by media mogul Barry Diller's IAC, has decided to stop publishing the print editions of six magazines including Entertainment Weekly and InStyle as part of a digital push.

The move would result in 200 job losses and impacted titles also include EatingWell, Health, Parents and People en Español, Dotdash Meredith Chief Executive Officer Neil Vogel said on Wednesday in a memo to staff that was seen by Reuters. READ MORE

14 experts say how the net’s worst problems could be solved by 2035

In the early 21st century, the internet—and the social internet, in particular—has enabled a more connected world. But it’s also enabled and amplified some of humanity’s worst behaviors. Fringy, toxic opinions and outright disinformation proliferate. Antisocial behavior is normalized. Facts—when they can be recognized—are used to bolster preexisting opinions, not to challenge assumptions. Kids (and adults) measure their self-worth by their Instagram comments and follower count. Expecting the huge tech companies that operate the platforms to proactively fix the problems gets more unworkable as online communities grow into the billions. READ MORE

Internet guru on Web3: "Get ready for the crash"

With Web3 touted as the next evolutionary stage of the internet, businesses and investors are eagerly hopping on the bandwagon. Tech giants including Alphabet, Facebook-owner Meta and Microsoft are staking their claim in the emerging blockchain-based economy, some non-fungible token companies are already valued in the billion, and cryptocurrency trading platforms are experiencing hockey stick-like growth. READ MORE

Have You Heard Of Q-Commerce? Why And How It’s Taking Off

The trend toward speedy, last-mile delivery has grown exponentially worldwide in the past five years. According to a study by Clutch, online shoppers now typically receive packages within two to three days. But there are still limitations.

As it turns out, two-day delivery is no longer enough, not for consumers or for e-commerce leaders wanting to provide the ultimate customer experience. The aspiration now is for near-instant delivery and at no extra charge. READ MORE

Everything wrong with your workplace is hiding in plain sight

The most authentic space in the workplace is the bathroom. It’s the place where employees go to find momentary solace, to break down, to text their significant other, to face themselves in the mirror. Office bathrooms (or their pandemic alternative, the private Slack channel) are where workers vent about toxic corporate culture. They’re where schemes for solidarity are assembled. Office bathrooms are where people go to bare their physiological and emotional realities away from company judgment.  READ MORE

A 29-year-old CEO is pushing crypto during the Super Bowl by giving away millions in bitcoin

Americans tuning in to the Super Bowl on Sunday will be inundated with ads from cryptocurrency companies, including the trading platform FTX, which plans to give away millions of dollars in bitcoin.

FTX has spent heavily on sports partnerships to try to make itself a brand name in crypto, including an ad with NFL star Tom Brady, a sponsorship with Major League Baseball and a $135 million deal to rename the Miami Heat’s stadium the FTX Arena. READ MORE

Whether Remote Or On-Site, Here’s How The Hottest Early-Stage Startups Compare

Remember the days when working at a hot early-stage startup meant trekking to an office in a major tech center like Silicon Valley or Boston?

These days, a commute is not necessarily required. At scores of venture-backed companies, the ability to work from home is already the status quo—a perk as ingrained as office-based enticements like free coffee and snacks. READ MORE