The Perfect Girlfriend

Recent studies show a significant decline in dating app usage among young people, with 79% of U.S. college students not using any dating apps. Due to this drop in engagement, share prices of major players like Match Group and Bumble have plummeted by up to 83%. Users often complain about swipe-based apps' impersonal and transactional nature, preferring real-world encounters over endless swipes.

Consequently, some are turning to AI companions for emotional support and connection. AI "girlfriends" are becoming popular among those disillusioned with traditional dating apps, offering a rejection-free, always-available relationship experience. Meanwhile, dating apps are shifting towards friendship and community-building features. Bumble is expanding its friend-finding platform BFF and acquiring the community app Geneva, aiming to tap into the "untapped potential" of friendship. The question arises as the digital landscape shifts: Are we shifting further away from genuine human interaction, or are we moving toward more meaningful connections?

Surprise Surge

You're not alone if you're confused about the state of the American economy. A data release on Friday morning eviscerated many of the concerns about unemployment and job availability that we have been hearing about for months.

In September, the US economy added 254,000 jobs, exceeding all expectations. As a result, the unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, the lowest level in six months. With wages rising 4%, the data has eased concerns about an imminent recession, putting the Federal Reserve in a better position to soften the landing.

Key sectors like leisure, hospitality, and healthcare drove the gains, while manufacturing continued to shed jobs. The strong report reduces the likelihood of a drastic interest-rate cut by the Federal Reserve in November as the economy remains resilient.

A Diploma Without Reading

Aleysha Ortiz graduated from Hartford Public High School this spring but can't read or write. Despite 12 years in the school system, Ortiz was never taught to read, instead using speech-to-text technology. Diagnosed with ADHD and a speech impediment, she was pushed through the system without receiving the necessary support, leaving her unable to read even basic one-syllable words.

School officials confessed that Ortiz's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) was not implemented as planned, raising severe concerns about educational neglect. The remarkable thing is that she made the honor roll after improving her grades using assistive technology. Now enrolled part-time at the University of Connecticut, Ortiz is fighting back, filing a legal complaint to ensure other students don’t suffer the same fate.

The Big Wine Reset

The world's largest wine producer is taking drastic measures as global wine consumption falls, uprooting 4% of its vineyards. With €120 million in EU funding, France removes about 30,000 hectares of vineyards to address falling demand. France is seeing consumption plummet, fueled by changing drinking habits and stiff competition.

Global wine consumption is at a 62-year low, and climate change continues to disrupt harvests. Meanwhile, younger generations are shifting toward lower-alcohol wines, non-alcoholic beverages, and cocktails. A significant shift in the wine industry is underway as red wine's demand declines, pushing growers to switch to alternative crops.

💡 Core Wisdom

🧮 Core Count: 4,540,000,000

The Earth is 4.54 billion years old, according to scientists.

🗓️ Flashback:

1789 - In the March on Versailles, French women confront Louis XVI about feudalism, demand bread, and move the King to Paris.

1962 - The Beatles released their first record, "Love Me Do."

1978 - Over 30 countries have ratified the Environmental Modification Convention, which prevents widespread, long-term, or severe weather warfare.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran