Home alone: the relationship recession

"The Intelligence" podcast episode explores several pressing global trends. The first segment examines the rise of singlehood, particularly in developed countries and Asia, attributing it to factors like increased female emancipation, changing social dynamics influenced by technology, and the aftereffects of the pandemic. It discusses the societal implications, including impacts on housing markets and fertility rates, and the potential for social isolation and anger among involuntarily single individuals. The second segment investigates the increasing trend of companionship with AI, highlighting its potential benefits for isolated individuals while also cautioning against risks such as social withdrawal, unrealistic expectations, and the volatility of AI relationships. Finally, the podcast analyzes the tobacco industry's surprising profitability despite declining smoking rates, attributing it to the industry's exploitation of price-inelastic, addicted smokers through steadily increasing prices.