Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

What Is the Winter Solstice & Why Does It Matter So Much?

What is the winter solstice? What makes the winter solstice the shortest, darkest day of the year? Why have humans marked the occasion since prehistory? Each year, the astronomical winter begins with the shortest day of the year: the winter solstice, the day with the fewest hours of sunlight. In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs every year on December 21 or 22. After that point, the days begin to grow longer. Here’s a look at what the winter solstice actually is and why it’s so historically and culturally significant.

How Social Media Is Handling AI Election Misinformation

A cellphone with a screen that says "2024 ELECTION"

Did social media companies live up to promises to combat election misinformation after 2020? What new technological threats could undermine the 2024 elections? How are companies addressing election integrity issues this time around? Social media platforms face rising pressure to address new AI disinformation threats that could undermine the 2024 elections. Experts warn that companies’ failure to address sophisticated “deep fakes” threatens American democracy and could lead to violence. Keep reading to learn how AI misinformation could affect the coming election.

Can You Be “Addicted” to Social Media? What Psychologists Say

A social media addicted man standing on a boulder in nature.

Can you be addicted to social media? What’s the difference between an addiction and a compulsion? Start scrolling through Facebook or TikTok and if you’re not careful, an hour can pass in the blink of an eye. Social media feels addictive. But “addiction” might not be an accurate way to describe its effects on our brains and attention. Continue reading to learn what makes social media use problematic, whether or not it’s actually addictive, and how you can take control of your attention.

How ChatGPT’s Growth Changed the AI Landscape

How did ChatGPT set off a frenzy across the tech industry and beyond? What critical questions did ChatGPT’s emergence spark that remain unresolved? What remarkable capabilities does the technology preview about our AI-powered future? Following its November 2022 launch, ChatGPT’s growth was unprecedented, amassing over 1.7 billion users in its first year. ChatGPT’s explosive rise not only reshaped the AI landscape but also set off industry-wide transformations, revealing both its potential for catalyzing positive change and the societal risks it embodies. Keep reading to learn how ChatGPT changed the game in some industries.

Overemployment: Why Many Americans Are Working Multiple Jobs

A cartoon of a woman using two laptops as she works multiple jobs.

Why are many Americans working multiple jobs at once? How does overemployment impact workers and employers? What’s the future of overworking in the US? Overemployment—working multiple jobs simultaneously—is a growing trend that’s enabling some Americans to significantly increase their incomes. While providing clear financial upsides, prolonged overemployment can negatively impact professionals’ mental health, job security, and relationships with employers. Here’s a look at the upsides and downsides of overemployment.

Does US Defense Spending Help the Economy?

Do increased investments in missiles, fighter jets, and other military resources really create American jobs? Do they pose economic risks that could undermine US interests over time? US defense spending is said to bolster economic development and foster job creation, but some analysts caution that increased defense spending may not be a boon for economic growth. Hiring challenges, supply chain snarls, and other issues are delaying defense contractors’ peak production. Here’s a look at whether defense spending helps the economy or not.

Sensory Hours Create an Inclusive Shopping Experience

What are sensory hours? What measures are implemented during sensory hours? What companies have adopted them? Major chains like Walmart now offer special “sensory hours” to create a low-stimulus shopping environment for customers with sensory sensitivities. Experts say sensory accommodations benefit both consumers who struggle with noisy and crowded stores and companies seeking to expand their customer base. Continue reading to learn about sensory hours and the impact they have on customers and businesses.

What Causes Seasonal Depression (+ Tips for Treating It)

What causes seasonal depression? How common is the disorder? What are some ways to prevent or treat the symptoms? When the days get darker and colder, it’s hard not to feel a little down. But sometimes the “winter blues” are something more—seasonal depression—a surprisingly common form of depression. Keep reading to learn what causes seasonal depression, who it affects, and what you can do to help it.

How AI Could Improve Patient Care (if Used Properly)

What potential does generative AI offer to transform doctor-patient relationships in the US? How might chatbots empower patients? AI could revolutionize the doctor-patient relationship in America by empowering patients with information and alleviating pressures on overburdened doctors. As generative AI becomes powerful and broadly used, AI companies and healthcare organizations must mitigate its potential risks and ensure its ethical, effective use. Here’s how AI in patient care may be used to improve the healthcare experience.

Impacts of the National Association of Realtors Lawsuit

What does the National Association of Realtors lawsuit mean for major brokerages? What changes could the verdict realistically bring about? Who stands to benefit if commissions drop? In October, a federal antitrust lawsuit verdict found the National Association of Realtors and other big brokerages guilty of colluding to inflate home selling commissions. Experts forecast a substantial shakeup in the industry. Below we’ll take a look at the National Association of Realtors lawsuit and what it means for brokerages and home buyers alike.