Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

4-Day Workweek Trials: Here’s How They’re Going

Is a shorter workweek any closer to being a reality? What signs point to “yes”—and what barriers prevent it from happening? Countries around the globe have been running 4-day workweek trials and touting the benefits for years, yet implementation of the policy has been limited. Barriers to the policy’s implementation are keeping many companies from testing out the new schedule. Keep reading to learn about the results of the 4-day workweek trials, and why some companies are still reluctant to try it.

Silicon Valley Is on Psychedelics—Here’s Why (+the Risks)

Why is Silicon Valley on psychedelics? Do they really make you more creative? What are the associated risks? A growing number of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and others working in Silicon Valley appear to be embracing psychedelic drug use to enhance their creativity and treat anxiety and depression. Experts say that more research is needed to understand the benefits and dangers of psychedelics. Here’s a look at psychedelic use in Silicon Valley.

Will Grocery Inflation End? (+ What’s Causing It)

If inflation is going down, why are food prices still rising? Will the prices ever go down? What’s causing grocery inflation? Americans continue to feel the pain of rising grocery store prices, but food manufacturers appear unlikely to lower them—even as inflation cools and raw materials costs fall. Experts say that food prices will continue to rise through the end of 2023. Below we’ll take a look at the causes of grocery inflation, and predictions for the future.

What to Take Away From the Food Disgust Sensitivity Test

Is it okay to eat old bread if you cut the moldy part off? Is the red juice from steak really blood? What foods can you eat beyond their expiration dates? A viral food disgust test called the Food Disgust Sensitivity Test has people debating whether some foods can turn your stomach—or literally make you sick. While the test is amusing to take, it’s important to know what foods you should actually be avoiding. From moldy bread and jam to yogurt past its use-by date, keep reading to learn what the experts say about what you can safely eat.

Is Extreme Tourism Good or Bad for Society?

What is extreme tourism? What dangers does it pose—and does it offer any redeeming social value? What is its future? On June 20, the US Coast Guard announced that a “catastrophic implosion” had killed five passengers on the Titan submersible. The deadly, $250,000-per-seat escapade raises questions about the perils and possible benefits of extreme tourism—an industry growing in popularity among the world’s financial elite. Keep reading for the two points of view on extreme tourism.

The Pros and Cons of Pay Transparency

What’s behind the growing trend of US states passing pay transparency legislation? Are the laws working as intended? What’s the future of pay transparency? A growing number of US states are implementing pay transparency laws, which require employers to list salary ranges on job postings. Though the laws have led to some improvements for workers and employers, they’ve also created some unintended, undesirable consequences. Below we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of pay transparency.

How Food Waste in Supermarkets Is Getting Out of Hand

Why is supermarket food waste getting out of hand? What can be done to prevent it? US grocery stores throw out 123 million pounds of food each day. Advocates hope the newly reintroduced Food Date Labeling Act will help remedy part of the food waste problem. But time will tell whether the bipartisan-backed bill can withstand objections from the food industry. Below we’ll take a look at the history of supermarket food waste and possible remedies for the situation.

Are We in Late-Stage Capitalism? The 2 Points of View

Are we in “late-stage capitalism”? Was capitalism always doomed to fail? What would replace capitalism if it died? Some authors have argued recently that capitalism is a system destined to fail, while others argue that the system is resilient due to its system of checks and balances. In a more extreme view, some believe that capitalism will inevitably lead to a revolution. Below we will discuss all these possible scenarios.

Reddit Moderators Are Protesting—Here’s Why

Why are Reddit moderators protesting? What new changes does Reddit plan to make? How have similar situations panned out in the past? Volunteer Reddit moderators are protesting a change to the platform’s policies that would potentially put an end to most third-party Reddit apps. Reddit contends the change is necessary to increase advertising revenue and reduce overhead. Here’s a look at the proposed changes, how it would affect Reddit moderators, and examples of similar situations from the past.

Some Are Saying Crypto Is Dead—Are They Right?

Is crypto dead? Is there hope for its revival? Are there other uses for blockchain technology? In November 2021, the price of Bitcoin peaked at over $68,000. A year later the price had dropped below $18,000 and the cryptocurrency industry witnessed the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Today, the promising world of virtual currencies is growing more fringe and isolated. Keep reading to learn why some are saying “crypto is dead” in 2023.