Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

2024 Housing Market Predictions: Will It Improve?

Will the 2024 housing market be as bad as the 2023 market? How did the 2007-2008 financial crisis trigger today’s affordable housing struggles? Why is homeownership a pipedream for many Americans? Stricter lending standards and sky-high home prices have rendered homeownership increasingly unattainable for many Americans. Despite slight improvements expected in 2024, long-term housing affordability remains uncertain due to supply shortages, high prices, and increasing economic inequality. Keep reading for an idea of what’s in store for the year ahead.

Creative Uses of AI in Business: Nike, Sephora, Amazon, & More

What are some creative uses of AI in business? How can AI improve the customer experience? Top global brands like Coca-Cola, Sephora, and Walmart are leveraging AI to innovate customer engagement and streamline company operations. From formulating new products to predicting demand, AI is changing the way businesses operate. Below, we’ll go over five companies and how they use AI in unique ways.

Self-Checkout Problems Make Retailers Reconsider Kiosks

Are self-checkout problems worth the rewards? What negative impacts do they have on customers and employees? How do they harm businesses’ bottom line? Following an expansion of self-checkout machines in stores during the Covid-19 pandemic, some retailers are reconsidering the kiosks. Many companies complain that they’re not getting the bigger profits the machines initially promised—but they are getting bigger problems. We’ll take a look at the downfalls of self-checkout kiosks below.

Public Trust in Science Is Waning—Why This Is Dangerous

A doctor putting a shot in a person's arm.

Why has there been a sudden decrease in confidence in science? How could the distrust of science endanger individuals and the country? The public’s trust in science has dropped sharply over the last few years. This trend has people from all sides of the political spectrum, and in fields ranging from medicine to public policy, concerned about the future of progress in the United States. Here are some possible reasons why trust in science is waning.

2024 Job Market Predictions—Which Markets Will Thrive?

Nurses and a construction worker outside representing the 2024 job market.

What will the 2024 job market look like? Which industries will come out on top? What essential skills must job seekers develop to stay competitive in the evolving landscape? Despite predictions of a steady job market in 2024, economists predict significant growth in health care, utilities, and construction. The tech sector is bracing for a paradox in 2024, with artificial intelligence advances expected to trigger layoffs but also to spur the growth of specialized AI-related roles. Keep reading for a more in-depth look at the coming job market.

Economic Pessimism Rises, Despite a “Strong” US Economy

A sweaty man experiencing economic pessimism as he reads a paper saying the economy is up.

Why is there so much economic pessimism in the US, despite an objectively strong economy? How might the disconnect between economic realities and perceptions impact consumer habits and the future state of the American economy? Despite robust economic indicators in the US, public opinion surveys find many Americans are pessimistic about the economy. Factors contributing to the negativity include persistent inflation, political polarization, the media, and lasting scars from the Covid-19 pandemic. Here’s why there’s such a disparity between the numbers and public perception.

Here’s Why Many Americans Are Avoiding the News

An older man ignoring the news on the television by looking at his phone.

Why are so many Americans avoiding the news? What are some of the negative effects of news fatigue? If you’ve been spending less time keeping up with the news, you’re in good company. Research shows that many Americans are paying less attention to the headlines than they used to—and there are many possible reasons why. Here’s how we get the news and a few reasons why experts think that our interest in following current events might be changing.

The Future of Business: 6 Tech Trends to Expect in 2024

Robots are working at computers in an office while humans watch over them.

How will technology impact businesses in 2024? What trends should you expect to see? From rapid advances in biotechnology to quantum leaps in quantum computing processing, technological innovation is poised to transform nearly every industry in 2024. The future of business will look much different than it is now. Here are six key technology trends that experts say will shape and disrupt sectors in 2024 and beyond.

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben: Book Overview

A woman sitting against a tree reading in a forest.

How do trees cooperate with each other? Are trees sentient? What sustainable forestry practices can help protect forests? In The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, he delves deep into the world of old-growth forests, unveiling secret interactions, intricate networks, and fascinating behaviors among trees. The book emphasizes the importance of conserving these vital ecosystems and seeing them as living entities. Continue reading for an overview of Wohlleben’s book, including key takeaways and actionables.

Shrinkflation and Skimpflation Mean You Get Less For Your Money

Have you noticed your cereal box getting lighter? Or that the cough syrup you regularly buy tastes watered down? What are shrinkflation and skimpflation? Companies use shrinkflation and skimpflation—reducing the volume and quality of goods and services—to protect their profits in the face of rising operational costs. These practices directly cut into consumers’ purchasing power, as they continue to pay the same amount of money for lower-value products. Here’s a look at how shrinkflation and skimpflation affect both customers and businesses.