Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Closing Pharmacies Across the US Spark Panic

Why are many US pharmacies closing? What does that mean for the local communities? Major pharmacy chains like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens are closing hundreds of stores, creating “pharmacy deserts.” Continued pharmacy closures could exacerbate healthcare disparities, necessitating new approaches for equitable access to vital medications and health services in all communities. Continue reading to learn about the reason for the closing pharmacies and the potential effects.

There Is No Free Will, According to This Scientist

Do people have free will? How is the belief in free will harmful to society? After 40 years of study, neurologist Robert Sapolsky says there is no free will. He lays out what a world that doesn’t believe in free will would look like, and how it would impact the criminal justice system. Here are the arguments for and against free will, and why Sapolsky thinks believing in free will is harmful.

The United Auto Workers Union Strike: Background & Views

Does the public support the United Auto Workers union strike? Who does the strike affect the most? More than 34,000 members of the United Auto Workers union have been on strike for over a month, halting production at key plants. Polls show strong public support for the striking workers, which suggests sentiment may be shifting toward unions in the US. Continue reading for a background on the UAW strike and the opinions surrounding it.

Many Are Using Chatbots for Therapy—But Is It Safe?

Why are people turning to chatbots for therapy? Can chatbots be better than human therapists? As the mental health crisis grows, many people are wondering whether they can turn to a chatbot for support. Some have decided the answer is “yes”—but it’s unclear just how safe or effective it is to rely on a chatbot instead of a therapist. Continue reading to learn more about AI chatbot therapy.

The Benefits and Downsides of Starting a Side Hustle

Why are so many Americans starting side hustles? What are the pros and cons of having a side hustle? Nearly 40% of Americans rely on side hustles to supplement their incomes as inflation has outstripped wages. While extra earnings provide a financial cushion, side hustles can negatively impact work-life balance and health. Continue reading for more insights into the downsides and benefits of a side hustle.

Is There Still a Recession Coming, or Did We Avoid It?

Is there still a recession coming? Did the US manage to avoid the impending doom? Experts are still divided on whether the United States will face a recession, with signs pointing in both directions. Some say that interest rate hikes, oil price increases, and dwindling savings signal a possible recession. Others counter that there’s optimism for continued growth. Continue reading to learn more about the two perspectives.

Why Do People Like Horror Movies So Much? The Psychology

How did scary movies become a mainstay at movie theaters and streaming services? Why do people like horror movies so much? Horror movies are more popular than ever. Part of this fad is thanks to streaming services making them because they’re safe and cheap. However, our fascination for horror goes much deeper. For many, horror is a way to indulge in primal instincts and embrace morbid curiosity. We’ll explore why scary movies are popular among studios and audiences alike and examine what makes them so profitable to produce and so enjoyable to watch.

The Debate Over Repatriating Artifacts: The 2 Views

Should museum artifacts be repatriated? Who actually owns the artifacts? Are there any legal obligations to return artifacts? A theft scandal at the British Museum has fueled the debate over repatriating artifacts. Those in favor of repatriation say that many objects were stolen or taken unethically. Opponents say museums are the safest places for them and it’s often unclear who they belong to. Below we’ll take a look at both sides of this complex argument.

Is the Snack Food Industry Declining Due to Diet Pills?

How is the explosive rise of obesity and diabetes weight-loss medications changing Americans’ snacking habits? Will the medications kill the snack food industry? Prescriptions for appetite-suppressing diabetes medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are surging as Americans use the drugs for weight loss. The drugs are altering Americans’ snacking habits—benefiting drugmakers but threatening the snack industry’s bottom line. Here are the two views on whether or not the snack food industry will decline.

The Pros and Cons of Dynamic Pricing (& Is It Ethical?)

What is dynamic pricing? Who does dynamic pricing benefit and harm? Dynamic pricing, also known as surge pricing, is spreading across US industries—from flights and rideshares to restaurants, retail, and entertainment. Dynamic pricing can help companies, but it’s also criticized for exploiting consumers, harming lower-income buyers, and eroding customers’ trust. Here’s a look at dynamic pricing pros and cons.