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A shopper examines some shirts. Art by Basil Allen. In 2023, as many as 150 billion pieces  of new clothing were produced in the year, demonstrating a potential doubling of production since 2000. As the fast fashion industry continues to fuel overconsumption culture, it can feel like the individual buyer is helpless to stop it. Consumers need not feel helpless, however: purchasing used clothing items — particularly at thrift stores — is a fun and affordable way to stay fashio

Someone asks ChatGPT how to use their phone less. Art by Dasha Allyn. Last year, I wrote a piece  arguing against the use of artificial intelligence and large language models. Foolishly, I believed generative artificial intelligence (AI) could be a flash in the pan. I assumed it would go the way of NFTs, rather than cement its place as a generation-defining technological advance. If everyone resisted, considered its detrimental impact on the environment and its potential for

A heart-to-heart for young people. Art by Addie Martin. Over the last few months, a new meme format has arisen that further accentuates a hallmark of online Gen Z culture: an avoidance of direct language. “The lion does not concern himself with …” and an even broader version, “The lion …,” are two phrases that have been recently popularized into a meme online, often followed by a statement describing something that the person who created the meme does.  This phrasing and usag