Together with
Olive the feels. ICYMI, Starbucks is introducing a new ingredient to its beverage lineup, and it's something we weren't quite expecting: olive oil. The move comes as the coffeehouse conglomerate tries to break into Italy’s tight-knit cafe scene. Apparently, it’s historically been a tough market to enter.
Could this be the literal olive branch Starbucks needs to finally compete with the country’s beloved mom-and-pop shops?
In other news… Teens say no to driving, AI chatbots threaten SEO-driven content, and restaurant subscriptions are on the rise.
Top Trends
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CULTURE
Teens err on the ride of caution // Illustration by Kate Walker
Teens don’t want to drive anymore
The Future. Getting a driver’s license on their 16th birthday no longer appeals to the younger generation. Teens are putting off the driving test or eschewing it altogether, as they find today’s world intimidating to navigate. While fewer drivers might lead to less pollution and fewer accidents, less interest could also put a dent in the car industry — and hit the brakes on a uniquely American rite of passage.
No honking, pleaseToday’s roads look much different than the previous generation’s, with new complexities that make kids more anxious about getting in the driver’s seat.
Cost. Mandatory driver’s ed classes are hundreds of dollars, and car insurance is expensive. Anyone can order a cheap ride (Uber or Lyft) with the tap of a finger.
Lack of privacy. Parents can track their child’s every move through apps like Life360, which lets them see how fast their kid is driving, if they break too quickly, if their gas is low, or if they pick up their phone while the car is in motion.
Less urgency. Teens don’t have to meet up with their friends in person when they can hang out with them anytime online.
Road rage. With more reports of aggressive driving, getting behind the wheel can be daunting for kids struggling with anxiety or depression.
Teenage dream… or nightmare?60% of American 18-year-olds had a driver’s license in 2021, compared with 80% in 1983. The number of 16-year-olds with licenses dropped from 46% to 25% within the same time span, per the Federal Highway Administration.
For today’s youth, the fear of driving appears to exceed their natural desire for freedom.
TECHNOLOGY
But can a chatbot do downward dog? // Illustration by Kate Walker
Original stories eclipse SEO-driven content
The Future. Because chatbots generate search results without the need to click through to an article, they could potentially absorb some of online publishers’ search-driven traffic. If digital media companies want to thrive during the generative AI revolution, they might consider an editorial shift, prioritizing original stories over SEO-driven content.
Don’t go chasing clicksLifestyle publishers like Bustle Digital Group (BDG) and Leaf Group are building direct relationships with their audiences, making them less dependent on external referral traffic.
BDG will spotlight “relatable, humorous, shared experiences [and] advice.” It’ll invest more in original visual content, interviews, profiles, and feature stories, while producing more short-form videos for social media.
Leaf Group’s home design site Hunker will focus on content that shows writers’ “taste, opinion, expertise, and point of view.”
SEO might be overGenerative AI produces search-based stories faster and cheaper than human beings who are paid to write them. So, companies are moving their resources into content that a chatbot can’t duplicate — like events, newsletters, and personal takes.
This bodes well for creative people who dread writing for SEO.
Still, AI adoption is a relatively new concept. The best strategy might be no strategy until publishers know how AI will impact their site traffic... and their bottom line.
TOGETHER WITH STRV
OpenAI is all the rage
That’s at least according to STRV’s February Tech Trends Report.
Their most recent report, which never fails to deliver, includes startups to keep your eye on, commentary on ChatGPT and other AI, and deets on companies joining forces to make some noise (Mastercard and Polygon, Discord and Gas).
You’ll also see startling stats about layoffs. Spoiler alert: the number of layoffs in 2023 is dangerously close to 2022’s total.
Beyond that, you’ll find numerical data on the top industries and top funding countries of the month. And, of course, you’ll get some spicy tech news with a sprinkle of good news.
Read it all here for free on STRV’s blog.
BUSINESS
Dining+
The rise of restaurant subscriptions
The Future. Restaurants are jumping on a growing trend and offering monthly subscriptions to diners. The move aims to ensure steadier cash inflow and entice loyal customers with specialized deals and offerings. As subscription models get more and more popular, those who join the trend may be on to something — we could be on the cusp of a whole new way of eating.
Subbed to the subRestaurants are trying out a new business model — subscriptions.
Large chains like Panera Bread and P.F. Chang’s are experimenting with subscription models to lock in steadier revenue and customer visits.
Subscriptions include everything from unlimited drinks to free delivery.
Even Michelin-starred restaurants like Gravitas are joining the fun: Gravitas Supper Club offers subscribers a three-course takeout meal for $130 per month.
Elsewhere, bars like El Lopo provide members with their favorite dishes each time they come in, as well as the ability to gift a free drink to anyone in the bar.
Trending The subscription model has been a growing trend as of late. According to Rocket Money, the average American had 6.7 subscriptions in 2022, up from 4.2 in 2019.
It’s the same strategy that skyrocketed Amazon’s success. By pioneering its Prime subscription model, the tech giant completely upended the world of delivery and became one of the biggest businesses in the world with its promise of two-day shipping — though some may say it's taken things too far.
Still, can restaurants do the same? Perhaps, but only time will tell.
Highlights
The best curated daily stories from around the web
The next round of characters are entering public domain
A number of well-known characters are about to see their copyright expire over the next dozen years. Everyone from Mickey Mouse to Superman to James Bond, Batman, Captain America, and more is about to enter the public domain. That may sound like anyone can use the character however they wish, but there are still limits to what you can do. For one, the character can only be used as it existed 95 years ago. Still, as all this coincides with the rise of AI… we’d venture a guess that we’re about to see a Cambrian explosion of new creativity.
Read More → fastcompany
The tiny home revolution
Say hello to Den, founded by ex-WeWork director Mike Romanowicz. The startup was launched in July 2020 and helps people build tiny homes, and it just raised $3 million in venture capital. Its process walks customers through the entire home-building process, including everything from finding a design to picking the right land to even estimating the cost to build. A new mode for your future abode.
Read More → techcrunch
AI is deciding whether to lay you off or not
HR leaders say they plan to use AI to help them make layoff decisions this year. A Capterra survey of 300 human capital leaders in the US found that a staggering 98% of respondents plan to use software and algorithms to help them make layoff decisions in 2023. This isn’t a super-new revolution — AI has been used for years to process resumes, conduct interviews, and evaluate candidates. But something about AI laying you off just feels a bit wrong, doesn’t it?
Read More → insider
The new news
Get ready for Artifact, a new personalized news reader built by the cofounders of Instagram, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. The invite-only experience was unveiled last month and will include social elements such as being able to discuss the news with friends. This week, the launch will be available to the public, allowing feedback controls to better personalize news and reading experiences.
Read More → techcrunch
Amazon is changing the volume
Amazon is launching a new application that will help link streaming devices directly to a cochlear implant (a small electronic device that can help improve hearing). The application will function via Fire TV, the tech giant’s streaming device, which includes platforms outside of its ecosystem, such as HBO Max, Netflix, and Hulu. The launch is happening in tandem with Australian company Cochlear, one of the world’s biggest makers of cochlear implants. Hear, hear!
Read More → fastcompany
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Today's email was brought to you by Kait Cunniff and Melody Song.Editing by Nick Comney. Publishing by Sara Kitnick.