Is Fun Over?

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Happy Monday, Future Party. And welcome back from the Fourth of July weekend. Whether you spent the holiday with friends, family, or your favorite streaming service, here’s something to kick off the week: your dominant hand may not be as hardwired as we once thought. New research suggests that advantage comes from years of practice — not because one side of your brain is naturally better than the other. Maybe your first challenge back this week? Try brushing your teeth with the other hand.

With rising costs for customers and businesses alike, there seems to be a “fun shortage” across the US.

Behind The Shortage: The price of goods and services has increased 4.2%, while the cost of operating a business has risen 6% annually, creating a catch-22: customers can no longer afford to do fun things, and businesses can no longer afford to stay open.

(Un)Happy Ending: Over the past 15 years, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have all grown less happy, with the US dropping 10 spots in 10 years. While the reasons are complex, part of the story is increased screen time. Americans are spending roughly 8-12% more time on their devices than they did a decade ago. Experiences that once felt routine now feel like luxuries for many families, while wealthier households are still able to afford them.

The Future: People haven’t lost the desire to be together — they’ve just lost access to many of the experiences that once made gathering easy and affordable. As the cost of entertainment continues to rise, communities may find new ways to gather that don’t come with a high price tag.

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Airport lounges used to be the ultimate credit card perk. Now, American Express and Chase are competing on something even harder to get: exclusive access. From music festivals to sporting events, both companies are expanding premium experiences to attract affluent customers.

The Access: The American Express Platinum Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve remain two of the most elite credit cards on the market. While their annual fees have climbed to $895 and $795, respectively, so have the perks. Beyond airport lounges, cardholders receive travel credits, dining benefits, rideshare perks, and a growing list of exclusive experiences.

The Fine Print: Affluent consumers continue to spend, giving premium card issuers even more reason to invest in experiences that money alone can’t always buy:

The Main Statement: This is another sign of a K-shaped economy, where higher-income consumers continue to spend while middle- and lower-income households pull back. Businesses are taking notice, tailoring more of their perks and experiences to affluent customers.

Prediction: At the end of the day, what this clientele is really paying for is access. The next battle between premium credit cards may have less to do with points and perks and more to do with who can unlock the most exclusive experiences.

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59.2% of you voted Yes in Friday’s poll: Have you ever played soccer?

“From ages 7 to 13, then on and off as an adult until 33. Indoor, outdoor, co-ed — I’ve played soccer more than any other sport.”

“I grew up in the UK, played football as a kid, and cricket at university.”

“I’ve played soccer since I was 6 years old. I became a referee at 13, rolling up on my bicycle to officiate. I saw Pelé play with the NY Cosmos. My first coaching clinic was run by a former member of Blackburn Rovers. I played as an adult and currently hold both state and national coaching and referee licenses. I also play soccer highlights in class as a reward for my students.”

“I grew up in a small town where soccer was more popular than football. All ages could play, and it was considerably less expensive than fielding a football team.”

“It wasn’t offered as a sport in high school or through our town’s recreation department.”

Let’s keep the conversation going. Join Poll Of The Day, so your opinions can shine. Discover how your views line up with your peers’, check out cool insights, and have some fun. It’s data with personality.

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🔥 Michael Mann has reportedly found his next iconic duo, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale set to lead Heat 2 for Amazon MGM Studios.

🌎 The 2026 World Cup is delivering blockbuster TV numbers, with Fox averaging 5.1 million viewers per match and Telemundo pulling in 4.6 million.

→ Technology

📡 Amazon finally has enough satellites in space to launch its own version of Starlink.

🚀 Google and Idris Elba are investing $1 million to help 100,000 African creators use AI tools to grow their businesses.

💊 Anthropic wants to go beyond building AI for drugmakers by developing its own medicines for neglected diseases.

→ Culture

🧥 AI wealth is giving Silicon Valley a wardrobe upgrade, trading Patagonia vests for quiet luxury and bespoke tailoring.

💆 Celebrity facialists are becoming beauty’s newest power players, turning signature treatments into brands of their own.

💼 If job satisfaction is the goal, healthcare, data science, and education are where workers are happiest, according to a new Monster report.