Whereas in actuality it hurts democracy by giving everyone (including the stupid and the malicious) the same amplicifcation level access (based entirely on their capacity for shitposting, which in itself often positively correlates to stupidity and/or malice).

Ah, yes, the good old "this thing is completely unacceptable and evil except when our guys do it".

It's turtles all the way down, mate...

Can we please just import Chinese cars now?

AI fanboys downvoting :)

I do not, nor do I use one. This was merely a suggestion to someone who is unable to detect an AI generated text on their own.

No idea whether the author actually exists (nor do I see how it matters), but the text is either wholly or mostly AI generated, with all the usual stylistic hallmarks thereof.
If you do not possess your own ability to discern human vs. AI generated writing, you are welcome to submit it to any of the many "ai detectors" online.

Hate to see AI generated articles in (supposed) magazines. :(

Too bad about the Amazon Fresh, I used it for years as a convenient Amazon returns drop off location.
Of course never bought anything, as it was substantially overpriced with the same stock as the nearby Walmart (and the panopticon check out didn't instill confidence).

I mean, it's Spirit. Their value to the society is a net negative.

Healthcare alone is 18% of US GDP. This is simply a reflection of much higher cost of medical services here vs. Europe, where comparable services with, perhaps, better outcomes are closer to 10% of their GDP. So, just that alone is close to a factor of 2.

This applies to plenty of other areas. US prices of products and services are much higher for the same (or comparables) vs. Europe.

As such, GDP does not reflect the reality of quality of life or level of development of these areas.

As Buster Scruggs said - "Can't No One Compel Another Man to Engage in Recreation", or, in this case, to engage in a new business. I mean, if Apple is not interested in running their own payment network - why should they?

The answer is still - *no*

The writing was on the wall when they stopped adding new languages. As an example, 1000s of potential users have been asking for Thai - but Duolingo isn't interested (but they have Klingon). If no new languages are added - your potential user growth at some point is limited to the rate of natural growth of population, at most. Add to that AI bs, and there you go.

Since Europe seems intent on cutting off the lucrative "Apple tax" on appstore, they are probably trying to see where else they can make some $$. Pushing these ads periodically and observing the amount of pushback. Once pushback subsides - they know they can start running ads and taking in some sweet ad revenue. (And then, a "premium" subscription without ads next)