Fitt Insider Meta pauses VR fitness, Sam Altman backs brain tech, Gen Z wants IRL wellness
Jan 21, 2026
Younger generations are leaning towards spontaneous in-person events, like run clubs and sauna raves, signaling a shift in social preferences. Meta faces challenges in the VR fitness space as it pauses its Supernatural app amidst broader industry risks. Meanwhile, Sam Altman's Merge Labs secures $252M to advance brain-computer interfaces, starting with medical applications. There’s a growing trend towards nutrient-dense, transparently sourced meats, as illustrated by Cream Co. Meats' successful funding round aimed at connecting ranchers with consumers.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Younger Consumers Crave Unpolished Community
- Gen Z and millennials prefer spontaneous, activity-driven gatherings over curated events.
- This lowers social pressure and increases participation through authentic community.
VR Fitness Faces Business-Model Pressure
- Meta put Supernatural VR fitness into maintenance mode and will stop new content despite keeping the platform live.
- The move highlights unresolved business-model risk for the broader VR fitness category.
Big Capital Backs Brain-Computer Interfaces
- Merge Labs raised $252M to build brain-computer interfaces starting with medical use before moving consumer-facing.
- Investors see brain tech as a path to human augmentation as AI advances.