Su Lin Wong, an Asia correspondent for The Economist, joins Jonathan Rosenthal, its international editor, Josh Spencer, Asia news editor, and Callum Williams, a senior economics writer. They dive into the alarming rise of singleness, examining its roots in the pandemic and cultural shifts. AI companions emerge as a potential substitute for human relationships, offering emotional support but posing risks like increased isolation. Finally, they tackle the surprising resilience of the tobacco industry, where price hikes offset declining smoking rates.
