While there is majority public support for banning teen social media use in the U.S., regulation is blocked by 'whataboutism'—a lobbying tactic of raising endless hypothetical objections (e.g., VPNs, privacy) to create legislative paralysis and prevent any action from being taken.
By hosting an 'Autonomy and AI Day,' Rivian is strategically shifting its narrative from being solely an electric vehicle manufacturer to an AI and technology firm. This rebranding aims to attract a different class of investors and achieve a higher valuation multiple, especially as EV sales growth decelerates.
Companies manipulate numbers for strategic reasons beyond superstition. Apple and Microsoft skipped version '9' to signal a major innovation leap, while In-N-Out banned order '67' to prevent a viral trend from disrupting restaurant operations, showing numbers are a tool for branding and crowd control.
Instacart's AI-driven personalized pricing created a PR crisis because it directly conflicts with the grocery industry's core value proposition of low, consistent prices. This was especially damaging during a period of high inflation, making the company appear exploitative in a price-sensitive market.
With Wall Street private equity firms now buying stakes in athletic departments and players earning millions, major college sports are functionally pro sports. The only remaining distinction is the university's non-profit, educational mission statement, which may soon clash with investor demands for profit.
Instead of waiting for an external threat, dating-app giant Match Group is funding a potential competitor launched by the original founder of Hinge, an app it now owns. This is a sophisticated strategy to incubate and control the next wave of innovation within its own market, effectively hedging against disruption.