Why it feels perversely good to hold a grudge

Did you know that harbouring negative thoughts can harm your health? It's hard to let things go. Here, Allie Volpe explains how to minimise the pain of a grudge - even if you're not ready to forgive.

Vox's home for discussing, analyzing, and explaining the media industry, including journalism, social networks, and entertainment.

How (and why) to stop holding a grudge

China's population is shrinking for the first time since 1961, and it's not likely to recover. But why? Bryan Walsh examines the contributing factors and potential outcomes of this surprising demographic.

How China came to regret its one-child policy

Fields like AI and biotech are booming. But what about the rest of the science industry? Kelsey Piper discusses the disappointing decline of mind-bending research and explains why it could be a warning for things to come.

Why is science slowing down?

What's next for Amazon? After years of explosive growth and success, the company is at a crossroads. Jason Del Rey explains the reasons behind their most extensive layoffs to date, and the developing internal battles within the tech giant.

Inside the battle for the future of Amazon

Following the January 2023 mass shootings at Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, Nicole Narea, Li Zhou, and Ian Millhiser discuss why stricter gun control is still so controversial in the United States.

America’s unique, enduring gun problem, explained

From knowing when to walk away to accepting "good enough" as a win, Allie Volpe discovers from FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss how to get the things you want.

How to negotiate over practically anything

Inflation has skyrocketed, the economy slumped, and stocks have fallen, with Silicon Valley hit the hardest. From Web3 to the metaverse, Sarah Morrison discusses how 2022 saw the end of the Big Tech era.

Big tech’s big flops of 2022

Why haven't we learnt that some things are too good to be true?

Crypto's downfall and Elon Musk's Twitter fiasco have proven that we need to stop trusting in benevolent billionaires. After all, as Rebecca Jennings explains, we've been disappointed far too many times.

Stop taking billionaires at their word

Welcome to the age of internet dystopia.

As artificial intelligence becomes more powerful every day, capable of transcending language barriers and writing essays as well as any student, Kelsey Piper discusses why we could be on the cusp of an AI nightmare.

AI experts are increasingly afraid of what they’re creating

What's behind this year's tri-demic? 

The post-pandemic cold and flu season has been blamed on "immunity debt" after years of lockdown and masking. However, Keren Landman argues that the term is not only misleading but potentially dangerous in the wrong hands. 

There’s no such thing as a good cold

And here's how to fix them.

Over generations, we've learned to tolerate poor indoor air quality at the cost of our health. Keren Landman explains how our homes became so poorly ventilated and the simple measures we can take to improve indoor air quality.

Our buildings are making us sick

Make your life a little easier with these simple concepts.

Have you ever felt totally lost with what to do? If so, you could be dealing with an "anchor" or "gravity" problem. To help you overcome life's biggest challenges, Eliza Brooke breaks down what these categories mean and how to find the best solution.

How to reframe (and solve) a tricky life problem

Could everything we think we know about video games be wrong?

According to a 2022 study on adolescent cognitive development, young people who play video games perform better on brain function tests. But why is that? Nicole Wetsman investigates.

Kids who play video games score higher on brain function tests

For the latest heavyweight title fight it's Xi Jinping versus the stans. 

China's hyper-consumerist, state-controlled culture is tricky for any star to navigate. But with online fandoms going to chaotic lengths to promote their idols, it's starting to look like the Chinese government has entered a battle they can't win. 

The Chinese government’s unlikeliest standoff is with… fandom

A broken heart doesn't have to hurt forever.

Breakups are often painful and can result in reduced self-esteem, disrupted sleep and even disordered eating. However, Allie Volpe explains how you can navigate the worst of it and help yourself feel better.

How to get over a breakup — no matter which side of it you’re on

Two dozen tech founders start living in a mansion. What could go wrong?

The premise behind the Beverley Hills-based Launch House was a promise of community for young tech founders in the form of an exclusive social club that will provide valuable connections. However, Rebecca Jennings reveals what happens when clout and cash are paramount and protecting members falls by the wayside.

Failure to launch

Romance can fade, but friendship could last forever instead.

After a breakup, should you try to befriend your ex? Jay Deitcher asks relationship experts this very question, they reveal that it is possible to have a platonic friendship with someone you used to date, but the key is uncovering whether you should try in the first place.

How to (actually) stay friends with an ex

The Queen was the British monarchy's greatest asset. 

Despite many European monarchs being deposed, exiled or executed during the 20th century, Queen Elizabeth II's ability to project a "blank slate" and become anyone her people wanted her to be. With her death marking the end of one of the most successful reigns in history, Constance Grady reflects on the Queen's extraordinary discipline and sense of duty, allowing the British monarchy to thrive during turbulent times.

The subtle power of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign

It was the summer of the "monster monsoon."

In 2022, a series of extreme floods devastated Pakistan, leaving a third of the country underwater. With the death toll now soaring above 1,000, Benji Jones looks into the major factors that contributed to this environmental tragedy.

How melting glaciers fueled Pakistan’s fatal floods

So, they bought a town.

In a time of renewed threats to the sense of safety among African Americans, three women founded a place dubbed Freedom, Georgia, a model of Black self-determination that could soon be the latest idyllic Black settlement community. Jewel Wicker explores their story of the highs and lows of building what many see as a utopian vision for Black life in America from scratch.