Apparently, not all inflation is bad; sometimes, it is even necessary for the economy. This good inflation comes around after technological advancements that temporarily allow people to be more frugal with their money (like credit cards), resulting in higher prices. These higher prices seem to be good for the economy because they help stabilise the value of money to a level that matches consumers’ demand for it. After the technology becomes widespread, the prices themselves stabilise as well.
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Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
