Expelling mistake: the costs of hardline immigration policy
Digest
This episode of The Economist's Intelligence podcast delves into two key topics: the evolving world of online dating and the recent inclusion of breakdancing in the Olympics. The podcast begins by examining the declining popularity of established dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, attributing this trend to user fatigue, the rise of niche apps, and the increasing cost of premium features. It then shifts focus to the economic consequences of restrictive immigration policies, arguing that while such policies might offer short-term benefits, they can lead to long-term economic damage and hinder innovation. The episode concludes with a discussion on the history, cultural significance, and challenges of breakdancing's Olympic debut, exploring the potential for commercialization and the need to preserve the dance's cultural roots.
Outlines
Online Dating and Breakdancing: A Shifting Landscape
This episode explores the changing landscape of online dating, the economic impact of immigration policies, and the cultural significance of breakdancing's Olympic debut.
The Decline of Online Dating Apps
The podcast explores the declining popularity of established dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, highlighting factors such as user fatigue, the rise of niche apps, and the increasing cost of premium features.
The Economic Impact of Immigration Policies
The episode delves into the economic consequences of restrictive immigration policies, arguing that while such policies might offer short-term benefits, they can lead to long-term economic damage and hinder innovation.
Breakdancing's Olympic Debut: Challenges and Opportunities
The podcast discusses the history of breakdancing, its cultural significance, and its recent inclusion as an Olympic sport. It explores the challenges and opportunities presented by this transition, including the potential for commercialization and the need to preserve the dance's cultural roots.
Keywords
Breakdancing
A style of street dance that originated in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s, characterized by acrobatic moves, rhythmic footwork, and improvisation. It is often associated with hip-hop culture and has evolved into a competitive sport.
Online Dating
The use of online platforms and mobile applications to connect with potential romantic partners. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, but faces challenges such as user fatigue, the rise of niche apps, and the increasing cost of premium features.
Immigration
The movement of people from one country to another, often for economic or political reasons. It is a complex issue with significant economic and social implications, and is often subject to political debate and policy changes.
Match Group
A publicly traded company that owns several popular dating apps, including Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid. It has faced challenges in recent years as user growth has slowed and competition has increased.
World Dance Sport Federation
The international governing body for dance sport, recognized by the International Olympic Committee. It has played a key role in promoting breakdancing as an Olympic sport.
DJ Herk
A pioneering DJ and producer who is credited as one of the founders of hip-hop in New York. He is known for his innovative use of turntables and for coining the term \"B-boy\" and \"B-girl\" to refer to breakdancers.
Q&A
What are some of the reasons why online dating apps are losing their appeal?
Users are experiencing fatigue with the constant swiping and superficial interactions. The rise of niche apps catering to specific identity groups has fragmented the market. The increasing cost of premium features has also alienated some users.
What are the potential economic consequences of restrictive immigration policies?
While such policies might offer short-term benefits, they can lead to long-term economic damage by hindering innovation, reducing labor supply, and increasing the cost of labor-intensive services.
How has breakdancing's inclusion in the Olympics impacted the dance form?
It has brought greater mainstream attention and potential for commercialization, but also raised concerns about the preservation of its cultural roots and the potential for exploitation.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities facing online dating apps in the future?
Apps need to innovate to stay relevant and attract users, particularly younger generations. They need to address user concerns about cost, superficiality, and the lack of meaningful connections. There is also an opportunity to focus on planning dates and providing a more personalized experience.
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of breakdancing becoming an Olympic sport?
It could boost the dance's public profile, attract corporate sponsorships, and provide career opportunities for dancers. However, there are concerns about the potential for commercialization and the need to preserve the dance's cultural roots.
Show Notes
The rich world is experiencing record migrant flows—and the attendant social upheaval. Finding immigration policies that are not economically ruinous is damnably hard. Our three-part series starts to unpack why people are so fed up with the big dating apps (11:10 ). And the head-spinning history of how break(danc)ing became an Olympic sport (18:44 ).
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