And in the same way that AI, as studies imply, might impinge upon our cognitive abilities, the technologically mediated urban environment might be weakening our civil muscles: our ability to simply be with other people in public.

What I gained from replacing the self-checkout with small talk
Tom Vanderbilt
Monocle December 2025

“Unless we do something to bring about change, it won’t happen. I’ve always believed that the only way politicians can truly lead is by personal example. What right would I have to tell my fellow citizens to stand up to the Putin dictatorship if I were too scared to do it myself?”

Vladimir Kara-Murza is a Russian opposition politician and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist

Monocle 15 December, 2025