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Tech left teens fighting over scraps, and now it wants those too

Tech left teens fighting over scraps, and now it wants those too

Right now, there are robots stocking convenience store shelves in Japan. We haven’t embraced that tech here in America yet, but it’s hard to imagine 7-11 or Walmart won’t at least experiment with it soon. Walmart gave up on its shelf-scanning robots in 2020, but machine vision and AI have improved a lot in the last five years, and it’s only a matter of time before it’s a machine refilling that row of family-sized Fruity Pebbles and not a kid earning some extra cash during senior year of high school.

Truth is, there just aren’t many jobs for teens out there anymore, and most of them have chosen to simply remove themselves from the job market. In August of 2000, 52.3 percent of Americans between the ages of 16 and 19 were active in the labor force. In August of 2025, that number is just 34.8 percent.

There are a ton of reasons why (which mostly boil down to “technology”), but regardless of the why, it’s bad for everyone.

First and foremost, nobody benefits from having a robot flip your burger instead of a human. Well, nobody except whoever invested in RoboBurgers.AI, that is. As Harry J. Holzer, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, points out, automation “shifts compensation from workers to business owners, who enjoy higher profits with less need for labor.” As a customer, you get a product that isn’t demonstrably better or more reliable than what a 17-year-old goth kid could whip up. You don’t get it any cheaper, either, and if there’s another AWS outage, you might not get anything at all.

I’ll never have to worry about my salmon avocado rolls spoiling inside a delivery driver’s 2012 Prius because of a firmware update and spotty cell reception.

Just as importantly, teens are missing out on a valuable experience during some of the most formative years of their lives. Learning to juggle the responsibilities of a job, navigate a workplace, and develop basic financial literacy skills only gets harder as you get older. They’ll arrive in the workforce with less experience under their belt, without having been able to test run dealing with a difficult boss in a low-stakes job at a Dairy Queen.

MIT economist Daron Acemoglu argues that automation doesn’t actually improve productivity that much, is mostly just drives income inequality by displacing lower-skill workers. Automation has eaten into jobs in manufacturing and warehouses, pushing adults who would normally work those positions into areas traditionally reserved for younger workers, like retail, food delivery, and even paper routes. The average age of a retail worker in the US in 2024 was 38.7. In clothing retail specifically, which skews much younger than retail as a whole, it was 33, up dramatically from 29.3 in 2015.

And now that adults are delivering pizza on the side to supplement their stagnant wages and to try to keep up with soaring prices, the robots are coming for those jobs, too. It wasn’t enough that 17-year-olds with driver’s licenses got pushed out of the delivery market by Uber Eats and DoorDash where, depending on what state you live in, you might need to be 21 to drop off Chinese takeout to hungry families. Now, both those companies are dabbling with autonomous food delivery robots in the US.

At the risk of sounding like a Luddite, I’m not interested in having a self-driving cooler roll up to my gate to bring me sushi — I see no benefit to me as a consumer. There’s nothing broken with the current system that a robot is going to fix. Plus, I’ll never have to worry about my salmon avocado rolls spoiling inside a delivery driver’s 2012 Prius because of a firmware update and spotty cell reception.

Stocking shelves, scooping ice cream, flipping burgers, and delivering takeout aren’t glorious jobs. But they used to be the sort of thing that gave young adults and teenagers a first taste of independence. They offered valuable lessons in managing a budget and taught them important interpersonal skills. But the knock-on effects of online shopping, automation, and digital media have largely driven them out of the workforce.

Teens have voluntarily removed themselves from the labor market because they’re forced to fight over an ever-shrinking pool of jobs with an ever-expanding pool of workers. And now, we’re training robots to take what few scraps are left. Even bagging groceries isn’t safe.

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TL;DR: The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99) and combines fast charging, data transfer, and built-in tools in one compact design.


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                                                            TL;DR: The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is on sale for .99 (reg. .99) and combines fast charging, data transfer, and built-in tools in one compact design.
    
    
    
        
                                        
                                        
                    
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If you’re always untangling cords or looking for the right adapter, this small upgrade can make travel or your daily routine a lot easier. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC cable is built to replace a handful of cables and tools with just one compact pick, and it is currently on sale for .99 (reg. .99).It’s a 100W charging cable, so it can handle everything from your phone to your laptop. All you have to do is just plug into a compatible charger. You’ll get faster charging than standard cables, plus quick data transfer when you need to move files.
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                By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
            
        
    

The 8-in-1 comes from all the added features. You get universal connectors like USB-C and Lightning, so you can charge most devices without carrying extra cords. There’s even an LED display for a quick check to see if your device is charging.Aside from charging, it makes everyday transport easier. A magnetic wrap keeps the cable tangle-free, while the built-in carabiner makes it easy to clip to a bag or keychain. There’s also a bottle opener and a small, safety-designed cutter tucked into the design for quick, practical tasks.This kind of all-in-one cable makes the most sense for people who travel often, commute with multiple devices, or just want to cut down on clutter. Instead of carrying separate cords for your phone, laptop, and accessories, you’ve got one cable that covers most of the basics.At .99 (reg. .99), the GoCable is an easy way to streamline your setup without spending a lot on multiple chargers. If you’re ready to stop digging for the right cable, this quick swap helps keep things organized.
        
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GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99) and combines fast charging, data transfer, and built-in tools in one compact design.


$21.99
$49.99 Save $28.00

 

If you’re always untangling cords or looking for the right adapter, this small upgrade can make travel or your daily routine a lot easier. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC cable is built to replace a handful of cables and tools with just one compact pick, and it is currently on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

It’s a 100W charging cable, so it can handle everything from your phone to your laptop. All you have to do is just plug into a compatible charger. You’ll get faster charging than standard cables, plus quick data transfer when you need to move files.

Mashable Deals

By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

The 8-in-1 comes from all the added features. You get universal connectors like USB-C and Lightning, so you can charge most devices without carrying extra cords. There’s even an LED display for a quick check to see if your device is charging.

Aside from charging, it makes everyday transport easier. A magnetic wrap keeps the cable tangle-free, while the built-in carabiner makes it easy to clip to a bag or keychain. There’s also a bottle opener and a small, safety-designed cutter tucked into the design for quick, practical tasks.

This kind of all-in-one cable makes the most sense for people who travel often, commute with multiple devices, or just want to cut down on clutter. Instead of carrying separate cords for your phone, laptop, and accessories, you’ve got one cable that covers most of the basics.

At $21.99 (reg. $49.99), the GoCable is an easy way to streamline your setup without spending a lot on multiple chargers. If you’re ready to stop digging for the right cable, this quick swap helps keep things organized.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to the latest Connections.

#8in1 #cable #simplifies #charging">This $22 8-in-1 cable simplifies charging on the go

TL;DR: The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99) and combines fast charging, data transfer, and built-in tools in one compact design.


$21.99
$49.99 Save $28.00

 

If you’re always untangling cords or looking for the right adapter, this small upgrade can make travel or your daily routine a lot easier. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC cable is built to replace a handful of cables and tools with just one compact pick, and it is currently on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

It’s a 100W charging cable, so it can handle everything from your phone to your laptop. All you have to do is just plug into a compatible charger. You’ll get faster charging than standard cables, plus quick data transfer when you need to move files.

Mashable Deals

By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

The 8-in-1 comes from all the added features. You get universal connectors like USB-C and Lightning, so you can charge most devices without carrying extra cords. There’s even an LED display for a quick check to see if your device is charging.

Aside from charging, it makes everyday transport easier. A magnetic wrap keeps the cable tangle-free, while the built-in carabiner makes it easy to clip to a bag or keychain. There’s also a bottle opener and a small, safety-designed cutter tucked into the design for quick, practical tasks.

This kind of all-in-one cable makes the most sense for people who travel often, commute with multiple devices, or just want to cut down on clutter. Instead of carrying separate cords for your phone, laptop, and accessories, you’ve got one cable that covers most of the basics.

At $21.99 (reg. $49.99), the GoCable is an easy way to streamline your setup without spending a lot on multiple chargers. If you’re ready to stop digging for the right cable, this quick swap helps keep things organized.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to the latest Connections.

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Roblox says Q1 growth was “tempered by greater-than-expected headwinds” due to the rollout of its age-check features, which “slowed new user acquisition.” Russia’s December 2025 ban on Roblox also helped drive the number of daily active users down.

Earlier this month, Roblox expanded its age restrictions to include the types of games users in different age brackets can access, and the company will “implement additional improvements designed to facilitate age-appropriate access to content and product features” over the next few quarters. The company says its safety push will lower Roblox’s “expectations for topline growth in 2026.”

Thursday’s earnings report says 51 percent of global daily active users have gotten their age checked through the end of the first quarter. In the US specifically, 65 percent of active users have age-checked.

Roblox has also recently pushed to increase the number of games on its platform targeted at users who are older than 18. On Thursday, the company announced that it’s increasing its Developer Exchange rate by 42 percent for in-game spending from age-checked users over 18.

#Robloxs #daily #users #continue #drop #agechecks #slow #growthGaming,News,PC Gaming,Tech">Roblox’s daily users continue to drop as age-checks slow growthRoblox’s daily active users continued to slip last quarter due in part to its rollout of age checks on its platform. According to its latest earnings report, Roblox currently has 132 million daily active users globally, down from 144 million at the end of last year, which was a drop from 152 million in Q3 2025. In the US and Canada, the number of active users dropped by one million from the previous quarter, while Roblox’s revenue still grew to .4 billion.Roblox says Q1 growth was “tempered by greater-than-expected headwinds” due to the rollout of its age-check features, which “slowed new user acquisition.” Russia’s December 2025 ban on Roblox also helped drive the number of daily active users down.Earlier this month, Roblox expanded its age restrictions to include the types of games users in different age brackets can access, and the company will “implement additional improvements designed to facilitate age-appropriate access to content and product features” over the next few quarters. The company says its safety push will lower Roblox’s “expectations for topline growth in 2026.”Thursday’s earnings report says 51 percent of global daily active users have gotten their age checked through the end of the first quarter. In the US specifically, 65 percent of active users have age-checked.Roblox has also recently pushed to increase the number of games on its platform targeted at users who are older than 18. On Thursday, the company announced that it’s increasing its Developer Exchange rate by 42 percent for in-game spending from age-checked users over 18.#Robloxs #daily #users #continue #drop #agechecks #slow #growthGaming,News,PC Gaming,Tech

earnings report, Roblox currently has 132 million daily active users globally, down from 144 million at the end of last year, which was a drop from 152 million in Q3 2025. In the US and Canada, the number of active users dropped by one million from the previous quarter, while Roblox’s revenue still grew to $1.4 billion.

Roblox says Q1 growth was “tempered by greater-than-expected headwinds” due to the rollout of its age-check features, which “slowed new user acquisition.” Russia’s December 2025 ban on Roblox also helped drive the number of daily active users down.

Earlier this month, Roblox expanded its age restrictions to include the types of games users in different age brackets can access, and the company will “implement additional improvements designed to facilitate age-appropriate access to content and product features” over the next few quarters. The company says its safety push will lower Roblox’s “expectations for topline growth in 2026.”

Thursday’s earnings report says 51 percent of global daily active users have gotten their age checked through the end of the first quarter. In the US specifically, 65 percent of active users have age-checked.

Roblox has also recently pushed to increase the number of games on its platform targeted at users who are older than 18. On Thursday, the company announced that it’s increasing its Developer Exchange rate by 42 percent for in-game spending from age-checked users over 18.

#Robloxs #daily #users #continue #drop #agechecks #slow #growthGaming,News,PC Gaming,Tech">Roblox’s daily users continue to drop as age-checks slow growth

Roblox’s daily active users continued to slip last quarter due in part to its rollout of age checks on its platform. According to its latest earnings report, Roblox currently has 132 million daily active users globally, down from 144 million at the end of last year, which was a drop from 152 million in Q3 2025. In the US and Canada, the number of active users dropped by one million from the previous quarter, while Roblox’s revenue still grew to $1.4 billion.

Roblox says Q1 growth was “tempered by greater-than-expected headwinds” due to the rollout of its age-check features, which “slowed new user acquisition.” Russia’s December 2025 ban on Roblox also helped drive the number of daily active users down.

Earlier this month, Roblox expanded its age restrictions to include the types of games users in different age brackets can access, and the company will “implement additional improvements designed to facilitate age-appropriate access to content and product features” over the next few quarters. The company says its safety push will lower Roblox’s “expectations for topline growth in 2026.”

Thursday’s earnings report says 51 percent of global daily active users have gotten their age checked through the end of the first quarter. In the US specifically, 65 percent of active users have age-checked.

Roblox has also recently pushed to increase the number of games on its platform targeted at users who are older than 18. On Thursday, the company announced that it’s increasing its Developer Exchange rate by 42 percent for in-game spending from age-checked users over 18.

#Robloxs #daily #users #continue #drop #agechecks #slow #growthGaming,News,PC Gaming,Tech

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