The Walrus

Geese emerged as one of 2025’s coolest bands, playing Saturday Night Live and being named on nearly every “best album of the year” list, but their buzz may have been manufactured—and similar tactics could impact a lot more than just the music industry. https://thewalrus.ca/a-pr-hoax-created-the-years-hottest-rock-band-imagine-what-it-can-do-in-politics/

AI shopping agents promise to revolutionize retail, but as Vass Bednar reports, research suggests they often steer consumers toward pricier sponsored products. If the technology serves both shoppers and merchants, whose interests come first? https://thewalrus.ca/ai-shopping-assistant/