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• Groom's X-Rated Antics at the Altar Turn Wedding Kiss into Scandal, Leaving Guests Stunned

  A video showing a groom's outrageous behavior at his own wedding has taken social media by storm. In a rather unconventional way of celebrating his big “I do,” the man skipped the traditional altar kiss, buried his face in his bride's cleavage and began shaking his head. His provocative stunt made the newlywed burst into laughter but left etiquette experts outraged...

• A $89,000 Robot Learns to Interact with People in New York, with Hopes of Becoming a Nanny

  Parkgoers in New York were in for an unexpected encounter when they came across an unusual participant in their stroll: a humanoid robot worth $89,000 that sang to children, danced with visitors and learned how to interact with people...

• Three Hours for Makeup and Household Chores: Japanese Prime Minister’s Admission Sparks Public Debate

  Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has said her daily schedule is significantly more demanding than those of her male predecessors. In addition to her official duties, she spends several hours a day on makeup, bathing, cooking and other household tasks. Her remarks have sparked a heated debate about gender stereotypes and the expectations placed on Japanese women, The New York Times reports...

• “Grandparents Now Need Permission to Hug”: Controversial Ad Pulled After Backlash

  A controversy has erupted in Ireland over a public awareness campaign urging grandparents to ask their grandchildren for permission before hugging them. The video, created by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and funded by the Department of Justice, sparked accusations of absurd political correctness, disrespect toward older people and the misuse of public funds. The justice minister eventually demanded that the video be taken down...

• The Pharaohs Forgot to Sign the Paperwork: Scottish Museum Removes Mummies Over Lack of Consent

  A scandal worthy of a museum exhibit of its own has erupted in Scotland: ancient Egyptian remains have been removed from a Glasgow museum because people who died thousands of years ago never gave permission for their bodies to be displayed in public. Visitors are now greeted by explanatory signs instead of mummies — apparently the safest exhibit in an era when even pharaohs have suddenly been found to have personal-boundary issues...

• Hermès Steps Up Boutique Security After Riots in France

  French luxury house Hermès has tightened security at its stores following widespread protests in France, during which one of the brand’s boutiques in Marseille was looted. The company is also facing a new challenge: demand for its products is slowing, and sales of clothing and accessories have declined for the first time in several years, Reuters reports...

Logging off has become the latest status symbol. In a world where dating, music discovery, and the constant flow of information are largely controlled by algorithms, a growing movement is encouraging people to return to face-to-face interactions—where chance encounters, serendipity, and old-fashioned networking are still possible, writes BI.

Offline as the New Social Currency

The phrase “offline is the new luxury” has quietly gained traction on social media over the past few years. Some users share it alongside photos from exotic vacations, while others speculate that the ultra-wealthy may soon abandon social platforms and smartphones entirely in favor of living offline.

Digital minimalism is on the rise: people are posting fewer photos online and keeping more of their lives private. Comedian Aziz Ansari, in a recent podcast, described staying away from chatbots (including ChatGPT), using a flip phone, and avoiding email—practices that, he says, give him “more space to think.”

Of course, for most working adults who pay bills and answer to bosses, ditching email and going back to a flip phone isn’t feasible. But the offline movement is gaining momentum, with people actively seeking real-life connections.

“Going offline for a week is now the ultimate investment—and a luxury choice,” says Andrew Roth, founder of Offline, a platform that helps real-world communities engage with brands and events. “For those who can afford it, it’s a deliberate choice—a new cultural gateway to luxury.”

Why People Are Turning Away from Apps

Dating apps and social networks once reduced the cost of finding each other: free connections and genuine matches. Pew Research Center data from 2023 shows that about 10% of adults in serious relationships met through dating apps. But in recent years, many platforms have lost their appeal: paid subscriptions, lower visibility, and algorithmic frustrations have driven people away.

Trends like “Sit at the Bar September” and “Off the Apps October” encourage singles to seek offline experiences. Meanwhile, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X are saturated with AI-generated content, and new apps like Sora or Meta Vibes rely heavily on AI.

The Rise of Real-World Experiences

Offline-focused apps are experiencing a renaissance. 222, a subscription-based service that curates in-person events for strangers, markets itself with the slogan “offline is the new luxury”. Founder Keyan Kazemian says the app has raised $3.6 million, hosted thousands of events, and attracts hundreds of thousands of participants.

Other players include Timeleft (dinners with strangers), Pie (interest-based groups for books, wellness, and more), and various speed-dating startups. Kanso offers phone-free meetups, branding itself for “those meant for something more.” Participants leave their devices behind and spend hours engaging with new people.

Founder Randy Ginsburg compares digital detoxes to other wellness habits: “You need education, support, and accountability to make these practices stick. The same applies to how we interact with technology and our phones.”

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