The Download: AI to detect child abuse images, and what to expect from our 2025 Climate Tech Companies to Watch list

One more thing

How DeepSeek became a fortune teller for China’s youth

As DeepSeek has emerged as a homegrown challenger to OpenAI, young people across China have started using AI to revive fortune-telling practices that have deep roots in Chinese culture.

People are sharing AI-generated readings, experimenting with fortune-telling prompt engineering, and revisiting ancient spiritual texts—all with the help of DeepSeek.

The surge in AI fortune-telling comes during a time of pervasive anxiety and pessimism in Chinese society. And as spiritual practices remain hidden underground thanks to the country’s regime, computers and phone screens are helping younger people to gain a sense of control over their lives. Read the full story.

—Caiwen Chen

We can still have nice things

A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet ’em at me.)

+ This site lets you find out what was happening in the news on the day you were born. 
+ This blistering track by South Korean band Silica Gel confirms rock is alive and well.
+  Spend a few minutes exploring Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights.
+ Play around with this map that allows you to explore movie settings around the world.