Happy Wednesday, muggles. “Want to quarantine & chill?” or “Wash your hands so you can hold mine,” were just some of the pandemic-inspired pickup lines people used on Tinder this year. It seems with most people in quarantine, people were forced to turn to dating apps to find love (or at least some connection). Tinder released some of its findings from the year and found people weren’t just using the app to date, but to get out the vote! Here’s to hoping next year doesn’t need as many Covid-related one liners.  😅

Argentina to tax its rich to pay for Covid response

Mon Dec 7

It seems Robin Hood may be at work in Argentina, where lawmakers passed a “millionaire’s tax” last week. This one-off tax will affect roughly 12,000 people in the top .02% income bracket whose personal fortune is more than 200 million pesos ($2.4 million) and is expected to generate up to $3.7 billion. 

What will the money be used for?

Argentina is struggling to control the coronavirus. The nation of around 45 million has already recorded about 1.5 million cases and almost 40,000 deaths. The money from the tax would go towards:

• 20% medical supplies
• 20% support for small to medium-sized businesses
• 15% social programs
• 20% student scholarships
• 25% natural gas ventures

What has the opposition said?

Critics are worried the tax won’t be a one time occurrence and could deter foreign investment.

READ MORE FROM OUR SOURCES: Al Jazeera, CNBC, BBC News

Japan to fund AI matchmaking to improve birth rate

Mon Dec 7

Japan is hoping a little matchmaking can help boost its declining birth rate. Births were down 5.8% in 2019 as fewer people got married and more are waiting to get married later in life. 

Now the country is investing in artificial intelligence instead of relying on its traditional human matchmakers, which has historically been a large industry. The country is planning to allocate 2 billion yen (~$20 million) in next year’s fiscal budget to fight the decreasing birth rate. The government plans to cover roughly 60% of the building costs, which will allow for features such as matching based on hobbies or values.  

But not everyone is sure technology is the right way to spend the money. Some have suggested it would be better to help young adults earning a low wage or struggling with employment. A recent report found that young, single adults who reported no interest in romantic relationships had lower income and education levels. Ultimately, it’ll be up to local governments on how they allocate it. 

Why does Japan care about this?

Japan is struggling with a demographic crisis, and has the highest proportion of elderly people in the world. Currently, around 29% of Japan’s population is 65 or older, and that percentage is expected to reach 35% by 2040. That’s why policymakers are trying to encourage marriage and children as a way to pay for the increasing cost of welfare.

READ MORE FROM OUR SOURCES: Japan Times, Reuters, BBC News, Japan Times, PLOS ONE Journal