Index News Today — September 16, 2026

The world of technology is rapidly evolving, and today's headlines reflect both the excitement and skepticism surrounding emerging innovations. On one hand, the proliferation of AI and data centers continues to spark debate, with voters on both sides of the aisle expressing concerns about their impact. Despite this, it seems that neither party has a clear advantage in terms of public opinion, with polls consistently showing widespread disapproval of these technologies. Meanwhile, the AI graveyard continues to grow, with a steady stream of projects and startups failing to gain traction.

In contrast, some technologies are still managing to capture the public's imagination. Social media, for example, has been in the spotlight recently, with some researchers suggesting that its impact on children may not be as negative as previously thought. Elsewhere, advancements in 3D printing are making cutting-edge technology more accessible to consumers, with one popular model now available at a discounted price. And in a nod to the power of nostalgia, classic games like The Oregon Trail continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many, serving as a reminder that even the most old-school technologies can still have a lasting impact on our culture.

Today's signal:
• Voters mostly don’t like AI and data centers, but neither party seems to have an edge (theverge.com)
• AI and data centers are incredibly unpopular in every poll (theverge.com)
• What if social media isn’t hurting kids? (theverge.com)
• The AI graveyard: a running list of projects and startups that didn’t make it (techcrunch.com)
• One of the best 3D printers for beginners is almost $100 off (theverge.com)
• How The Oregon Trail became a generational icon (theverge.com)