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February 13th 2026

The Economist Today The best of our journalism, handpicked each day

Patrick Lane Senior digital editor

Many countries are considering following Australia’s lead in banning under-16s from social-media platforms. The idea is popular—and given the tragedies in which social media have played a role, understandably so. But our leader this week (backed by a longer report) argues that a ban would do more harm than good. In our Culture section, we’ve prepared for St Valentine’s Day by examining the mismatch between the online world in which many people seek love today and the physical one our brains have evolved for. Two recent books offer insights into modern intimacy.

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Editor’s picks A selection of must-read articles

Let them scroll Don’t ban teenagers from social media Restrictions would do more harm than good

→ More and more countries are banning kids from social media

Bagehot The alternatives to Sir Keir Eventually the improbable, the implausible or the once-impossible will become inevitable

Flying on empty A European fighter-jet partnership is verging on a break-up Germans and Spaniards say France’s Dassault has made collaboration impossible

Marginalia Why China’s central bank won’t save the country from deflation It’s not about the exchange rate any more