I was there for the coming of the apps and have lived long enough to now witness that the apps, it seems, have come for us

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Is flirting dying? Yes, claims a preternaturally cynical 24-year-old Los Angelean interviewed by NBC News in the US earlier this month. “If someone thinks you’re cute, they just ask for your Instagram these days and then DM you or swipe up on your story to show they’re interested,” they told the journalist. It was a bold claim, seemingly made out of frustration, and in the specific context of the youngster’s renegade dating choice:

They prefer to meet people in person.

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Workplace ‘tea-spilling’ is seen as unethical, says a new study. Tell that to the buzzing network that keeps my town on the rails

Word about town is that gossips are more trusted to help organise social events but less likely to be consulted for their ethics. By “word”, I mean “a workplace study from the University of Leeds business school”, and “about town” means “reported in the Times”.

Gossips unethical? For shame! The insights of this particular study I shall personally table for moral judgment at the next convergence of my neighbourhood girl gang. Gossip, friends, is both a moral mission and our pleasure on the fortnightly-or-so mornings we – 30s to 50s, a rainbow of sexualities and various household compositions – convene at the local cafe, eat toast and information-share.

Van Badham is a Guardian Australia columnist