The Download: DeepSeek for fortune telling, and the second private moon landing

As DeepSeek has emerged as a homegrown challenger to OpenAI, young people across the country have started using AI to revive fortune-telling practices that have deep roots in Chinese culture. Across Chinese social media, users 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. Are you interested in learning more about DeepSeek?