I met up with a well-known and highly respected technical writer at another event in the midst of 2023. We engaged in casual conversation while commiserating with each other, both feeling a sense of fatigue.
The role of technology journalists has become increasingly crucial over the past two years, covering stories that impact a global audience as well as niche communities. This shift is partly due to the growing importance of technology in our daily lives. The individuals involved and the issues at stake are also significant.
Ever since Elon Musk made his initial bid to take over Twitter, now known as X, in April 2022, technology journalists have been on a fast-paced journey. Each time Musk made a post, we were compelled to pause and respond. Just when things seemed most surreal, ChatGPT, a groundbreaking technology, emerged.
Since that time, a lot has unfolded. Similar to Musk’s ambitious yet near-failed attempt with X, OpenAI also experienced a downfall from its peak to near obscurity. (I recently presented a documentary on the 106-hour turmoil at OpenAI on BBC Radio4.) As January 1st, 2023 approached, the world felt drastically different from what we had previously known. Who could have predicted that OpenAI would oust its CEO on that day, only to reinstate him after facing mass resignations from its employees?
Therefore, making predictions about the events of 2024 seems futile. However, if I were to speculate on significant occurrences in the upcoming year, they might include the following:
- The narrative of X v. Threads takes on a more intriguing turn.
- Major tech mergers may face obstacles or fail to materialize.
- Cybersecurity threats are likely to remain a concern.
- The competition in the realm of Artificial Intelligence continues to intensify.
- The resurgence of the metaverse may capture public attention in 2024.
In addition, TechScape’s broader landscape includes:
- An exploration of our relationship with technology in a new magazine series titled Reclaim Your Brain.
- The oversight of Congress regarding TikTok in 2023.
- The impact of a significant consumer movement on Reddit.
- Uncertainties surrounding the long-term implications of AI.
- Personal insights into the significance of interpersonal connections, such as tracking listening habits on platforms like Spotify.
