Forecasting the Future: Insights and Oversights

This chapter explores the concept of disruptive technology and the unpredictable impacts it has on society, along with methods for predicting future trends such as the Delphi technique and backcasting. It also highlights the historical inaccuracies in futurology, contrasting optimistic and pessimistic forecasts while reflecting on personal experiences of information overload across generations. The discussion draws on insights from early science fiction writers and their predictions, illuminating the complexities and humor inherent in forecasting future innovations.