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The Tech News and Trends That Shaped 2024

Dec 31, 2024
Margaret O'Mara, an expert on the high-tech economy, joins Lizza Dwoskin from The Washington Post and Louise Matsakis from Wired to discuss the bustling tech landscape of 2024. They dive into how generative AI transformed everyday life and impacted the job market, while social media under Elon Musk shifted political dynamics. The conversation also highlights significant tech developments, employee activism in tech, and the industry's role in addressing societal challenges, making it clear that technology is both a powerful tool and a complex player in politics.
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INSIGHT

Dominant Tech

  • Seven West Coast tech companies dominated the S&P 500 returns in 2024.
  • Five of these companies are located near the podcast's recording location in the Bay Area.
INSIGHT

Political Shift

  • Several Silicon Valley leaders took a hard right turn politically in 2024.
  • This shift, notably led by Elon Musk, has been reactionary and out of step with many tech workers.
INSIGHT

AI Mainstream

  • Large language models (LLMs) and image generation AIs became mainstream in 2024.
  • Despite functionality and copyright issues, their presence is undeniable, requiring large-scale resources.
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