Tech Used to Be Bleeding Edge, Now it’s Just Bleeding
Feb 2, 2024
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Exploring the decline of Big Tech's dreams, the problem with tech journalism, and the need for opinion-based coverage. Discussing the limits and skepticism of AI, the decline of tech innovation, and the sacrifice of quality for growth in the tech industry. Examining the changing perception of Apple, virtual reality helmets inspired by Sword Art Online, and speculating on Mark Zuckerberg's happiness. Exciting discussions on a new podcast launch and gratitude for collaborators.
Opinion journalism in the tech industry is limited, and there is a growing need for more opinionated tech coverage that resonates with readers.
The British model of journalism, with its focus on narrative, investigation, and emotional engagement, is more insightful and valued by consumers in the tech industry.
There is a growing disillusionment with AI as people question its practical benefits, limitations, and true value, leading to a decline in market cap of AI-related companies.
Deep dives
Tech journalism: Need for more informed perspective
Many tech podcasts and coverage lack informed perspective and fail to provide valuable insights. Opinion journalism in the tech industry is limited, unlike in politics or business. Opinionated tech coverage can be informative and resonate with readers, who want to know the opinions of experts. Objective journalism in tech is seen as somewhat limited, as bias is inherent in all reporting. The need for more opinion journalism in tech is growing, so readers can form their own conclusions based on expert perspectives and informed opinions.
British model of journalism: Investigative and opinionated
The British model of journalism, seen in shows like Newsnight, combines narrative journalism and real interviews. It is investigative, opinionated, emotional, and fiery. This model is more insightful and valued by consumers, as it goes beyond surface-level discussions and challenges interviewees when needed. American interviews are often courteous and avoid challenging or contradicting the source. The British model focuses on opinion, investigation, and emotional engagement, which is what tech coverage needs to cater to consumers' expectations and provide value.
Tech industry's disappointment with AI
The AI hype cycle is facing skepticism as people question its actual impact and usefulness. The belief that AI would revolutionize industries and solve problems at a huge scale has not fully materialized. Many companies have invested in AI, hoping it would lead to cost savings and growth. However, the reality is that AI is expensive to implement and often falls short of expectations. People are questioning the practical benefits of AI, its limitations, and whether it can significantly improve their lives or offer clear solutions. The plummeting market cap of AI-related companies indicates a growing disillusionment with AI as people question its true value and potential.
Decreased Excitement for Tech Innovations
The podcast discusses how people's excitement for new technology has diminished over time. The speaker suggests that this decrease in enthusiasm is not solely due to the shift towards online shopping, but rather a result of a general decline in the pace of innovation. Examples such as the slower progress in computer speed and the plateauing of Moore's law are cited to support this argument. The speaker also highlights how the tech industry's reputation has been marred by issues like government surveillance and data breaches, contributing to a diminished sense of trust and excitement among consumers.
Tech Industry's Failure to Deliver Promised Innovations
The podcast delves into the perceived failure of the tech industry to deliver on its promises of revolutionary advancements. The speaker brings up examples like the unfulfilled expectations of flying cars, autonomous vehicles, and virtual reality. Additionally, the speaker criticizes tech companies for making their products worse over time instead of improving them. Issues such as deteriorating search results, spam calls, and invasive advertising are highlighted as factors contributing to people's growing disillusionment with technology. The speaker argues that these failures have led to a sense of resentment towards the tech industry, which needs to make significant changes to regain trust and create genuinely innovative and user-friendly products.
Ten years ago, Big Tech reached a peak. Facebook had wormed its way into the lives of billions of people. The mainstream news covered iPhones releases like they were Taylor Swift concerts. Elon Musk was promising to colonize Mars and fill the streets with self-driving cars. In 2024, the wheels have come off all these dreams. Musk has filled the sky with satellites, but no colonists, and constantly fights people on X. Self-driving cars are killing people. Apple has released a $3,500 VR headset that’s been met with middling reviews. And Facebook’s only recent innovation is eating its own tail to churn out massive profits.
How did it come to this? This week on Cyber, PR provocateur and tech critic Ed Zitron stops by to tell us about everything he saw at the Consumer Electronics Show, the problem with most tech journalism, and why we all turned against Big Tech. He’ll explore these topics more in depth on his new podcast, Better Offline, which launches later this month.
