What is still exciting in tech?
A comment on a lobste.rs post about the tech culture stagnating made me think. 20-15 or even 10 years ago, tech was really exciting. Sure, monopolies were bad, I was fighting them, but tech by itself was very interesting. New versions of software were expected, we were skimming through changelogs to find novelties, installing beta or alpha versions of totally unknown projects. And I had lived…
The excitement of the tech world has faded over the past two decades, leaving many feeling disillusioned and uninspired. Back in the 90s and early 2000s, there was a palpable sense of wonder as new software versions were eagerly anticipated. People would meticulously review changelogs, searching for the latest novelties and marveling at the innovative projects that emerged. Even now, that same excitement has not returned for many.
Today's tech landscape feels far less thrilling compared to the past. Commercial project changelogs now often read like advertisements, with a forced sense of humor masking the fact that they merely fixed bugs and improved performance. The author recalls having the best smartphone of their life just ten years ago and wonders if that era has truly passed.
Many individuals who once dedicated their careers to technology are now pursuing other passions, such as woodworking, and report increased happiness. The primary focus of the author has shifted to identifying potential enshittification of projects they use, particularly through AI integration. Even beloved free software has been marred by undesirable influences.
The rise of outspoken fascists among tech enthusiasts further compounds the issue. While some may argue that AI has potential benefits, the ecological consequences and unethical applications of this technology are deeply troubling.
Given this bleak outlook, the author seeks to understand what still excites others in the tech community. They are curious to learn what projects people are eagerly following, what features or advancements they are most eagerly anticipating, and what hopes they hold for the future of technology. The author encourages lobste.rs readers to share their perspectives on what remains exciting in the rapidly evolving tech world.
Written by urgent.news from Lobsters's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
