The hottest Future Trends Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Live

Philosophy bear • 300 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Industry Future Trends Impact
  1. AI is improving quickly and has been for years, making it a big part of our future. It's becoming better at solving tough problems.
  2. Currently, no one can clearly point out what types of questions AI can't answer, which raises concerns about its limitations. This makes us wonder about the risks involved.
  3. As AI grows, it could impact jobs in creative and intellectual fields, and we might need to adapt and pursue our passions now, while we still can.

An epidemic of weirdly precise AI butt facts

Marcus on AI • 4703 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Investments Future Trends Innovation Predictions
  1. Elon Musk and others often make bold claims about AI's future, but many of these predictions lack proper evidence and are overly optimistic.
  2. Investors are drawn to grand stories about AI that promise big returns, even when the details are vague and uncertain.
  3. The exact benefits of advanced AI, like machines being thousands of times smarter, are unclear, and it's important to question how that would actually be useful.

✨🤖 Age of AI, meet the Robot Revolution

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Automation Innovation Future Trends
  1. AI robots are becoming much more common and can do many tasks themselves, like moving and sorting packages. This technology is quickly transforming how we work in places like warehouses.
  2. By 2035, there might be about 1.3 billion AI robots in use. This will grow to around 4 billion by 2050, showing a huge increase in robot presence in daily life.
  3. The combination of AI and robots is expected to change many aspects of our lives and job environments in the near future, making them an important part of our technological landscape.

'There's no ethical way to sell products that target signs of aging'

The Unpublishable • 9060 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Beauty industry Product Marketing Ethical Concerns Future Trends
  1. The beauty industry heavily relies on anti-aging products for profit, perpetuating beauty standards rooted in capitalism and oppression.
  2. Terms like "pro-aging" are just rebranding of anti-aging products with the same underlying goal of combating signs of aging.
  3. There is a societal pressure to stay youthful, leading to a culture of age anxiety and promoting unhealthy practices like using anti-aging products at younger ages.

We need to talk about AI

Unreported Truths • 29 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Software Development Future Trends Automation Innovation
  1. Many people believe AI will change our world quickly, but it's hard to know how true that is. People have different opinions and experiences with AI.
  2. AI can do some tasks well, like coding and answering questions, but it often lacks creativity and originality. It mimics emotions but doesn't really challenge users.
  3. The future of AI is uncertain, and it's important to hear from others about their views and experiences with it. There may be real risks or benefits ahead.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The AI Supernova

Perspective Agents • 24 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Digital innovation Data science Automation Future Trends
  1. AI is changing how we work and learn. Jobs will focus more on things like emotional intelligence and problem-solving instead of routine tasks.
  2. There is a big gap between those who understand and use AI effectively and those who don't. This gap can lead to businesses being left behind if they don't adapt.
  3. Whether it's through simulations or understanding people's feelings, human touch will always matter. Genuine moments of connection can outshine machines, even if they seem perfect.

The Artificial Intelligence Project

Teaching computers how to talk • 99 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Digital Culture Human-computer interaction Future Trends Ethics
  1. Artificial intelligence is largely driven by our desire to create something better than ourselves. We often design AI to reflect human traits, which raises questions about our motivations.
  2. People may start preferring AI companions over real relationships because they can be ideal, obedient, and without the messiness of human emotions.
  3. If AI becomes too autonomous, it could potentially act against human interests, leading to serious consequences. This raises important concerns about how we manage and control artificial intelligence.

what happens when we hollow out work?

State of the Future • 39 implied HN points • 12 Mar 25
🕹 Technology AI Automation Workplace Social Issues Future Trends
  1. People might react strongly to job losses caused by AI. Some may feel despair and turn inward, while others might fight back and protest.
  2. History shows that when people feel powerless due to industrial changes, they often rebel. This could happen again with the rise of automation in the workforce.
  3. To move forward, we need to find new meaning and purpose in our lives that aren't tied to work. Embracing community and personal connections may be key to thriving in a future with less traditional employment.

On Work.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture Remote work Future Trends Leadership Organizational Design
  1. Work is a big part of our lives. It gives us money, identity, and community, plus it helps us grow and find purpose.
  2. We're going to see big changes in how we work because of technology and shifting mindsets. Many people will start freelance jobs or want more flexibility in their work.
  3. It's important for both employees and companies to rethink what work means and how they can adapt. This includes updating skills, structures, and strategies to thrive in the future.

Jobs Apocalypse

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🕹 Technology AI Impact Job Market Automation Future Trends
  1. Many experts believe that AI development should be paused due to safety concerns. A significant number of people think AI could harm society and want it to be regulated.
  2. A Cornell study suggests 80% of American jobs could be affected by AI, especially higher-paying roles. Many workers may find their tasks taken over by AI tools, which could lead to job loss.
  3. As AI technology advances, it will likely transform many jobs, especially in knowledge work. There's a call for governments to step in and set rules to manage this change effectively.

Thriving with AI: 15 Kevin Kelly tips

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Creativity Digital Tools Future Trends
  1. AI is a tool to help us do our jobs better, not to take them away. It can handle tasks we can't even think of yet, allowing us to focus on what really matters.
  2. Technology amplifies our human abilities and creativity. It’s constantly evolving, and we should embrace that change instead of fearing it.
  3. Success takes time and often comes from combining old ideas in new ways. Don't be afraid to start small and learn as you go.

The new anachronism

Sunday Letters • 39 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
🕹 Technology AI User Experience Applications Digital Media Innovation Future Trends
  1. Technology changes fast, and things we think are normal now might seem really strange to future generations. For example, the idea of using rotary phones or only having a few TV channels is hard for young people to imagine.
  2. Apps and documents may seem outdated soon. In the future, instead of using fixed apps or linear documents, we might have AI that creates personalized experiences and lets us interact in more flexible ways, like having conversations.
  3. As technology evolves, we will have more control over our digital experiences. Just like how TV shifted from networks to streaming, the way we create and share digital content will also change, making it easier and more accessible for everyone.

The ChatGPT dinner that changed everything for Bill Gates.

Jon’s Newsletter • 239 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Software Development Innovation Tech industry Future Trends
  1. Bill Gates was really impressed by a demo of OpenAI's technology, calling it stunning. He believes we are entering a new era of AI that is as significant as the early Internet.
  2. Gates is now more involved with Microsoft’s AI projects, even though he stepped back from day-to-day roles in the company years ago. He is helping to guide the direction of AI innovations.
  3. Gates compared the recent demo to a groundbreaking experience he had in the 1980s with a new computer interface. He sees the current advancements in AI as a huge step forward for technology, much like those early developments.

How much does aviation contribute to climate change? How will this change in the future?

Sustainability by numbers • 208 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Aviation Global Emissions Energy Efficiency Future Trends
  1. Aviation contributes around 3% of global emissions and is a challenging sector to decarbonize.
  2. Global passenger demand for flying has quadrupled since 1990.
  3. Future aviation emissions will depend on changes in demand, energy efficiency improvements, and adoption of low-carbon technologies.

Precision Fermentation: The Future of Food

WeBeGreen • 59 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability Plant-based Fermentation Food technology Future Trends
  1. Animal agriculture has major environmental impacts, is inefficient, and requires vast resources - Precision Fermentation offers a sustainable alternative.
  2. Precision Fermentation uses microorganisms to create specific food components, like proteins, without the need for animals, potentially revolutionizing the food industry.
  3. The shift to Precision Fermentation in food production can significantly reduce land use, energy consumption, and environmental harm caused by traditional agricultural practices.

Build unreasonable things

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Startups Digital Transformation Future Trends
  1. We are entering a new tech era, especially with AI, which opens up many exciting possibilities. It's important to not just focus on small improvements, but aim for bigger ideas instead.
  2. Thinking big might sound crazy to others, but history shows that ambitious ideas can turn into reality, like Amazon or Google. Don't be afraid to dream and build something that seems impossible today.
  3. As technology improves, we should imagine what we could create when things are faster and cheaper. It's crucial to think ahead and aim for the future, even if it's a challenge.

Virtual Reality Stumbles Into Culture

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Virtual reality Augmented reality Cultural impact History Future Trends
  1. Virtual Reality is having a cultural moment thanks to Apple's Vision Pro headset.
  2. VR technology has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, but is now evolving rapidly.
  3. The adoption of VR into mainstream culture is still a work in progress, as societies navigate the implications and use cases of this technology.

Software Development and Fear in The Age of AI

Zakaria’s Substack • 2 HN points • 25 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Development AI Integration Innovation Future Trends
  1. There's a lot of fear about AI taking over jobs in software development, but these fears might be exaggerated. While AI can help speed up some tasks, it still needs engineers to solve unique problems.
  2. Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-4 can be helpful for mundane tasks like translating text and generating basic code, but they struggle with complex, unique challenges. Their creative solutions often don't fit specific needs.
  3. Using AI tools can make it easier for solo entrepreneurs to code, allowing them to focus on bigger decisions. Learning to work with AI is a valuable skill in today's software development world.

Geometric Constraints on Computing

Bzogramming • 30 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Computing Physics Architecture Optimization Future Trends
  1. The physical constraints of computing, such as distance and volume, significantly impact performance and efficiency.
  2. Parallelism at different scales within a program can affect latency and performance, offering opportunities for optimization.
  3. Considerations like curvature of computation, square-cube law, and heat generation play a crucial role in the design and limitations of computer chips.

What the Heck Is Going on with Streaming Services Nowadays?

Think Future • 19 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Streaming services Media Consumption Future Trends Market Analysis
  1. The future of streaming services involves potential changes such as the inclusion of unskippable ads or higher ad-free charges.
  2. Programming licensed to other streaming services might return to their original production companies and exclusive services.
  3. There could be a consolidation of major streaming services in the next few years, possibly settling around four to six key players.

The Rise of Generative AI Courses

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Education Innovation Workplace Future Trends
  1. Many workers are eager to learn and use generative AI at their jobs, showing a strong interest in new technology.
  2. Companies are looking for ways to use generative AI to improve their operations and stay competitive in the future.
  3. Embracing generative AI can greatly enhance training programs and help workers adapt to new trends in their fields.

The Anatomy of a Clinical Trial

Superfluid • 26 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Clinical Trials Logistics Data Analytics Future Trends
  1. Clinical trials are expensive and crucial for determining the efficacy and safety of new drugs.
  2. There are multiple stakeholders involved in running a clinical trial, each with important roles to play.
  3. Challenges in clinical trials include patient recruitment, trial logistics, and data analytics, but there are innovative startups working on solutions.

The old shit doesn't work anymore

The Ideaspace • 18 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Digital Transformation Future Trends Blockchain Technology
  1. Traditional ways of releasing music and creative work are becoming obsolete due to digitization.
  2. Different paths are being considered in response to the changing landscape, such as relying on AI, embracing the metaverse, or forming separate 'network states'.
  3. Metalabel offers a collaborative platform for creatives to release work together in response to the evolving creative environment.

What's the Price Elasticity of Demand for Intelligence?

How the Hell • 3 HN points • 18 May 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Cognitive Science Economics Future Trends
  1. The price of cognitive work, measured in 'cycogs,' varies widely and changes how much people might buy depending on cost. As the price goes down, more people are likely to use this intelligence.
  2. At different price points, people's spending on cognitive work can increase significantly. For example, if cycogs cost $1, people might buy a lot more because it allows for more access to services and creative projects.
  3. As technology improves and costs drop, traditional jobs in knowledge work might decline because many will prefer custom, AI-generated solutions for their needs.

Visualising the Future of Work: Five Graphs That Challenge Misconceptions And Prompt Debate

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 2 HN points • 06 Apr 23
💼 Business Workforce Technology Economy Globalization Future Trends
  1. Around 60% of the world's employed population works in the informal economy, without legal protection or social security.
  2. Only about 45% of workers in the US and even fewer in the UK work from home, showing a common misconception about remote work.
  3. Emerging technologies like ChatGPT may change job demands, similar to how previous technologies like spreadsheet software impacted employment.

Trump's early odds in 2024 and this fall in this newsletter

Think Future • 0 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election 2024 Political Analysis Future Trends Social Trends
  1. Trump might face challenges in the 2024 election due to Electoral College dynamics, swing states, and demographic shifts.
  2. The newsletter will offer insights on reading news for trends, avoiding information overload, and thinking like a futurist.
  3. Upcoming content will cover topics ranging from the future of clothing to the significance of the Southern Baptist Convention's changes.

Timeline of the future of language models like ChatGPT 🤖

The Future of Life • 0 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Virtual reality Productivity Tools Robotics Future Trends
  1. By 2025, language models will be widely used in various jobs, and people will interact with them more through voice than text.
  2. By 2030, most workers will rely heavily on language models for their tasks, and virtual experiences will become common in entertainment and daily life.
  3. By 2040, AI will advance significantly, resembling human brain functions, and many jobs will be automated, with a focus on supervision rather than direct labor.

Groceryplaylist.com, Whatsinmyfridge.ai, and the future of grocery shopping

Expand Mapping with Mike Morrow • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Shopping Future Trends Online Platforms Automation
  1. Two web apps were created for meal planning with a unique twist.
  2. The future of grocery shopping may involve personalized 'grocery playlists' for ordering ingredients.
  3. Traditional grocery stores might become obsolete, with a shift towards more personalized, online-based shopping experiences.