The TikTokization of Everything: AI and the Future of Tech

The TikTokization of Everything: AI and the Future of Tech

In the past decade, the rise of mobile technology has paved the way for the success of massive consumer internet companies like Uber, Instagram, and Robinhood. Mobile and cloud technology have been the driving forces behind the tech industry. However, there has been a growing anticipation for what comes next. Will it be virtual reality, augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, or crypto? While these technologies hold promise, perhaps the most compelling force to power tech in the 2020s is artificial intelligence (AI).

AI is no longer limited to the infrastructure layer of technology. It is now emerging at the application layer, where everyday people interact with technology. One of the most visible and widely used forms of AI is TikTok's For You Page. TikTok's algorithmic approach to curating content has revolutionized the way we consume media. This immersive experience has the potential to disrupt major categories such as dating, real estate, and job searches. Why spend endless hours swiping on Tinder when AI can surface your perfect match?

Just as TikTok has infiltrated the media landscape, SHEIN has made a remarkable impact on the fast fashion industry. SHEIN, an internet-native retailer, has experienced exponential growth, surpassing the valuations of Zara and H&M combined. One aspect of SHEIN that stands out is its AI-driven recommendations. By analyzing user data and preferences, SHEIN can accurately anticipate the clothes you'll want to buy. This personalized approach to fashion is a step in the right direction for AI-driven recommendations.

While AI has made significant strides in recommendation systems, we are still only scratching the surface of its potential. Companies like SHEIN can leverage data from various sources, such as social media accounts, to provide highly personalized recommendations. The major consumer applications of AI will heavily rely on sophisticated recommendations that anticipate our wants and desires before we even know them.

Now let's shift our focus to a different topic: why do people learn less as they get older? It's a common observation that adults are more reluctant to pick up new skills or explore new topics. This trend is concerning because learning is a vital part of personal growth and fulfillment. To understand this phenomenon, we can explore a few theories.

The first theory suggests that learning becomes less desirable as we get older because of opportunity costs and investment horizons. Learning is an investment, and as we invest in certain skills, the return on investment for activities where we have considerable training becomes greater. This makes learning new things less attractive and can lead to inflexibility.

Another theory is that adults are simply too busy to learn. Learning takes time, and even with efficient learning methods, the time cost may be prohibitive for busy professionals with responsibilities like raising children. The demands of daily life can make it difficult to prioritize learning new skills or topics.

A third theory suggests that older minds may not learn as well as younger ones. While there is some truth to this, the decline in fluid intelligence is gradual and minimal until advanced age. Older individuals often have more discipline and organization, which can aid in sticking to a learning project. Additionally, accumulated knowledge can make learning easier. Therefore, the decline in learning ability is not a significant factor for most adults.

So, how can we overcome these barriers to learning and continue to grow throughout our lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Reduce the effort for learning: Find ways to make learning more accessible and effortless. Always carry a book with you, set aside dedicated time for experiments and exploration, and make learning a part of your daily routine.

2. Focus on accumulated knowledge: Shift your focus away from skills that require quick wits and instead focus on areas that rely on accumulated knowledge. Build on what you already know and expand your expertise in a specific field.

3. Maintain an interest in learning: Above all, maintaining an interest in learning is a choice. Don't let age or other factors discourage you from pursuing new skills or topics. With the right attitude, you can be an exception to the trend and continue to learn and grow throughout your life.

In conclusion, the TikTokization of everything and the rise of AI in applications like TikTok's For You Page and SHEIN's personalized recommendations are transforming the way we interact with technology. AI has the potential to disrupt major industries and revolutionize the way we consume media, shop, and connect with others. However, as we age, there seems to be a decline in our willingness to learn new things. Understanding the barriers to learning and taking proactive steps to overcome them can help us continue to grow and thrive throughout our lives.