"The Future of Tech: The TikTokization of Everything and the Dawn of the Age of Digital Learning"

"The Future of Tech: The TikTokization of Everything and the Dawn of the Age of Digital Learning"

In the ever-evolving world of technology, there are two major trends that are shaping the future: the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the transformation of education through digital learning. These two forces are set to revolutionize industries and change the way we live and learn.

First, let's take a look at the TikTokization of Everything. Money follows attention, especially in the realm of advertising. As a result, digital ad spending for mobile is on the rise. Additionally, with the majority of data being stored in the cloud, there is a growing need for cloud services. While these markets are not yet saturated, the opportunities may be less abundant than before.

Venture capital (VC) money is now flowing into various sectors, including virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR), web3, and AI. AI, in particular, has made significant advancements in recent years. It is no longer confined to the infrastructure layer, but has made its way to the application layer, where everyday people interact with it. One notable use case of AI is seen in TikTok's For You Page, which uses sophisticated recommendations to anticipate users' wants and desires.

Now, let's delve into the dawn of the age of digital learning. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced 1.6 billion students and teachers to transition to online learning. This shift has accelerated the growth of digital learning, which has already been steadily increasing over the past few decades. With the internet lowering barriers and connecting individuals on a global scale, digital learning has become a $160 billion market. Before the pandemic, it was projected to reach $440 billion by 2026, growing at a rapid rate of 16% CAGR.

Digital learning currently represents 2.3% of the overall education sector, similar to where e-commerce was in 2004. However, it is expected to reach 11% of the education market by 2026, becoming a $1 trillion market with a 30% CAGR. This growth is reminiscent of the transformation e-commerce underwent after the SARS outbreak in 2002, which led to the birth of modern e-commerce in China.

There are several opportunities within digital learning that are worth exploring. One such opportunity lies in developing educational games that engage students while subliminally teaching key materials. This concept of "Invisible Learning" can make learning more enjoyable and effective. Additionally, peer-to-peer learning has been proven to be an effective method of education. With personalized and accelerated learning, students will be able to advance based on their individual competencies.

The impact of digital learning extends beyond K-12 education. Higher education institutions, particularly small hometown colleges, may face challenges as top universities with accessible online platforms gain popularity. The number of students in higher education is projected to double from 207 million to 414 million by 2030, and this growth will primarily occur online.

The notion of a traditional degree may no longer be the sole ticket to career opportunities. Other ways of demonstrating capability, such as certificates and badges, are becoming increasingly valuable in the job market. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of communication applications that promote connectivity and enable on-demand, multi-faceted use cases.

In conclusion, the future of tech lies in the TikTokization of Everything and the dawn of the age of digital learning. As AI continues to advance and become more integrated into various industries, we can expect sophisticated recommendations to shape our everyday experiences. Simultaneously, digital learning is transforming education, opening up new opportunities for individuals to access knowledge and connect globally. To navigate this changing landscape, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace AI: Whether you're a business owner or a consumer, understanding and leveraging AI technologies will be crucial in staying ahead in the digital age.

• 2. Invest in Digital Learning: For individuals, acquiring new skills and knowledge through digital learning platforms will be essential for career growth. For businesses, recognizing the potential of digital learning and investing in online education offerings can lead to significant opportunities.

• 3. Adapt to Connectivity: As communication applications continue to evolve, businesses should explore how they can utilize these platforms to enhance connectivity and provide unique on-demand experiences for their customers.

By embracing these trends and taking proactive steps, we can navigate the exciting future of tech and education.