Keep up or get left behind.
This was the mantra of the tech industry in the 90s, specifically, before the dot com boom and bust. It was pushed so hard that even though I was studying computers at the edge of this movement, I felt like it was already too late for me.
But then I saw this message repeated over the years:
“Learn about this new networking tool or you’ll be left behind.”
“If you haven’t jumped on MySpace yet, you’re already too late.”
“Learn this new piece of software, this app, this social media platform, this investment opportunity, this training technique, be an early adopter…” and so forth.
And what happened?
Things came, things went. Some of it stuck around and new stuff emerged.
But go ahead, keep telling bestselling, award-winning authors who still write by hand that by not learning the shiny new tech toy, they’re being left behind.
Also tell the teachers that get their students excited about learning that they will be left behind if they don’t fully embrace the latest “ed-tech” nonsense (most of which has been an *abysmal* failure).
While you’re at it, let your plumber know they will be left behind because they didn’t prompt AI on how to fix a leaky pipe. Screw their experience with the matter.
We can all find a regret on not getting in early for a long-term investment, but for the rest of the hype?
It’s time these people look up what being left behind in the world really means.