Estimated studying time: 3 minutes
Proper round this time final 12 months, I wrote an article about what synthetic intelligence (AI) mentioned could be in / out in enterprise and popular culture for 2025. I did it for a number of causes. First, I wished to experiment with utilizing AI. Two, in / out lists have been pretty fashionable. And lastly, as a result of I wished to see how correct AI could possibly be.
I pulled out the 2025 checklist the opposite day and thought it is likely to be fascinating to do some (and fully unscientific) debrief. On the popular culture entrance, I believe AI did an honest job in predicting that dopamine-boosting hobbies and gaming tradition could be in. Unsure I noticed a lot about grownup summer time camps, which is just too unhealthy as a result of I believe I might have beloved going to at least one.
On the out checklist, I didn’t see an excessive amount of in the best way of bubble clothes and standalone mustaches, so possibly AI received that proper. Nonetheless, I nonetheless see loads of folks feeding their sourdough starter so it’s potential that pattern isn’t fully over but. All in all, I’d most likely give AI a C grade for getting their popular culture predictions half proper.
I’m not taking that as a nasty factor. Predictions are powerful. Plus, once we make predictions in actual life, we be taught from our errors and take a look at once more with the purpose of getting higher subsequent time. In principle, synthetic intelligence ought to be capable of do the identical factor. That’s what everybody tells us – AI is constantly studying. So, let’s do the experiment once more, utilizing the very same query as final 12 months.
I did make one exception with this 12 months’s experiment. Final 12 months, I requested ChatGPT for predictions. This 12 months, I’m asking ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
What’s IN for popular culture in 2026?
ChatGPT: hybrid experiences, 2000s nostalgia and retro aesthetics, maximalism, Afrofuturism, and participatory fandoms.
Google Gemini: glitchy glam, proof of humanity, solo journey, slob stylish, and disconnecting as a luxurious.
What’s going to be OUT in popular culture for 2026?
ChatGPT: outdated denim, delicate equipment, TikTok virality, movie star tradition, and memes.
Google Gemini: unhappy beige, digital face “smoothing”, secure sans-serif logos and fonts, conventional film soundtracks, and anti-aging.
My first response? It’s very fascinating to see the hybrid theme. We don’t have to decide on between in-person and digital. Why not have each? I additionally thought the pattern of wanting human and displaying your wrinkles and scars was each fascinating … and welcoming. Lastly, the tendencies in the direction of quirky, flashy, and maximalism have been fascinating. It is going to be fascinating to see if folks embrace it.
Whereas Google Gemini and ChatGPT have some related predictions, they do even have some totally different ones. This helps the concept that not all AI instruments are the identical. So, whether or not you’re utilizing AI for enjoyable little experiments like this or for a enterprise function, it’s necessary to know the way your AI instruments be taught.
Talking of enterprise, I didn’t overlook that I did this experiment from a enterprise perspective as properly. We’ll do a debrief on these predictions quickly. I promise.
Backside-line: This was a enjoyable experiment and studying expertise. Even for those who’re not utilizing AI at work, proceed to study it and check it out. Develop an opinion about it. Synthetic intelligence isn’t going away.
Picture captured by Sharlyn Lauby whereas exploring the Wynwood Artwork District in Miami, FL
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