Estimated studying time: 3 minutes
Proper round this time final yr, I wrote an article about what synthetic intelligence (AI) stated could be in / out in enterprise and popular culture for 2025. I did it for a number of causes. First, I needed to experiment with utilizing AI. Two, in / out lists had been pretty common. And lastly, as a result of I needed to see how correct AI may very well be.
I pulled out the 2025 checklist the opposite day and thought it may be fascinating to do some (and utterly unscientific) debrief. On the popular culture entrance, I believe AI did a good 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 simply too dangerous as a result of I believe I might have cherished going to 1.
On the out checklist, I didn’t see an excessive amount of in the best way of bubble attire and standalone mustaches, so perhaps AI acquired that proper. Nevertheless, I nonetheless see loads of folks feeding their sourdough starter so it’s attainable that pattern isn’t utterly over but. All in all, I’d in all probability give AI a C grade for getting their popular culture predictions half proper.
I’m not taking that as a nasty factor. Predictions are robust. Plus, once we make predictions in actual life, we be taught from our errors and take a look at once more with the objective 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 repeatedly studying. So, let’s do the experiment once more, utilizing the very same query as final yr.
I did make one exception with this yr’s experiment. Final yr, I requested ChatGPT for predictions. This yr, 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ChatGPT: outdated denim, delicate equipment, TikTok virality, celeb tradition, and memes.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 exhibiting your wrinkles and scars was each fascinating … and welcoming. Lastly, the developments in the direction of quirky, flashy, and maximalism had been fascinating. It will likely be fascinating to see if folks embrace it.
Whereas Google Gemini and ChatGPT have some comparable predictions, they do even have some completely 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 goal, it’s essential to understand how 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 in case you’re not utilizing AI at work, proceed to find out about it and try 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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