30 Things that Won't Change (in the next 5 years)
Sometimes the best way to predict the future is to double down on what won’t change.
Random Observation/Comment #875: Invest in your subjective time of enjoyment. You have a choice on how to best enjoy your life.
//Generated with ChatGPT-4o new model with some faceswapping
Why this List?
We love to ask, “What’s next?” - but lately, I’ve been asking the inverse: What’s going to stay the same? In a world of AI hockey stick growth, mixed reality glasses, and weekly "paradigm shifts," I find it useful and grounding to think about the constants.
So here’s a list of 30 things that I’m betting will not change in the next five years. This is focused on parenting, tech, productivity, and the human quirks we all share.
Human Nature and Relationships
People will still want to feel loved - The tech may change, but our emotional needs won’t. I still think this is the most important part of life.
Trust will be the currency of every relationship - Personal, professional, even AI systems will hinge on trust. I definitely don’t trust the internet, but maybe I can trust my AI to help me filter the right parts of it for me.
We’ll still crave purpose - Whether it’s parenting, building something, or just helping others, the “why” still matters. This will be my continued quarter-life to mid-life crisis.
Storytelling remains our superpower - From fireside tales to Shorts edits, stories are how we connect. We will spend money on narratives.
People will seek out community - Online or offline, being part of something bigger is part of being human.
Productivity and Work Realities
Meetings will still run over - Despite best efforts (and AI controlling all things like calendar and even joining calls), someone will always say, “One last thing…”
Discipline will beat tools - The next productivity app won’t beat showing up consistently. I think physical health is a good sign of mental care. No matter how many AI tools we use, we will need to be more responsible and accountable for our outputs.
Email/Slack/Discord/Telegram will continue to haunt us - At least personally, I find a joy of having inbox/notification zero, but maybe Clembot will read and summarize these for me (hopefully without clicking on malicious links).
Time will still be our most limited resource - And we’ll still Google "time management tips"
To-do lists will still spark joy - Maybe it’ll exist inside of Clembot’s context memory, but I’d still like that satisfying physical, e-ink, or digital checkmark. Timeless.
Parenting and Family Life
Laundry will never be fully done - It regenerates constantly, but I’m glad Evie’s clothing usage is more predictable. TBH the laundry folding takes more time than washing and drying.
The ‘dad bathroom escape’ is eternal - Don’t judge me. I love my time on the throne.
Kids will still ask “why?” 27 times - I hope this isn’t something I outsource to AI for explaining fun science concepts I learned as a kid. These teachable moments are also the most valuable.
Family traditions will anchor us - Pizza night, road trips, the same bedtime books.
Screen-time guilt will remain - Because none of us really want to be the parent that just throws their kids in front of screens (but it’s so much easier).
Technology and AI
There will always be one more software update - “Your system will restart in 10 minutes.” I’m guessing even more upgrades by our AI agents with relearned model upgrades.
Autocorrect fails - Ducking unbelievable. I do think we’ll control more parts of our life verbally, so hopefully it understands my accent.
AI will still need human judgment - We’ll still be the editor, the ethicist, and the compass. I don’t think we should give this part up.
Tech support will remain a love-hate relationship - “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” but said sarcastically by a very accurate sounding AI bot. I actually think there will be more of a need for tech support because people will want a human-like answer.
Even smart assistants will misunderstand you - This may not even be hallucinations, but just misinterpretation of which app I actually wanted them to use. For example, if my Clembot is all connected then what if it accidentally forgets I have multiple calendars in aggregate?
The Funny Little Constants
Matching socks - The dryer eats them.
Coffee will continue to be essential - No productivity hack will beat caffeine.
We’ll keep misplacing our keys, wallet, and phone - Although the Apple watch is a great phone finder we’ll soon be able to fully activate by voice. “Hey Clembot, where’s the stuff I need to get out the door?”
We’ll overpack for every trip - “But what if I need three pairs of hiking sandals?”
We’ll underestimate how long cooking takes - After watching so many cooking competitions, I hope to be able to do this properly with 2 minutes left to plate. Yes, chef.
Wellness and Everyday Rhythms
Sleep will still be undervalued - And doomscrolling will still ruin it with these blue lights beaming into our eyes before bedtime.
Comfort food will always comfort - Smoked Turkey Congee all day.
Outdoor walks will remain a mental reset - Nature’s not going out of style.
Work-life balance will still be a moving target - But worth chasing. I do think there will be more time to waste.
A good laugh will always be medicine - Memes, dad jokes, late-night giggles and just general good times with friends. I love the belly laughs and creation of inside jokes. I love the rom-com of it all.
~See Lemons Keep things the Same