The ever-evolving technology world in 2024 saw some exciting innovations, as well as alarming trends that exposed the flaws of our current tech culture.
The worst technology trends of 2024 are a mix of overhyped AI gimmicks, privacy erosion and unsustainable practices in hardware. These have both frustrated consumers and industry experts and will not abate by next year.
1. AI Tools that are not useful: Proliferation
By 2024, however, this trend had spiraled out of control. Countless companies have rolled out AI-powered tools that address non-existent problems — or create entirely new ones.
AI is now able to produce anything from unintelligible and poorly edited blog posts to automatic emails that require manual intervention. Inefficient tools that claim to boost productivity often produce inefficiencies due to their flawed output.
The flood low-quality AI has undermined confidence in real AI innovations. Both small businesses and consumers are being overwhelmed by marketing tools that make overblown promises.
Many of these AI solutions that are deficient add yet another layer of automated without adding any real value. Overproduction creates noise and makes it difficult to differentiate between tools that are truly transformative from gimmicks.
2. Digital Privacy is in Decline
Larry Ellison, the former Oracle CEO, once said “Privacy Is Dead.” Privacy has been revived and killed more than Tyrannosaurus Rexes in a sequel to the “Jurassic Park.”
As big tech companies continue to push the boundaries for data collection, under the guise personalization, the digital privacy of 2024 will continue to erode. In 2018, the growth of AI-driven monitoring tools has caused concern. Facial recognition technology is being used in everything from retail stores and public transportation systems, but there is no regulation or oversight.
Hyper-targeted advertisements across platforms, and technologies connected to them have reached an important tipping point. New technologies collect data at an unprecedented level from a variety of devices, without the consent or explicit opt-out option for users. Smart home devices are increasingly being criticized for their ability to track conversations and use patterns well beyond the intended purpose.
Most concerning is the return of the “we improve your experience” explanation. Tech companies are increasingly avoiding GDPR-like safeguards by using complex terms of service agreements, which make opting out prohibitively difficult. This unfortunate trend sets a dangerous precedent in future interactions between technology and consumers.
3. Tech Subscription Fatigue
The majority of tech users will recognize this trend. In 2024, the “everything-as-a-service” model has reached absurd new heights.
More and more companies are offering monthly subscriptions for products ranging from hardware to software. Customers are paying monthly subscriptions for items that were once one-time purchases including extensions and tools for routine tasks like converting PDFs to JPGs.
Subscriptions have become synonymous to monetizing functionality. What began as streaming platforms, has now spread into nearly every product category. The situation has become frustrating, overwhelming and financially unsustainable for many consumers. Prioritizing recurring revenue above user experience can alienate customers.
4. Vaporware is Back and Promises are Overblown
Tech companies are reviving a disturbing trend of overhyping unusable products. This year, we’ve seen a lot of grand promises about game-changing products and services that have either not materialized or underperformed.
An example of this is the push to AI PCsMarketing campaigns often tout the capabilities of devices that are largely hypothetical. While augmented reality platforms (AR) have been making headlines, most consumers are still unable to find meaningful applications beyond demo videos or niche applications.
This trend is similar to the hype surrounding vaporware in the early 2000s. Buzzwords such as “digital transformation”, were used on half-baked offerings. Buzzwords like “AI-powered” and “quantum ready” will be used to describe underdeveloped products in 2024. This is a way of riding the tech wave while undermining customer trust.
While I’m optimistic about the rise in PCs with AI integrated at the silicon-level (Windows and Mac, Arm, x86 or Apple Silicon-based), the jury is out on whether mainstream consumers have drank the AI Kool-Aid.
5. E-Waste from Unnecessary Upgrades
In 2025 the cycle of unsustainable technology upgrades will become even worse. Major hardware manufacturers are continuing to release minor updates every year, while retiring older devices earlier than necessary. Smartphones, laptops, wearables and other devices are now designed to become obsolete, forcing users into replacing functional devices much too soon.
This has led to alarming amounts of electronic waste. The companies limit the repair options for consumers, and they restrict third-party repairs. This results in devices being thrown away instead of repaired. The industry’s commitment to sustainability is also contradicted by the push towards disposable devices.
New hardware often emphasizes gimmicky, but ineffective features like AI-generated backgrounds or foldable screens. Genuine performance improvements are becoming increasingly incremental. Users are then left questioning if upgrades are worth it.
6. AI surveillance: dystopian applications
AI surveillance tools are becoming more popular, especially in schools and workplaces. AI monitoring software is increasingly used by employers to monitor productivity through keystrokes and screen activity. This invasive method erodes the trust between employers, employees, and normalizes intrusive surveillance.
In a similar way, schools are implementing AI tools that monitor student attention and behavior. These often have flawed algorithms. These technologies reinforce punitive cultures and have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. Critics claim that these systems place control above genuine engagement or wellbeing.
7. Social Media Algorithmic Decline
In 2024, social media algorithms are worse than ever. They prioritize engagement metrics over high-quality content. Platforms are inundated with clickbait posts, false information, and sensationalized content designed to keep the user scrolling. Genuine connection — once the core promise of social media — has been replaced by a relentless pursuit of ad revenue.
To make matters worse, platforms are pushing for paid verifications and algorithmic boosts. This forces creators into paying for visibility. The pay-to play model increases inequality in content discovery by pushing smaller creators out to the margins.
Conclusion: Call for Responsible Innovation
Technology has the ability to improve people’s lives. However, in 2024, trends have emerged that place more emphasis on short-term profits, surveillance, and profit than on long-term innovation.
It’s obvious that the tech sector needs to make a major course correction.
Consumers, regulators and innovators must all push for meaningful, responsible advancements. If we ignore this, these trends will define the future of tech.