Technological Disruption: Fear of Missing Out (FoMO)

technological disruption

In the realm of technology, change is always in the air. With each gust, the landscape shifts and evolves, leaving behind the old ways of doing things in favor of new and improved methods. And just like a rolling stone gathers no moss, technological disruption never waits for anything or anyone – it’s always on the move, paving the way for progress.

From communication to commerce, technology has changed the way we work. However, with the rise of technology comes disruption.

Although change and disruption can be easier for small businesses due to their flexibility and ability to adapt quickly, it can be a daunting challenge for large organizations. Compared to large organizations, small businesses have an advantage in being able to quickly adopt new practices and technologies. Smaller organizations may pivot faster than bigger ones with higher expenses and longer implementation timeframes. SMBs can significantly benefit from their flexible frame.

This flexibility gives SMBs a competitive edge. Even so, it is important for small businesses to weather the storm and persevere through these challenges, as it can ultimately lead to a stronger and more resilient business in the long run.

What is Technological Disruption?

Technological disruption is how a new technology replaces an older one. It is a process that creates significant changes in the market and the way we live our lives. It can displace existing products, services, and even entire industries.

Illustrations…

Technology Shakes Up the Retail World: Online Shopping Takes Over

Individuals and businesses alike may feel the effects of technological upheaval. For instance, the popularity of online shopping has contributed to the demise of brick-and-mortar businesses as more people choose to shop online from the comfort of their homes.

Streaming Services Rock the Music Industry: Goodbye CDs, Hello Spotify & Apple Music

The music industry has also been affected by technological disruption, with the widespread use of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music replacing the traditional model of purchasing individual albums or CDs. In the past, artists primarily earned revenue based on the number of albums sold, and then on the number of downloads. However, with the rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, the model has shifted yet again.

Revolutionizing AI Landscape: Chat GPT by Open AI

The emergence of Chat GPT by Open AI is a significant development in artificial intelligence (AI). With its advanced natural language processing capabilities, Chat GPT can transform customer service, content creation, and data analysis domains. As a rising star in the AI world, Open AI is set to revolutionize the way we interact with technology and the world around us with newer, updated, and super trained versions of AI-powered tools.

But despite all this, Chat GPT was enough of a surprise to us all; Open AI introduced a newer model – Chat GPT-4, encapsulating capabilities beyond our imaginations. This new-age technology makes us all wonder what the future holds for AI and how it will continue to shape the world.

Automation and AI Disrupt the Labor Market: Job Loss and New Skills Required

The effects of automation and AI on the labor market are yet another illustration. Now that robots can do so much of the manual labor that humans used to do, many people have lost their jobs. While this may lead to streamlined operations and lower overheads, it also necessitates that individuals acquire new skills for employment since their existing positions may become obsolete. Followed by AI disruption, the year 2022 witnessed the elimination of 1.8 million jobs while 2.3 million positions were created – according to figures.

Moving on…

The impact of technological disruption is felt across various aspects of society, and it can bring about both positive and negative consequences for individuals and businesses alike.

ü     On one hand, technological disruption can bring about new opportunities and advancements, making life easier and more efficient.

û      On the other hand, it can also lead to job loss and economic uncertainty, as older technologies and industries are replaced by newer and more advanced ones.

Despite its potential challenges, technological disruption is an inevitable and ongoing process that continues to shape the world. It is up to individuals and businesses to embrace change and find ways to stay ahead of the curve.

Resulting Impacts of Rapid Technological Change

Job Losses

One of the most significant impacts of technological disruption is job losses. As new technologies are introduced, many jobs become superseded, and workers are left without work. In some cases, entire industries can be wiped out, leaving hundreds of thousands of workers without jobs.

Changes in the Market

Technological disruption can lead to significant changes in the market. New products and services are introduced, and existing ones are replaced. This can lead to the emergence of new market leaders and the decline of older, established companies.

Increased Competition

The introduction of new technologies can also increase competition in the market. Companies that were once dominant in their respective industries may find themselves struggling to compete with newer, more innovative companies.

Economic Downturns

Technological disruption can also lead to economic downturns. As new technologies are introduced, existing companies may struggle to compete, leading to a decline in the economy. This can result in decreased consumer spending and a decrease in economic growth.

How Bad Can It Get?

The answer to this question is subjective and depends on several factors. Nevertheless, the impact of technological disruption can be devastating for some people, communities, and even entire countries. Long-term unemployment, higher poverty rates, and slower economic development are all possible outcomes.

For instance, the statistic is a projection of the economic effect of disruptive technologies in 2025, broken down by the kind of technology, with both a low and a high estimate for each category of technology. It is anticipated that the Internet of Things will have an economic effect equal to or more than 11.1 trillion US dollars annually by the year 2025.

Fear of Losing Out

Technological disruption can take many forms, and it’s often driven by users looking for a better way to do things. From products that make our lives easier to services that streamline business operations, disruption is a natural part of progress.

However, not all technological disruption is inherently positive, and this is where leadership plays a critical role. It’s up to leaders to identify when a transformation is necessary and to take steps to ensure that it’s implemented in a way that’s both effective and responsible. This requires foresight and a willingness to embrace change before it becomes popular, so that the benefits of disruption can be realized while minimizing any potential negative impacts.

Navigating Disruption

Technological disruption is a double-edged sword. While it has the potential to bring about significant improvements and advancements in our daily lives, it can also have a devastating impact on people, communities, and entire countries. As a result, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of technological disruption and take steps to mitigate its negative impact.

This can be a challenge, but with the right strategies and approaches, it is possible to minimize its negative impact and reap the benefits of technological advancements. By embracing change and adapting to new technologies, we can ensure a bright and stable future for ourselves and the world around us.

Blog Author

Shanzeh Shunaid

Shanzeh Shunaid

Shanzeh is the CEO of SMB Services. A specialist in delivering sustainable solutions to those in need, she enjoys working on building startups from grass root levels. When not strategizing for core competency, Shanzeh shares her invaluable insights on the industry with our readers.