The AI Boom: Innovation or Instability?

One economist warns exaggerated expectations could drive interest rates to 16%, slow consumer spending and concentrate wealth among AI system owners. The promise of transformation is real, but so is the risk of economic imbalance. If you're not learning AI skills, you're almost certainly behind. You can now build entire applications with AI (although they are bollocks), but you can see where it's heading.

Companies rushing into AI face another hidden crisis—technical debt. With outdated systems and quick-fix solutions piling up, the cost of maintaining inefficient tech is now in the trillions. Without a strategy to manage this debt, innovation could stall before it even begins. Big Tech loves this status quo with handcuffed firms addicted to expensive software upgrades as their only way out.

Employers are also tightening their grip on workers. As companies push for a return to the office, many are deploying surveillance tech—tracking badge swipes, monitoring productivity and even analysing keystrokes. The office isn’t just back; it’s under watch. Where has the trust gone?

And while humans are being monitored, machines are learning to monitor themselves. Boston Dynamics’ latest robots are teaching themselves new skills, moving automation beyond human programming. Where are the guardrails?

Finally, lose a little anxiety. The pressure to maximise productivity is relentless. Tim Ferriss proposes a mindset shift, treating to-do lists like a menu—choosing tasks instead of feeling obligated to complete everything. A small shift in perspective could mean less anxiety and more control. Easier said than done when you're pivoting faster than a weathercock in a storm, but worth a thought.

Check the new Tollejo [Toe-lay-joe] website . If you need to know what your market thinks about you - and what to do about it - give me a shout.

That's it. Nuff said. Bon chance for the week.

Dan