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This is not one of those serious efforts.<\/p>\nEvery year serious people make serious predictions about the coming year. Every year, by February, those predictions are quietly retired, rebranded as \u201csignals\u201d or blamed on \u201cunexpected headwinds\u201d.<\/p>\n
This is not one of those serious efforts.<\/p>\n
In the spirit of ABC Nightline<\/em>\u2019s venerable (and no longer practiced) New Year\u2019s Eve tradition, back when they gathered experts to bravely stare into the abyss of the coming year, I thought I should gather a new generation of experts to answer some questions no one has the discipline to leave unanswered (while trying to steer clear of sex, politics and religion).<\/p>\n My chosen experts were ChatGPT, Meta, Gemini and Grok, some of the loudest AIs on the planet.\u00a0 I made a very simple request:<\/p>\n 1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Science and technology<\/p>\n 2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Medicine<\/p>\n 3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Media and culture<\/p>\n 4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Work and bureaucracy<\/p>\n 5)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Human behavior<\/p>\n And one bonus item: what will be the biggest story on December 31, 2026?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n The opinions of ABC\u2019s Nightline<\/em> were always exciting, a little reckless, delivered calmly and regretted promptly.\u00a0 And in that exact spirit, I want to roll out the crystal ball (let\u2019s face it \u2013 it\u2019s optics, not metaphysics) and have my panel of experts weigh in.<\/p>\n And remember, if any of these predictions are correct, it was coincidence. If they\u2019re wrong, they were satire. If they\u2019re uncomfortably close, please don\u2019t tell me. I need plausible deniability.<\/p>\n I expect that this will almost certainly be wrong, but bookmark this page anyway. We\u2019ll need it for the annual public shaming ceremony next December.<\/p>\n The greatest value of prediction is not in accuracy, but in documenting the precise moment of our own hubris.<\/p>\n And so, let us begin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n ChatGPT:<\/p>\n By 2026, AI won\u2019t feel magical anymore. It\u2019ll feel like electricity \u2014 always there, always on, occasionally shocking you.<\/p>\n And yes \u2014 we\u2019ll still argue online about whether this is the beginning of utopia or the prologue to The Terminator.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meta:<\/p>\n AI will become the new plumbing, seamlessly integrating into our daily lives. Multimodal systems will handle text, images, audio, and video, making AI more useful and invisible. Expect “agentic” AI to automate tasks, making us wonder how we ever did without it. ByteDance will drop a whopping $14 billion on Nvidia chips, solidifying AI’s role in the tech landscape.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gemini:<\/p>\n In 2026, we stop talking about Large Language Models and start talking about Large Action Models (LAMs).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grok:<\/p>\n In 2026, AI will finally shed its hype skin and don a hard hat for real-world grunt work, with multiagent systems teaming up like digital Avengers to tackle complex problems in everything from logistics to climate modeling. Expect folding iPhones to become as common as flip-flops, home robots that actually fold your laundry (instead of just judging your mess), and EV supercars zipping around with mind-reading interfaces that predict your next turn\u2014though they’ll probably still get confused by your road rage playlist. On the reckless side, I’ll stretch and predict quantum computing hits a consumer breakthrough, letting you simulate alternate realities where you actually stuck to your New Year’s resolutions. Bonus humor: By year’s end, AI supercomputing platforms will be so advanced they’ll start predicting your tech predictions, making futurists like me obsolete.<\/p>\n Medicine<\/strong><\/p>\n ChatGPT:<\/p>\n The doctor\u2019s office moves into your pocket \u2014 and your toilet becomes an early-warning diagnostic system.<\/p>\n By 2026:<\/p>\n \u201cHydrate. And maybe more fiber.\u201d<\/p>\n Doctors remain absolutely essential \u2014 but AI becomes the extremely nerdy kid in the back of the clinic whispering useful reminders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meta:<\/p>\n Gene therapy will take center stage, with treatments for Huntington’s disease, high cholesterol, and congenital deafness making waves. LSD will be explored as a potential anxiety treatment, and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound will face stiff competition from newer, more effective options. Mitochondrial donation will become a reality, offering hope for genetic diseases.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gemini:<\/p>\n The “one-size-fits-all” pill becomes a relic of the past.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grok:<\/p>\n Healthcare in 2026 will be turbocharged by AI, with digital health tech ballooning to a $300 billion market, enabling precision medicine that tailors treatments to your DNA like a bespoke suit\u2014except it might actually save your life. GLP-1 meds for weight loss will explode in popularity, turning “Ozempic parties” into a thing, while telehealth and wearable tech monitor your every heartbeat, potentially averting crises before you even know you’re in one. For a stretch goal, robotic surgery becomes so routine that DIY home kits emerge (okay, maybe not, but imagine the TikToks). Recklessly, I’ll predict a major breakthrough in anti-aging tech, where billionaires start looking suspiciously like their 20-year-old selves\u2014cue the conspiracy theories. Humor alert: Annual bloodwork upgrades will reveal you’re 40% coffee, prompting a new epidemic of decaf denial.<\/p>\n Media and Culture<\/strong><\/p>\n ChatGPT:<\/p>\n We\u2019ll drown in content \u2014 and flock back to things that feel real.<\/p>\n By 2026:<\/p>\n In response?<\/p>\n People will start valuing human-made stuff like it\u2019s artisanal sourdough.<\/p>\n And nostalgia? Still undefeated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meta:<\/p>\n Streaming will dominate, with Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. solidifying its position. AI-generated content will rise, but authenticity will be key. Expect more immersive experiences, like theme park expansions and live events. Short-form video will reign supreme, with users craving relatable, human stories. Women-led media companies will outperform, focusing on diverse storytelling and audience connection.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gemini:<\/p>\n After a year of being flooded with AI-generated content, the pendulum swings back violently toward the “analog.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grok:<\/p>\n Media will go full immersion in 2026, with generative video hitting prime time and synthetic celebrities (AI-generated stars) stealing the spotlight from human influencers, leading to virtual concerts where your avatar headbangs harder than you ever could. Social media shifts to e-commerce heaven, with user-tuned feeds ditching hashtags for hyper-personalized shopping sprees, and a big unplugging trend among Gen Alpha who discover the radical concept of “touching grass.” Culture-wise, expect a DIY renaissance online, echoing COVID aesthetics with lo-fi art and authentic content trumping polished perfection. Stretch prediction: Immersive sports broadcasting lets you “feel” the game via VR, turning couch potatoes into virtual athletes. Recklessly humorous: The biggest cultural flop? A reality show starring AI versions of historical figures\u2014turns out AI Napoleon is just short-tempered code.<\/p>\n Work and Bureaucracy<\/strong><\/p>\n ChatGPT:<\/p>\n AI will automate the boring parts \u2014 and bureaucracy will somehow still get worse.<\/p>\n By 2026:<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the DMV, tax systems, and housing paperwork will remain exactly as confusing as before, raising the eternal question:<\/p>\n \u201cIf AI is so smart, why do I still need to upload this form again?\u201d<\/p>\n Also, at least one company will try a four-day workweek\u2026 <\/p>\n Meta:<\/p>\n AI will automate repetitive tasks, freeing humans for creativity and strategy. Hyperautomation will optimize processes, making businesses more efficient. However, governance and transparency will be crucial to ensure trust and equity. Remote work will continue to evolve, with AI-powered tools enhancing collaboration.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gemini:<\/p>\n Workplaces undergo a seismic shift in how they measure value.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grok:<\/p>\n The workplace in 2026 will realign around AI-driven job redesign, where blunt automation handles the drudgery, freeing humans for creative chaos\u2014think wholesale upskilling programs that turn baristas into data wizards overnight. Remote work becomes a coveted perk rather than the norm, with offices evolving into “ecosystems” focused on wellness and empathy-led cultures to combat burnout. Bureaucracy might slim down thanks to AI, but expect regulatory headaches from shifting policies and heightened compliance risks. For a reckless stretch: Governments trial “AI bureaucrats” that approve permits in seconds, leading to a golden age of zero red tape\u2014until the first glitch approves a backyard nuclear reactor. Humor: Employee retention strategies include “soft retirement spaces” where you nap your way to productivity.<\/p>\n Human Behavior<\/strong><\/p>\n ChatGPT:<\/p>\n We won\u2019t change nearly as much as the headlines say we will.<\/p>\n Despite all the tech:<\/p>\n And yes \u2014 someone will still put the milk back with one sip left.<\/p>\n We are remarkably consistent creatures.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meta:<\/p>\n As AI integrates deeper, humans will focus on emotional intelligence, creativity, and empathy. Expect a shift towards more meaningful connections and experiences. With AI handling mundane tasks, humans will prioritize personal growth, relationships, and well-being.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gemini:<\/p>\n We will see a sharp rise in “<\/strong>Digital Asceticism.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grok:<\/p>\n Expect a tug-of-war in 2026: Digital fatigue will push people toward unplugging and real-world experiences, with Gen Alpha leading the charge against constant connectivity, while others dive deeper into AI-integrated lives. Wellness trends explode, from upgraded annual testing to ditching ultra-processed foods, as consumers prioritize trust, satisfaction, and hyper-personalized health memberships. Behavioral health shifts to proof-over-growth, emphasizing measurement-based care amid policy volatility. Stretch goal: A global “empathy boom” from AI coaching apps that make us all nicer\u2014recklessly, this leads to world peace via mandatory kindness algorithms. Humor: With economic pressures, we’ll see “passion pricing” where hobbies become side hustles, turning your cat-meme obsession into a viable career.<\/p>\n The Biggest News Story on December 31, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n ChatGPT:<\/p>\n A major global story will break that somehow combines: AI, climate, economics, and one very confused billionaire \u2014 but the internet will mostly be talking about something absolutely ridiculous, like a runaway robot dog that learned to surf.<\/p>\n Or, more realistically:<\/p>\n \u201cScientists achieve major AI breakthrough \u2014 markets jump \u2014 ethical debate explodes \u2014 and a raccoon steals the spotlight during the live press briefing.\u201d<\/p>\n Because the universe loves comedy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meta:<\/p>\n The biggest story will be the widespread adoption of AI-powered personal assistants, making our lives easier and more efficient. As we look back, we’ll realize that 2026 was the year AI stopped being a novelty and became an essential part of our daily lives.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gemini:<\/p>\n “The Silence of the Satellites” The biggest story of New Year’s Eve 2026 won’t be a celebration, but a moment of profound awe.<\/p>\n Astronomers and amateur stargazers alike will report a “synchronous blink”\u2014a perfectly timed, brief dimming of the stars across the entire night sky. While scientists will frantically debate whether it was a massive solar event or a strange atmospheric phenomenon, the internet will be convinced it was a “System Update” for the universe.<\/p>\n The year 2026 ends with the entire world looking up, realizing that for all our technology and bureaucracy, we still have absolutely no idea what\u2019s actually going on out there.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grok:<\/p>\n As the clock ticks to midnight, the headlines will scream about NASA’s Artemis program landing the first woman and person of color on the Moon’s south pole\u2014 a triumphant cap to the year, overshadowed only by whispers of potential extraterrestrial signals detected during the mission. (Or, recklessly humorous: It’s actually Donald Trump announcing his bid for “President of Mars” amid the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations and a politicized World Cup finale.) Either way, it’ll eclipse the Winter Olympics wrap-up and any lingering AI scandals.<\/p>\n The Inevitable Reckoning<\/strong><\/p>\n By now, you\u2019ve read a collection of confident statements that will age like unrefrigerated dairy.<\/p>\n Some of these predictions may feel eerily plausible. And that\u2019s fine.<\/p>\n Prediction has never been about being right. It\u2019s about pretending, briefly, politely, that the future is a system we can understand if we just stare at it hard enough.<\/p>\n The truth is, 2026 will not arrive according to plan. It will show up late, missing documentation, with four conflicting narratives and a software update that breaks something unrelated.<\/p>\n Committees will form. Dashboards will be updated. Someone will insist this was always the trajectory.<\/em><\/p>\n And yet, through all of it, people will still adapt faster than the systems built to manage them. Someone will solve a problem with duct tape and common sense. Someone else will crack a joke at exactly the right moment. Someone will quietly do the right thing without a headline or a prediction to their name.<\/p>\n If any of these forecasts come true, I will pretend I saw it coming. Bookmark this page. Because the future will arrive regardless of our predictions. And honestly? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Every year serious people make serious predictions about the coming year. Every year, by February, those predictions are quietly retired, rebranded as \u201csignals\u201d or blamed on \u201cunexpected headwinds\u201d. This is not one of those serious efforts. In the spirit of … Continue reading \n\n
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AI becomes boring \u2014 and that\u2019s when it gets powerful.<\/p>\n\n
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\n\u2026and at least one CEO will claim humans are \u201cless efficient than my espresso machine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
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\nSome may already feel outdated.
\nAt least one is almost certainly wrong in a way that will be obvious by lunchtime tomorrow.<\/p>\n
\nIf none of them do, I will claim this was a meditation on uncertainty.
\nAnd if one of them is disturbingly accurate, please remember: I explicitly asked you not to tell me.<\/p>\n
\nWe\u2019ll need it on December 31, 2026\u2014not to see who was right, but to remind ourselves how confidently wrong we once were.<\/p>\n
\nAnd we\u2019ll meet it the same way we always do: imperfectly, humor intact, doing our best with the information we have five minutes too late<\/em>.<\/p>\n
\nThat\u2019s the safest prediction anyone can make.<\/p>\n