I feel like I’ve recently lost faith in tech companies in North America. I can’t put my finger on when it started; my experience is just a slow erosion in trust that we’re solving the problems today that the world needs solving. From ridiculous niche applications to the relentless corporate drive towards AI-based productivity. From news about yet another round of tech layoffs to the threat of rolling blackouts to support powering new data centres.
Through various avenues, the message I’m getting is that the North American market is saturated with tech companies consistently choosing tech for tech’s sake, choosing the comfort of a few over the many.
A change here means more than reminding ourselves to touch grass periodically for our mental wellbeing or turning to yoga to silence our bodies’ discomfort. A long-term solution requires a leap in perspective.
I saw the following post while checking Instagram this morning and finding it felt like the start of a much-needed personal shift.
Its message is simple:
North America isn’t the only tech builder in the world (of course)
Other regions worldwide are solving problems differently, prioritizing differently
We need to look for tech leadership and direction beyond expanding the comfort of an already comfortable few
Africa, as showcased in the post, has a flourishing tech community that is solving cutting-edge problems. They succeed despite numerous obstacles by solving for the real-life challenges of their incredibly diverse population.
This reminder gives me hope for the future that a shift in our collective focus is possible.
Some questions I’m asking myself:
What behaviors and businesses do I support that reinforce tech for tech’s sake?
How can I help those in need in my community (my small business is just a start)? In the world?
What might our world look like with a shifted focus—what could we work towards?
I don’t have the answers to these questions yet, but I am curious to dive deeper.
I do believe tech has the incredible potential to make “impossible lives possible,” we just need to focus on solving the right problems.
What are your thoughts on the current state of tech?