Imagining the future

While many stories rely on similar tropes, the genre itself is too vast and diverse to fit into a box – much like its readers, many of whom are active on TikTok. The hashtag #BookTok has amassed over 40 million videos on the platform, with New Adult making up a significant portion of its content. Influencers, authors, readers and publishers come together to shine a light on these books and maintain close interaction with one another. The result? In 2024 alone, BookTok is estimated to have influenced the sale of more than 20 million books.

Critics often overlook the (yet to be determined) economic impact of New Adult and its content’s significance. The genre’s romantic and erotic undertones, combined with its young audience, lead many to dismiss it as mere escapism – or worse, smut. Yet these books allow young adults to explore the essential questions of their generation, helping them to (finally) feel seen and represented. Perhaps New Adult offers a way to amplify the hopes, dreams and worries of younger generations – far beyond the page.

From industrial production to customer service and sales, companies are counting on these autonomous assistants to boost their efficiency, improve services and cut costs. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and others stand to benefit, as AI agents help them expand their multi-billion-dollar AI business. While it signifies growth for enterprises, the implications for human employees remain uncertain, leading to a general sense of unease among many.

And what about security? Built-in safety measures are designed to prevent these agents from changing our passwords or impersonating us online, even as we grant them access to our data, preferences and habits; but doubts remain. One thing is clear: no matter how we feel about the technology, we can’t afford to ignore it. Ultimately, it should be up to us to decide before AI decides for us.

The more we learn about this, the clearer it becomes that tuning into these shifts can make everyday challenges easier to handle. What’s more, this awareness has benefits far beyond the individual. Teams can thrive when we normalise conversations about our cycle. That’s why some companies are taking action, from workshops and cycle coaching sessions to policies such as Spain’s menstrual leave law, passed in 2023, allowing employees with pre-existing health issues to take extra time off if they’re experiencing menstrual pain. However, sceptics argue that while such initiatives may be well-intentioned, they could be viewed as problematic: shouldn’t everyone feel comfortable taking a sick day when needed, no matter the cause? Perhaps broader health initiatives that include everyone might be a more equitable approach.

In any case, this topic provides an opportunity for businesses to foster environments where we can openly discuss the ups and downs of well-being, whether it’s linked to the menstrual cycle or not. Essentially, this means learning to work with our bodies, not against them. Whether we’re talking about menstruation, menopause, or mental health, focusing on well-being isn’t just a trend – it’s a gain for everyone.

It’s a legacy like no other. For some, talking to a digital version of a loved one may offer solace, a way to bridge the gap left by their departure. For others, it might create an obstacle, hindering them from fully coming to terms with their grief. Because no matter how lifelike these digital copies may seem, we need to remember one thing: they’re just that – replicas. No algorithm, no matter how advanced, can replace the complexity and beauty of being human.

This technology opens up fascinating possibilities, but it also raises some important questions. Who gets to decide how our personal data is used after we’re gone? How do we ensure such tools are used responsibly? While these challenges loom large, the potential is undeniable. At the very least, it invites us to have candid and courageous conversations about the end of life.