7 Disturbing Tech Trends of 2024

In the ever-evolving world of technology, 2024 brings with it an alarming number of trends that expose the flaws in our current tech culture, as well as some exciting innovations.

From overhyped AI gimmicks to privacy erosion and unsustainable hardware practices, here are some of the worst tech trends of 2024 that have disappointed consumers and industry leaders and aren’t likely to abate next year.

1. Proliferation of useless AI tools

Generative AI dominates in 2023, but by 2024, the trend has turned into obsolescence. Countless companies have developed AI-powered tools that solve problems that don’t exist — or create entirely new ones

AI now produces everything from poorly edited videos and incomprehensible blog posts to automatically written emails that require human intervention to fix. Equipment that claims to increase productivity often results in inefficiencies due to faulty output.

A flood of low-quality AI products has undermined confidence in truly helpful AI innovations. Small businesses and consumers alike are overwhelmed by tools with excessive marketing promises.

Many of these deficient AI solutions add another layer of automation without offering real value. This overproduction created noise, making truly transformative tools harder than mere gimmicks.

2. Degradation of digital privacy

Former Oracle CEO Larry Ellison once famously said, “Privacy is dead.” However, the secret was resurrected and killed more times than the Tyrannosaurus Rex in a “Jurassic Park” sequel.

Digital privacy continues to erode in 2024 as big tech companies push the boundaries of data collection under the guise of personalization. This year, the rise of AI-powered surveillance tools has become particularly worrisome. Facial recognition is now integrated into everything from retail stores to public transport systems without adequate regulation or oversight.

Hyper-targeted advertising across platforms and connected technologies has reached a tipping point. New technologies scrape data from a variety of devices at unprecedented levels, often without users’ consent or specific opt-out options. For example, smart home devices have increasingly come under fire for tracking conversations and usage patterns beyond their intended purpose.

Perhaps most worrisome is the resurgence of the “we’re improving your experience” excuse. Technology companies are increasingly bypassing protections like GDPR by using complex terms of service agreements that make it harder to ban. This unfortunate incident sets a dangerous precedent for future interactions between consumers and technology.

3. Tech subscription exhaustion

Most tech users will recognize this trend. In 2024, the “everything as a service” model has reached absurd new heights.

From software to hardware, companies are turning more and more products into monthly subscriptions. Consumers are now paying subscriptions for products that were traditionally one-time purchases: automakers charge for heated seats, printers that require monthly fees to unlock ink usage, and even smart home locks that demand ongoing payments to access advanced features.

The subscription model has become synonymous with basic functionality monetization. What started with streaming platforms has now spread to almost every product category. This has become overwhelming, financially unsustainable and increasingly frustrating for many consumers. Companies risk alienating their customer base by prioritizing recurring revenue over user experience.

4. Return of Vaporware and Additional Commitments

Tech companies have revived a disturbing trend of overhyping products that don’t exist in usable forms. This year has been marked by great promises of game-changing devices and services that either under-deliver or never materialize.

Push for an example AI PCWhereas marketing campaigns push out devices with unmatched capabilities that remain largely theoretical. Similarly, augmented reality (AR) platforms have made headlines, yet most consumers still lack meaningful use cases beyond demo videos and niche applications.

This trend mirrors the Vaporware hype of the early 2000s, where buzzwords like “digital transformation” were attached to half-baked products. In 2024, buzzwords like “quantum-ready” and “AI-powered” are increasingly being slapped on underdeveloped offerings to ride the technology wave, undermining consumer confidence.

While I’m optimistic about the rise of PCs (both Windows and Mac, x86, Arm or Apple silicon-based) with integrated AI technology at the silicon level, the jury is still out on whether mainstream consumers will drink the AI ​​Kool-Aid.

5. E-waste from unnecessary upgrades

The sustainable technology upgrade cycle will worsen in 2025. Major hardware manufacturers continue to do minor annual refreshes of devices while retiring older models before they are needed. Smartphones, laptops and wearables now seem designed to become obsolete, forcing users to replace functional devices too soon.

This approach has resulted in alarming levels of electronic waste. Consumers face limited repair options as companies lock in parts and restrict third-party fixes, causing devices to be thrown away rather than repaired. Additionally, the push for disposable devices contradicts the industry’s public commitment to sustainability.

In parallel, new hardware launches often emphasize gimmicky features like foldable screens or AI-generated wallpapers, which offer little utility. Meanwhile, the actual performance improvements are increasing, leaving users questioning whether the upgrades are worth the price.

6. Dystopian Applications of AI Surveillance

AI surveillance tools have seen rapid adoption, especially in workplaces and schools. Employers are increasingly turning to AI monitoring software to track productivity by analyzing keystrokes, screen activity and facial expressions. This invasive approach undermines trust between employers and employees while normalizing intrusive surveillance practices.

Similarly, schools have started implementing AI tools to monitor students’ attention and behavior, often with flawed algorithms. These technologies reinforce punitive environments and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities Critics argue that such systems prioritize control over actual engagement or well-being.

7. The Algorithmic Collapse of Social Media

Social media algorithms in 2024 are worse than ever, prioritizing engagement metrics over quality content. Platforms are flooded with clickbait, misinformation and sensationalist posts designed to keep users scrolling endlessly. Genuine connection — once the core promise of social media — has been replaced by the relentless pursuit of ad revenue.

Adding insult to injury, platforms have stepped up pressure for paid verification and algorithmic boosts, forcing creators to pay for visibility. This pay-to-play model increases inequality in content discovery, pushing smaller creators to the margins.

Conclusion: A call for responsible innovation

While technology has the potential to improve lives, 2024 brings trends that emphasize profit, surveillance and short-term gains over long-term innovation and ethical considerations.

From a plethora of useless AI tools to worsening e-waste and dystopian surveillance practices, it’s clear that the tech industry needs a course correction.

Consumers, regulators and innovators must push for responsible, meaningful progress because ignoring these trends will allow them to define the future of technology.