Predicting the next five years requires looking at two converging technologies: generative AI and spatial computing.
The "Streaming Wars" are no longer just about Netflix vs. Disney+. The current battle is for retention, not acquisition. With subscription fatigue setting in (the average household now pays for 4.7 streaming services), platforms are pivoting to ad-supported tiers and "live" events. Entertainment content here is characterized by high-budget "prestige" series (The Last of Us, House of the Dragon) designed to generate watercooler buzz, alongside a deep library of "comfort content" (The Office, Grey’s Anatomy) that serves as digital wallpaper for lonely viewers. xxxbpxxxbp top
This is currently the most dominant form of popular media on the planet. The average Gen Z user consumes over 200 short videos per day. The grammar is distinct: fast cuts, text overlays, duets, and a scrolling algorithm that optimizes for "dopamine hits." Importantly, this format has changed other media. Movie trailers are now cut vertically. News clips are trimmed to 30 seconds. Music is produced specifically to go viral on dance challenges. Predicting the next five years requires looking at