Tech reality: You're not as behind as you think, trust me

The reality is, what you see on Twitter or LinkedIn doesn't represent the entire world. Most people, including your non-tech friends, barely know what a "large language model" or a "token" is.

It often feels like everyone's using ChatGPT for their grocery lists or has already invested in crypto. But that's an optical illusion, amplified by algorithms showing us only those already inside the bubble. Don't let online chatter fool you.

A 2023 Pew Research Center survey revealed 70% of Americans had heard of AI, but only 20% use it regularly. Real numbers differ wildly from the hype that bombards us daily. Have you ever tried explaining an NFT to your aunt? Exactly.

It's not that she's "behind"; it's that the real world moves at a different pace. And sometimes, thankfully, a slower one. So, next time you feel the weight of not understanding the latest tech wizardry, just breathe. Most of the planet hasn't even heard of it.

This disconnect matters because it shapes how we perceive progress and our own place in it. Don't feel like a dinosaur just because you haven't tried the latest AI gadget or don't have a massive crypto portfolio.

Tech "fear of missing out" (FOMO) is a real business model. It pushes you to constantly buy, learn, and update, fearing you'll be left behind. But often, what you "need" to know is only useful to a tiny, specific niche of people.

Remember when everyone had to have a blog? Or when podcasts seemed like the end-all, be-all? Some trends actually stick, others remain niche phenomena. Not everything is for everyone, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.