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Generative AI Goes Mainstream: Plug-and-Play Tools Democratize Creativity

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 12:17 GMT by Fast Company

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2023’s Next‑Big Things in Tech, Media, Entertainment, and Social

Fast Company’s forward‑looking piece on the “next big things” in tech, media, entertainment, and social life is a 500‑plus‑word guide to the forces that are reshaping the way we create, consume, and connect in the year that followed the pandemic‑accelerated shift toward digital‑first experiences. The article distills a wide swath of industry forecasts into a handful of concrete, cross‑sector trends that have already begun to influence product roadmaps, marketing budgets, and even public policy.

1. AI Democratization & Generative Power

The article opens with the sweeping rise of generative AI—from ChatGPT to DALL‑E 3—emphasizing that the technology is no longer the preserve of research labs. The author notes that by 2023, mainstream platforms (Microsoft’s Copilot, Google Workspace’s Gemini, and OpenAI’s API suite) were already offering plug‑and‑play AI tools that could draft copy, design graphics, or even generate code in minutes. This shift is described as “the new equivalent of the steam engine for software”—an infrastructure that unlocks creativity at scale, thereby redefining product design, content production, and customer service.

Key takeaways:
- Every brand can now build an AI‑augmented workflow without hiring deep‑learning specialists.
- AI is a double‑edged sword; alongside creative acceleration, it introduces new challenges around bias, misinformation, and intellectual‑property rights.

The article also references an industry report that projects a 40 % increase in companies adopting generative AI for marketing assets by the end of 2023.

2. Immersive Storytelling & The Rise of XR

While AI is taking the reins in content creation, the article points to immersive technologies—augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR)—as the next frontier for storytelling. It highlights several case studies:

• AR‑enhanced retail: brands like IKEA and Warby Parker were already embedding AR view‑throughs to let consumers preview furniture and glasses in their homes.
• VR concert experiences: major musicians and festivals (such as Coachella’s “Virtual Stage”) were experimenting with VR headsets to bring live concerts to a global audience.
• MR in education: universities and museums were using MR to create interactive, 3‑D exhibits that could be accessed from a distance.

Fast Company notes that 2023 saw a “resurgence of consumer XR devices” as chipmakers delivered more affordable, high‑resolution headsets. Importantly, the article stresses that the success of XR hinges on “low‑latency streaming, spatial audio, and robust content ecosystems.”

3. Metaverse‑Matured Platforms

The article tackles the often‑misnamed “metaverse” with a grounded perspective. Rather than a single, utopian platform, the author outlines how 2023 saw the consolidation of several niche metaverse spaces—gaming hubs, digital real‑estate marketplaces, and social VR rooms—each carving out a distinct audience.

• Gaming: Roblox’s continued growth, the launch of new “sandbox” titles, and the rise of cross‑platform streaming on platforms like Twitch.
• Digital real‑estate: The sale of virtual plots on Decentraland and Sandbox for millions of dollars, highlighting a speculative but vibrant market.
• Social VR: Companies like Meta (formerly Facebook) pushed “Meta Horizon Worlds,” while new entrants such as Spatial and Horizon Workrooms gained traction for remote collaboration.

The article stresses that, by 2023, the metaverse is already a revenue engine—especially for brands seeking new advertising channels and for creators looking for novel monetization models.

4. Streaming Wars & New Monetization Models

Fast Company’s article frames 2023 as a “second wave” of streaming competition. While the giants (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video) continued to battle for exclusive content, a number of emerging platforms carved out niches:

• Live streaming platforms (Twitch, YouTube Gaming, TikTok Live) were extending their reach into e‑sports, “micro‑influencer” content, and even niche fandoms.
• Subscription bundles: Services such as Disney+ and Hulu began offering joint plans, while “super‑bundles” with Amazon Prime and Apple TV+ were explored.
• Ad‑supported tiers: Several platforms, including Peacock and Disney+, introduced lower‑cost ad‑supported subscriptions to broaden their user base.

The article also highlights “micro‑transactions” and “pay‑per‑view” models that were becoming mainstream in live events—particularly for concerts and esports tournaments.

5. Social Media Regulation & Trust

A recurring theme in the piece is the growing scrutiny of social platforms. The article cites recent regulatory actions (e.g., the EU’s Digital Services Act, the U.S. congressional hearings on “platform responsibility”) that forced companies to rethink content moderation, algorithmic transparency, and data privacy.

• Algorithmic “dark patterns”: The author notes that many platforms faced backlash for undisclosed recommendation systems that fostered addictive loops.
• Decentralized social media: New entrants like Minds and Mastodon gained visibility as users sought privacy‑first alternatives.
• User‑generated content: TikTok’s “Creator Fund” and Instagram’s “Reels Play Bonus” programs were introduced to reward creators and dilute the power of algorithmic curation.

Fast Company points out that companies now have to invest in “ethical AI” and “trust layers” to survive the new regulatory climate.

6. Climate Tech & Sustainability

Another notable section covers the intersection of technology and sustainability. The article highlights a “green technology boom” as companies and investors shift focus toward carbon‑neutral solutions:

• Energy‑efficient data centers: Cloud providers like Google and Microsoft launched new AI‑driven cooling systems.
• Carbon‑offset NFTs: Artists and brands began selling NFT-backed carbon credits to meet their sustainability commitments.
• Electric‑vehicle (EV) charging networks: Partnerships between automakers and tech firms accelerated the rollout of fast‑charging infrastructure in urban centers.

The author frames these trends as both a business opportunity and a moral imperative, underscoring the rising consumer demand for eco‑responsible products.

7. Emerging Themes: Digital Identity, Quantum Computing, and Telehealth

While not as headline‑grabbing, the article also touches on a handful of emerging topics that are gaining traction:

• Digital identity: Blockchain‑based self‑sovereign identity systems were cited as the next step for secure, privacy‑first user authentication.
• Quantum computing: Startups in the quantum space were gaining attention for their potential to solve complex optimization problems in logistics and drug discovery.
• Telehealth & wearable tech: Post‑pandemic, health‑tech companies were expanding remote monitoring tools and AI‑driven diagnostics, especially in mental health apps and chronic disease management.

Bottom Line

Fast Company’s 2023 “next big things” piece paints a picture of a rapidly converging technology ecosystem. Generative AI is making creative tasks effortless, while XR, the metaverse, and immersive platforms are redefining how we experience media and social interaction. Streaming remains a hotbed of innovation, but it is tempered by regulatory pressures that demand greater transparency and user trust. Meanwhile, sustainability, digital identity, and health tech are emerging as critical axes that will shape how technology is adopted in everyday life.

For businesses, the article offers a clear playbook:

1. Invest in generative AI to lower content production costs and enhance personalization.
2. Create immersive, XR‑ready experiences that can be monetized through direct sales, subscriptions, or branded content.
3. Navigate social media regulation by building ethical AI pipelines and adopting transparent moderation practices.
4. Align with sustainability goals to meet consumer expectations and tap into new funding streams.

By staying attuned to these trends, companies can position themselves for relevance in a digital landscape that is as fast‑moving as it is complex.