This morning, I found myself pondering the long-standing relationship between media and technology, like two dance partners, constantly influencing each other’s moves. So, I decided to take a stroll down memory lane, all the way back to the 1950s, to see who’s been leading the dance: media or technology?

Here’s what I’ve gathered so far… and fair warning, it’s a bit on the lighthearted side!

Media and technology have been in a long-term relationship, sometimes inspiring, sometimes warning, but always influencing each other. From the 1950s to the 1980s, media painted a picture of a bright, tech-savvy future, while from the 1990s onward, it started asking, “Wait… should we be worried?”

And now, as we head toward 2050, it’s worth wondering: is media still guiding technology, or is technology now leading the charge? Buckle up as we take a tour through the decades to explore how media has shaped, nudged, or outright shoved telecommunications and IT into the future.

1950s–1980s: When Media Dreamed Big and Tech Followed

Back in the day, technology was the hero, and media played cheerleader. Shows like The Jetsons, Star Trek, and Star Wars gave us visions of a world filled with flying cars, talking computers, and portable communication devices (which, spoiler alert, actually became a thing). During this time, telecommunications was making major strides with satellite communications, fibre optics, and the early days of mobile phones.

It was an era of big dreams, scientists and engineers saw what Hollywood was cooking up and thought, “Hey, we can build that!” And they did. The results? The first mobile phones, personal computers, and the rise of satellite broadcasting, turning sci-fi into science fact.

1990s–2025: The Internet, The Matrix, and A Lot More Caution

Fast forward to the digital revolution, and things start to get … well complicated. While the ’90s gave us the internet and mobile technology, it also brought The Matrix, Minority Report, and Iron Man, all of which asked whether technology might not just improve our lives but also spy on us, control us, or turn us into cyborgs (jury’s still out on that last one).

Tech exploded during this time, smartphones, streaming services, social media, AI, and cloud computing all became part of daily life. But the media shifted its tone, moving from “Technology will save us all!” to “Maybe we should read the terms and conditions first.” It was a two-way street, while media influenced what we built, technology also shaped how we consumed media, with digital platforms completely transforming entertainment and communication.

2025–2055: Where Are We Headed Next?

Looking ahead, the media’s take on technology continues to evolve. Shows like Black Mirror and Westworld remind us that AI, virtual reality, and quantum computing could either make life amazing or very, very weird. Meanwhile, the real world is racing ahead with advancements in AI governance, biotechnology, and immersive virtual experiences.

Future innovations could be directly inspired by today’s media, brain-computer interfaces, for example, might shift from sci-fi to reality. The ethical debates and challenges presented in media might shape how governments and corporations regulate and develop new tech. Will technology continue to progress responsibly, or are we heading toward a future where AI decides what’s for dinner? Only time will tell.

The Impact of Media and Tech on Society

Then vs. Now: The Optimists vs. The Skeptics

• 1950s–1980s: Media encouraged innovation with optimistic portrayals, leading to breakthroughs in communications, computing, and space exploration.
• 1990s–2025: Media became more reflective, acknowledging both the benefits and risks of technology, influencing how we perceive and regulate advancements.
• 2025–2055: The Next Chapter, while predicting the future is tricky (unless you have a time machine hidden somewhere), we can make some educated guesses based on media trends and technological advancements. In the coming decades, media will likely continue shaping public perception of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and brain-computer interfaces.

Areas Worth Exploring Further

While the media has undeniably played a major role in shaping technology, it’s not the only driving force in our tech journey. Many other factors have influenced and will continue to influence technological progress in the decades ahead. Here’s a quick snapshot of some key areas that have left their mark on innovation and will continue to shape our future:

• Social & Cultural Impact: How technology affects privacy, relationships, and mental health has been a big topic in media and it’s shaping real-world conversations.
• Corporate & Economic Drivers: Big tech has played a role in both media storytelling and real-world tech adoption, influencing consumer demand and innovation.
• Regulation & Ethics: Privacy laws, AI ethics, and data security have been heavily debated in both media and policy.
• STEM & Education: Media’s portrayal of scientists and engineers has influenced education, attracting or deterring talent from tech fields.
• Environmental Concerns: Sustainable technology solutions are gaining momentum, in part due to media coverage and storytelling.
• Diversity in Tech: Media has highlighted issues of representation in STEM fields, affecting participation and inclusion.
• Cybersecurity & National Security: Geopolitical tensions and hacking scandals often influence tech policy and media narratives.
• Gaming & Interactive Media: The rise of video games and virtual reality has shaped AI and communication technologies.
• Social Media’s Role: Real-time communication has changed how media influences global events, from politics to social justice movements.
• Speculative Futures: Depictions of futuristic tech in movies and books could guide real-world research and investment.

Who’s Influencing Who?

The media-tech relationship is a classic case of “chicken or the egg.” Media has inspired real-world innovation, but at the same time, new technologies have completely changed how we create and consume media. The 1950s–1980s gave us bold dreams and groundbreaking innovations, while the 1990s–2025 added depth, skepticism, and a more nuanced approach to technology’s role in society.

Looking ahead, the conversation between media and technology will continue. Science fiction will keep dreaming up new possibilities, and engineers will keep trying to make them real (while policymakers nervously look on). Whether we end up in a Star Trek-style utopia or a Black Mirror cautionary tale, one thing is clear, media and technology will keep shaping each other, and by extension, our world. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll finally get those flying cars we were promised.