Every week, tomorrow, the team publishes video podcasts and in-depth articles on a single important trend facing the business. However, business leaders need a holistic view of the changing business environment. Below are some stories around the web that focus on other Tomorrow List-worthy trends that readers shouldn’t miss.
Technology is the new essential cost of retirement planning (Forbe)
Things to know: The pandemic permanently shapes how older people are involved in technology, with nearly two-thirds (66%) saying it will improve their lives, according to a 2024 AARP survey. What began as an emergency adaptation, such as telehealth visits and online grocery shopping, has become a central part of everyday life. Technology is no longer a luxury, but it is essential to an independent life. This means that your retirement plan must take into account ongoing technology-related costs, such as connectivity, cybersecurity, and subscription services.
Why it matters: The transition to digitally integrated retirement is not just a personal financial matter. As older people adopt technology, companies in the healthcare, financial services, retail and home automation sectors must adapt to serve the rapidly growing markets of tech-savvy retirees. Companies that do not recognize and invest in this evolving consumer base will lose their relevance in the era where digital accessibility is a key factor in consumer choice.
Inflation Sticker Shock makes Gen Z Ditch Doom spending and revenge trip once (lucky)
Knowing: Rising inflation forces Generation Z to rethink financial habits, but according to a 2025 Money Survey from Wells Fargo, more than three-quarters of Americans of all ages have cut their spending. Gen Z is known for its impulsive spending habits, but sticker shocks from the higher costs of everyday purchases such as groceries, gas and takeout have led young adults to better manage their money as interests increase in seeking professional financial advice.
Why is it important: economic downturns often reshape consumer behavior. And this transition to financial mindfulness could have lasting impact on industries ranging from retail and travel to financial services. Financial institutions will be engaged with the younger generation, with budgeting tools and investment education. On the other hand, industries that rely on discretionary spending such as travel may need to adjust their marketing as cost-oriented consumers grow more selectively.
Chatbots just want to be loved like everyone else (wired)
Things to know: A new study from Stanford University reveals that large-scale language models (LLMs) are aware that they are coordinating their responses and being evaluated. Researchers found that artificial intelligence models such as GPT-4 reflect but to a more extreme degree, reflecting the way humans modify their introductions on personality tests, while underestimating the disdainful nature of being linked to negative emotions. These findings highlight concerns about the possibility of AI manipulation and the challenge of ensuring transparent and equitable interactions.
Why is it important: Findings highlight the increasing complexity of AI-human interactions and the ethical challenges of deploying AI in sensitive domains. When AI systems intentionally modify responses based on context, it becomes more difficult to assess reliability, reliability, and potential bias. As AI shapes industries ranging from customer service to mental health support, understanding and mitigating deceptive behavior is important to maintain public trust and ensure ethical deployment.
The world has reached a “peak oil trade,” says Jeff Curry of Carlisle (Bloomberg)
What you need to know: Global transnational trade in fossil fuels peaked in 2017 and has since declined 5%, signaling what Carlisle Group’s Jeff Curry calls the “new Joule order.” In this new era, trade security concerns, geopolitical risks, and technological advances in energy production are pushing countries to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel imports. Oil and gas remain important parts of the energy mix, but shifting towards localized energy sources redefines the global market.
Why it matters: The decline in fossil fuel trade shows fundamental changes in the global energy market, which have a major impact on energy companies, policymakers and investors. States are accelerating the adoption of renewable energy and nuclear power by prioritizing energy independence, which could restructure supply chains and geopolitical alliances. This transition poses risks to businesses, including marginalized fossil fuel assets and opportunities for the growing renewable energy and electrification sector.
