Move over Bowie! Ross from Friends predicted the power of AI!

Everyone talks about the Starman singer predicting the importance of the internet on Newsnight in 1999.

But in the same year, Ross from Friends claimed that computers could act as human brains by replicating our thoughts and memories – in effect, generative AI (like Chat GPT, Pilot and Claude), by 2030.

(Though, I really wish it was Joey who thought this…)

It’s a reminder that these innovative ideas and technological thinking has existed for decades.

Also telling was Chandler’s response – we do need to better explain to the public (and clients) simply, clearly and in a relatable way how this tech will truly improve their lives, or they won’t care.

This Friends fact came a survey by Samsung, where you can read some of the other prescient predictions by pop culture icons.

Simpsons fans already know how they predicted technology, trends and political events…

…well, apart from Homer and his car: “The type of car Americans really want, not the kind we tell them they want.”