Newsletter: Signs of the Tech Revolution #36
Welcome to this week’s Signs of the Tech Revolution, where you’ll learn:
- Why India’s tech services industry is facing its toughest slowdown yet;
- The complex and often contradictory link between teen social media use and mental health;
- How Walmart is strategically going ‘all-in’ on generative AI while carefully managing risks;
- How businesses are accelerating agentic AI adoption to combat persistent skill shortages;
- The sobering reality check on AI investment returns is hitting most businesses today.
And more on the latest shifts in global tech services, AI’s societal impact, and evolving workforce strategies.
Let’s dive in.
News #1: India’s IT Services Slowdown
Trouble in tech paradise? India’s $280B IT services giants (Infosys, TCS, Wipro) are hitting a major slowdown. Clients are pulling back on big projects amid global economic jitters & geopolitical uncertainty (including tariff concerns).
This means surprisingly low growth forecasts (Infosys: 0-3%!), missed earnings & hiring freezes. Stock prices reflect the caution. While executives talk about resilience via AI/cloud, there’s concern that AI efficiencies might squeeze growth further. It will be a challenging phase for a huge industry.
News #2: Teens, Social Media, Mental Health
The teen social media and mental health link is complex. A survey shows parents worry more than teens, but teens increasingly see negative effects on peers (48% vs 32% in ‘22). Yet, only 14% feel it harms them.
Interestingly, teens feel less comfortable talking to parents about mental health (52%) than parents do (80%). Still, 45% admit they spend too much time on these platforms (up from 36%). We see girls reporting more negative impacts on sleep and confidence.
But it’s a double-edged sword: many teens also value the connection (74%) and creativity (63%) social media provides.
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News #3: Walmart Goes All-In On AI
Like many businesses, Walmart is diving headfirst into generative AI. They’re embedding it across workflows, from coding help to new AI agents. It’s a balancing act – pushing innovation while keeping things safe and compliant, a challenge many face.
They use platforms like Element and human oversight for governance. Developers are adapting, driving an upskilling surge as AI reshapes workflows.
The ultimate goal? Make AI a daily tool for all associates by breaking down barriers. Walmart is truly ‘throwing the doors wide open’ to AI’s potential; the company is innovating while others are thinking about what to do with this technology.
News #4: Agentic AI Bridges Skill Gaps
Facing skill shortages? You’re not alone. Over 80% of leaders plan to deploy agentic AI to bridge workforce gaps, per a Microsoft report.
Investments target customer service, marketing, and product dev automation, with nearly half already automating workflows. The future of jobs is evolving – while some cuts are considered, most plan new AI hires, signaling a major reskilling need.
Big tech is rolling out agent tools, though governance & data hurdles remain a big issue. Employees see AI career potential, but can’t find appropriate training. Adapting isn’t optional; it’s about shaping what’s next.
Other News
- Beijing half-marathon race reveals robots still can’t keep pace with humans. - Read more
- Enterprises push forward with agentic AI adoption despite known roadblocks ahead. - Read more
- Gen Z fears AI is making their hard-earned college degrees obsolete. - Read more
- Most leaders report modest ROI and struggle to break even on AI investments. - Read more
- FBI reports record $16.6 billion stolen by cybercriminals last year alone. - Read more
- SAP relies on cloud partners to shield customers from tariff cost impacts. - Read more
- Microsoft says finding the right human-AI balance is key to future success. - Read more
- Meet the “Frontier Firm”: thriving businesses embrace human-AI collaboration. - Read more
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