“Technology is exponential and exponentials are deceptive”

“Technology is exponential and exponentials are deceptive” – the rapid and often misleading nature of technological progress.

Many technologies, especially in computing and artificial intelligence, follow an exponential growth pattern. This means their capabilities double over regular intervals. We’ve all heard of Moore’s Law – the number of transistors on a chip doubles roughly every two years. However, exponentials are deceptive because humans naturally think in linear terms (steady, gradual change).

Neuroplasticity or the human brain’s ability to change, adapt, and reorganize itself throughout life in response to experiences is slow. Exponential growth starts slow and then explodes. This can be misleading because it catches people off guard.

For example, early AI chatbots were weak, so many dismissed AI as a niche technology. But in just a few years, AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and autonomous agents will have transformed industries.

Use of AI tools in Universities and Courts will be commonplace, encouraged and integrated into curriculum and substantive law and procedure. Just like how mobile phones changed how we interact with technology, AI is changing what technology can do for us humans. This concept warns us to pay attention early to exponential trends—whether in AI, biotech, healthcare or climate change—because by the time they become obvious, they might be unstoppable.

So fast will be the pace of change.

Get ready my friends.