WTF?: What’s the Future and Why It’s Up to Us

WTF?: What’s the Future and Why It’s Up to Us is a thought-provoking book that examines the future of technology, economics and society. The book, which was written by WTF (World Technological Futurist) John Hagel and former Ernst & Young executive John Seely Brown, focuses on how technological change has changed our everyday lives, from how we shop and how we communicate, to how our relationships with products and services have evolved.

The authors explore the implications of these changes for society, the economy and industry, and the specific challenges posed to the private and public sectors. They look at the role of automation and the emergence of intelligent computers and algorithms as well as how ideas of network and edge computing are shaping the future. They discuss how the new business landscape is shifting with the rise of the individual worker and the "smart" enterprise and how distributed workforces, rapid prototyping and collaborative networks are forming new collaborations. The book also looks at the inevitable shifts in the traditional roles of managers and employees, as well as the challenges that accompany these shifts.

The authors then turn to social and psychological implications of these changes, focusing on the ways that technology has changed our sense of identity, the ways that humans are interacting with data and the effects of fragmentation and risk on decision-making. They consider the challenges facing organizations, including the need to develop resilience and agility, and discuss ideas such as “automation anxiety” and the potential for digital manipulation of people. They also consider the ethical implications and implications for privacy, security and trust.

In the final chapters, the authors look ahead to the future of work and suggest the ways in which the rapid transformation of technology is creating both challenges and opportunities for individuals and organizations. They examine the challenges of developing an inclusive workforce and suggest actions to address them. Finally, they consider the needs of both workers and businesses in order to ensure a prosperous and equitable future, and suggest that the ultimate responsibility for shaping this future lies with all of us.

Overall, WTF?: What’s the Future and Why It’s Up to Us is an insightful and inspiring book that follows the journey of technological change and its implications for our future. The authors provide an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the future of technology, economics and society and leave readers with the clear message that it is up to all of us to shape the future of our world.