The Great Flattening

General Discussion
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The “flattening effect of technology” refers to how technological advancements, particularly the internet and digital devices, have leveled the playing field across various industries and aspects of life. This concept is central to the article “The Great Flattening” by Ben Thompson. Here are the key points about this effect:

  1. Elimination of friction: Technology has removed many barriers and intermediaries, making processes and interactions more direct and efficient[1].

  2. Commoditization of content: The internet has made content widely available, challenging traditional gatekeepers and creating opportunities for niche creators[1].

  3. Democratization of tools: Devices like the iPad have made specialized tools accessible to a broader audience, allowing more people to create and participate in various fields[1].

  4. Disruption of traditional business models: Internet-based companies have prioritized user experience and commoditized suppliers, changing how industries operate[1].

  5. Equalization of content: Platforms like Facebook have put user-generated content on the same level as professional content, changing how information is shared and consumed[1].

  6. Global connectivity: Technology has connected the world, allowing for contributions from individuals and businesses regardless of location[3].

  7. Competitive leveling: Smaller organizations can now access and utilize the same technologies as larger competitors, potentially reducing size-based advantages[3].

  8. Creation of new opportunities: While some traditional roles have been disrupted, technology has also opened up new markets and possibilities for creators and businesses[1].

  9. Structural and amoral impact: The flattening effect is described as structural and amoral, meaning it brings both positive and negative consequences depending on how it’s utilized[1].

  10. Ongoing process: The flattening effect is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that continues to reshape industries and societies[3][5].

This flattening effect has profound implications for businesses, individuals, and society as a whole, creating both challenges and opportunities as traditional hierarchies and barriers are dismantled by technological progress.

Citations:
[1] The Great Flattening – Stratechery by Ben Thompson
[2] What is the meaning and effect of Design Flattening? | Forum for Electronics
[3] Technology is Flattening the Credit Union World
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359836822004735
[5] Response: The Seattle Pacific University Magazine

edit: generated via LLM

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I miss @Shalmaneser :wink:

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Perplexity ai LLM

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So do I. Anyone prepared to attempt resurrection?

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