Hard Fork’s 50 Most Iconic Technologies of 2025
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this special year-end episode, tech podcasters Kevin Roose and Casey Newton of Hard Fork present their "50 Most Iconic Technologies of 2025" - a countdown of the technologies that best defined the year, for better or worse. (02:00) Building on last year's surprise hit episode covering 100 technologies throughout history, this year's list focuses specifically on technologies that had a significant impact in 2025. The hosts emphasize that inclusion on the list doesn't necessarily mean they view the technology as universally good for society, but rather that you can't tell the story of 2025 without these innovations.
- Main themes: The episode covers everything from AI breakthroughs and hardware failures to political technologies and everyday tools, showcasing how technology permeated every aspect of life in 2025, from the rise of data centers fueling AI development to the unexpected comeback of paper straws and Blue Books as responses to AI-enabled cheating.
Speakers
Kevin Roose
Kevin Roose is a technology columnist at The New York Times who covers the intersection of technology, business, and society. He has become particularly known for his coverage of artificial intelligence and his viral interaction with Microsoft's Bing chatbot Sydney, which led to widespread discussions about AI safety and alignment.
Casey Newton
Casey Newton is the founder of Platformer, a newsletter focused on the intersection of Silicon Valley and democracy. He previously worked as a senior editor at The Verge covering social media and content moderation before launching his independent publication on Substack in 2020.
Key Takeaways
Technology's Dual Nature Requires Critical Assessment
The hosts emphasize that being "iconic" doesn't mean being universally beneficial for society. (03:00) Throughout the countdown, they consistently note that many technologies on their list - from AI chatbots to prediction markets - have significant negative implications even as they shape our world. This approach demonstrates the importance of evaluating technology's impact holistically rather than simply celebrating innovation for its own sake. The key takeaway is that professionals need to develop a more nuanced understanding of how technological progress affects society, recognizing that widespread adoption doesn't equal positive outcomes.
AI Infrastructure Is Reshaping the Global Economy
Data centers emerged as their #1 most iconic technology, representing what they call "maybe the largest infrastructure project in history." (70:00) The massive investment in AI infrastructure is not only transforming the tech industry but propping up the entire global economy through equipment purchases from overseas manufacturers. This infrastructure buildout is becoming a political flashpoint as communities grapple with environmental concerns and rising electricity costs. For professionals, this signals that AI's impact extends far beyond software applications to fundamental economic and political structures.
The Return to Analog Solutions in Response to Digital Problems
A fascinating trend emerged where institutions returned to older technologies to combat modern problems. Blue Books made a comeback as schools moved away from digital testing to prevent AI-assisted cheating, with sales up 80% at UC Berkeley alone. (45:15) Similarly, paper returned to prominence after being overlooked in previous technology assessments. This trend shows that progress isn't always linear, and sometimes the solution to new technological challenges lies in revisiting proven analog methods.
Consumer AI Has Reached Mainstream Adoption
ChatGPT reached 800 million weekly users in 2025, demonstrating that AI tools have moved from experimental novelties to essential utilities for many people. (63:01) The hosts note both positive applications and concerning uses, including people developing unhealthy dependencies on AI companions and using AI for academic shortcuts. This mass adoption means professionals must understand both the capabilities and risks of AI tools, as they become increasingly integrated into workplace and personal workflows.
Technology and Politics Have Become Inseparably Intertwined
The emergence of TrumpCoin as the #2 most iconic technology illustrates how digital technologies are reshaping political power and influence. (68:01) The Trump family generated over $800 million from crypto ventures in 2025, creating unprecedented new channels for political influence that are difficult to regulate or trace. This represents a fundamental shift where understanding technology is no longer optional for anyone involved in or observing political processes.
Statistics & Facts
- ChatGPT reached 800 million weekly users in 2025, making it one of the largest apps in the world despite being less than three years old. (63:01) This statistic demonstrates the unprecedented speed at which AI tools have achieved mainstream adoption.
- The Trump Organization generated approximately $802 million from crypto ventures in 2025, including $336 million from TrumpCoin sales and fees. (67:57) This figure shows how cryptocurrency has become a dominant revenue source for the Trump family, exceeding their traditional business ventures.
- Blue Book sales increased 80% at the UC Berkeley student store over two academic years as schools moved away from digital testing to prevent AI-assisted cheating. (45:34) This statistic illustrates how educational institutions are adapting to AI by returning to analog assessment methods.
