Welcome to the nuanced landscape of contemporary life; a space where we can excitedly anticipate the next Apple iphone release whilst seeing vinyl records sales continuing to rise.
So, are ‘newness’ and nostalgia friend or foe? Is AI really everything Arnie warned us about? Or are they just two sides of the same (bit)coin; coexisting and shaping our world in unexpected ways? We asked the experts and enthusiasts to uncover more…
Go Gadget, GO!
Plug into the cutting-edge world of smart technology, and you’ll quickly see how deeply it’s woven into our daily lives—often without us even noticing. Many smart technologies use AI (artificial intelligence) to enhance functionality. From social media scrolling to a smart thermostat at home, AI learns your preferences and adapts to predict your needs. Take smart phones, for example: once mere communication tools, they’ve evolved into cameras, personal assistants, fitness trainers, and digital wallets – and a lot more convenient than lugging around a set of Britannica encyclopaedia!
Spent summer glued to the Olympics? Tech helped to make it all possible, from laser-precise timing to advanced data analytics ensuring fair play. Smart tech and AI have revolutionised and are transforming how we work, rest, and play in ways once unimaginable.
Embracing this high-tech future are North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) in Ewell, Surrey and now home to the newly opened Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology (IoT).
First of its kind, it specialises in digital technologies with courses and apprenticeships including software development, robotics, cyber security and AI. Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO at Nescot says, “The IoT here offers great opportunities for both students and employers. It’s exciting and engaging to work with state-of-the-art equipment and working with our employer partners, we’ve identified industries and jobs that require a pipeline of new, purpose-trained staff, to future proof businesses.”
Peter Goodenough, Computing tutor at Nescot, says, “Computers are in every walk of life and every industry. With the Institute of Technology we can offer progress, enhance future skills and aid long term sustainability.”
Smash Hits!
Yet, amid all the innovation and progress, we find ourselves increasingly drawn to the past, embracing nostalgia in surprising ways. Take the ongoing surge in vinyl record sales. Offering a tactile experience that digital music can’t replicate, Banquet Records – ‘a real record shop, run by real people’ – in Kingston Upon Thames, perfectly illustrates this.
Andy Reid, founder of the Surrey youth charity BuddyUp, is a dedicated fan of the independent store. He says, “There’s something magical about the crackle of a record and the feel of large album artwork. It’s a sensory experience that people are rediscovering and treasuring. Add to that the intimate in-store gigs hosted by Banquet— where queues often stretch around the block—and you see why their appeal resonates from Gen X to Generation Alpha. It’s a vibe that transcends age.”
“The ‘80s brought us iconic styles that resonate with today’s youth, eager to express individuality.”
Nostalgia has firmly woven itself into the fabric of the fashion industry. Mia Brodie, owner of @spin_preloved says, “Nostalgia plays a huge role in revivals and trends. Some eras are legendary, thanks to icons like Stevie Nicks in the ’70s. The recent series Daisy Jones & The Six sparked a resurgence in ‘Stevie’ style and a return to boho aesthetics.”
With a focus on slow fashion and quality preloved items, Mia adds, “Cyclical fashion has always been part of our culture. It brings depth and nuance to our personal style—whether as a form of cultural expression or a shift in trends. The ’80s, for instance, gave us iconic styles that resonate with today’s youth, eager to express individuality in a world dominated by fast fashion. From Madonna’s lace accessories to Boy George and Annie Lennox’s iconic androgynous looks, these influences are still alive on runways and in street style today”
And let’s not overlook the recent revival of ’80s films. Following the success of their 1980s Movie Mix season – featuring classics like The Terminator (40th Anniversary) and Beverly Hills Cop – Picturehouse Epsom notes, “There’s always a strong appetite for revisiting old favourites or catching films you missed the first time around. We’re finding that audiences are eager to share the movies that shaped their own lives with their children, creating a unique, multigenerational cinema experience. Compared to new releases, audiences at revival screenings are more engaged and passionate, often participating in themed events or discussions. Cult classics and iconic horror films, in particular, enjoy repeated showings, drawing in their most die-hard fans”
“With modern technology, I can reach audiences all over the world at any time”
Weird Science
It seems that the key to nostalgia and newness coexisting lies in the essence of human experience. While nostalgia provides comfort and a reassuring sense of continuity, technology propels efficiency and connectivity. Streaming services have made accessing classic films and music easier than ever, preserving cultural stories and keeping them in the conversation. But arguably, the biggest driver of connectivity is social media, where fan communities play a crucial role in generating buzz around revivals. This blend of technological innovation and sentimental value illustrates how the past and present can merge to create powerful, trend-driving experiences.
Xaxi Guillaume, a local Beauty Content Creator best known for his appearance on BBC Three’s Glow Up: Britain’s Next Makeup Star, has amassed 18.7K followers on Instagram (@xaviguillaume) and 29.9K on TikTok. He shares, “With modern technology, I can reach audiences all over the world at any time. It’s allowed me to collaborate with brands on a sponsored level, as my content can instantly reach a global audience. But constant connectivity has its downsides—I find myself comparing followers, likes, and engagement to my peers, even though I know I shouldn’t. And with the world watching, I always post stories and updates after I’ve left a specific place for safety”
Julie Kapsalis from Nescot emphasizes this need for balance, saying, “While there are many positives, we must always have a Plan B. Safety and ethical concerns around data usage and the need for effective regulation to guard against threats like cybercrime are crucial. As we embrace AI and AR in our everyday technology, we must not lose sight of our critical thinking and core values.”
And she’s not wrong. Humans are complex, craving both progress and stability. While we eagerly embrace technological advancements, we also yearn for the familiar and nostalgia provides a grounding force, helping us navigate the ‘Tomorrow’s World’ that we are already living in.
Words by Fatima Truscott
Illustration by Andrea Manzati