Bill Gates envisions a future dominated by information technology in 1993

In 1993, during an interview with the BBC, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates shared his vision for the future of personal computing and technology in what he termed the 'information age.' He emphasized the role of computers and software as pivotal tools in accessing and managing information and predicted that technology would become increasingly central to daily life. Gates foresaw a time, within 15 to 20 years, when computers would be commonplace in every home, although he acknowledged that the devices of the future would likely differ from what was available at that time. His predictions included the development of online systems that would tailor content according to individual preferences, akin to modern streaming services. Gates likened this technological advancement to the experience one might have at a favorite bookstore if it were limited to only a few books. His forward-thinking ideas highlighted both the potential benefits and privacy concerns associated with technological innovations. The concept of information as a commodity, which was emerging at the time, posed significant implications for how ideas and personal data would be valued and managed in society. Gates' insights were a precursor to the vast changes in communication and media consumption that would become entrenched in the following decades.