In Episode #461 of Mere Mortals Musings, we delve into the future of media, exploring predictions for the next 1 to 5 years and beyond. We kick off by defining what media encompasses, from traditional forms like TV and newspapers to modern digital platforms and social media. Our discussion is divided into two main parts: the type of content and the structure of media. We explore how technology drives the structure of media, with historical examples leading up to the current peak of podcasting 1.0. Predictions are made for audio, video, and text formats, considering the potential changes in how these mediums are consumed and produced. We discuss the role of RSS in audio, the dominance of YouTube in video, and the potential for text to become more integrated into real-time experiences. The conversation also touches on the generational shifts in media consumption, the increasing density of information, and the potential for virtual reality and augmented reality to transform how we engage with media. We speculate on the future of content creation, the role of AI, and the potential for digital avatars to revolutionise media consumption. We also discuss the potential for live content to grow, the impact of AI-generated content, and the future of advertising in media. The episode concludes with a look at the possible standout trends for the coming decades and the implications of these changes on society. Huge thanks to Cole McCormick & Petar the Slav for supporting the show! Connect with Mere Mortals: Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Value 4 Value Support: Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast