During the Christmas/New Year break, as I considered what topics I might explore in this blog in 2024, I reflected back to remind myself of what I’ve been writing about in 2023.

Given the blog’s broad embrace of being “at the intersection of business, communication, and technology”, it was no surprise to see that I wrote and published thirty-five articles during the past year across that broad spectrum, an average of just under three per month.

It won’t come as much surprise either when I tell you that my trusted assistant, ChatGPT Plus, analysed that sum total and spectrum and, in much less than 60 seconds, produced an assessment of my writing and what I had written about.

In 2023, the assistant said, NevilleHobson.com covered a diverse range of topics, primarily focusing on the impact and evolution of technology in communication, social media, and public relations. Indeed, my experiences in social strategy and podcasting over the past 20 years have informed and shaped my perspectives on the topics I write about.

Here is a summary of the themes and subjects I’ve written about here during the past year:

Social Media and Communication Platforms

• Changes and developments in popular social media platforms, especially Twitter (X), exploring its evolution, challenges, and the rise of alternative platforms like Mastodon, Pebble formerly T2, and Bluesky. (I just realised I didn’t write here about Threads in 2023, but undoubtedly I will in 2024.)

Artificial Intelligence and Technology

• AI’s influence in various domains was a recurrent theme. Topics ranged from AI-generated disinformation, AI in public relations, and AI-generated images to the broader implications of AI in daily life and business.

Digital Innovation and Trends

• Innovations like foldable phones and the evolving role of NFTs in the digital space. Discussions also included the relevance and future of blogrolls for building community in the digital era.

Public Relations and Communication Strategies

• Posts reflected on various aspects of public relations, including the importance of digital PR, the need to move away from outdated metrics like AVE, and strategies for building professional communities.

Global Events and Issues

• Topics like the future of the monarchy in the UK, and the environmental aspect of renewable energy and net-zero goals.

Podcasting and Media

• The role of podcasting in mainstream media and its evolution was another key topic, along with the general state of media and entertainment.

For 2024, the themes I’ve outlined will continue to evolve and remain relevant, and I will write about them mostly here but also on my asides blog, NevilleHobson.fyi (my writing is a bit more random over there), as well as on influential business networks such as LinkedIn. I will talk about these themes in my podcasts, too.

Given the rapid advancements in technology and digital media, you can expect further insights into AI’s impact on communication and public relations, the continuous evolution of social media platforms, and the integration of innovative technologies in mainstream usage.

The global socio-political landscape, especially in relation to technology and media, will also remain a significant area of interest. My focus on these areas brings the blog to the forefront of discussion and analysis at the intersection of technology, communication, and global events.

Diving Deeper

As I draw this reflection to a close, I’m reminded of the very essence of our journey in the digital landscape. This week, as the For Immediate Release podcast I co-host with Shel Holtz celebrates its 19th anniversary, I am struck by the profound evolution we have witnessed in business communication. What began as an exploration into the burgeoning world of podcasting, aligned with our vision to delve into the heart of organisational communication and technology, has now become a cornerstone in the vast edifice of digital engagement.

I am inspired to dive deeper into the themes that have defined our digital age. From the revolutionary strides in artificial intelligence to the ever-changing dynamics of social media, this journey is far from over.

Join me as we explore the evolving landscape of technology and communication. Let’s unravel the complexities of this era and leverage its myriad opportunities. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest insights and discussions.

What topics are you most interested in for 2024?

Related reading/viewing/listening:

• The Musk X effect, and other marketing stories – Asides, 20 December 2023. “Published this week on the Socially Unacceptable podcast is an episode where I joined the hosts, Chris Norton and Will Ockenden, as their guest…”
• Recognition in 2023 Top 10 PR Blogs ranking – 2 November 2023. “For most people, it’s pleasing to receive unsolicited recognition for an achievement or piece of work that demonstrates excellence in one form or another, as perceived by those who give the recognition…”

(Photo at top by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash.)