Top tips is a weekly column where we highlight what’s trending in the tech world and list ways to explore these trends. This week, we’re breaking down how to stay updated with the fast-moving world of tech—without spiraling into an endless doomscroll.
Technology moves fast—it’s so fast that by the time you’ve finally figured out how one tool works, a shinier, flashier version pops up and makes you feel like you’re living in the digital Stone Age.
Every day, new tools, apps, and gadgets pop up, promising to change the way we live, work, and interact. In fact, experts estimate global IT spending could hit $5.74 trillion in 2025. But with all this happening at once, how do you get in on it without feeling overwhelmed.
Here are five easy but effective ways to stay in sync with the tech scene.
1. Follow the right sources
Tech news is everywhere, but a lot of it feels like noise. Between the over-hyped product launches and recycled headlines, it’s tough to know what’s actually worth your attention.
Stick to a few solid sources that explain things like you’re not a software engineer with 12 screens and three monitors.
Newsletters like The Hustle or Morning Brew are perfect if you want to get smarter over your first cup of chai.
When it comes to social media, make your feed work for you. Follow people who genuinely know what they’re talking about—founders, developers, curious creators, and anyone who brings value instead of noise.
Pro tip: If you see a headline like “This AI Will Steal Your Job Before Lunch!”— just breathe. It probably won’t. Learn to separate the actual innovation from the internet drama.
2. Learn in bite-sized pieces
Gone are the days when staying informed meant sifting through dense research papers or lengthy articles. Today, you can learn valuable information in bite-sized, easy-to-digest pieces.
Listen to short podcasts while making your morning coffee.
Shows like The Daily Tech News Show or The Vergecast break down industry shifts into quick updates.
Watch short explainer videos on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. A 60-second summary can often teach you more than a 10-page article.
Also, don’t underestimate X or LinkedIn. Some of the best insights are dropped in threads that are shorter than your grocery list.
Pro tip: Social media can be a blessing and a curse depending on how you use it. You can either get lost in memes or use it to stay ahead of the curve.
3. Get hands-on
You wouldn’t learn to drive by watching someone else do it, so why would you try to understand technology without using it? The most effective way to really get to know a new app, platform, or device is to use it.
Try free trials of new apps and software. If AI tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney interest you, play around with them first hand.
Tinker with automation and no-code tools. Websites like Zapier or Notion can teach you how to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
Attend virtual hackathons or workshops.
4. Not every trend is worth your time
Tech trends rise and fall quickly. Remember when everyone thought 3D TVs would take over? Google Glass? The Clubhouse app? They all seemed like the future—until they weren’t.
Just because something is hyped doesn’t mean it’s here to stay. Instead of jumping on every bandwagon, ask yourself:
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Does this technology solve a real problem?
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Are industry leaders investing in it?
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Does it align with your interests or career?
5. Stay curious—but avoid burnout
Keeping up with tech shouldn’t feel like a chore you didn’t sign up for. Sure, there’s always some shiny new thing trending—but that doesn’t mean you have to be on top of everything. Just carve out 15–30 minutes a day—maybe while sipping your morning chai or waiting for dinner to cook.
Stay curious, but don’t let it turn into pressure. The point is to stay in the loop, not to burn out trying. Take breaks from screens and social media. Some of the best ideas form when your mind has time to observe and wander.
Prioritize what interests you. If AI fascinates you, focus on that instead of learning about every emerging field at once.
