It’s midnight, and I’m settling into my Airbnb, my home away from home here in Austin, Texas. The long drive from Davenport, Florida has left me tired, but I’m buzzing with anticipation, determined to document my experiences as they happen, rather than relying on memory alone at the end of the trip.

Exactly one year ago, my life underwent an unexpected shift. The mass layoffs in the tech industry caught up to me, abruptly ending my journey at a job I had loved. It was also around this time last year when I launched History All Around Us, an augmented reality history exhibit that had been a passion project. The irony was poignant: just as AI technology was fueling new creative expressions, it was simultaneously transforming my professional identity, replacing much of the work I once did as a writer.

Reflecting on the last year evokes mixed feelings. I’ve navigated waves of rage, sadness, frustration, hopelessness, and disbelief. I’ve grappled deeply with questions about our collective future as humans and creators in an increasingly automated world. And yet, I’m still here, still showing up, poised somewhere between feeling like a has-been and a woman on the cusp of her next significant breakthrough.

But back to today—my first day at SXSW 2025. My initial panel, titled “Creator’s Economy,” couldn’t have been more fitting. As I waited for the session to begin, I jotted down thoughts streaming through my mind, and one stood out: my viewing habits have dramatically shifted. I now consume more content from YouTube than from any major network or streaming service. Independent creators, real and authentic voices, now resonate more deeply with me than polished, corporate-produced shows.

To my surprise, this realization wasn’t just personal—it was backed by data shared at the panel. YouTube has surpassed traditional TV and even streaming platforms in terms of watch time. Creators have revived the spirit of appointment television, which had largely vanished with the advent of streaming. Audiences like me now eagerly await consistent postings from our favorite creators, incorporating their content into our daily and weekly routines, rebuilding a sense of anticipation and community around media.

Today’s insights felt validating. They connected my personal experience with broader trends, providing clarity and hope amidst the uncertainty. Although exhaustion from travel is setting in, my mind feels invigorated by these new ideas and possibilities.

Tomorrow promises another early start, filled with opportunities for discovery and connection. Until then, goodnight from Austin.

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Kendra Dobson

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