Agent or Agency?
1. Having an agent
2. Having agency
Remember, words matter.
AIs know millions of word fragments across multiple languages – far more than our minds can ever remember. But we have the unique ability to reflect more deeply on individual words. Connecting with aspirations ahead, experiences remembered and actions taken. In other words, thinking and acting strategically.
With this in mind, the trending word for the year ahead isn’t quite agent.
Close. But not quite.
Look back at last year’s trending words like ‘uncertainty’ and ‘adaptive’ and you might sense that something is missing. They resonated with the moment, without directing us forward. Because something vital is now needed:
Agency.
In this next phase of the AI era, one major trend shaping the year ahead is the evolution of agentic platforms. Powering automated assistants that can not only make intelligent decisions but also act on our behalf. Like writing and publishing this post… without me? (Not in this instance, where the purpose of writing is to clarify thinking rather than generate words).
Yet at the same time, global forces are underscoring the strategic importance of retaining agency. Being able to make independent decisions and control your own destiny. Knowing that some societal choices are so critical to our future, they shouldn’t be handed over to others.
So how will this tension between automation and autonomy shape your year? You could ask an agent for a quick answer. Or you could strategically slow down and explore the future.
You decide.
With agency.