From AI to Bitcoin: The Tech and Political Megatrends of 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Bitcoin are reshaping the global landscape in 2025, driving significant changes in technology, economics, and politics. As the year comes to a close, these two megatrends have dominated headlines, with AI adoption surging and Bitcoin reaching new heights.

AI Adoption Reaches New Heights

AI is rapidly transforming the workplace and reimagining economies. A recent survey by the Reuters Institute across six countries shows that the use of generative AI systems like ChatGPT has jumped from 40% to 61% this year. Governments are scrambling to regulate the fast-growing technology, while concerns about job losses and a potential dotcom-style bust loom large.

Major players such as Nvidia, Google, Meta, and OpenAI have made monumental deals, and UBS projects that global annual AI spending will swell to $375 billion by the end of the year, potentially topping $3 trillion annually by 2030. This includes spending on AI infrastructure and resources for electricity demand.

Bitcoin Surges and Stabilizes

Bitcoin has seen unprecedented growth in 2025, driven by institutional inflows and the maturation of crypto ETFs in the US. President Donald Trump, positioning himself as the “crypto president,” overturned the US Securities and Exchange Commission's crackdown on crypto companies, rewarding those who supported his 2024 election campaign.

On October 6, Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $126,080, marking a defining moment for the digital asset. However, it finished the year at $88,400, reminding investors of the volatility inherent in the cryptocurrency market.

Political Turmoil and Controversy

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 sent shockwaves through US politics and globally. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was a central and controversial figure in campus culture wars, known for his provocative speeches and close alignment with the MAGA movement. His death intensified debates around political violence and extremism in the US.

US President Donald Trump, in his second term, has signed 225 executive orders, surpassing the number from his first term. He began his term by pardoning those involved in the 2021 Capitol Hill riots and announced sweeping global tariffs, often targeting China. His administration also tightened immigration enforcement and rolled back environmental and diversity policies.

Industry Context and Implications

The rapid adoption of AI and the surge in Bitcoin reflect broader shifts in the technosocial landscape. These changes are not only reshaping industries but also raising important questions about regulation, ethics, and the future of work. As we look ahead to 2026, the implications of these trends will continue to unfold, influencing both the public and private sectors.

References

• An A-Z list of 2025’s biggest stories | Interactive News | Al Jazeera