As we approach the end of 2024, the emerging tech landscape is vastly different from what it was in 2019. Decentralized finance, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technologies have transformed our digital world at a rapid pace. However, amidst this progress, I've noticed a curious phenomenon: innovation fatigue.

The world in 2024 is vastly different from the pre-COVID world due to the breathtaking advancements in tech. From DeFi summer to ChatGPT, the pace of innovation has been extraordinary.

The crypto market, once ablaze with enthusiasm, is struggling to maintain momentum. Bitcoin, after reaching $70,000 earlier this year, has retreated to around $55,000. Similarly, NVIDIA, a leader in the AI boom, has seen its stock price decline. While global economic uncertainties and inflation concerns offer partial explanations, they don't capture the entire picture.

I believe the growth stagnation is not solely due to economic global uncertainty caused by high inflation. Inflation is decreasing, and the Fed is expected to cut interest rates. Analysts are bullish on US GDP growth for 2025-2028, expecting a strong rebound.

Perhaps the world is oversaturated with 'game-changing,' 'revolutionary,' and 'next-generation' technology, making people indifferent.

The crypto industry is facing a paradox. Despite technological advancements, public engagement is waning. The constant barrage of "revolutionary" Layer-1 blockchains, "game-changing" Layer-2 solutions, and "next-generation" AI models has created a cacophony of innovation that's difficult to understand.

Personally, I find it challenging to get excited about the 1,000th new DeFi project or layer-2 press release. Even when the tech is impressive, I question its ability to achieve the necessary network effect.

Most of the excitement in 2024 has been focused on spot ETFs in the US, hoping for a price increase similar to gold 20 years ago. However, it may take a long time for Bitcoin to eclipse gold's performance.

Beyond ETFs, Bitcoin remains the most exciting aspect of the broader crypto industry in 2024. DeFi coming to Bitcoin, its use to secure proof-of-stake chains, alternative assets, and growing interest in Bitcoin as a replacement for kinetic warfare are underrated advancements.

The market seems more interested in memecoins on Solana and Base. Perhaps the innovation on Bitcoin isn't sexy enough or lacks the potential for short-term gains. The industry may be stagnating due to a lack of excitement and the focus on pump and dump memecoins.

Moreover, the spectacular failures within the crypto space, such as Terra Luna and FTX, have eroded trust and enthusiasm. These setbacks, coupled with high-profile security breaches, have made many wary of embracing the next big thing in blockchain technology.

This sentiment extends beyond crypto. While generative AI saw a significant increase in Google searches, overall technology equity investments fell by 30-40% last year. This suggests that while interest in cutting-edge tech remains high, there's growing hesitation to commit resources amid the relentless pace of change.

The psychological impact of this innovation overload is profound. Sentiment analysis reveals a growing ambivalence towards technological breakthroughs. The once-exciting promise of each new development is increasingly met with a shrug.

This apathy may stem from the perception that current AI models are already so advanced that further improvements seem incremental. We may be looking to the future and envisioning AGI, making intermediate advancements feel less significant.

The UK government's 2024 survey on public attitudes towards AI offers further insight. While there is recognition of AI's potential benefits, there is also widespread concern about job displacement and the erosion of human skills. This anxiety may contribute to a reluctance to engage fully with emerging technologies.

As we navigate this period of innovation fatigue, it's important to recognize that progress occurs in cycles. Periods of rapid advancement are typically followed by consolidation and reflection. Rather than viewing this as a negative trend, it may represent a necessary pause for society to catch up with technological leaps.

This moment presents an opportunity for the emerging tech industry to refocus on practical applications and tangible benefits rather than chasing the next headline-grabbing breakthrough. It's a time to build trust, address ethical concerns, and demonstrate how these innovations can meaningfully improve lives.

The challenge now is not just to innovate but to innovate responsibly, with a keen eye on societal impact and long-term sustainability. Only by doing so can we reignite the public's imagination and enthusiasm for technology's transformative potential.

The next Bitcoin all-time high may not be reliant on short-term holders, nation-state adoption, banks holding Bitcoin or regulatory change but, in fact, in allowing the world to finally settle into this 'new normal' post-2020. We need to accept this 'new normal' and embrace it to get excited about new things. However, there's also the risk that continued improvements in AI will prevent us from ever standing still and reflecting.