The Year of Agency (www.spatialawareness.net)

In a reflective article, the author highlights the transformative experiences of 2025 in AI development and forecasts the significance of 2026 as "The Year of Agency." With the rapid proliferation of AI-generated content leading to widespread AI skepticism and a crisis of authenticity, the author argues that individuals will need to reclaim their personal agency—empowering themselves with the tools and autonomy to navigate an overwhelming digital landscape. The shift from passive consumption to active engagement will be crucial, as users must decide how much control they are willing to surrender to AI technologies. The article breaks down the concept of agency into three categories: Tool Agency, Work Agency, and Attention Agency. Tool Agency emphasizes the importance of leveraging AI tools that enhance human judgment rather than replace it, while Work Agency promotes ownership of outcomes, enabling individuals to harness AI for substantial productivity gains. Attention Agency urges users to manage their engagement consciously, mitigating the risks of technology overload. As AI capabilities expand rapidly, 2026 will challenge individuals to embrace autonomy and redefine their relationship with technology, fostering an era of empowered decision-making and reducing the cognitive toll associated with the flood of AI-generated content.