In an era dominated by rapid technological advancements, a fundamental divide exists between the tech industry and more traditional sectors. This divide centers around the core conflict between batch culture and event loop culture. While the federal government operates akin to a content management system for producing legal documents, the tech industry thrives on loop-style programming, evident in modern technologies like Wordle and Netflix. This disparity raises questions about the compatibility and interaction between these two worlds.
The world can be classified into two categories: batch and loop. Batch-style programming, once prevalent, is now often referred to as "shell scripting" or "running analytics reports." This method aligns with systems that process information in large chunks at scheduled intervals. Books, albums, and Congress exemplify batch culture, where resolution occurs over extended periods. Banks, too, fit this model, known for their end-of-day account reconciliations.
In contrast, loop-style programming is integral to many modern technologies. It responds to events as they occur, a hallmark of today's digital landscape. JavaScript, a programming language centered around its event loop, powers dynamic websites and applications. Similarly, livestreams on TikTok and crypto systems exemplify loop culture with their highly reactive, event-driven nature.
The tech industry is predominantly characterized by loop culture. Here, vast numbers of humans perform trillions of small actions, prompting software to react instantaneously. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional industries and governments that adhere to batch processes. The tech industry's loop culture signifies a group of "loop people in a batch world," as described by some observers.
This dichotomy is not without its challenges. The author's personal experience of witnessing tech executives testify before Congress underscores the disconnect between these two cultures. The testimony process, described as excruciating, highlights the difficulties faced when loop-oriented minds engage with batch-structured institutions.
“No one will ever care about albums again. Streaming ruined it. You’re basically your own tribute act when you make one.” – The author
This sentiment reflects an opinion on the shift in cultural consumption patterns influenced by loop culture. Albums, once a cornerstone of music production and consumption, have seen diminished relevance in the age of streaming services.
Moreover, this cultural shift influences personal perspectives. For instance, the author's musician friend aspires to produce an album—a quintessential batch endeavor—but the author believes that the era of albums has waned due to streaming's dominance.
“God, Dad. That’s so batch.” – The author
This expression encapsulates the generational divide and evolving cultural norms driven by technology's pervasive influence.
The conflict between these cultures extends beyond personal anecdotes to broader societal implications. While tech companies innovate through real-time responsiveness, traditional institutions grapple with adapting to this change. This tension highlights the need for balance and understanding between batch and loop systems.
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