The tech bro era is fading — so who’s next to shape our culture?As AI redefines the landscape, could the next power elite be those who bridge technology and humanity?Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta | Image source: David Paul Morris, Getty ImagesThroughout history, each era has had its power elite, shaping culture and controlling resources in distinct ways. In just over 150 years, the reins of power have shifted multiple times, each group leaving its mark on society.During the Gilded Age, industrialists like Rockefeller and Carnegie amassed fortunes through railroads, oil, and steel, establishing themselves as the era’s dominant figures.The 1920s saw bankers and financiers at the helm, wielding economic power through speculative trading and market manipulation, culminating in the Great Depression.In the 1950s, the military-industrial complex rose to prominence, with defense contractors and military leaders influencing government policy under the guise of national security.By the 1980s, media moguls like Rupert Murdoch and Ted Turner leveraged mass media to shape public opinion, consolidating control over news and entertainment.The 2000s brought a new class of financial overlords — hedge fund managers and Wall Street titans — who manipulated markets and profited from economic volatility.Today, the tech bros of Silicon Valley hold the reins, using data, algorithms, and now artificial intelligence to exert unprecedented influence over culture, communication, and commerce.But all eras eventually reach a tipping point. The industrial giants were toppled by labor movements and government regulations that dismantled their monopolies. The finance kings faced similar reckoning during market crashes and economic downturns.Now, the tech bros face mounting criticism for their monopolistic tendencies, privacy violations, and the commodification of human interactions.And with AI advancing rapidly, the tech bro era may be closer to ending than we realize. Automated coding, engineering, and product development are eroding the gatekeeping that once defined tech leadership. In a twist of irony, the very creators of AI may be engineering themselves out of a job.So, what’s next? What group will rise to prominence in the post-tech bro era?Every so often, the pendulum swings back in the opposite direction. In the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution, for example, Romanticism emerged as a response to mechanization, emphasizing nature, art, and the emotional complexity of human life.Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer above the Sea of Fog, 1818. Oil on canvas.Works like Caspar David Friedrich’s “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” exemplified this shift, highlighting the sublime power of nature and the depth of individual experience. This countercurrent to industrial logic fostered a renewed appreciation for nature and inspired early conservationist and spiritual movements.And in the wake of the stock market crashes of the 20th century, existentialist and modernist movements emerged, challenging conventional notions of reality and meaning.Photo of Albert Camus | Image source: fineartamerica.comFor example, writer and philosopher Albert Camus, in The Stranger (1942), examines the absurdity of existence through the detached protagonist Meursault, whose indifference to societal norms and moral conventions reflects the existential crisis of a world perceived as devoid of inherent meaning.If AI continues to erode the tech elite’s dominance, we might witness a similar changing of the vanguard. Possibly even a return to the human experience. Artists, philosophers, and storytellers could emerge as the new titans — not the wealthiest or most powerful, but the most influential.It would be a kind of Renaissance 2.0, reminiscent of when creators like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Brunelleschi shaped cultural and political narratives through their artistic works.Brunelleschi’s Dome | Image source: Wikipedia.orgThinkers and creators who can articulate the human condition in compelling ways — like Nietzsche during the industrial era or Sartre post-WWII — could also shape the narrative of the next era.They would not just critique technology but also offer frameworks for integrating it more meaningfully into our lives. Like developing digital experiences that teach people how to find deeper meaning in their lives — or creating platforms that foster genuine reflection and purposeful conversation.In this scenario, the future isn’t about rejecting technology but redefining its purpose. Rather than a tool for profit optimization or data collection, AI could become a means of deepening our connection to the human experience — and maybe even a rekindling of our appreciation for the craft and spirit behind it.Whether it’s artists, philosophers, or cultural critics, the post-tech bro era will likely elevate those who can authentically reinfuse meaning into a hyper-digital world devoid of substance.The real question isn’t just what’s next, but who will illuminate where we’re headed — and how will they redefine what we value.Don’t miss out! Join my email list and receive the latest content.The tech bro era is fading — so who’s next to shape our culture? was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.