A futurologist's 2014 predictions, Facebook costs you your privacy & inspiring start-ups in 2013

I always thought this would be my dream job – a futurologist – where you get paid to read, read, read to ensure you can spot forthcoming trends – but maybe not….the pressure! Not so sure I agree with this lady’s talk of a ‘Tech Backlash’ as evidenced by the success of shows such as “The Great British Bake Off” – the Show has over 140,000 followers on Twitter (including moi!) but perhaps many of its viewers are not tech savvy – maybe they just, like me, enjoy the temporary escapism?! http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/opinion/ian-burrell-snake-oil-or-precious-insight-as-the-year-gets-ready-to-turn-what-does-one-of-americas-most-celebrated-trend-spotters-see-ahead-9029659.html

Further to the survey showing that teens are deserting Facebook for Snapchat, WhatsApp and Twitter – here’s an interesting editorial from The Observer yesterday.  “You think Facebook is free?  Well, it will only cost you your private life.” http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/29/observer-editorial-digital-privacy

I always find it very motivating and inspiring to read about successful start-ups – and always hope to find some idea I can ‘borrow’ – anyway, here are some 2013 start-ups that were profiled in yesterday’s Sunday Business Post

http://www.businesspost.ie/#!story/Small+Business/People+In+Business/The+start-up+successes+of+2013/id/cf8f3a51-0e1a-4f00-9d72-604a1f37efae