While science fiction has often been prescient in predicting technological advances and societal changes, there are several aspects of modern life that were largely not anticipated or accurately predicted by science fiction written at least ten years earlier:

Social Media and Its Impact: The rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, and their profound impact on communication, social dynamics, and politics, were not widely predicted by science fiction. While earlier works envisioned networked communication, the specific cultural and societal shifts driven by social media were not foreseen.

Smartphone Ubiquity: While science fiction imagined mobile communication devices, the extent to which smartphones would integrate into daily life, functioning as cameras, payment devices, GPS systems, and portable computers, was not fully anticipated.

The Gig Economy: The shift towards a gig economy, characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work rather than permanent jobs, and its significant economic and social implications, were not a common theme in earlier science fiction.

Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain: The emergence of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and the underlying blockchain technology, with its potential to revolutionize finance, privacy, and digital ownership, was not predicted in detail by earlier science fiction.

Climate Change Urgency: While some science fiction touched on environmental issues, the current urgency and complexity of climate change, along with its widespread socio-political and economic implications, were not widely foreseen.

Deepfakes and AI-Generated Media: The advent of deepfakes and sophisticated AI that can generate realistic media content, posing challenges for information verification and privacy, was not a common theme in earlier science fiction.

The Specifics of Internet Culture: The unique aspects of internet culture, such as memes, viral trends, online influencers, and internet-based communities with their own norms and languages, were not specifically predicted.

Rise of E-Commerce Giants: The dominance of e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, and the decline of traditional retail as a consequence, were not extensively foreseen.

Pandemic Response and Technology: The global response to a pandemic like COVID-19, especially the rapid adaptation of technology for remote work, online education, telehealth, and contact tracing, was not a major focus in earlier science fiction.

Quantum Computing: The advancements in quantum computing and its potential implications for computing, security, and cryptography were not extensively covered in science fiction from more than ten years ago.

While science fiction has often been forward-looking, it’s important to remember that it is a reflection of the time in which it is written, influenced by the current understanding of science, technology, and societal trends. Some future developments, particularly those that arise from unforeseen technological breakthroughs or complex societal shifts, may not be easily predictable even by the most visionary authors.