koanvai / essays.log

essays.log

Critical essays on technology, culture, and the analog life surviving inside a digital world.

99 entries · rss

2026

> Let the sanity prevail23 OctThe noise from the social media era has graduated to a full-blown hysteria now with AI, maybe the return of slow living is the answer.> The Voices That Spoke to Me2 SeptI have a morning coffee spot. Every day, I wake up and make myself a cup of coffee. No matter where I am, where I go, the ritual remains the same. The coffee might be different, but at that approximate time, I enjoy…> Millenial Identity Crisis is familiar yet entirely unprecedented10 AugIf you have ever worked in a results-driven consulting firm that serves clients across varied domains, you must have noticed the attitude of “just getting things done”. There is nothing wrong with that now, is there?…> AI Is Not Neutral Who Is It Built For5 MayArtificial Intelligence is often described as a tool that democratizes expertise into the hands of everyday folks. A neutral entity that is designed to align and uplift the knowledge base for the general population.…> The AI revolution has legs but the vision still needs a human mind21 MarA mind that holds all the context and the memories > A letter from a man belonging to a generation of crisis15 Janhoping to make it through the noise Photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash

2025

> I have moved between Wordpress, Substack, now Ghost but still have my personal website that hosts…23 NovI have moved between Wordpress, Substack, now Ghost but still have my personal website that hosts and points to these content sites.> The World I want to live is not in between Past and the Future17 NovThe World I want to live is not in between Past and the Future but its too late to go back and too soon to look ahead.> How I am relearning to Believe in Myself Again?24 OctA brief look at the year and highlights of my life leading me to this moment. Photo by Ran Berkovich on Unsplash > Why AI Might Be This Generation’s Kryptonite — and What It Really Means for Your Skills13 AugHold Off on the AI Craze — For the Sake of Your Sanity and Skills > AI is this generation's Kryptonite12 AugDon't let the GPT-4, 5, or the mini models overtake your life. There is a sane middle ground with newer technology, as it has been the case for decades gone by.> The Dead Internet Theory may not be a Theory anymore16 MayAnd we need a way to revive it Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash > The Perfect Future was in the Past12 MayThe world is a mess and it seems there is no way to fix it. Did we leave our perfect world behind?> The World We Live Is Devoid Of Nuances12 MayWhen did we lose our ability to understand and balance our opinions in nuances?> AI & Its Impact on the World of Consulting5 MayThe role of Etherion Consulting in the world of AI Photo by Lil Mayer on Unsplash > Tariffs, Inflation & AI - Why the World Feels More Chaotic Than Ever12 MarThe leadership in the world has degraded drastically and so we have a choatic world where only common man suffers.> AI & Humans - How do we co-exist?10 MarThe world has become Technology first but is there a way for us to keep it Humans or Humanity first where Technology plays a supplementary role?

2024

> Finding Life’s Purpose: A Burnt-Out Tech Consultant’s Journey to Creativity19 July3 Ways to Uncover Life’s Purpose Through Creative Expression The Spirit of Mumbai by Vaibhav Kalekar > I have had scrivener for some time and never bothered to look at it apart from occasional long form…19 JulyI have had scrivener for some time and never bothered to look at it apart from occasional long form writing.> What is a Product Strategy & How to keep it aligned with Engineering Teams?9 JulyPutting the customer’s needs upfront Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash > I find the people are friendly within the “normal” defined here.3 JulyI find the people are friendly within the “normal” defined here. I blame the governing bodies for creating an environment that is not conducive to diversity > There is more than one player in the AI field. Here’s a look at Claude!29 JuneThere are multiple players in the AI field. Anthropic is competing well with Open AI. Here is how Claude compares to Chatgpt. Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash > For sure , we have turned to a templatised way of communicating26 JuneFor sure , we have turned to a templatised way of communicating > What is Breaking Encryption and why are Europe and Australia debating on it?25 JuneOne From the Archives of Today in Technology World Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash > The Dilemma About Working a Job Or Building a Portfolio21 JuneSo I am an Asset and not a Liability Photo by Shridhar Gupta on Unsplash > The Adobe Fiasco and building affinity toward the competitors20 JuneMy thoughts on the whole Adobe fiasco and which side of the fence I truly sit on. My Affinity to the alternatives Photo by Frankie Cordoba on Unsplash > 3 Ways to Use AI for Product Managers With and In Product Lifecycle19 JuneTo upskill and enhance with the digital product Photo by Google DeepMind on Unsplash > 3 Reasons to believe a change is inevitable in the Tech Industry10 JuneAs the winds of change gather pace Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash > I think we have forgotten that at the end of it all it’s not just about facts but the information…9 JuneI think we have forgotten that at the end of it all it’s not just about facts but the information and the writers perceived context behind it that makes it an interesting read.> Most of the time I say I am yet to write it but I liked the ramblings I wrote early on- if you like…9 JuneMost of the time I say I am yet to write it but I liked the ramblings I wrote early on- if you like please subscribe and I would go back to writing such ramblings - https://www.vaibhavkalekar.com/strange-religion/> The Intrusion of AI & Loss of Individualism by Design6 JuneAs Machines are making a living while we struggle for a job Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash > 5 simple ways to get started in Product Management31 MayTo cut through the noise and focus on what you know and what to build Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash > 3 Ways The Urban Photography Tour Helps Me To Untangle My Feelings1 AprThe Art of Escapism is not in getting lost but in finding yourself Photo Captured by Vaibhav Kalekar > Apple Vision Pro: Who is effectively using it in the real world?30 MarVirtual Reality with real world applications Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

2023

> Memories are strange companions14 SeptTowards a place ascertain to be lost yet condemns to be found Photo by Vaibhav Kalekar

2022

> Here’s One Way To End The Conflict Between Writing What I Know And What I Want3 NovThe way I write reflects the way I am but then I am evolving.> 3 Problems In A Quality Assurance Playlist In The Spotify Model Of Scaled Agile2 NovThe Spotify model of scaled agile methodology has a cult following in the corporate world.> 1 Reason I Would Give To Convince Myself To Write Everyday12 OctWriting consistently isn’t tough. It is painstaking to revolt against your own nature.> 2 Things That Help Me Get Writing Done On Days I Struggle With Ideas8 OctThere are days when the blank page is unforgiving.> 3 Ways The Art Of Viewing Football Games Has Changed With Social Media7 OctNowadays, there is a lot to stream irrespective of the interest.> The Quest To Find The Fine Art Of Balance5 Octwhile I surf from one platform to another Photo by Gabriel Menchaca on Unsplash > 3 Important Lessons To Learn From Mistakes Of The Owners Of A Dire Manchester United4 OctI love football and Manchester United Football Club.> The Choices Of An Expat And The Joy Of It’s Legwork1 OctPhoto by Asimina Mitrothanasi on Unsplash > Decentralization Of Our Data And The Emergence Of Data Product30 SeptFor the last couple of decades, we revelled in the emergence of the World Wide Web and a connected world.> What Is It Like Being An Analog In A Digital World?29 SeptLife as we know is all about exploring new feelings wrapped in diverse experiences.> 1 Learning We All Could Take From The Pandemic Lockdowns Is The Art Of Slow Living28 SeptThe secret sauce of productivity is to slow everything down to a snail’s pace. Photo by Chapman Chow on Unsplash > Why As A Consumer My Subscription Costs Are Getting Out Of Control?13 SeptThe subscription model is the cost we pay to be part of the future.> Day 30: 3 Things I Learned Writing Online Every Day For 30 Days In A Row11 Sept30 days ago, I signed up for Dickie Bush & Nicolas Cole’s cohort-based course, Ship 30 for 30.> 2 Habits That The Habit Of Writing Daily Introduced To My Routine10 SeptWriting daily might not take a lot of soul-searching but it does require discipline.> 3 Effects Technology Has Had On Football (Soccer) And Its Fans9 SeptA Football Club is more than a set of players and staff. Arguably, its most important aspect is its supporters.> A Question I’ve Been Asking Myself Lately And 3 Things I Am Doing For Introspection8 SeptI spend a lot of my time thinking about the autonomous mode our life takes.> The Role Of Sports In Our Early Development And The Source Of Clarity In Later Stages7 SeptAny sport pushes the physical and mental boundaries of a person.> What Is Attention Economy And The Effect It Is Having On Our Present And Future?6 SeptThe price we pay for our leisures has changed significantly over the years.> My Learnings From Doing Absolutely Nothing For Few Hours5 SeptWhen I was a kid, I was bored a lot, I mean a lot. I imagine it is the same for almost everybody.> If You Are Just Starting In QA And Pondering Over Automation Tool, Here’s How 3 Popular Ones Work…4 SeptIf You Are Just Starting In QA And Pondering Over Automation Tool, Here’s How 3 Popular Ones Work Under The Hood > The SAD Is Prominent And Here Are 3 Ways To Tackle It Head On3 SeptSeasonal Affective Disorder is more common than I initially thought it would be.> If You’re Interested In Blockchain Testing, Checkout These 2 Testing Suites To Get Started2 SeptBlockchain is a complicated technology.> The World Of Freelancing And Why It Is Increasingly Grabbing My Attention1 SeptThe great resignation of the post-pandemic era might not yet be over.> My 3 Favorite Podcasts For Listening To Journeys About Traditional Writers30 AugThe journey of a traditional writer is a tough one.> The 2 Services I Am Using For A Algorithm Free Experience Of Social Media29 AugThe internet is a sea of knowledge.> 4 Reasons Why I Think We Should Invert The Test Automation Pyramid For Continuous QA28 AugPrimarily, it seems outdated and developer-centric.> New To True Crime Podcasts? Start With These 2 Recommendations27 AugThere are a lot of podcasts on the subject of True Crime.> Here are 4 Elements That Constitute The Premise Of Haruki Murakami’s Novels26 AugI am a big fan of Haruki Murakami’s novels.> Day 13: Anyone Interested In Creativity Should Read This Book25 AugCreativity is a form of expression.> Day 11: The Single Most Important Lesson I’ve Learned After Remote Working Across Continents23 AugThe pandemic hit us hard. The year 2020 was a constant battle with our mental health. A deadly virus is out there to get you, while in the comfort of our homes, our mind starts to play tricks on us.> Day 10: 1 Big Mistake I Made When I Was First Getting Started In Software Engineering22 AugLike most beginners, I made a lot of mistakes when I first started working in the field of Software Engineering.> Day 9: 1 Problem Which Web3 Is Trying To Solve That Has Come Back To Haunt It21 AugDo we know the premise on which web3 is built?> Day 8: 3 Habits All Successful People Have In Common That We Can Adopt To Succeed20 AugWhen we look at successful individuals, there are basic qualities that shine through irrespective of their area of expertise.> Day 7: 3 Traits that Influenced Me To Follow Football (Soccer) As A Kid In India19 AugAs a kid growing up in India, I watched and played cricket religiously. Among the billion people that reside in India, everyone is connected and aware of the happenings around this sport. Hence, any individual who…> Digital Privacy: Myth or Lost Art18 AugWhen I was growing up, sharing ideas, life events, and having discussions meant an exercise to bond with friends. It made the bond of like-minded individuals stronger, it meant creating friendships that lasted lifelong.> Traveler or a Tourist: 5 things I learned from Parts Unknown17 AugThere are lots of travel shows. There are lots of books about traveling to interesting and exotic destinations.> What is your strategy as a consumer to be on social media?16 AugI spend a lot of my time on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and sporadically on Medium. I am guessing we all do.> Being Intentional, Rediscovering the Why15 AugMindfulness for experienced professionals struggling with their purpose.> Day 1: Why I’m Starting To Write Online13 AugI recently signed up for Dickie Bush & Nicolas Cole’s cohort-based course, Ship 30 for 30 to learn about digital writing and to share my thoughts and learnings on Technology, being Intentional, and being creative in…

2021

> There is magic for those who believe24 AugPerception is just a state of mind Photo by Artem Maltsev on Unsplash > I am not a parent but I connect with this one.24 JuneI am not a parent but I connect with this one. Building a passion on the side involves giving up other hobbies and sometimes you just need to hear it from someone else even if you know it.> I am at that phase where I am weighing my options between the logical “next step” in career vs…9 JuneI am at that phase where I am weighing my options between the logical “next step” in career vs following something I truly enjoy and love to do even if it brings lot of uncertainty. Your post touches on some finer…> I stumbled on some Strange Religion9 June“Skills can be taught. Character you either have or you don’t have.” Photo by Haus of Zeros on Unsplash > I am Craving Anonymity16 MayTo hide in plain sight Photo by Chris Yang on Unsplash > Appreciate you for tagging me.27 AprAppreciate you for tagging me. Please can you add me as a writer to the Passive Asset Publication? Thank you!> I am : a Serial Messenger24 AprLooking beyond the self — indulgence Photo by Ana Moreno on Unsplash > I am : Dabbling in Hypocrisy20 AprReflections of a mind retracing its steps Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash

2020

> Writing into Happiness11 DecThe gentle breeze of happiness drifts in from open skies Photo by Barthelemy de Mazenod on Unsplash > Writing through Skepticism6 DecTearing through the skeptic cloud Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash > Writing through the Anger3 DecMachines evaluating threshold for stupidity, lack thereof. Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash > Writing against the Fear30 NovA desire to overcome the fear Photo by Marina Kazmirova on Unsplash > Writing for the Soul25 NovLet the words guide you Photo by Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash > Refutation18 SeptIt is worse to do than to suffer wrong Photo by Rohan Makhecha on Unsplash > Whirlpool of Thoughts27 AugAll that I am feeling, I have felt it all before Photo by Yash Bhardwaj on Unsplash Look at the rain long enough, with no thoughts in your head, and you gradually feel your body falling loose, shaking free of the…> Dystopia is Here9 JulyThe past is the present is the future > Lost in this illuminated city19 JuneLost in this illuminated city > Reading Big In a Tiny Book1 JuneRid your fingers off the scrolling habit > Digital Minimalism29 MayHere we are in the middle of a traumatic year for the planet. As I have aged, gracefully I might add, the years go by quickly, every new year feels like one long hangover from last year end’s party. The beginning of…> Rearview Cityscape6 MayRear-view Cityscape > Wandering Thoughts4 MayWandering Thoughts > I am becoming increasingly skeptical about AI and its uses in every aspect of our life.1 JanMy question to myself keeps hovering around the Why of it all and to be specific Why is AI creating the art for us instead of taking care of our ToDos and notes?

2019

> Why do I wander?31 OctPhoto by Makayla Ostapa on Unsplash > Touched by the Red Devil19 OctPhoto by Randalyn Hill on Unsplash > On the Flip side27 SeptI have dabbled previously into this whole universe of sharing my thoughts out loud on a glaring screen, typing at varying speeds with thoughts flowing at rate of knots. Ever since I signed up to a digital platform as…