When I started my PhD study around 1996 I felt that I have some basic intuition about the different fields of computer science. Nobody understands everything, but at least I felt that if I want I can dive into any particular subject when the need arises.
Now, I am overwhelmed by what is happening inside graphics and HCI, my main focus, not to mention other fields, in particular ML and vision.
With this (hyper?) exponential rate of knowledge growth, I cannot even imagine what would happen in 2050. (I have nightmares about this several times already.)
I doubt any individual human brain can handle these without some biological or computational assistance.
Below is ChatGPT’s response to the above:
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of knowledge growth in the field of computer science. It can be difficult to keep up with all the developments and advances, especially in specific areas like graphics, HCI, ML, and vision.
One way to deal with this is to focus on staying up-to-date in your own area of expertise, while also being aware of developments in other related fields. It may not be possible or necessary to be an expert in everything, but having a broad understanding of what’s happening in the field can be valuable.
Another approach is to make use of tools and resources that can help you stay informed and keep track of new developments. This might include subscribing to relevant newsletters, following key researchers and organizations on social media, and using search engines and databases to find the latest research and information.
Finally, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to not know everything. No one person can possibly keep up with everything that’s happening in the field, and it’s important to recognize and accept the limits of your own knowledge. Instead of trying to know everything, focus on staying curious and continuing to learn and grow as a professional.