HackerNoon Polls

HackerNoon Technology Polls

HackerNoon readers are younger, wealthier and more educated than the internet's average.
These polls represent where forward thinking technologists see the industry headed.

What would make you trust AI more in high-stakes uses?

Poll Results

Independent audits and certification
26%
Nothing—I’m not there yet
23%
Open model documentation
21%
Stronger liability for companies
17%
More user control/opt-out
14%
Which company will define the next decade of tech?

We're more than halfway through the decade, but we're looking forward to the next 10 years. Who will become the trendsetter?

222 Voters

Poll Results

OpenAI
25%
NVIDIA
24%
Other (let us know in the comments!)
24%
Microsoft
16%
Apple
11%
Should big tech companies be allowed to trade electricity?

Meta and Microsoft want federal approval to start buying and reselling electricity—arguing it will speed up the construction of new power plants needed for their AI-hungry data centers. Apple already has similar approval. Supporters say tech giants can help build the extra capacity the grid needs. Critics worry it's less about public good and more about securing cheaper, more reliable power for themselves as their energy demands explode.

194 Voters

Poll Results

No — Energy markets shouldn’t be influenced by big tech at all.
37%
No — their energy trading would primarily serve their own interests.
24%
Not sure / Need more information.
21%
Yes — but only under strict rules that guarantee public benefit.
19%
Would you use a smart toilet that analyzes your waste for health insights?

A $599 “smart toilet” from Kohler Health now scans your waste to assess hydration and wellness, sending results to an app for $7/month. With similar products from Toto and Withings on the way, are we entering a new era of personalized health—or just overcomplicating the bathroom?

277 Voters

Poll Results

Hard pass, not everything needs to be smart
37%
Yes, sign me up immediately
29%
Maybe, if my doctor recommends it
19%
No, it’s a privacy nightmare
16%
What's Your Biggest Struggle As a Writer in 2025?

Hey fellow technical writers, what's the hardest part of writing right now? Whether you're writing about code, startups, AI, or something else entirely… what's the thing you keep getting stuck on?

140 Voters

Poll Results

Finding your niche
31%
Staying consistent
28%
Getting noticed
28%
Using AI effectively
13%
What’s more likely to disrupt Hollywood first?

AI has been a major force in seemingly every career field. Now, it seems to have set its eyes somewhere else: Hollywood.

211 Voters

Poll Results

AI-generated scripts
31%
Deepfake actors
30%
Fully AI-produced films
23%
None - Unions will block it
16%
What's the most eye-catching new thing about the iPhone 17 Pro?

iPhone 17 Pro just dropped and it’s wild. The screen hits 3000 nits — you can actually use it outside. Every rear camera is 48MP now, even the zoom one, so 8x optical shots look insane. Front camera? 18MP with AI that follows your face like it’s in love with you. Battery lasts 33 hours of video. No more “low battery” panic at 9 PM. A19 Pro chip stays cool under pressure, and it starts at 256GB. Oh, and it comes in Cosmic Orange — yeah, it’s loud on purpose.

141 Voters

Poll Results

Upgraded 18MP front camera with AI auto-framing
33%
Other (Comment section)
20%
All-aluminum design in new colors like Cosmic Orange
19%
ProRes RAW video & 40x digital zoom
16%
12GB RAM and faster sustained performance
13%
Is it too late for Apple to get AI right?

While OpenAI is already integrating apps directly into the ChatGPT interface and redefining how users interact with AI, Apple's recent moves suggests the company is finally taking the tech seriously. The company’s strength still lies in its vast ecosystem and ability to blend hardware, software, and privacy into one experience. But with competitors constantly breaking new ground, has Apple missed its window — or is its timing just right?

235 Voters

Poll Results

No — Apple’s ecosystem gives it everything it needs to catch up.
31%
Maybe — it depends on how well Apple integrates AI into its products.
25%
I don’t care — I just want my iPhone to work better.
23%
Yes. The other players are too far ahead.
22%
The Smart Home AI Showdown. Which AI-powered smart home system would you prefer?

The battle for the AI-powered smart home has intensified with recent announcements from Google and Amazon. Both companies are rolling out next-generation, conversational AI assistants to create a more intelligent and proactive home environment. Which of these new smart home ecosystems are you more excited about?

127 Voters

Poll Results

Google Gemini for Home
57%
Amazon Alexa+
43%
Which battle will define the next decade of tech?

AI is now the axis of the tech industry. The question is: which force will shape its future the most?

160 Voters

Poll Results

Who controls compute power (Nvidia, chipmakers, hyperscale data centers)
31%
Who controls trust & culture (open-source vs. closed AI, safety, ethics)
28%
Who controls consumer entry points (AI in phones, chat apps, social platforms)
26%
Who controls rules of the game (EU DMA, US regulation, global policy)
16%