They may not get the details right (being impossible to predict as noted) but they do tend to get the generalities right (like instant worldwide visual personal

They may not get the details right (being impossible to predict as noted) but they do tend to get the generalities right (like instant worldwide visual personal communications, cheap fast travel, instant long-shelf-life foods). Underdiscussed is how many predictions are entirely possible (like hotels on the moon, total eradication of vermin) but we don't because we're not interested after all or see untenable consequences (space travel is boring for the cost, disruption food chain is devastating).