Alex Heard, author and editor at Wired magazine, discussed various groups in the US that anticipated dramatic, even apocalyptic, societal change at the turn of the millenium. While describing his research, he explained, "I was interested in American subcultures that in some way touch on the millennium or utopian visions of the future. Anything having to do with the idea that the existing order is in for a big surprise, a big change, and there's going to be a transformation." His investigation included Christian Pre-millennialists, "Earth Changes" proponents, and individuals seeking immortality.

Regarding his own views, Heard characterized himself as a "softened skeptic," stating his attitude rests somewhere between belief and disbelief. He critically examined the rationalist view that states, "If it's not science and if it's not reason as we define it, then it's bad." Heard focused on concerns about Y2K, noting that many groups were incorporating these broader worries into their own ideologies. He also touched upon concepts like severed head transplants, floating island nations, and the growing field of life extension. Ultimately, Heard emphasized his stance that "anything anybody wants to believe is fine with me," as long as it doesn't exploit or harm others.