Picture a world where people everywhere are happy, healthy, and working together to solve the problems facing our planet. Throughout history, a world like this has been nothing more than a dream. Soon, bolstered by new technology, it may become our reality.
Tackling our biggest questions has only been possible when our basic needs are met. Supporting those needs for billions has only recently become possible through technology, and it may be reaching a tipping point. Ray Kurzweil predicts that by 2045, “We’re going to be able to meet the physical needs of all humans.” But we’re only beginning to understand the impact that may have on our lives.
One area where technology will have a massive impact is creativity, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and decentralization technologies (Web3). The technology required to do so has historically been elusive, but recent advances across both AI and Web3 have given us insights into what is possible when technology incentivizes widespread creative participation.
Artists using AI image generation can engage a test audience—and receive feedback—much sooner.
Increasing the Rate of Creative Development
AI fundamentally changes the concept of “waiting for inspiration to strike.” Skillful use of AI allows creators to develop and iterate quickly. Whether you’re talking about product or content development, prototypes and storyboards can be crafted in less time. This means that in film development, for example, artists using AI image generation can engage a test audience—and receive feedback—much sooner than if the artists generated the images themselves.
AI can identify patterns to inspire creators to form new hypotheses, identify connections, and guide experimentation. Artist Don Allen Stephenson III shared the results of his request for an AI image generator to visualize the moment in which “an anime mech robot … discovers the meaning of life … [DALL-E] made that image, and I wasn't even thinking of that at all, and it kind of blew my mind.” This type of insight will soon be available to everyone.
Incentivizing Participation
Web2 media platforms control access to followers and data, effectively allowing creators to “rent” their audience. This landlord-tenant model limits the breadth and depth of creator-fan engagement models.
Web3 provides creators with the opportunity to “own” their relationship directly with their fan base, unlocking direct monetization, which opens up unique opportunities for fan engagement. For example, brands and fans can leverage Web3 for co-creation, which turns audiences from passive consumers to creative partners to their favorite creators and brands. For example, sports fans can have input on league logos, merchandise, and even league governance. Media fans and brand loyalists can co-create new products and next-generation loyalty programs; even participating in royalty programs can turn those fans into owners of the brand’s success. Commerce then becomes a seamless layer on top of the community and the content experience.
Facilitating Creative Output and Collaboration
Bringing AI and Web3 together gives everyone access to the tools of creation and distribution. Previously, one might have needed years of training in art history and painting technique to create an oil painting in the style of Rembrandt. With AI, all one needs is an idea.
No longer does one need representation by an art gallery to sell a painting; with decentralized distribution and AI that helps audiences find content that suits their taste, every individual can get their work in front of would-be fans and be compensated fairly and reliably. Studio art serves as a comprehensible example and is only the tip of the iceberg; music, animation, live-action TV and film, design, and architecture will also become more accessible forms of expression.
The number of people who—without needing specialized training or access—can meaningfully contribute creativity to the world will increase significantly. And collaborations and communities that may not have even been possible previously can now form easily.
Transitioning to a world with superintelligence is bigger than any revolution. And with the current global reimagining of industries post-COVID, we’re primed for that revolution, ready to embrace these tools and unleash the world’s creativity.