👻 Deepfakes concerns are on the rise. Who you gonna call?
Welcome to Monday’s issue of The Push. It’s always great to start the week with a hot topic 🔥 in tech and creativity.
G’day from my corner of the world!
It's Berto, back again and feeling a bit... digital. No, I haven’t suddenly turned into a pixelated version of myself or been deep-faked (imagine that! 😲). But, in saying that, I have been pondering the rise of AI-created imitations that blur the line between what’s real and what is… you guessed… a nasty FAKE.
Ever taken a moment to wonder if the last video you just watched on Instagram was genuine or AI’s trick? Yep, the deepfake revolution is upon us, but don't fret! We might just have a shiny new hero rising from the horizon.
Let’s talk about it, in this edition of The Push. Before we start, I gotta give credit to Gary Vee for igniting these thoughts and discussion I am bringing to you.
Think you know where I'm heading? Well, buckle up, because this convo will be one to remember, so we can be totally aware of how the future unfolds.
Without further ado 🏊♂️ let’s dive right in!
NFTs to the rescue
Made with Dall-E 3
Digital innovations have transformed our lives in countless ways. But most of us are aware that there’s a shadow lurking in the background at the moment – a looming distrust that’s hard to shake off, thanks to the rise of AI. Every time you scroll, you're left wondering, "Is this genuine or another deep fake?" From impersonated social media accounts to scary-realistic AI-generated images, the digital world feels like it’s on the brink of an authenticity crisis.
I have personally experienced many Instagram accounts impersonating YouTubers and authors I admire following me out of the blue. For a second I think “Wow! Simon Sinek is following me!”… Nah, just another fake. Our digital universe is becoming full of these imposters. It's affecting our ability to trust, and that’s a big issue. It's not just about getting duped. It’s about this erosion of genuine human connection in a world where authenticity is essential - because these interactions are what defines the digital space.
When most hear “NFT”, they think of flashy digital art pieces with eye-watering price tags. And some even say “NFTs are a massive scam”. But, listen, NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have a power and technicalities that goes well beyond this. At its core, an NFT is a unique, verifiable token representing ownership. It’s time we start understanding it beyond the widespread concept we all know. Think of it as a certificate of authenticity for the digital age, one that's transparent and can't be tampered with.
Berto, do you mean NFTs could be our ticket to regaining trust? I think so. If every piece of content – be it an image, video, tweet, or even a personal profile – was attached to an NFT, it would come with a history, a story, and a guarantee of its originality. The world needs to develop a decentralised blue tick, not based on a subscription, but that vouches for the truth.
In the not-so-distant future, the way we transfer ownership of tangible assets like houses and cars will for sure undergo a radical shift, thanks to non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Beyond their current popularity in the art and collectibles sphere, NFTs, verified on transparent and tamper-proof blockchains, have the potential to act as digital ledgers for significant transactions. By representing assets as unique digital certificates, NFTs could streamline and secure the process of transferring ownership, ensuring authenticity and reducing bureaucratic complexities. It's a transformation just waiting to unfold.
Imagine a world where every digital interaction is backed by an unbreakable bond of trust. With NFTs, this isn't just a dream. We're looking at a web where:
1. Content creators can rightfully claim their creations without fear of theft.
2. Consumers know they're interacting with genuine accounts and content.
3. Deep fakes become easily identifiable and maybe even obsolete, relegated to the annals of digital history.
It's not just about reducing deceit; it's about creating a foundation for meaningful digital relationships. When trust is re-established, we foster genuine connections, making the online space feel a lot more like home.
There will be skeptics. Many might have already brushed NFTs off as another passing trend. But this is different. NFTs address a fundamental human need – the need to trust and be trusted. While the technology might be “new,” the sentiment is as old as time.
And let’s face it, our digital life isn't going anywhere. In fact we are more digital than ever. We need tools that evolve with our digital behaviours and provide robust solutions for pressing problems. I genuinely believe NFTs are the solution.
Here’s a thought to chew on. In a digital world saturated with misinformation and impersonation, the value of genuine, verified content will be pretty high. NFTs are positioned perfectly to be the brokers of this new valuable commodity. There is a vast ocean of opportunity and profit for those with that in mind.
The digital world is at a crossroads. Despite many benefits, one path (generative AI) can lead to confusion, doubt, and detachment. The other, illuminated by the promise of NFTs, head towards clarity, trust, and genuine connection.
I know which path I’d like to take. And if you value the sanctity of genuine online interactions as much as I do, I bet you’d choose the same. Let's embrace the potential of NFTs. The only way forward is to rebuild the digital trust we've been losing along the way.
I am absolutely fascinated by everything that’s been happening and for what’s just around the corner.
And you? You are coming along for this ride with The Push.
See you in the next email.
Berto