"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg E9: Benedict Evans on AI, Web3, VR and the Future of Tech
Censorship vs. Moderation
- Most social media users prioritize content moderation over preventing censorship.
- Decentralized platforms struggle with content moderation due to their distributed nature.
Web3's Western Bias
- Many Web3 discussions reflect a desire for financial services improvements already available elsewhere.
- Decentralized finance (DeFi) often overlooks the reasons for existing financial regulations.
Defining the Metaverse
- Some believe the metaverse entails increased online interaction and a new economy.
- Others see it as a rebranding of the existing internet, accessible via smartphones.
Erik sits down with independent analyst Benedict Evans for a wide-ranging discussion of predictions and frameworks spanning the vast realm of technology - where we’ve been, where we’re going, and what really matters. AI scout and podcast host Nathan Labenz (The Cognitive Revolution) joins for the last 20 minutes to deepen the discussion on AI. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAM
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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Every week investor and writer of the popular newsletter The Diff, Byrne Hobart, and co-host Erik Torenberg discuss today’s major inflection points in technology, business, and markets – and help listeners build a diversified portfolio of trends and ideas for the future. Subscribe to “The Riff” with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg: https://link.chtbl.com/theriff
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Episode preview
(02:47) Benedict’s annual presentations and frameworks for “the next thing”
(08:00) Are Netflix and Tesla tech companies?
(13:59) Why hasn’t software ‘eaten’ certain industries and fields?
(15:47) Sponsors: Secureframe
(19:30) Preconditions for predictions
(25:30) Overhyped/underappreciated aspects of Web3 and Crypto
(29:25) Blockchain, and Benedict’s prediction for decentralization
(35:00) Building the next Twitter
(44:33) Predictions for metaverse and VR
(50:52) Consumer surplus and business models
(52:37) AI predictions
(56:22) Opportunities in AI
(01:02:58) Bundling and unbundling lens on AI
(01:07:35) Future of jobs
(01:16:00) Predictions for Benedict’s next presentation
LINKS:
Presentations: https://www.ben-evans.com/
Book recommendation: Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre
https://www.amazon.com/Reminiscences-Stock-Operator-Edwin-Lef%25C3%25A8vre/dp/0471059684#:~:text=First%2520published%2520in%25201923%252C%2520Reminiscences%2520of%2520a%2520Stock%2520Operator%2520is,recommended%2520investment%2520book%2520ever%2520written?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=turpentine-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=19fa33d3202c6df062385946b9ec3743&camp=1789&creative=9325
TWITTER:
Erik’s Twitter: @eriktorenberg
Benedict’s Twitter:@benedictevans
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