The Future of You
Tracey Follows
The Future of You is the home of Tracey Follows’ ongoing work on identity, agency, and the changing relationship between systems and selves in an AI-mediated world.This channel now brings together three strands of that work.The Future of You podcast explores how technology is reshaping identity, from digital selves and predictive systems to automation, intimacy, trust, and human futures.The Future of You audio series is the original 2021 book, released here chapter by chapter. It explores what Tracey came to call the technology of the self: a third dimension of identity, alongside the psychology of the self and the biology of the self. These recordings are presented as an audio archive of the original published text. Me:chine Dialogues is a special series from The Future of You exploring identity, agency, and AI-mediated systems — where the machinable and unmachinable selves meet. It follows the emerging synthetic condition shaping who we are becoming: not man versus machine, but the meeting of selves, the part that can be copied and the part that can never be caught. Together, these three strands trace an evolving inquiry into identity: from the digital self, to the technological self, to the Me:chine self.Across all of them runs one continuous question: what happens to human identity when the systems around us begin to see us, sort us, predict us, generate us, and increasingly speak in our name?Identity is becoming infrastructure for systems. This channel explores what remains of the self inside them.Core concepts include:Systems & SelfIdentity as InfrastructureThe Technology of the SelfMe:chine — the machinable and unmachinable selfNew here? Start with:→ Me:chine Dialogues: Manifesto→ The Future of You audio series: Chapter 1, Knowing You→ The Future of You podcast archiveVisit:→ Me:chine World and essays: me-chine.com→ Podcast archive: The Future of You→ Audio series: weekly chapters on this channel Introduction About Tracey FollowsTracey Follows is a futurist specialising in identity, agency, and the relationship between systems and selves in an AI-mediated world. Her work includes the frameworks Systems & Self, Identity as Infrastructure, and Me:chine, exploring the machinable and unmachinable dimensions of human identity.The Future of You was named Best Tech Show at the Independent Podcast Awards 2023.Her central premise: “The future is written between the system and the self.”Follow to receive each new transmission as it is released.AI-mediated systems - where the machinable and unmachinable selves meet.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 24, 2023 • 56min
The Discussion: Inside the EU's Digital ID Wallet #17
Andy Tobin, Commercial Director, Europe, Digital Trust Services at Gen, discusses the European identity system (eIDAS), digital wallets, and the future of credentials. Topics include verifiable credentials, security of digital credentials, the shift to digital identity, and the potential of the EU's digital ID wallet to create a new industry and ecosystem.
May 9, 2023 • 31min
The Briefing: Voice Tech #16
This podcast explores voice technology and its implications in creative content creation. It covers concerns regarding voice scams and deep fake technology. The discussion also includes identity verification on social media and the concept of digital identity. The podcast touches on positive and dystopian futures as well as the limitations of AI-generated content. The importance of research for future business success is also highlighted.
Apr 26, 2023 • 55min
The Discussion: Digital Identity - State of the Nations #15
In this episode of The Discussion I’m joined by digital identity thought leader Dave Birch and Senior Principal at Liminal, and host of the State of Identity podcast, Cameron D’Ambrosi to discuss the digital identity landscape. We cover the push towards integrated identity platforms, the vision for reusable identity and the differences between centralized and decentralized systems and how those often reflect national culture. What is the state of Digital ID in the UK? Will the wallets offered by Big Tech win out in the USA? And how might eIDAS or the EUDI approach evolve across the EU? Also to what extent do the public really understand (and trust) these identity systems which look like they are about to become part of our everyday lives?Liminal website 2023 Digital Identity Landscape from LiminalThe State of Identity podcast Cameron D’Ambrosi on Twitter @dambrosi Dave Birch’s website https://15mb.ltd/Dave’s Substack https://dgwbirch.substack.com/Dave’s books The Currency Cold War and Identity Is The New MoneyRead him on Forbes Dave Birch on Twitter @dgwbirchA New National Purpose : Innovation Can Power The Future of Britain 3min: An overview of the digital identity landscape with Cameron D'Ambrosi7min 50: The use of reusable identity13min: Differences and similarities between centralized and decentralized systems14min 30: State of digital identity in Europe17min 40: State of digital identity in America24min: Dave Birch discusses social media verification29min 40: State of digital identity in the UK32 min: Dave Birch gives an overview of the state of digital identity in the UK50min: Cameron D'Ambrosi's thoughts on the state of digital identity in the UK
Apr 12, 2023 • 24min
The Briefing: Brain data with special guest Dr Cody Rall #14
Neurotech expert Dr Cody Rall discusses Grimes getting a Neurosity Crown, integrating neurotech into daily routines, personalized brain data technology, privacy in the metaverse, brain data as a future biometric, and the launch of FedNow.
Mar 29, 2023 • 1h 4min
The Discussion: Brain Data and the Sovereign Self #13
The podcast explores brain data and its collection and usage, with discussions on cognitive liberty and the battle for one's brain. It also highlights the potential of neurotechnology and ethical considerations, as well as the integration of brain data into the healthcare industry. The podcast delves into developed consumer applications and the risks of accessing brain data.
Mar 27, 2023 • 2min
"The Future of You" Season 3 - Trailer
Join the host in Season 3 of this podcast as they explore the technology of self and identity in the 21st century. Discover fascinating topics like digital identity, biometrics, brainwave data, virtual beings, smart cities, and deep fakes.
Mar 27, 2023 • 3min
The Manifesto of You
Exploring the concept of personal identity in the digital age and the changes brought by the internet and technology
Nov 16, 2022 • 1h 7min
AI, Religion and Identity #12
Prof. Dr. Beth Singler and Rev. Dr. Joshua K. Smith discuss digital religion, AI's impact on spirituality, perspective bias, anthropomorphism of AI, outsourcing decision making to AI, the reemergence of occult aesthetics, and the interconnectedness of secularization and AI.
Nov 2, 2022 • 1h 17min
The Self, Security and the Surveillance State #11
Rogier Creemers and Josh Chin discuss China's mass surveillance, social credit system, technology transfer, and the nature of authoritarianism in The Future of You. They explore the challenges in the surveillance industry, the implementation of surveillance technology on Uyghurs, and the concept of autonomy in Chinese culture. They also provide recommendations for staying informed about tech and regulation in China.
Oct 12, 2022 • 1h 18min
Cryonics with Dr Max More #10
The podcast explores cryonics as a means to preserve memories and reverse aging. It also dives into the topics of legal identity and autonomy, as well as the challenges of control in transhumanism. The future of free cultures and declining populations, moral theories and long-termism, climate catastrophism, and the importance of nuclear power are also discussed.
