The Evolution of Software and the Changing Landscape of the Internet

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Jul 06, 2023

3 min read

0

The Evolution of Software and the Changing Landscape of the Internet

Introduction:

In today's rapidly evolving world, software plays a pivotal role in transforming industries and reshaping the way we live. As we witness the phenomenon of "Software is Eating the World," we delve into the concept of abundance, scarcity, and the power of demand. Additionally, we explore the emergence of the cozy web and its potential impact on our online experiences.

Software and Abundance:

Traditionally, the world has operated based on scarcity, where limited resources dictated the availability and access to various goods and services. However, with the advent of technology, software has enabled us to do more with less, ultimately increasing access to once-scarce resources. This newfound abundance has allowed a larger population to enjoy products and services at a fraction of the cost. The shift from supply constraints to prioritizing demand has become vital in this new landscape.

Aggregation Theory and Unbundling:

Ben Thompson's aggregation theory proposes a fundamental change in the way profits are captured in the post-internet world. While pre-internet success relied on controlling supply, the internet era has shifted the focus towards aggregating demand. This shift has led to the unbundling and subsequent rebuilding of various industries influenced by software. For example, songs have been unbundled from CDs and rebundled into playlists, while articles have transitioned from newspapers to social media feeds. With this shift, the role of curation becomes increasingly important, ensuring that the right content reaches the right audience.

Software's Impact on Industries:

The impact of software extends beyond media and entertainment. Industries such as education, housing, and healthcare are ripe for transformation through technology. The accessibility and ease of communication, finding products, and completing tasks have significantly reduced barriers in the digital realm. Consequently, the focus has shifted towards understanding and catering to the unit of demand rather than the unit of production or capital.

The Cozy Web:

Venture capitalist Venkatesh Rao coined the term "cozy web" to describe the private, gatekeeper-bounded spaces that internet users have sought refuge in recent years. These spaces operate on a human protocol, where individuals curate and share bits of text, images, URLs, and screenshots across live streams. Rao envisions the evolution of the cozy web, transitioning from cut-and-paste to a personal blockchain of context-permissioned, addressable, searchable, and interlinked clips. This potential transformation could revolutionize the way we navigate and interact with online content.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Embrace the power of demand: In a world of abundance, understanding and catering to the unit of demand becomes paramount. Focus on identifying and fulfilling the needs and desires of your target audience to thrive in the software-driven landscape.
  • 2. Prioritize curation: As content continues to be unbundled and rebundled, the role of curation becomes increasingly critical. Develop skills in curating relevant and high-quality content to provide value to your audience and establish yourself as a trusted source.
  • 3. Embrace emerging technologies: Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and their potential impact on your industry. Embracing and adopting new technologies early on can give you a competitive edge and position you for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Conclusion:

The rise of software and the internet has revolutionized the way we approach scarcity, abundance, and demand. As we navigate this changing landscape, understanding the importance of curation, embracing emerging technologies, and prioritizing the unit of demand will be instrumental in thriving in this software-driven world. With the cozy web on the horizon, the future holds exciting possibilities for an even more personalized and interconnected online experience.

Hatch New Ideas with Glasp AI 🐣

Glasp AI allows you to hatch new ideas based on your curated content. Let's curate and create with Glasp AI :)