"The TikTokization of Everything: AI, Learning Techniques, and the Continuous Journey of Knowledge"

"The TikTokization of Everything: AI, Learning Techniques, and the Continuous Journey of Knowledge"

In today's digital landscape, the concept of "money follows attention" holds true. This is especially evident in the realm of advertising, where digital ad spending for mobile devices is on the rise. Additionally, the cloud has become the primary storage solution for vast amounts of data. While these markets are not yet saturated, opportunities may be more limited compared to the past.

So, where is venture capital (VC) money flowing these days? One area of interest is the intersection of technology and artificial intelligence (AI). With advancements in AI, leveraging data for better recommendations has become easier. This trend can be seen in various industries, with companies like SHEIN utilizing AI for personalized commerce experiences.

It's worth noting that both mobile and cloud technologies were once considered greenfield opportunities. However, they are now more established and not as ripe for new ventures. This shift has led to an influx of private capital chasing startups in search of the next big thing.

Looking ahead, the most compelling force that is likely to power technology in the 2020s is AI. The advancements in AI have been remarkable in recent years, and we are now witnessing its emergence from the infrastructure layer to the application layer. AI is no longer confined to the background; it is becoming more visible and accessible to everyday people.

One area where AI has gained significant traction is in text-to-image generative art. However, perhaps the most widespread use of AI today can be seen in TikTok's For You Page. The platform's sophisticated recommendation algorithms anticipate users' wants and desires, creating a highly personalized user experience.

Moving beyond AI, another important aspect of learning and knowledge acquisition is the Feynman Learning Technique. This technique, named after physicist Richard Feynman, provides a simple yet effective approach to learning new concepts. The technique emphasizes the importance of understanding and being able to explain information in various contexts.

The four steps of the Feynman Learning Technique are as follows:

• 1. Pretend to teach the concept to a sixth-grade student or a rubber duck. This step forces you to define and simplify complex ideas. If you can't explain a concept in simple terms, you likely don't understand it fully.

• 2. Identify gaps in your explanation. Recognizing areas where you struggle to explain or understand a concept is crucial for deep learning. Filling these gaps strengthens your knowledge and defines the boundaries of your understanding.

• 3. Organize and simplify the information. Once you have identified the gaps, organizing the information in a logical and simplified manner enhances comprehension and retention.

• 4. Transmit your knowledge (optional). The ultimate test of your understanding is your ability to convey the information to others. Teaching or discussing the subject with someone else solidifies your knowledge and highlights any remaining areas of confusion.

Learning is not a solitary endeavor; it happens through interactions with others and exposure to diverse perspectives. Learning in public, as well as engaging in meaningful discussions, allows for collective learning and growth. Richard Feynman believed in the importance of collaboration and drawing from various experiences to solve complex problems.

Furthermore, knowledge should not be treated as static but rather as a continuous journey of evaluation and improvement. It is crucial to question your own knowledge and be open to challenging the knowledge of others. This mindset fosters growth and prevents errors caused by a lack of information or tools.

In conclusion, the "TikTokization of Everything" reflects the increasing influence of AI, the power of the Feynman Learning Technique, and the continuous journey of knowledge. To thrive in this evolving landscape, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace AI: Explore how AI can enhance your industry or business. Look for opportunities to leverage AI for personalized experiences and sophisticated recommendations.

• 2. Adopt the Feynman Learning Technique: Apply the four steps of the Feynman Learning Technique to deepen your understanding of new concepts. Teach, identify gaps, organize, and transmit your knowledge to solidify your understanding.

• 3. Engage in collective learning: Seek out diverse perspectives and engage in discussions with others. Learning is not a solitary pursuit, and by learning in public and challenging existing knowledge, you can continuously improve and grow.

Remember, the journey of learning and knowledge acquisition is never-ending. Stay curious, embrace new technologies, and be open to evolving your understanding.