The future of social is Bringing People Together. This statement holds true as we look back at the evolution of social media platforms. In the early days, the tools were rudimentary, and the builders were naively optimistic that a more open and connected world would lead to a better world since everyone had a voice. However, as time passed, we witnessed a shift in how people interacted on social media.

The future of social is Bringing People Together. This statement holds true as we look back at the evolution of social media platforms. In the early days, the tools were rudimentary, and the builders were naively optimistic that a more open and connected world would lead to a better world since everyone had a voice. However, as time passed, we witnessed a shift in how people interacted on social media.

Likes and follows became the currency of validation, and people started molding their online personas to fit a certain image. Genuine self-expression took a backseat as social interactions turned into social competitions. In an attempt to address this issue, Facebook has recently repositioned its efforts around more private communications. The idea is that in private conversations, people express more of their true selves and share more authentically than they do on their feeds or "media channels."

The main revenue driver for top social companies today is advertising, and a significant factor in determining ad revenue is the time users spend on the app. This has led to the creation of zero-sum business models, where the goal is to keep users engaged for as long as possible. However, this focus on time spent on the app has further contributed to the distorted nature of social interactions.

So, what is the solution? The next wave of social products will not revolve around "media," but rather around experiences. This shift from media-centric platforms to experience-centric ones holds immense potential. Instead of competing for attention through likes and followers, social platforms can facilitate real-life experiences that bring people together.

Imagine going to a concert with your friends, sharing a meal, or simply hanging out at someone's apartment. These are the moments that truly matter, both in the best of times and the worst of times. These real-life experiences create lasting memories and foster genuine connections among individuals. Connection and inclusion are key in building a social platform that truly brings people together.

Moreover, it is essential to recognize that social media is not the sole solution to building connections. Offline interactions play a crucial role in strengthening relationships and fostering a sense of community. The future of social should aim to bridge the gap between the online and offline worlds, complementing each other rather than replacing one another.

In a similar vein, Jeff Hawkins, in his book "A Thousand Brains," explores the concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and its relationship with the human brain. He argues that the neocortex, the organ responsible for intelligence, is the key to understanding AGI. Hawkins emphasizes that almost all the capabilities we associate with intelligence, such as vision, language, music, math, science, and engineering, are created by the neocortex.

Hawkins challenges the notion that AGI requires the complexity of the entire brain. Instead, he suggests that the complexity lies in the learned content of the neocortex, not the learning algorithm itself. This insight opens up new possibilities for building brain-like AGI without the need to replicate the intricate circuitry of the brain. By focusing on understanding the learning algorithm of the neocortex, we can potentially unlock the path to AGI.

This perspective has significant implications for the future of AI research and development. If the neocortex is indeed a relatively simple, human-legible learning algorithm, then the idea of brain-like AGI becomes more feasible than previously imagined. Rather than being centuries away, it may already be starting to crystallize into view on the horizon.

To conclude, the future of social lies in bringing people together through genuine experiences. Social media platforms need to shift their focus from media-centric approaches to facilitating real-life interactions. By fostering connection and inclusion, these platforms can create meaningful experiences that go beyond the superficiality of likes and follows.

In addition to this, the insights from Jeff Hawkins' work on AGI shed light on the potential for developing brain-like AI. By understanding the neocortex's learning algorithm, we can make significant strides towards achieving AGI without the need for complex circuitry replication.

To embrace this future, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Prioritize authenticity: Encourage users to express their true selves on social media platforms. By creating an environment that values genuine self-expression, we can foster authentic connections and meaningful interactions.

• 2. Facilitate offline experiences: Social platforms should integrate features that help users plan and organize real-life experiences. By providing tools for organizing events or connecting with like-minded individuals offline, social media can bridge the gap between the online and offline worlds.

• 3. Invest in AI research: The insights from Jeff Hawkins' work highlight the importance of understanding the neocortex's learning algorithm. Investing in AI research that focuses on deciphering this algorithm can pave the way for significant advancements in AGI development.

In conclusion, the future of social lies in bringing people together through genuine experiences. By shifting the focus from media-centric platforms to experience-centric ones, we can create a social landscape that fosters authentic connections. Moreover, the insights from Jeff Hawkins' work on AGI provide a new perspective on the potential for brain-like AI. By understanding the learning algorithm of the neocortex, we can unlock the path to AGI development. Embracing authenticity, facilitating offline experiences, and investing in AI research are crucial steps towards realizing this future.