The Future of Social Networking: How Generative AI and Gaming Will Transform the Landscape

The Future of Social Networking: How Generative AI and Gaming Will Transform the Landscape

Introduction:
In recent years, the importance of presence in social networking services (SNS) has become evident. Users no longer engage with services that lack presence or fail to evoke a sense of charm. While virtual reality (VR) maximizes presence, even traditional SNS platforms possess a degree of it. For instance, LINE's executive once emphasized the significance of the "read" feature as a means to share a common space with others. As the landscape evolves, the integration of various applications into a single platform has become a noticeable trend. This article explores the role of presence in SNS, the potential of gaming as a high-quality entertainment medium, and the emergence of generative AI technology.

The Role of Presence in SNS:
Presence plays a vital role in SNS, but it alone is not sufficient. Founder of Houseparty expressed concern about the performance-driven nature of Facebook and Instagram, where users post pictures to satisfy their need for approval. According to their perspective, true social interaction should be more private and personal. This suggests that the next decade may witness gaming surpassing traditional SNS platforms, becoming a dominant social platform.

Generative AI Technology and its Layers:
The generative AI market comprises five layers: general AI models, specific AI models, hyperlocal AI models, the OS or API layer, and the applications layer. General AI models, such as GPT-3 for text and DALL-E-2 for images, represent broad categories of outputs. Specific AI models capture nuances for specialized tasks like writing tweets or generating e-commerce photos. Hyperlocal AI models are specialists tailored to specific preferences, enabling tasks like writing scientific articles in a specific style or creating personalized interior design models.

Defensibility and Data Network Effects:
While data network effects provide an initial advantage, they diminish over time. Competitors can find similar datasets and claim to offer comparable models. Additionally, as AI models improve, the differences between human-generated and AI-generated content will become indistinguishable. This suggests that defensibility lies not in data network effects but in other factors like product speed, fundraising speed, and sales speed.

Actionable Advice:

1. Launch Features and Learn: Instead of obsessing over perfect models and specific data, focus on getting your product to market and learning from user feedback. Allow the model to learn and improve over time.

2. Aggressive Sales: Aggressively selling your product helps embed it in the minds of customers and build network effects. This, in turn, strengthens your defensibility and allows for expansion into other categories.

3. Find a Sprint Partner: Seek investors who are aligned with your vision and have the capability to sprint alongside you. Their support can accelerate your growth and navigate challenges.

Conclusion:
As the future of social networking unfolds, it is evident that gaming and generative AI will play significant roles. The combination of presence, high-quality entertainment, and personalized AI experiences will shape the social landscape. By embracing these trends and taking strategic actions, companies can position themselves for success in this evolving industry.