Key Takeaways
- The rise of artificial intelligence has led to a significant amount of fake content on social media platforms, making it difficult to distinguish between real and fake information.
- The problem of fake content on social media is complex and may require a new wave of social media platforms that can verify humanity and authenticity.
- Despite the challenges posed by AI, there are opportunities for growth and innovation in areas such as live events, sports, and theater.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of in-person connections and live events.
- The future of social media and entertainment may involve a shift towards more human-centered and experiential forms of interaction.
Introduction to Alexis Ohanian
Alexis Ohanian, a founding partner at venture capital firm Seven Seven Six and co-founder and former executive chairman of Reddit, recently spoke at the BRIDGE Summit in Abu Dhabi. Ohanian has spent a significant amount of time building and obsessing over the online zeitgeist, and his experiences have given him a unique perspective on the current state of social media and the impact of artificial intelligence on online platforms. As he noted, "Being chronically online was part of the job," and this has allowed him to witness firsthand the evolution of social media and the challenges it faces.
The Problem of Fake Content on Social Media
Ohanian highlighted the issue of fake content on social media, stating that "conservatively, I’d say 20% of all the content we see on social media is fake in some form or another." This is a concern that has been echoed by others, who have labeled it the "dead internet theory." The widespread use of AI models that train on social media data has incentivized the mass creation of content, often utilizing AI, simply to manipulate those models. This has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake information, and Ohanian noted that "no one really is immune" to this problem.
The Need for a New Wave of Social Media
Ohanian emphasized that the problem of fake content on social media is complex and may require a new wave of social media platforms that can verify humanity and authenticity. He noted that "someone is going to have to crack what the next wave of social media looks like that verifies humanity or somehow allows us to understand who is real, without scanning everyone’s retina." This is a challenging task, but Ohanian believes that it is essential to creating a more authentic and trustworthy online environment. As he said, "when our screens get 100 times more addictive and better, I think a part of our humanity suffers," and this highlights the need for a more human-centered approach to social media.
The Importance of Live Events and Human Connection
Despite the challenges posed by AI, Ohanian is optimistic about the future of social media and entertainment. He believes that live events, such as sports and theater, will become increasingly important as people seek out more human-centered and experiential forms of interaction. As he noted, "the humanity of sport is undeniable" and he is "bullish" on theater making a "comeback" in the next decade. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of in-person connections and live events, and Ohanian believes that this trend will continue in the future. As he said, "in this post-AI world, it is obvious to me that coming together in person, live events is the last place left in entertainment."
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, Ohanian’s comments at the BRIDGE Summit highlight the challenges posed by artificial intelligence on social media and the need for a new wave of social media platforms that can verify humanity and authenticity. While the problem of fake content on social media is complex, Ohanian is optimistic about the future of social media and entertainment, and believes that live events and human connection will become increasingly important. As the online landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how social media platforms and entertainment industries adapt to these changes and prioritize human-centered and experiential forms of interaction. Ultimately, the future of social media and entertainment will depend on our ability to create online environments that are authentic, trustworthy, and prioritize human connection.
