Thomas: Hey everyone, welcome to the show! Today we're diving headfirst into something super interesting: “The Future Normal”. If you've ever stopped to wonder about the big shifts coming our way – how we'll live, work, connect –and whether technology truly helps or just makes a mess of everything -- this is definitely for you. Grace: Yeah, let's be real, who hasn't felt a bit lost trying to figure out what's a real innovation and what's just... shiny new tech for the attention? That's why this book, The Future Normal, caught my eye. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where bold ideas actually meet basic human needs. Thomas: Exactly! The Future Normal, by Rohit Bhargava and Henry Coutinho-Mason paints such a vivid picture of what’s coming. It digs into trends that are already bubbling up – things like regenerative business, decentralized energy, even intergenerational living. It really challenges you to imagine a future that’s not just cutting-edge but also sustainable and fair for everyone. Grace: True, but what I appreciate is how the authors tie these grand ideas back to earth, to our everyday stuff. I mean, trends are cool and all, but if they aren’t helping communities or making real-world improvements, do they even matter, you know? Thomas: Right on. So, in this episode, we're going to break the book down into three really cool ideas. We're starting with how our digital identities are becoming way more authentic – think of it as kind of planting roots, even in the digital world. Grace: After that, we’re jumping into immersive entertainment. This isn't just about VR headsets, it's about making audiences active participants, like a giant dance party where everyone's on the floor. Thomas: And finally, we're tackling media trust. With deepfakes and misinformation running rampant, we really need some kind of safeguards – like a lighthouse guiding ships safely through all the digital noise. Grace: So, whether you’re a tech-optimist, like Thomas, or someone who likes to ask, "Okay, but how does this work in the real world?" – like me – buckle up! This is going to be a deep dive that's both visionary and seriously practical. Let's do it!

Thomas: Okay, so let's dive into this first big idea: authentic identity in the digital age. I mean, it's everywhere, right? It really makes you think about how we even define ourselves these days. And you know, Grace, the book calls it "multiversal identity," which I love – this idea of our physical and digital selves kind of blending together. It's like we're not stuck with just one version of ourselves anymore, but we can explore different sides of who we are. Grace: Yeah, it sounds fun, but doesn't it also make everything...more complicated? Are we really being authentic, or are we just putting on a different show, but now it's on Instagram or in some virtual world? I mean, how many people are “actually” being their true selves online? Thomas: That's a good point. But what's interesting is that this "multiversal identity" thing is actually a reaction against those super-polished, fake versions of ourselves we used to see. For years, social media was all about the highlight reel—perfect vacations, you know, humblebrags… It wasn't the whole story. Now, people are pushing back against that, trying to be more real, raw, and unfiltered. Grace: But let’s be real for a sec - "authenticity" isn't always that simple. People say they want realness, but there's still an audience, right? Even when people post something "messy" or "real," aren't they still thinking, "How will people react to this?" It's like we've just changed the game - "Look authentic, but not too authentic." Thomas: I see what you mean. But what's interesting is when you look at a company like Daily Paper, it highlights the difference. I was struck by their story, not just because they’re successful, but because they were genuinely embracing their African heritage. It wasn't just a marketing thing, it was a cultural truth. It was who they were, you know? Grace: Exactly, and that's what made them credible, right? They weren't jumping on a trend – they were the trend. That's the lesson for anyone creating stuff today: authenticity has to come from real life, not just some marketing plan. But, Thomas, do you think their story would've played out the same way if we weren't all so globally connected? Thomas: Probably not. The fact that we're all so hyper-connected allowed Daily Paper to build a global community around their values. And that community - people who felt seen, inspired – that's what turned a passion project into a $30 million business. It shows that when identity is authentic, it can break through all the noise. Grace: Speaking of noise, let me play devil's advocate here. What about privacy? People are told to “be authentic,” but at what cost? The more open we are online, the more exposed we become, whether it's to judgment or even being taken advantage of. Thomas: That tension - the balance between being authentic and staying private - is definitely a challenge. Especially as platforms push us to share more and more, whether it's by tapping into cultural pride like Daily Paper, or through this concept the book mentions, the Proteus Effect, where our online personas can actually change who we are in real life too. Grace: Okay, so explain the Proteus Effect to me. It sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, or a fancy psychology term I should know. Thomas: Actually, it's kind of both! Basically, the Proteus Effect is how our digital selves - our avatars, for example - can influence how we act in the real world. Researchers at Stanford found that if you create an avatar that's confident and outgoing, you might actually start acting more confidently in real life. It shows how our digital and physical selves aren't just blending, they're actively shaping each other. Grace: That's fascinating but also… a little creepy. So, are we creating these avatars to express ourselves, or are they creating us? Thomas: It's a bit of both, right? That's the power of this whole "multiversal identity" thing. It's not just about who you are now, but who you could become. The risk is when that freedom to express yourself leads to oversharing or leaves you open to having your data misused. Grace: And that's where things get practical, right? We need to make sure people have the right tools and protection to explore these different identities without risking their security or mental health. Otherwise, it stops feeling like freedom and starts feeling like we are constantly being watched. Thomas: Exactly. But here’s the optimistic way to look at it: if we can get this balance right - between authenticity and privacy - we could create a world where our identities, both physical and digital, work together. Where technology makes us more individual, not less. Grace: And hopefully, a world where we're not constantly second-guessing everything we post. Or, you know, turning into overly confident avatars in real life. Thomas: Well, I guess being more confident wouldn't be the worst thing to get from your digital self. It's exciting, though, Grace - the idea that who we are, both online and off, can grow in ways that make us more connected, not less.

Thomas: Building on the importance of authenticity in personal identities, naturally we start thinking about how immersive experiences can “really” bridge the gap between personal expression and interactions that feel real and resonate with us emotionally. So, today, let's dive into immersive entertainment and its role in boosting human connection. This is where things get interesting, right? Connecting what makes us unique to shared experiences through storytelling that we can participate in and that sparks our imagination. Grace: Exactly, because what we're “really” talking about here is entertainment that does more than just entertain, it actually changes the role of the audience, you know? Instead of just sitting there watching, we're kind of stepping into the story ourselves. But Thomas, why is this shift so important? Why is immersive entertainment becoming so popular? Thomas: Well, I think it comes down to a “really” basic human need to connect. Stories are how we understand the world and relate to each other, and immersive entertainment takes that connection to the next level by making us active participants. Take something like the Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit—it’s not just about looking at art, it’s about being in the art, you know? Imagine standing inside Starry Night, surrounded by those incredible colors and movement, with the music all around you. It's emotional; it's sensory, and it feels deeply personal. Grace: And super popular, right? I mean, people were lining up for that thing like it was a rock concert. Thomas: Totally. It was so different from a traditional art gallery, where you're just looking at paintings from a distance. This exhibit “really” transported you into Van Gogh's world. The huge animated projections and the way they made the brushstrokes look alive—it just made the art feel so real. You weren't just looking at Sunflowers; you were practically walking through a field of them, like you’d stepped right into Van Gogh's head! And the music made it even more emotional. It was total immersion, “really” hitting all your senses at once. Grace: Okay, I get the emotional part, but doesn't this kind of blur the line between art and just plain entertainment? I mean, couldn't you argue that this interactive, almost theme-park-like vibe takes away from the quiet, thoughtful experience you're supposed to get in a traditional art gallery? Thomas: I hear you, but I don't think they have to be mutually exclusive. You know, you can still appreciate traditional galleries for what they offer—that quiet space for reflection and intellectual engagement—but also appreciate that immersive exhibits appeal to a different audience, or even a different side of the same audience. By breaking down those barriers between the viewer and the creator, these experiences make art more accessible and engaging, especially for people who might not connect with it otherwise. Grace: Fair enough. But accessibility is one thing. What about making this scalable? Because let’s be honest, these exhibits aren’t exactly cheap. Van Gogh draws a crowd for sure, but can this model work without pricing most people out? Thomas: Yeah, that’s where technology comes in, helping to bridge the gap. Virtual access to immersive art, or maybe smaller versions for schools and local communities, that's how we can democratize these experiences. And that brings us to another awesome example from the book: virtual concerts. Travis Scott’s Fortnite concert is a perfect example of how digital platforms can create shared experiences, even when we're all stuck at home. Grace: That was... something else. Unforgettable, and maybe a little weird. I mean, millions of gamers tuned in to watch this giant Travis Scott avatar performing in this crazy, surreal world. There were flaming roller coasters, underwater scenes… it was like a dream you’d have after watching too many sci-fi movies. Thomas: Totally bizarre, but also groundbreaking, right? Over 12 million people experienced it live, interacting with each other through their avatars, exploring this crazy environment, and becoming part of the whole thing. It wasn't just about the music, it became a shared experience, amplified by all the visuals and interactive stuff. And the cool thing is, it wasn't just for hardcore gamers. It brought together people from all over, proving that virtual experiences can break down physical barriers and create a real sense of community. Grace: Okay, but let me play devil's advocate for a sec. Does a virtual concert “really” recreate the energy of being in a crowded arena? Or is it just... a workaround, you know, for a pandemic? Because not every artist is Travis Scott, and not every audience is ready to jump into Fortnite. Thomas: That’s a valid point. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. But I think it’s not about replacing live performances. It's about expanding the possibilities for how we experience music and connect with each other. Virtual concerts can complement physical ones, offering access to people who might not be able to attend in person. And for a lot of people, especially during lockdown, that virtual connection was “really” meaningful. Grace: And, I guess, it also opens the door to completely new forms of creativity, right? Artists aren't limited by what's physically possible on a stage. They can play around with visuals or scale that would be impossible in real life. Flaming roller coasters would be a logistical nightmare in a real stadium! Thomas: Exactly! And if you think that’s incredible, imagine where haptic technology could take us. The book talks about how haptic suits could bring the sense of touch into these experiences—feeling the bassline of a concert vibrating through you, or the impact of a virtual tackle during a sports game. It's adding that whole new dimension of physical sensation to digital environments. Grace: Okay, now you've lost me. Are we all going to be walking around in sensor-covered jumpsuits? Thomas: Well, maybe not walking around, but for certain experiences, absolutely! I mean, haptic suits aren't exactly mainstream yet, but they have huge potential. Think about interactive theater or concerts where the vibrations and textures match the emotions of the story. And it’s not just limited to entertainment – this technology could enhance training simulations, therapy, or educational tools. Grace: I’ll admit, the idea of adding physical feedback to virtual worlds is intriguing. But, we always have to consider ethics when we're blending the physical and digital in new ways. Who gets access, and how do we make sure these tools are for connection rather than exclusion or exploitation? Thomas: That's the challenge. But at its heart, this trend isn’t just about technology – it’s about boosting human connection. Whether through art, music, or haptic feedback, these immersive experiences remind us of the power of shared storytelling. They show us new ways to connect with each other, both individually and as a group. Grace: As long as those connections don’t involve being dragged onto a flaming roller coaster in virtual space, I think I’m on board.

Thomas: So, this idea of aligning our online actions with real-world impact naturally leads us to the crucial topic of trust in media, right? And Grace, this isn't just timely; it's absolutely fundamental to how we navigate our digital lives. I mean, trust and responsibility in media – it's everything. Grace: Precisely! Because without trust, the whole thing collapses, doesn't it? Our understanding of reality, our conversations... even just agreeing on what we're talking about requires some shared baseline of truth. Yet, here we are, swimming in deepfakes, AI-generated content, and just plain misinformation. It's like the very definition of "truth" is up for grabs. Thomas: “Truth as negotiable” – I like the way you put that, Grace. It really hits home how much deepfakes and all these technologies have shaken our sense of trust. The book really doesn't hold back on outlining the dangers. Deepfakes started as a tech novelty, but now they're genuinely harmful, from faking political images to creating non-consensual porn. Grace: Yeah, and it's not just about the individual victims – those cases are awful enough – but the wider impact, the ripple effect. Like in the Philippines, where deepfakes have been weaponized during elections. When voters can't trust what they're seeing or hearing, democracy itself suffers. It is really scary if you think about it. Thomas: Exactly. And the fact that these tools are so readily available is a huge problem. In the wrong hands, they can erode trust in institutions, in the media, even personal relationships. But the book also highlights some solutions, like certified media practices, which offer a way to fight back against this rising tide of distrust. One great example is Truepic. Their verification tech ensures digital content is authentic right from the start, embedding tamper-proof metadata into images and videos. Grace: I have to admit, that's pretty smart. Tackling the problem at the source, preventing manipulation before it spreads. But, Thomas, let me play devil's advocate for a second. Isn't this just a high-tech version of a signature? What’s to stop someone from faking the certified systems or finding a way around them? Thomas: Well, you do have a point, Grace. Like any tech, it is vulnerable to misuse or having loopholes. However, Truepic's partnership with Qualcomm, where the verification is built directly into smartphones, is a real game-changer. Embedding trust at the hardware level makes it much harder to bypass the safeguards. Plus, it's not just about the tech, but about creating a culture where verified content becomes the default. Grace: But wouldn’t getting to that point require a… significant shift in how people behave? We're creatures of habit, and let's be honest, most of us aren't stopping to verify every image or video we see. How do we make this mainstream, beyond just journalists or fact-checkers? Thomas: That's where media literacy comes in. Just creating the tools isn't enough. We have to teach people how to use them effectively. The book emphasizes the importance of critical digital literacy, ideally starting in schools. Imagine equipping young people with the skills to question sources, spot synthetic media, and really think critically instead of just passively consuming content. Grace: Okay, here's where I get stuck. Schools are already stretched thin teaching the core subjects. How do we make room for media literacy? And even if we do, how do we ensure everyone has access, so underserved communities aren't left behind? Thomas: Those are definitely huge challenges. But programs like the ones in the book are already making progress. For example, media literacy modules for younger students don't necessarily have to replace other subjects, they can be integrated into social studies, history, or even English classes. And we should see scaling these programs to reach marginalized communities as an investment in resilience against misinformation. A more informed society benefits everyone, right? Grace: “Investment,” you say, and I can already hear the cynics asking, "Who's going to pay for all of this?" Proper implementation, let alone universal access, requires funding, training, and political will. And we can't ignore the potential clashes with freedom of expression. Couldn't top-down verification systems or mandatory literacy programs be seen as restrictive, or even censorship? Thomas: That balance – between building trust and protecting freedom of expression – is one of the trickiest aspects. Technologies like Truepic can't become gatekeepers that stifle creative expression, just as media literacy efforts can't be used to suppress certain viewpoints. The key is transparency, education, and giving people the tools to evaluate information themselves, without dictating what they should think. Grace: Still, we have to think about the global picture. Not everywhere has the infrastructure for changes like this. Countries with stable governments and strong education systems might implement these programs and technologies, but what about regions where basic internet access is a struggle? Thomas: That’s a crucial point, Grace, and one the book does bring up when discussing equity. Certified media systems and literacy programs need to be scalable and adaptable to different situations. It's about meeting people where they are, whether that's through low-tech solutions or community-driven initiatives that don't rely solely on top-down mandates. Grace: So, it's less about imposing a perfect system and more about building a flexible framework that empowers people to take ownership of building trust in their own communities. Thomas: Exactly! And isn't that the real goal? A media environment where authenticity is the norm, and misinformation struggles to take hold. With the right mix of technology and education, we can make that happen. Grace: If we can actually pull that off, it isn't just a victory for the media; it's a victory for democracy, for creativity, and for every one of us trying to make sense of this digital chaos. And the big question really is, do we have the collective will to make it a reality?

Thomas: Wow, Grace, what a conversation we've had today! We really dug into these multiversal identities and how digital tools are letting people express their authentic selves in ways that just weren't possible before. Of course, it's not all smooth sailing, we also touched on the privacy concerns and the risk of oversharing... Grace: Right, right. And from there, we dove headfirst into the transformative world of immersive entertainment. I mean, it's not just changing how we experience art and music, but also how we connect with each other. But as always, we gotta ask the tough questions about ethics and who gets access. Thomas: Absolutely. And lastly, we wrestled with the issue of trust in media. I think the potential solutions we discussed today – like certified verification technologies and boosting critical digital literacy – could be game-changers in the fight against misinformation and in helping us rebuild a shared sense of truth. Grace: But if I had to pick one major takeaway from everything we talked about, it's that the future isn't merely about the tech itself, it's about how we wield it. Are we building tools that bring us closer and give us more power? Or are we so caught up in the innovation frenzy that we're missing the potential downsides? You know? Thomas: Precisely! As we move forward into this "future normal," let's keep asking ourselves: How do we strike that balance between innovation and responsibility? How do we make sure inclusivity, trust, and that genuine human connection are baked into every step of the process? Grace: That's not an easy question, no. But it's definitely one worth pondering deeply. At the end of the day, the future isn't something that just happens to us – we're actively shaping it. So, let's make damn sure we're being thoughtful about the choices we're making. Thomas: Couldn't agree more. And with that, a huge thanks for joining us on this exploration of the big ideas that are going to shape our tomorrows. Until our next conversation, Grace! Grace: Later, Thomas. And to our listeners, stay inquisitive.