The Future of Timelessness

Jan 10, 2025

Dive into the intriguing contrast between in-person shopping experiences and the rise of AI-driven online retail. The discussion highlights the loneliness epidemic tied to modern consumerism and the push for genuine human connection. Explore the surprising growth in holiday sales alongside the impact of bot technology on shopping behavior. Discover the concept of time capsules as a means of cultural preservation, while also examining the ethical implications of AI in personal engagement. A fascinating reflection on the future of retail awaits!

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ANECDOTE

Isolating Black Friday

Black Friday shopping has become isolating, with individuals scrolling on their phones instead of engaging with family.
This contrasts with the past, where Black Friday was a social activity involving shared experiences.

INSIGHT

Return to Physical Retail

Physical retail spaces are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, driven by a desire for real-life connection.
This counters the loneliness epidemic and is reflected in increased attendance at live events.

ADVICE

Verified Internet

Implement verified bot programs and create a distinction between verified and unverified internet spaces.
This will address issues of trust, confusion, and potential legal problems.

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This week, we’re unpacking Adobe’s holiday shopping report, the AI bot takeover, and the dead internet theory. As 2025 kicks off with powerful demand for both in-person experiences and AI-driven, frictionless online shopping, we’re peering into the future of the tension. PLUS: Phillip the Time Capsule Guy takes us back in time, and 5,000 years into the future.

Is AI Just Making Spam More Scalable?

Key takeaways:

[00:14:30] “Black Friday shopping is one of the most isolating things you can do now. It used to be a team sport, something you'd all go out and do…you get up early, you get the coffee and the hot chocolate in your warm coats, and you go out and you have a good time together amid consumerism madness.” – Brian
[00:20:24] “I think the return to physical connection and this loneliness epidemic is driving people back to real-life connection.” – Phillip
[00:46:55] “We are going to be building from this point forward websites or ecommerce experiences, channels, APIs. Anything that we build in ecommerce from henceforth will be done thoughtfully to assist both humans and agents to be able to seamlessly purchase from a brand.” – Phillip
[00:58:04] "Time capsules by Westinghouse and Panasonic might be humanity’s greatest contributions to cultural preservation." – Phillip
[01:01:20] “This is part of Mythopoeia. This is how you build a myth that extends into the future. You do stuff like this that's an extension of the story. And Westinghouse may be revived 5000 years in the future because of these time capsules.” – Brian

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Future Commerce Upcoming Events
The Future Now: January 28th, 2025. Immerse yourself in a collaborative and visionary roundtable experience with retail executives. Register here
Your Body is a Dataland: Insiders #66
Adobe Holiday Shopping Report
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