Chris Messina

Chris Messina, a tech innovator and the mind behind the hashtag, dives deep into the evolution of social media. He reflects on the failure of Google+, citing its focus on Google's needs over user experience. The conversation highlights how algorithms compromise authenticity, while hashtags, initially a tool for connection, often incentivize manipulation. Chris also warns of the challenges posed by AI and advocates for authentic human connections, urging the next generation to prioritize meaningful engagement in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Ian Cairns, Co-founder of FreePlay, and Chris Messina, renowned designer and tech innovator, delve into the transformative power of AI in software development. They discuss how FreePlay’s tools enhance collaboration between developers and non-developers, making prototyping more accessible. The pair reflect on their tech journeys, emphasizing how innovation is crucial in today's competitive landscape. They also touch on the challenges of navigating online identities and the evolving landscape of multimodal testing and the freelance economy.

Brian McCullough and Chris Messina, co-founders of a new AI investment fund, dive into the evolving landscape of AI investment strategies. They discuss their $15 million fund focusing on early-stage AI companies and the opportunities they see despite skepticism. The duo explores the impact of generative AI on creative workflows, the shifting dynamics of the creator economy, and the ethical implications of AI in warfare, revealing the crucial intersections of technology and society.

Chris Messina, the inventor of the hashtag and a pivotal figure in early Web 2.0 and co-working spaces, shares his fascinating journey through tech. He discusses the transition from DOS to Firefox and the cultural shifts of open-source projects. Messina reflects on the rise of Firefox, emphasizing community innovation, and dives into the impact of hashtags on social networking. He also explores the balance of human connection and AI, advocating for emotional intelligence in technology as he navigates life as a digital nomad.

Join Chris Messina, the hashtag inventor; Eric Holthaus, meteorologist and Tomorrow founder; and social media experts Matt Navarra and Martin SFP Bryant in a thrilling dialogue about Twitter's evolving role in the creator economy. They dive into an innovative weather subscription service enhancing accessibility and discuss the complexities of engaging marginalized communities. Topics also include Twitter's new features for collaboration, insights on tech news like Amazon's acquisition of MGM, and the intersection of cryptocurrency with social media.