The Future of You
Hello, welcome to the Future of You podcast. Here we’re going to investigate and analyse all the ways emerging technologies are going to affect our identity. We used to argue about whether personal identity was in the mind or in the body; but now that psychology of the self and the biology of self has been joined by a third dimension - the technology of the self. In a digital, data-driven world, Facebook gets a say in verifying who we are, medical science can alter our genetic make-up, and AI will help us create our digital twin - just how many identities do we need in the multiverse? How is 21st Century technology changing who we are? I set out to research exactly that, when I wrote my book The Future of You. That turned out to be only the start of my journey into our changing identity in a digital world. And I thought rather than continue to research this on my own, I could invite you along too. I’m Tracey Follows, I’m a futurist and founder of Futuremade, the futures consultancy, and I’ve helped brands and businesses like Virgin, Google, Diageo and Farfetch spot trends, develop strategic foresight and fully prepare for what comes next. I believe identity is the defining issue of our generation. So every fortnight I’ll be releasing new episodes, featuring panels of experts as we delve into topics such as how we use media to express our selves, the emergence of the extreme self, transhumanism and the augmented self; anonymity, genetics, biometrics, mind clones, and the digital afterlife - these are just some of the innovations, and controversies, we’ll cover. Join the community, buy the book at thefutureofyou.co.uk or connect with me on X at @traceyfutures. Please come with me on this journey to explore identity in the digital world, as we investigate the future of me, and the future of you.
Latest episodes
Jul 19, 2023 • 59min
The Discussion: Identity, Audiences and Avatars #21
Guests David Boyle and Matthew Kershaw talk about AI-enhanced content creation, the rise of digital avatars, the anthropomorphism of digital assistance, the impact of technology on job roles, evolution of online identities and social media, the role of humans and AI in art and culture, democratization of creative powers through digital tools, imagining a future of gesture control and ambient computing, and the power of anthropomorphism and emotional connections with AI.
Jul 6, 2023 • 31min
The Briefing: AI: The Death of The Artist? #20
This podcast explores the impact of AI on art and artists, including discussions on creativity in the age of AI, China's advancements in AI technology, and the potential of AI as an enabler for artists. It also explores the tensions between art for elites and art for the masses, and questions the value and identity of AI-generated art. The podcast concludes by discussing the transformative nature of AI on artistic practice, emphasizing that it will not render artists obsolete but instead birth a new kind of artist.
Jun 21, 2023 • 1h 7min
The Discussion: Generative AI - from Consumer Rights to Human Rights #19
Josh Muncke, Commercial Director at Faculty, and Sam Gregory, Executive Director at WITNESS, discuss generative AI models, prompt engineering, shallow fakes versus deep fakes, and the future of GPT. They explore the rapid progress of generative AI technology, its impact on customer experience, and the importance of human insight. They also touch on AI collaboration, risks and safeguards of language models, and the significance of media forensics.
Jun 7, 2023 • 43min
The Briefing: Building Trust in Digital Identity #18
Chris Holmes, an expert in digital identity and Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE, discusses the trends in generative AI, the UK's plans for digital ID, and the contrast to the EU approach. They also explore the importance of trust and public engagement in digital ID and its role in leveling up and addressing exclusion.
May 24, 2023 • 56min
The Discussion: Inside the EU's Digital ID Wallet #17
Andy Tobin, Commercial Director, Europe, Digital Trust Services at Gen, discusses the European identity system (eIDAS), digital wallets, and the future of credentials. Topics include verifiable credentials, security of digital credentials, the shift to digital identity, and the potential of the EU's digital ID wallet to create a new industry and ecosystem.
May 9, 2023 • 31min
The Briefing: Voice Tech #16
This podcast explores voice technology and its implications in creative content creation. It covers concerns regarding voice scams and deep fake technology. The discussion also includes identity verification on social media and the concept of digital identity. The podcast touches on positive and dystopian futures as well as the limitations of AI-generated content. The importance of research for future business success is also highlighted.
Apr 26, 2023 • 55min
The Discussion: Digital Identity - State of the Nations #15
In this episode of The Discussion I’m joined by digital identity thought leader Dave Birch and Senior Principal at Liminal, and host of the State of Identity podcast, Cameron D’Ambrosi to discuss the digital identity landscape. We cover the push towards integrated identity platforms, the vision for reusable identity and the differences between centralized and decentralized systems and how those often reflect national culture. What is the state of Digital ID in the UK? Will the wallets offered by Big Tech win out in the USA? And how might eIDAS or the EUDI approach evolve across the EU? Also to what extent do the public really understand (and trust) these identity systems which look like they are about to become part of our everyday lives?Liminal website 2023 Digital Identity Landscape from LiminalThe State of Identity podcast Cameron D’Ambrosi on Twitter @dambrosi Dave Birch’s website https://15mb.ltd/Dave’s Substack https://dgwbirch.substack.com/Dave’s books The Currency Cold War and Identity Is The New MoneyRead him on Forbes Dave Birch on Twitter @dgwbirchA New National Purpose : Innovation Can Power The Future of Britain 3min: An overview of the digital identity landscape with Cameron D'Ambrosi7min 50: The use of reusable identity13min: Differences and similarities between centralized and decentralized systems14min 30: State of digital identity in Europe17min 40: State of digital identity in America24min: Dave Birch discusses social media verification29min 40: State of digital identity in the UK32 min: Dave Birch gives an overview of the state of digital identity in the UK50min: Cameron D'Ambrosi's thoughts on the state of digital identity in the UK
Apr 12, 2023 • 24min
The Briefing: Brain data with special guest Dr Cody Rall #14
Neurotech expert Dr Cody Rall discusses Grimes getting a Neurosity Crown, integrating neurotech into daily routines, personalized brain data technology, privacy in the metaverse, brain data as a future biometric, and the launch of FedNow.
Mar 29, 2023 • 1h 4min
The Discussion: Brain Data and the Sovereign Self #13
The podcast explores brain data and its collection and usage, with discussions on cognitive liberty and the battle for one's brain. It also highlights the potential of neurotechnology and ethical considerations, as well as the integration of brain data into the healthcare industry. The podcast delves into developed consumer applications and the risks of accessing brain data.
Mar 27, 2023 • 3min
The Manifesto of You
Exploring the concept of personal identity in the digital age and the changes brought by the internet and technology
