The f(x) = e^x | Virtual reality is reality, too
Good Day! This is my weekly newsletter, with a dose of insights into the future. The topic of this newsletter is the exponential times we live in, hence the title of f(x) = e^x, which is the (natural) exponential function.
Recently, I launched my new concept The Digital Speaker and you can now book me as an avatar or hologram. Also, my tech trend prediction for 2021 is out, read it here!
EP07 - Between Two Bots with Yakaira Núñez
My latest podcast:
In this podcast, we discuss the cultural, technological, and ethical implications of artificial intelligence and AI-based decisions. A discussion that we think is so important to have as it affects us all as our relationship with machines is changing. AI is becoming more and more pervasive and has a bigger impact on our lives and how we work.
DEI is the acronym for diversity, equity and inclusion, and this has become very important today, especially when it comes to AI. Very few people work at the intersection of DEI and AI. In this episode, though, we have one of the foremost thinkers on both topics. This week our guest is an expert on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion combined with AI: Yakaira Núñez - VP Research and Insights at Salesforce. You can listen to it here or watch it on Vimeo or YouTube.
Three Useful Nuggets of Information
My weekly tips from around the web to get you thinking.
1. Virtual reality is reality, too.
Philosopher David Chalmers' new book Reality+ discusses the significance of virtual worlds and why we may be living in a simulation after all. Fascinating article, and I am looking forward to reading his book. (Vox)
2. A sci-fi genre offering radical hope.
Most science fiction books follow a path of despair and crises, but amid global uncertainty, could hopepunk be the perfect antidote amid global uncertainty (BBC)
3. Blockchain: a tool for empowerment or Big Tech?
All technology is neutral. It can be used in ways that contribute to humanity, and it can be used in ways that are detrimental to society. Will blockchain fulfill its democratic promise, or will it end up eaten by Big Tech? (The Guardian)
Tonga has been cut off from the internet.
The massive volcano eruption in Tonga, which was felt across the globe, has damaged the nation's only internet cable. It will take weeks to repair it. (New Zealand Morning Herald)
Dr Mark van Rijmenam
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is a strategic futurist known as The Digital Speaker. He stands at the forefront of the digital age and lives and breathes cutting-edge technologies to inspire Fortune 500 companies and governments worldwide. As an optimistic dystopian, he has a deep understanding of AI, blockchain, the metaverse, and other emerging technologies, and he blends academic rigour with technological innovation.
His pioneering efforts include the world’s first TEDx Talk in VR in 2020. In 2023, he further pushed boundaries when he delivered a TEDx talk in Athens with his digital twin , delving into the complex interplay of AI and our perception of reality. In 2024, he launched a digital twin of himself offering interactive, on-demand conversations via text, audio or video in 29 languages, thereby bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds – another world’s first.
As a distinguished 5-time author and corporate educator, Dr Van Rijmenam is celebrated for his candid, independent, and balanced insights. He is also the founder of Futurwise , which focuses on elevating global digital awareness for a responsible and thriving digital future.
