Virtual Natives

16The Charismatics

We saw earlier that Virtual Natives have shown themselves to be more successfully resistant to misinformation on social media feeds than their elders, through a high awareness of how digital everything works, plus finely tuned antennae for detecting the inauthentic. We have also seen how they like to take the reins where possible, and chafe against arbitrary limitations on their actions. How are they likely to react when they begin to encounter the inefficiencies and helplessness associated with modern bureaucracy, especially systems still based on ancient and outmoded technologies? How will they expect the tools that they're so familiar with to be used to improve services and prevent grift?

It's early days, but some VNs are already exploring how AI, blockchain, and Web3 can bring needed efficiency to official channels, and unravel deceit before it happens. Innovation in this space is being driven by Virtual Natives, and there will be pitfalls for companies that fail to keep up.

If AI Invented Politicians

Prompt: “Describe the background of the perfect American candidate for office.”

George Santos was just 34 years old when he was elected to the US Congress in 2022 to represent New York's 3rd congressional district. Dark‐haired, with a boyish face and thin brown academic glasses, he cut a fresh silhouette against his august opponent, Robert Zimmerman, who, at a silvery 67 years old looked like the epitome of the Washington establishment. Santos defeated ...