# Reclaiming Agency: The Role of Decentralized Technology in Shaping 2035
Carl Barrdahl | Hyper Island | September 2024

### **Introduction**

In a world where technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, anticipating future challenges and opportunities becomes not just an exercise in imagination but a necessity. As part of a business development course focused on innovation and societal impact, I was tasked with envisioning a business case for addressing human needs in the year 2035. This assignment prompted me to reflect deeply on the trajectory of technology and its intersection with fundamental human needs.

#### **Personal Journey with Technology**

I still vividly remember the shrill tones of the dial-up modem as it connected my family's computer to the vast unknown of the internet. It was the late 1990s, and the world stood on the cusp of a digital revolution. The internet was neither fast nor user-friendly, but it was a gateway to new realms of information and connection. I found myself engrossed in online forums, exchanging ideas with people from different continents, and even playing games with opponents from South Korea — a novelty that seemed magical at the time.

These early experiences didn't just introduce me to technology; they instilled a profound belief in its potential to transform lives. The internet was built on principles of openness and decentralization, allowing anyone with basic coding skills to create and share content with the world - no gatekeepers, no barriers. This ethos of democratization and empowerment shaped how I view the role of technology today.

However, as the internet evolved, so did its landscape. The once decentralized web began to centralize around tech giants, creating new gatekeepers in the digital realm. While these platforms brought convenience and connectivity, they also centralized power, raising concerns about privacy, control, and the true democratization of information.

### **The Evolution of the Internet and Its Impact**

#### **From Open Frontiers to Walled Gardens**

The internet's inception was rooted in principles of decentralization and permissionless innovation. Creators of all kinds could share their work directly with a global audience, dismantling the monopolies of traditional media. This openness allowed for an unprecedented flow of ideas and creativity.

Over time, however, new gatekeepers emerged. Large corporations began to control significant portions of online content and data. Social media platforms dictated the flow of information, search engines curated what we saw, and algorithms influenced our perceptions. The power shifted from the edges of the network - the users and creators - to the center - the platform owners.

This centralization brought about convenience and connectivity but also led to concerns about data privacy, censorship, and the monopolization of digital spaces. The balance between innovation and control became a pressing issue, raising questions about how we could reclaim the internet's original spirit of openness and empowerment.

#### **Infrastructure as the Foundation for Innovation**

Innovation thrives on robust infrastructure. Just as the widespread adoption of electricity transformed industries and daily life, the underlying protocols of the internet — TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP — have enabled countless innovations. These protocols are like the railways and highways of the digital world, providing the necessary pathways for information and services.

Without them, we wouldn't have the platforms and applications we rely on today. Spotify streams music to millions because the internet's infrastructure allows for seamless data transfer. Uber connects drivers and passengers because GPS and mobile internet make real-time location sharing possible. These innovations didn't require inventing new infrastructure, they built upon the existing ones.

The same principle applies to emerging technologies like blockchain and AI. They require new kinds of infrastructure to reach their full potential. Blockchain needs decentralized networks and consensus mechanisms. AI thrives on data availability and computational power. By investing in and developing this infrastructure and the app layers, we pave the way for future innovations that can transform society.

#### **Technological S-Curves and Innovation Waves**

Technological advancement often follows an S-curve: slow initial progress, followed by rapid growth, and eventually plateauing as the technology matures. Each new wave builds upon the foundations of the previous ones. For instance, the proliferation of smartphones wasn't just about better phones; it was about combining high-speed internet, advanced computing, and user-friendly interfaces to create entirely new ecosystems.

Blockchain technology and AI represent new S-curves with the potential to redefine various aspects of society. Blockchain offers decentralized, transparent, and secure ways to record transactions and data, eliminating the need for intermediaries. AI can process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and provide insights that humans alone might miss.

Chris Dixon, in his insightful work *Read, Write, Own*, discusses how the internet is evolving into a new era where data ownership and decentralization are paramount. He emphasizes the shift from corporate-controlled networks to protocol networks, where power and value flow back to the users and creators.

#### **Setting the Stage for 2035**

Fast forward to 2035, and exponential technologies have advanced beyond what many of us could have predicted. Artificial intelligence and automation have streamlined industries, increased efficiency, and opened doors to innovations we once only dreamed of. Yet, these advancements have also brought significant challenges. Many traditional jobs have been displaced, leaving people searching for new means of livelihood and purpose. Trust in traditional governance has eroded as institutions struggle to keep pace with societal needs. Environmental issues loom larger than ever, demanding collective action that feels increasingly difficult to mobilize.

As technology has evolved, there's a risk of leaving behind core human needs. Understanding these needs is key to solving the challenges of the future, such as AI displacement, civic disengagement, and environmental sustainability. But what if the very technologies that contributed to these challenges could also offer solutions? What if we could harness the power of exponential technologies to address fundamental human needs, rejuvenate civic participation, and drive sustainable development?

### **Understanding Fundamental Human Needs**

#### **Manfred Max-Neef's 9 Fundamental Human Needs**

Chilean economist Manfred Max-Neef proposed a framework of 9 fundamental human needs that are constant across cultures and time:

1. **Subsistence** - The need for basic survival - food, water, shelter.
2. **Protection** - Safety, security, and care from threats.
3. **Affection** - Relationships, love, and a sense of belonging.
4. **Understanding** - Education, learning, and comprehension.
5. **Participation** - Involvement in societal decisions and community life.
6. **Idleness** - Leisure, rest, and free time.
7. **Creation** - Expressing oneself through making and doing.
8. **Identity** - A sense of self and belonging to a community.
9. **Freedom** - Autonomy, choice, and the ability to pursue one's desires.

These needs are fulfilled through "satisfiers" which are the means by which we meet these needs. The satisfiers can vary widely but are essential in ensuring that our fundamental needs are met.

#### **Synergistic Satisfiers**

Max-Neef differentiates between different types of satisfiers, with **synergistic satisfiers** being particularly important. These fulfill multiple needs simultaneously. For example:

- **Community Gardens** - Promote subsistence by providing food, affection through community bonding, understanding through shared knowledge, and participation by involving community members.
- **Maker Spaces** - Address creation by providing tools and space, understanding through learning, participation via collaboration, and identity by cultivating a sense of belonging.

#### **Synergy-Driven Design in Sustainable Business**

Businesses have the opportunity to create products and services that act as synergistic satisfiers. By addressing multiple human needs, they not only provide greater value to individuals but also contribute positively to society. This approach encourages sustainability and long-term success.

For example, a platform that facilitates local governance and community projects can satisfy needs for participation, understanding, creation, and identity. By enabling citizens to propose and vote on initiatives, it empowers them and strengthens a sense of community.

### **Challenges Facing Society in 2035**

#### **AI Displacement and the Future of Work**

By 2035, artificial intelligence and automation have transformed industries. While efficiency has increased, many traditional jobs have been displaced. Projections indicate up to 30% of jobs globally could be automated by 2030, affecting 800 million workers worldwide. People are searching for new ways to find purpose and sustain their livelihoods.

The question arises: How do we create meaningful opportunities in a world where machines can perform many tasks better and faster than humans? This necessitates a shift towards work that emphasize creativity, emotional intelligence, and human connection.

#### **Civic Disengagement and Governance Issues**

Trust in traditional governance has waned. People feel disconnected from decision-making processes that affect their lives. Voter turnout is low, and civic participation is minimal. This disengagement poses a threat to democratic principles and the ability to address communal challenges effectively. There's a need for more transparent, inclusive, and participatory governance models that restore trust and encourage active citizenship.

#### **Environmental Sustainability Challenges**

Environmental degradation continues to be a pressing issue. Climate change, pollution, and resource depletion require collective action. However, mobilizing communities and allocating resources efficiently remains a challenge. There's a gap between awareness and action, often due to lack of coordination, funding, and accessible platforms for engagement.

#### **Loss of Purpose and Community Engagement**

As traditional structures change, many individuals struggle with a loss of purpose and community connection. The rise of automation and digital interactions can lead to feelings of isolation and meaninglessness. Addressing this requires creating opportunities for people to engage in meaningful activities that contribute to their communities and fulfill their fundamental human needs.

### **The Promise of Exponential Technologies**

#### **Blockchain Technology and Decentralization**

Blockchain technology offers a decentralized, transparent, and secure way to record transactions and data. By eliminating the need for intermediaries, it reduces costs and increases efficiency. More importantly, it empowers individuals by giving them control over their data and digital assets.

In the context of governance and funding, blockchain enables transparent decision-making processes and verifiable allocation of resources. It can rebuild trust in systems by ensuring accountability and openness. For example, blockchain-based voting systems can provide tamper-proof records, increasing confidence in electoral processes.

Blockchain can also facilitate decentralized finance (DeFi), allowing for new funding mechanisms that are accessible to a broader range of people. This democratization of finance can support community projects and public goods.

#### **Innovative Voting and Funding Mechanisms**

**Quadratic Voting** allows individuals to express not just their preferences but the intensity of those preferences. By spending credits to cast votes - with the cost increasing quadratically for additional votes on the same issue - it balances majority rule with minority rights. This method can prevent the "tyranny of the majority" and ensure that decisions reflect the community's nuanced views.

**Quadratic Funding** is a mechanism for funding public goods based on the principle that projects with broader support should receive more funding. Individual contributions are matched from a larger pool, with the matching amount determined by the number of contributors and the amounts they give. This encourages widespread participation and supports initiatives that benefit the community as a whole.

**Retroactive Public Goods Funding** rewards projects after they have demonstrated significant impact. Instead of funding projects based on proposed future work, this model allocates funds to initiatives that have already provided valuable contributions to the community. By rewarding past success, it encourages ongoing innovation and allows the community to recognize and support efforts that have proven their worth.

By integrating these innovative funding mechanisms, communities can more effectively allocate resources to projects that reflect their collective values and have demonstrated tangible benefits. This cultivates an environment where creators are motivated to contribute high-quality work, knowing that their efforts will be recognized and supported by the community.

#### **Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Alignment**

AI can process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and provide insights that humans alone might miss. When aligned with human values, AI can help identify community needs, optimize resource allocation, and enhance decision-making processes.

For example, AI can analyze proposals on a civic platform to highlight potential impacts, flag issues, or suggest collaborations between similar initiatives. This can make governance more efficient and responsive.

In Taiwan, digital minister Audrey Tang has implemented AI-powered platforms like vTaiwan to facilitate public deliberation and consensus-building. These tools help align government actions with citizens' needs and desires.

### Conclusion: A Vision for 2035

As we look toward 2035, we face a pivotal moment in human history. The exponential technologies at our disposal will either deepen divides or bridge gaps in society. By prioritizing fundamental human needs and harnessing technologies like blockchain and AI, we can build infrastructures that empower communities, rejuvenate civic participation, and drive sustainable development.

The challenges of AI displacement, civic disengagement, and environmental sustainability are significant but not insurmountable. Innovative voting and funding mechanisms like quadratic voting, quadratic funding, and retroactive public goods funding offer new pathways to more democratic decision-making and effective resource allocation. These tools help us address communal challenges by ensuring that projects reflecting the collective values and needs receive the support they require.

By aligning technological advancement with human values, we can create a future where individuals find purpose and meaning, communities thrive through collaboration, and our collective actions lead to a sustainable and equitable world. It's about leveraging technology to enhance - not diminish - our humanity.

Imagine a world where:
- Citizens actively participate in local decision-making through secure, blockchain-based voting systems on mobile phones
- Community projects are funded through transparent funding mechanisms that reflects the true needs and desires of the people.
- Environmental initiatives are coordinated and resourced efficiently, with verifiable impact evaluations guiding our efforts.
- Displaced workers find new purpose and income through community-driven projects and initiatives.

This vision is not just about technology, it's about reimagining how we organize ourselves as a society. It's about creating systems that align with our fundamental needs and values, nurturing a sense of belonging, purpose, and shared responsibility.

The path to this future is not without challenges. We must navigate issues of digital literacy, ensure equitable access to technology, and safeguard against potential misuse. But by embracing these challenges and leveraging the power of exponential technologies, we have the opportunity to create a more participatory, sustainable, and fulfilling world.

As we stand at this technological crossroads, the question is not whether we can build these systems, but whether we will choose to do so in a way that truly serves humanity. The tools are at our disposal - now it's up to us to shape them into a future where technology empowers rather than divides, helping us fulfill our deepest human needs and aspirations.

In 2035, let's envision a world where every individual has the means to contribute meaningfully to their community, where our collective intelligence is harnessed for the greater good, and where we've learned to use technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for human flourishing. This is the promise of decentralized technologies - not just a technological revolution, but a human one.