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Here is a short note of my ideas on data, tech, and society. Scroll to Software and Society to see what I plan to do now.

Summary

Soon, most personal data might be public.
- Why? People share data for perks, or it leaks through hacks.
- Good side: more open rule, better law, more truth on hush-hush issues.
- Bad side: harsh rulers, and harm to those who act in odd ways.
I think such big data might help us in the long run. I want to build tools that use this.
- Cheaper hardware can allow new social sites run by many small groups.
- Before, big tech firms led social sites due to huge server costs and made rules that served them.
Tech to boost brain power (like AI, gene edits, and brain chips) could change our world fast.
- These might also cause big risks (like a super AI or bio-weapon).
- Old ways of law may not handle such big shifts. A smart mind can trick a less smart mind.
The balance of attack vs defense in new tech shapes our choices. Choices shape our culture. If you want to see how our world may shift over many years, look at what tech helps offense or defense.

Information and Society

Each big leap in info sharing (horses, printing press, telegraph, radio, internet) changed our way of life.
Cheaper computing gear makes hacking easier. It’s tough to hide secrets now.
- True security might need offline methods (switch off power, store data in locked places).
- Once data is hacked, copies spread. Over time, many people gain the info.
Both real-world and online spaces can be watched.
- It is simpler now to gather big images or run face-rec checks.
Sharing data in the open can give you trust, fans, or support.
- Example: famous shows or podcasts help people grow an audience.
The difference between 99% coverage vs full coverage of cameras and mics is huge.
- If some top group hides its data but sees yours, that might lead to a rigid rule.
- If all data is open, people might push for direct democracy.
- Likely we end up with near-full data sharing, but not fully 100%.
A world where all info leaks might be more stable than one with partial leaks.
- Privacy vs free speech is a big clash. If we allow any info to be shared, that hurts privacy.
- Another option is to live in a small closed group, away from large society. That keeps secrets.
Full exposure of top leaders’ data can cut their power. This can enable more direct civic rule.
Openness can help truth come out on taboo topics. But it can also hurt people with secrets.
- Many keep quiet on hard topics (like health, money, or private thoughts). If leaks happen, the truth can help solve real problems.
- If enough folks share some view in public, new norms can form.

Software and Society

I want to build new ways for people to govern themselves using software.
- Capital, attention, and online products (apps, sites) are big forms of power now.
The web can spread money, fame, and ideas. So new forms of rule can grow out of code.
I think near-total watching (99% data capture) will happen. It might help law, open rule, no single big boss, and deep honesty, if done right.
Right now, big tech writes the rules for online spaces. That’s because hardware is costly. But this may change.

Hardware Costs

In 10-20 years, we might store all spoken words of all people on small servers.
For video, though, we still need big data centers. So big tech may keep control there.

Software Costs

Software can be complex to make. AI might cut that complexity.
Search is key online. A simpler “search by meaning” might help.
Identity is also key. Cheap video tools might help people prove who they are without big companies.
Many apps face cheats or doubts. Video might build trust in chats or debates.

Steps to Build Better Online Rule

Make a cheap, open search system that is easy to host.
Have a safe, unblockable data network (spies or even hard drive swaps).
Figure out cheap ways to handle video (store, share, convert).

Technology

Science speeds up when new gadgets allow cheaper or better data-gathering (like microscopes, telescopes, etc.).
Cheaper parts (chips, sensors) help us build new tools.
Brain-boosting tech is key. A small edge in thinking can give huge power.
- If one mind is much smarter, it can trick many normal minds.
Main mind-boost tech: super-smart AI, gene edits, brain-mapping, cognitive drugs, etc.
- AI might learn so fast it outdoes humans.
- Gene edits on humans have started, but face moral blocks.
- Brain scans may help copy or enhance minds.
Some tech might wipe us out (gene edits for weapons or super AI).
- Cheaper spying might let states see each other’s nukes, but may not fix big nuclear threats.

Technology and Society

Offense-defense in tech shapes our world. Then we adapt laws and norms around it.
Culture shapes law. If people in charge dislike a law, they can change it.
Incentives change how people act. Then that changes who gains power.
New ideas often come from old ones. Controlling which ideas spread can shape the future.
Morals spread through group approvals or force. Some groups tolerate new ideas, others do not.
Tech that small groups can build (like a radio) shifts power in one way. Tech that needs big groups (like making jets) shifts power in another way.
Nations or firms that lead a big tech can use it for trade or to push their moral code.
Tools that are open for all, like open-source, can shift society toward shared power.

(End of summary. These ideas may change as I learn more.)