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.
The Future of You
Your Identity, Unplugged #32
In this episode of The Future of You I’m talking to Erik Prince, co-founder of Unplugged, a privacy-first smartphone to rival Big Tech. A former Navy SEAL, Erik is also the founder and former CEO of Blackwater—the world’s largest and most effective private military firm.
Erik discusses the creation and importance of the Unplugged phone and highlights the growing concerns around data collection, surveillance, and the misuse of technology by governments and big tech companies. He delves into the unique features of the Unplugged phone, including its lack of an advertising ID, secure messenger, and kill switch, all designed to protect user privacy.
We also touch on the broader issues of digital surveillance, the role of AI, and the future of personal security in an increasingly connected world.
Erik's website https://erikdprince.com
UNplugged website https://unplugged.com
Somalian Project on You Tube The Somali Project - Official Trailer (HD) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEPtXOCCzRE
Shawn Ryan Show Erik Prince - Breakdown of the Donald Trump Assassination Attempt | SRS #123 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t81CeoEcCik&t=956s
Erik's book: Civilian Warriors https://erikdprince.com/civilian-warriors/
UNherd with Silki Carlo on The UK’s Counter Disinformation Unit https://unherd.com/watch-listen/get-ready-for-the-crackdown/
Video audio included with permission from Erik Prince
Tracey's book 'The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology?' available in the UK (https://bit.ly/44ObTha) and US (https://bit.ly/3OlDxgk)
The Future of You was named Best Technology Podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards 2023.
Find Tracey at https://www.futuremade.group/abouttracey
Explore more on The Future of You at https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-you
