How AI and Crypto are Changing the Future of the Internet?

a16z Growth partner David George engaged in a dialogue with a16z crypto partner Chris Dixon, discussing their vision for the new internet, including cryptocurrency, decentralized AI infrastructure, and more. They believe that AI, cryptographic technology, and new types of hardware are the three most interesting trends today, with these technologies complementing and developing together.

How Technology Evolves

Chris Dixon believes that technological waves often appear in pairs or threes. Fifteen years ago, mobile internet, social networks, and cloud computing were the three major trends. Now, AI, cryptography, and new types of devices like robots, self-driving cars, and VR( are the three most interesting trends today.

Cryptography offers a whole new way of internet architecture. It has some unique features that can turn things that were previously impossible into reality. The essence of cryptography goes far beyond Bitcoin or meme coins; it intersects with AI in many ways. One of the most fundamental ways of combining them is to use cryptographic architecture to build AI systems.

How Cryptocurrency and AI Interact

Chris Dixon introduced several projects, such as Jensen and Story Protocol. Jensen is building a decentralized computing resource network, similar to the Airbnb model. Story Protocol is a new way of registering intellectual property that allows creators to register their works on the blockchain and set usage terms.

One of the core advantages of encryption technology is composability. It allows creative content to be freely combined like LEGO bricks, providing creators with new economic models.

Is AI frosting or sugar?

Discussed Marc's metaphor of "Is AI frosting or sugar?" If AI is just "frosting", the existing industry giants will win; if AI is "sugar", then it requires building products from scratch, and emerging companies are more likely to take the lead.

Imitation Technology and Native Technology

Chris Dixon pointed out that the development of new technologies typically goes through two stages: the imitation stage and the native stage. AI is currently still in the mimetic stage, mainly replacing human labor. But the real AI revolution will occur with AI-native products.

AI as the Cornerstone of Creativity

Discussed the impact of AI on the creative industry. AI may give rise to entirely new forms of art, providing a new canvas for human creativity.

What is the ideal future of the internet?

Chris Dixon believes that the internet is at a crossroads. The ideal internet should be a decentralized network, co-owned and managed by the community, with more economic benefits flowing to the users. But in reality, the flow of funds on the internet is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few tech giants.

They emphasized the importance of blockchain and decentralized network construction to prevent the innovation space from being compressed. True innovation should be built on an open ecosystem rather than being controlled by a few companies.