In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs delves into the ever-evolving landscape of social media, focusing on its transformative impact over the past 20 years and its future trajectory. Jacobs highlights notable trends, including the rise of AI-driven social apps, short-form content, and niche platforms. The episode covers several new applications launched by companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Roblox, exploring their functionalities and implications for brands and marketers. Jacobs offers practical advice for brands on navigating these new platforms and leveraging creators to maintain authentic connections. He concludes by discussing the potential role of AI characters and avatars in reshaping our digital interactions. This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of social media and technology.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:39 The Evolution of Social Media

01:53 Global Social Media Platforms

04:00 The Rise of AI in Social Media

04:51 New Social Media Apps and Features

09:12 The Importance of Attention in Social Media

10:02 Short Form Content Dominance

11:20 AI's Impact on Social Media

13:49 Strategies for Brands on New Platforms

17:36 The Future of Social Media and AI Characters

18:07 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

The Re-Physicalization Movement: Embracing Tangible Experiences in a Digital AgeIn this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs discusses a significant counter-trend to the proliferation of AI and digital technology, termed 're-physicalization.' He begins by sharing his personal story and passion for film photography to illustrate the value of imperfect, tangible experiences over flawless digital ones. He talks about historical counter-movements such as the resurgence of vinyl records, the growing popularity of board games, and the enduring appeal of physical trading cards in the face of digital alternatives. Jacobs highlights the rise of 'third places,' community spaces designed for human interaction, and suggests that brands focus on creating meaningful physical touchpoints and fostering community. He concludes that while AI will optimize the efficiency of digital interactions, human connection and physical experiences will become increasingly valuable.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:27 The Re-Physicalization of Everything04:23 Counter Movements to Digital Trends08:53 The Rise of Third Places12:14 The Future of Physical and Digital Integration15:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/funsj

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

The Battle for Encryption: A History of Freedom Online

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs takes listeners on a deep dive into the cryptography wars, a pivotal two-decade struggle to secure online privacy through encryption. The episode covers the historical timeline from the early days of the internet to the modern digital landscape, highlighting key events and figures such as Phil Zimmerman and the Cypherpunks. Jacobs explains the crucial importance of encryption for secure communication, e-commerce, and digital trust. Additionally, the episode discusses historical government resistance, the birth of SSL, and ongoing debates over digital privacy and security. Ultimately, Jacobs emphasizes the enduring relevance of these battles as technologies like AI and blockchain continue to evolve.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:16 The Battle for Encryption: A History of Freedom Online

02:59 Understanding Cryptography: Symmetric vs Asymmetric Encryption

04:35 The Birth of the Internet and Early Privacy Issues

06:23 The Cryptography Wars: Government vs Technologists

08:19 The Rise of Cypherpunks and PGP

12:17 The Clipper Chip Controversy

13:36 Netscape and the Birth of SSL

15:58 The Ongoing Battle for Digital Privacy

18:55 Conclusion and Future Episodes

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/funsj