Social media evolution and quantum computing breakthroughs may seem worlds apart, but both BlueSky and Google’s Willow represent critical shifts in how we interact with technology and imagine future possibilities.

These innovations challenge entrenched norms and offer glimpses into the tools, technologies, and strategies that will shape tomorrow.

This week on my segment with Hong Kong Radio 3, we explored these ground-breaking developments.

Let’s dive into what they mean, why they matter, and how we can prepare for what’s next.

BlueSky: A New Kind of Social Media

Imagine a social media platform where you control what you see, who you connect with, and how your data is used.

That’s the vision of BlueSky, a decentralised platform born from the ashes of Twitter. It feels familiar—its interface, functionality, and user experience mirror what Twitter used to be—but its ethos couldn’t be more different.

What is BlueSky?

BlueSky was conceived in 2019 by former Twitter employees as a project to explore decentralised social networking.

Backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, it officially launched in 2023. The team’s pedigree brings a level of expertise and innovation that immediately set it apart.

The platform exploded in popularity earlier this year, driven by frustration with Twitter’s changes under Elon Musk.

As of today, BlueSky boasts over 24.8 million users and 743.84 million posts according to BlueSky Stats, with the numbers growing rapidly.

Key features include:

• Custom Algorithms: Users can shape their feeds based on personal preferences.
• Interoperability: Profiles and followers can move seamlessly between platforms using the same technology.
• Decentralisation: No single organisation owns BlueSky, making it an open-source, community-driven network.

Web1 to Web3: A Quick Evolution

To understand why BlueSky is significant, it helps to know where we’ve been.

Web1 was the earliest version of the internet—a static, read-only experience where information flowed in one direction.

Web2 brought interactivity, user-generated content, and the rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. While revolutionary, Web2 centralised power, with platforms owning user data and shaping experiences through opaque algorithms.

Now, we’re on the cusp of Web3, which prioritises decentralisation, transparency, and user ownership.

BlueSky embodies these principles, giving users more control over their data, their networks, and their online experiences.

As we discussed on the show:
“We’ve all grown used to social media being controlled by a few big companies, but what if the future could be different? BlueSky is a glimpse into that possibility—an internet where we, the users, have the power.”

Why Businesses and Individuals Should Care

BlueSky represents a shift toward Web3, where user control and decentralisation are prioritised. For businesses and individuals alike, it offers a chance to engage with communities in new ways.

Here’s what you should do:

• Claim Your Stake: Sign up for BlueSky and secure your name or brand identity now. As the platform grows, this ensures you’re part of the conversation.
• Kick the Tyres: Start exploring the platform. Post content, engage with others, and see who’s there.
• Think of It as an Opportunity: BlueSky doesn’t have to replace other platforms—it’s another channel to connect with your customers and communities.

Google Willow: The Quantum Leap

If BlueSky redefines how we connect, Google’s Willow is poised to revolutionise how we compute.

Described as a quantum computing chip capable of solving problems in minutes that would take traditional supercomputers septillions of years, Willow represents a seismic shift in computational power.

What is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computers harness the principles of quantum mechanics, a field of physics that operates at the smallest scales.

Unlike classical computers that process data in binary (0s and 1s), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously—a concept known as superposition.

Why Does Quantum Computing Matter?

Quantum computing isn’t just faster; it’s transformative for problems with vast complexities and variables. Potential applications include:

• Drug Discovery: Simulating molecular structures to accelerate cures.
• Material Science: Designing materials at the atomic level for breakthroughs in energy and manufacturing.
• Cryptography: Both breaking today’s encryption and creating unbreakable systems for the future.

As I explained on the show:
“Imagine walking through a maze one step at a time—that’s a classical computer. Now imagine a puff of smoke filling the maze and finding every path at once. That’s quantum computing.”

What Makes Willow Significant?

Google claims Willow can solve problems in minutes that would take the world’s fastest supercomputer 10 septillion years—a number with 24 zeros.

However, Willow remains largely experimental.

Experts estimate that fully functional quantum computers capable of solving real-world problems are still a decade away.

Despite the caveats, Willow represents:

• Proof of Concept: Demonstrating quantum computing’s potential.
• Speed and Scale: A glimpse into computational power previously thought impossible.

Lessons and Foresights: Why These Developments Matter

1. BlueSky and the Future of Social Media

BlueSky highlights a growing demand for user empowerment and transparency. Businesses and individuals should:

• Claim Your Stake: Sign up, secure your name, and start exploring the platform.
• Engage Early: Begin posting content and interacting with the community.
• Monitor Web3 Trends: Decentralised platforms are likely to influence how companies engage with audiences.

2. Quantum Computing and Industry Disruption

While still in its infancy, quantum computing will eventually reshape industries. Companies should:

• Invest in R&D: Explore how quantum technologies might impact their sector.
• Stay Informed: Partner with experts or institutions to understand advancements and timelines.

Practical Next Steps

1. For Businesses:
   • Explore decentralised principles like Web3 and how they can reshape engagement.
   • Keep an eye on quantum computing developments to anticipate industry changes.
2. For Individuals:
   • Sign up for BlueSky, secure your name, and start experimenting.
   • Learn about quantum computing basics—it’s a field that will shape the future.
3. For Innovators:
   • Consider how decentralisation and quantum computing could intersect in creating future technologies.

The Bigger Picture

Both BlueSky and Willow reflect the broader themes of decentralisation, empowerment, and possibility. They’re reminders that the future isn’t static—it’s constantly evolving, driven by innovation and human ingenuity.

As I always say:
“The future isn’t something we predict—it’s something we prepare for.”

Let’s keep the conversation going:

• What do you think about the potential of decentralised platforms like BlueSky?
• How do you see quantum computing reshaping industries and lives?

Listen to the full HK3 segment here (18 minutes 45 seconds):

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