Hey, I’m Alexis,
I’m the author of Futurenotes.
Previously, I studied Digital Culture and Futures Studies at UTU.
When I was still studying, I believed these were the fields most relevant to our future—and I still do.
I believe in a Digital Renaissance: a rebirth of creativity, innovation, and culture in the digital age.
But for that to happen, people need to increase their future- and digital literacy.
Currently, one might argue that digital technologies are bringing us more harm than good, which is the result of the design incentives that drive the technology.
Platforms are designed to maximize user attention because their revenue models (primarily through advertising) rely on keeping people on the platform as long as possible.
To do this, algorithms are fine-tuned to push content that triggers strong emotional reactions—whether it’s anger, fear, or anxiety—because this leads to more engagement (likes, shares, comments).
The result is a feedback loop that prioritizes what’s addictive, sensational, and often divisive over what’s actually valuable, like healthy, informative, or constructive content.
Examples of the current absurdity:
Social media is designed to connect, but we're more disconnected than ever.
We have endless knowledge, yet we are more misinformed than ever.
They are meant to empower self-expression, but fuel conformity.
They should Promote free speech, but creates echo chambers.
More ‘friends’ than ever, but fewer meaningful relationships.
Supposed to democratize influence, but rewards extremism.
Focus on "likes" and validation, but increases self-doubt and anxiety.
More access to diverse perspectives, yet more polarized societies.
If we want a "Digital Renaissance," it would require rethinking these incentives, placing new values and goals at the forefront, rather than endless engagement and profit.
However, I do not believe these incentives will change any time soon, since growth is currently the main objective of all tech companies.
That is why I believe users themselves need to adopt a more future-conscious mindset to better understand how these technologies are affecting their lives and how to make the most out of them.
That is the reason I created this newsletter.
For starters:
Digital culture is:
The study of how digital technologies shape human experiences, communication, and society.
An exploration of the the internet, social media, and digital tools influence culture, art, and identity.
A way to understand the intersection of technology with everyday life, from how we consume information to how we interact with others.
The examination of how digital innovations are reshaping traditional forms of expression, creativity, and community.
Futures studies is:
The field dedicated to exploring and anticipating possible futures, helping us prepare for and shape what’s to come.
A way to critically assess current trends, challenges, and opportunities to imagine different scenarios for the future.
An interdisciplinary approach that combines insights from different fields to forecast future developments.
A tool to empower individuals and organizations to make informed decisions today that will impact the future in meaningful ways.
If you decide to subscribe, I’ll send you:
More in-depth notes
Book recommendations
My thoughts on where we’re headed
Trends and signals I’ve spotted
A spark of inspiration
General advice for living in this post-internet era