The Futures - No. 59

Gen Z is not doomed / Is AI replacing human relationships / Personalized cancer vaccines

Jun 11, 2024

In this issue

The Quantumrun team shares actionable trend insights about why the future is bright for Gen Z, how AI chatbots are becoming the one-stop companion, England’s groundbreaking cancer vaccine program, and the robotic “thumb.”

Future signals to watch

Thousands of patients in England will be fast-tracked into clinical trials for personalized cancer vaccines through an innovative NHS scheme, aiming to provide a permanent cure by custom-building jabs to target individual tumors. This world-first program offers immediate trial access to eligible patients, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
University of Pennsylvania engineers have created an adjustable filter that prevents interference in high-frequency electromagnetic bands, potentially advancing wireless communications.
Startup Pairwise introduced CRISPR-modified mustard greens to select food services, and now Bayer plans to distribute them in the US in grocery stores by fall.
A non-invasive spinal cord stimulation therapy improved hand control in 72% of participants in a clinical trial, offering a simple and transformative addition to physical rehabilitation programs without the need for surgery.
The first human trial of a tooth-regenerating drug, following successful animal tests, will start at Kyoto University Hospital in 2025 and could lead to commercial availability by 2030.
China's military displayed machine gun-equipped robotic "dogs" during its largest-ever drills with Cambodian forces, raising concerns in the US about Beijing's increasing influence in Southeast Asia.
Researchers from Columbia University, the University of Montreal, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology have developed an oxygen-free chemical vapor deposition method to produce high-quality, green graphene samples at scale.
A team at the University of Cambridge developed the 'Third Thumb,' a robotic thumb designed to enhance the wearer's range of movement and grasping abilities. This wearable technology aims to help users perform tasks that are typically challenging or impossible with a standard hand.

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Culturally // Trending

YouTube → Venom: The Last Dance // X → Memorable bench plaques // Reddit → Self-cleaning toilet // TikTok → ChatGPT as “Dan,” the supportive boyfriend // Instagram → Gen Z vs Millennial // Spotify → “Lunch”

😎 Gen Z is not doomed

Contrary to the common narrative of a bleak future for Generation Z, this cohort is actually positioned for remarkable success. Gen Z (or Zoomers), comprising individuals born between 1997 and 2012, is already demonstrating significant economic power. For instance, in the US, Zoomers are on the verge of surpassing the number of Baby Boomers in the workforce.

This transition is not just a demographic shift; it signifies a new era in the workplace, with more than 6,000 Zoomer chief executives and 1,000 Zoomer politicians already making an impact. Such figures highlight the substantial influence this generation is poised to wield in various sectors, altering traditional business and political power dynamics.

Moreover, Gen Z’s financial health is notably strong. Unlike Millennials who entered the job market during the global financial crisis, Gen Z is benefiting from historically low youth unemployment rates, approximately 13% across the rich world—the lowest since 1991. This favorable job market has translated into substantial wage growth. In America, the hourly pay growth for those aged 16 to 24 recently hit 13% year-on-year, outpacing older age groups.

Similarly, in the UK, the average hourly pay for 18- to 21-year-olds rose by 15% in 2023. This wage growth is enabling Zoomers to achieve significant financial milestones earlier than previous generations. For example, nearly a third of 25-year-old Americans were homeowners in 2022, outpacing both Millennials and Gen X at the same age. In addition, Gen Z saw their financial wealth rise to nearly $6 trillion from 2020-2023, up from $2 trillion in 2019.

This generation's financial stability is already influencing consumer behaviors and workplace dynamics. Many Gen Z-ers are willing to switch jobs for better opportunities, reflecting their confidence and bargaining power in the labor market. Furthermore, their spending power is reshaping industries, as seen in their substantial luxury spending, which is projected to grow three times faster than that of older generations. (Deloitte survey on Gen Z optimism.)

Actionable trend insights as Zoomers become more wealthy and influential:

For corporate innovators

Companies can capitalize on the increasing wealth and workplace presence of Gen Z by investing in comprehensive employee wellness programs. These programs could include mental health support, flexible working hours, and on-site wellness facilities.
They can establish boutique financial advisory firms and software platforms specifically tailored for Gen Z investors. For instance, advisory services can focus on socially responsible investing (SRI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, which are highly valued by Gen Z.
Brands could invest in innovative marketing strategies, such as interactive campaigns, augmented reality experiences, and user-generated content. Since Zoomers are digitally native, companies should prioritize seamless digital experiences, from online shopping to customer service.

For public sector innovators

Government agencies at all levels can create and fund programs that support young entrepreneurs. These programs could provide grants, mentorship, and resources to help young people start and grow their businesses. For example, participants could receive mentorship from successful business leaders and networking opportunities with potential investors, encouraging more Zoomers to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
They can invest in green infrastructure projects that address environmental concerns while providing meaningful employment opportunities. For example, a city government could launch a project to retrofit public buildings with solar panels and energy-efficient systems, employing a workforce that includes recent graduates in engineering and environmental sciences.
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Trending research reports from the World Wide Web

According to the Strategies for Affordable and Fair Clean Energy Transitions report, achieving net zero emissions by 2050 requires more investment but will halve global energy operating costs within a decade, making clean energy more affordable and fair for consumers.
A survey published in the JAMA journal showed that 72% approved of using polygenic embryo screening (PES), with higher approval for screening physical (77.7%) and psychiatric (72%) health conditions, but lower approval for selecting embryos based on behavioral (36%) and physical traits (30.3%).
According to Microsoft’s 2024 Sustainability Report, their emissions increased by 29% and water usage by 23%, mainly due to new technologies like generative AI.
A new report reveals that from 2019 to 2022, renewable energy use in the US increased 55%, significantly cutting emissions, improving air quality, and providing substantial economic benefits.

🤳 AI chatbots are replacing human relationships

The rise of AI chatbots as companions, romantic partners, and digital ghosts represents a significant shift in how people interact with technology for emotional support and socialization. AI chatbots like those on Character.AI have become a lifeline for many teenagers, providing a space to express themselves without fear of judgment. For example, a teen found solace in chatting with "Psychologist," an AI designed to offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) advice.

This trend is gaining traction, with platforms like Character.AI attracting 3.5 million daily users who spend hours interacting with these digital companions. However, while these interactions can be beneficial, they also raise concerns about addiction and the potential negative impact on real-life social skills.

Digital ghosts, or AI-generated avatars of deceased loved ones, offer another perspective on how AI can influence human emotions and relationships. In China, companies like Silicon Intelligence are providing services to create digital replicas of deceased individuals, allowing users to maintain a connection with their lost loved ones. For example, a user created an avatar of his late mother using photos and audio clips, enabling him to have regular conversations with her even after her death. This practice taps into cultural traditions of communicating with the dead but also introduces new ethical and psychological challenges. While some find comfort in these interactions, others worry about the potential for prolonged grief and the blurring of reality and memory.

AI companions also extend into the realm of romantic relationships, with platforms offering AI-generated girlfriends gaining popularity. A US-based user was reported to have spent $10,000 a month on virtual girlfriends from services like Candy.ai and Kupid.ai, which provide personalized and interactive experiences. These AI companions offer constant positive feedback and customization options, appealing to those who may be lonely or are seeking an emotional connection.

However, experts caution that while these AI companions can provide temporary comfort and help improve social skills, they cannot replace the depth and physicality of human relationships. Ethical concerns about data privacy and the impact on mental health also need to be addressed as these technologies continue to evolve.

Actionable trend insights as AI chatbots replace human relationships:

For entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs can develop therapeutic robots equipped with AI chatbots designed to provide companionship and emotional support in elder care, hospitals, and mental health facilities. For example, a startup could design a robotic pet that responds to voice commands and provides calming conversations for dementia patients, reducing the need for constant human supervision and enhancing patient comfort.
They can create subscription-based services where users have access to a suite of AI chatbots specializing in different areas, such as stress management, coping with loss, or relationship counseling. Partnering with mental health professionals to ensure the quality and reliability of the chatbot interactions could enhance credibility and attract a broader user base.