Chapter 1: Introduction to Truth and Technology

Welcome to another insightful edition of Recurrent Patterns. Here, I delve into various technologies and share my thoughts on them. Occasionally, you might notice my humorous takes on companies that attempt to mask their shortcomings with buzzwords and ineffective marketing strategies.

You, the valued reader, may ponder, “If you're so knowledgeable, why don’t you share your ideas? Are you afraid of criticism?”

This brings us to a new section of Recurrent Patterns, where I’ll present my ideas for discussion, critique, and even ridicule.

Let’s kick things off with a term that has sparked much debate recently: truth. I don't intend to suggest that truth can be defined, resolved, or computed by any modern tech buzzwords like AI, 5G, VR, or AR.

Truth is a human decision, grounded in facts that can be traced back to their sources and authors.

How often have you encountered a news article, a post on social media, or a tweet that left you perplexed? You might have wanted to trust that information, as it aligned with your carefully constructed narrative. Yet, at the same time, it felt implausible, and you realized that digging deeper might not be worth your time and energy, leading you to abandon the inquiry.

Fact-checking can be a laborious endeavor.

Now, consider this idea: what if news were recorded on a blockchain? Yes, the same technology that powers the cryptocurrency world could also streamline mundane tasks like supply chain management.

Imagine if every article released by newspapers, magazines, or news channels was automatically recorded on a blockchain. This would encompass not just the story itself but also details about the news outlet, the author, and other relevant attributes.

Envision this scenario as a reality. News articles are now on the blockchain, enabling us to accomplish several objectives. Past articles can’t be modified. News producers can’t deny their publication. Organizations that claim to uphold the highest journalistic standards could publish only stories found on this blockchain.

Furthermore, any references within the content would link back to the blockchain (think permanent URL). Suddenly, tracing and verifying the origin of news would be as straightforward as one-two-three.

While you still might not ascertain whether the information is the truth, you would at least be able to trace it back to its source and identify all the participants (news organizations, reporters, individuals) involved in its production. If you're not on the News Blockchain, you can’t be trusted.

Given that many readers of my posts are seasoned business professionals, you might be asking, “What’s the incentive for anyone to do this? Where’s the profit?”

The same answer applies: the blockchain. Any content producer who places their content on the blockchain could monitor its usage, including the channels through which it’s consumed (a marketer's dream). Additionally, it would be possible to link any piece of content to a 'smart contract', facilitating immediate payment transfers (a CFO's fantasy).

Independent researchers could not only be acknowledged but also compensated for their work. If their research holds merit, they can substantiate their claims. Authors would have the assurance that their data’s origin is known and verifiable.

Imagine a news app that connects to your account. For every article you read, it could automatically transfer 0.0000001 Bitcoin to the publisher and all contributors involved in its creation. Even small fees accumulate rapidly in large volumes. Meanwhile, algorithms could continuously scan the blockchain for discrepancies and help uncover new connections within the vast realm of information.

This concept doesn’t propose a technology that will deliver the truth, but rather one that offers transparency. The quest for truth remains the ultimate challenge for humanity. And that is the recurring theme.

So, sharpen your pitchforks and share your thoughts on why this might not work!

The first video, "The Explainer: The Truth About Blockchain," delves into the fundamentals of blockchain technology and its implications for understanding truth in the digital age.

The second video, "The Truth About Blockchain and Crypto," explores the intersection of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, shedding light on their roles in transparency and trust.