Augmenting Reality, Both Online and Off (with Evan Spiegel and Dawn Nakagawa)

Snap founder Evan Spiegel explores the evolution of digital communication, emphasizing the shift from permanent, public social media to ephemeral, authentic interactions that mirror face-to-face human connection. Augmented reality serves as the next frontier, moving computing from opaque, isolating screens into the physical world to foster shared experiences. Beyond product design, the conversation addresses the critical need for institutional adaptation in the digital age, specifically through deliberative democracy and increased investment in youth. Spiegel highlights the potential for AI to act as a creative catalyst while cautioning that long-term societal progress requires deliberate leadership and a commitment to building tangible infrastructure. Ultimately, the dialogue posits that human interconnectedness—both tangible and intangible—will become the defining scientific and social realization of the future, necessitating a shift away from short-term profit motives toward enduring, human-centric innovation.