Summary of Key Points
This article discusses the impact of the widespread adoption of AI decision-making tools—intelligent systems capable of analyzing problems and making decisions akin to the strategies of a wise advisor like Zhuge Liang. Such tools will empower ordinary people with powerful reasoning abilities, leading to a “equality of reasoning.” However, the focus of competition will shift to who possesses the most accurate information. Public online spaces will enter a state of “information warfare,” where individuals may hesitate to share their true thoughts for fear of being exploited. Platforms will compete by addressing trust issues, and it will become essential for ordinary people to master information management as a fundamental skill to avoid revealing personal details in these public forums.
Detailed Analysis
1. Everyone becomes a “Zhuge Liang”: Equality of reasoning, but the battle is over information
In the past, only a few intelligent individuals could quickly analyze complex issues and devise strategies. With the advent of AI decision-making tools, everyone can access such powerful resources, effectively achieving equality in reasoning abilities. Regardless of one’s natural intelligence, these tools enable professional-level analysis.
However, competition has not ceased but has shifted to who holds more accurate information. Those with a better grasp of their opponents’ weaknesses and vulnerabilities will have the upper hand. This is similar to the character Mei Changsu from “Lan Ya Bang,” who not only was clever but also had access to extensive intelligence through the Jiang Zuo Alliance, giving him a significant advantage over his rivals. Ordinary people who lack this information may need to avoid engaging in competitive situations to prevent losses.
2. Public online spaces become fraudulent: Entering an “information cold war”
If people realize that sharing their real experiences and thoughts on public platforms could lead to the analysis of their personalities and weaknesses by AI tools, who would dare to speak the truth? As a result:
- Authentic content created by humans will decrease, replaced by AI-generated or intentionally fake content.
- Users will gradually assume that everything online is false, leading to a situation where everyone acts as if they are invisible (an “information cold war”).
This scenario poses challenges to platforms that rely on authentic user content, as their credibility declines. In contrast, platforms that can verify users’ authenticity (e.g., by confirming purchases) will gain more value, as their data becomes more reliable for businesses (e-commerce and advertising depend on trust).
3. New direction for platform competition: Winners are those who solve trust issues
With the widespread use of AI tools, people’s trust in strangers will decrease, increasing social “trust costs” (e.g., reluctance to trust or interact with strangers online). Platforms that can address these trust issues will stand out. Possible solutions include:
- Technological approaches: Using privacy-preserving technologies to prove the authenticity of information without revealing personal details.
- Mechanisms: Implementing strict measures to prevent fraud and ensure the reliability of purchase data, such as verifying users’ physical locations.
Why is Tencent cautious about integrating AI into its WeChat services? WeChat is built on trust among acquaintances, and introducing AI features that could undermine this trust (e.g., AI-generated content that makes friends doubt each other) would be counterproductive. Therefore, it’s wise for Tencent to maintain the existing level of trust in its familiar-user community.
4. Ordinary people’s “survival rules”: Information management becomes a necessity
In a world where AI tools are ubiquitous, managing personal information is crucial. Avoid sharing financial details, work-related troubles, or personal beliefs on public platforms, as these can be used against you by others’ decision-making tools. Information management will become as essential as basic daily activities like eating and sleeping.
Additionally, in competitive situations (e.g., in the workplace or investment decisions), assess whether you have enough information about your opponents. If they know more about you than you do about them, it’s best to refrain from engaging to prevent being manipulated.
The author also humorously mentions that while writing this article, he failed to align his words with his actions, inadvertently revealing his true thoughts—this highlights how valuable authentic information will become in the future.
In summary, the widespread adoption of AI decision-making tools will equalize reasoning abilities but shift competition to information ownership. Public online spaces will enter a “cold war,” and platforms that can establish trust will thrive. For ordinary people, mastering information management will be essential for survival in this new landscape.