Best Scan Becomes Avatar

Shaan Puri discusses how Meta's technology for creating digital avatars will lead to an interesting psychological dynamic where people choose their most flattering digital scan as their permanent online representation.

Key Points:

• Digital Avatar Creation Process:

  • Currently requires a manual 3D codec scan
  • In future, devices like phones will be able to do the scan automatically
  • Similar to Xbox Kinect - stand, look left/right, say sentences, move hands

• Digital Identity Selection:

  • Whatever you look like during the scan becomes your permanent online appearance
  • Similar to DMV photo but for the metaverse
  • People can appear their best even if they're disheveled in reality

• Psychological Impact:

  • Can maintain an idealized version of yourself online
  • Even if you haven't showered or are unkempt, others see your best self
  • Similar philosophical question to "what age do you appear as in heaven?"

• Real World Parallel:

  • Like how people carefully choose their best photo for social media
  • Creates a disconnect between real and digital appearance
  • Allows people to present their ideal self permanently

The key insight is that this technology will allow people to permanently present their best selves online, regardless of their current physical state - creating an interesting dynamic between real and digital identity.