Summary of The voting layer

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    The Internet's Evolving Layers

    The internet has experienced a dramatic evolution over the past fifty years, with new layers of functionality emerging and profoundly impacting our lives and culture. From simple communication and data exchange to the web, payment processing, social interaction, and mobile connectivity, each layer has shaped the digital landscape.

    • Early layers: Communication, data exchange, databases, web presentation, payments.
    • Later layers: Chat, audio/video communication, the social graph.
    • Emerging layers: Mobile and IoT, cloud computing, security, API, machine learning, blockchain, augmented and virtual reality.

    The Need for a Voting Layer

    The author proposes the addition of a "voting layer" as the next critical advancement. This layer, they argue, will become essential, ubiquitous, and indispensable in our digital lives.

    Voting Beyond Elections: Decentralized Decision Making

    This voting layer extends far beyond traditional political elections. It envisions a world where individuals can vote on a wide range of decisions, from mundane everyday matters to significant societal choices.

    Examples of Voting in Everyday Life

    The author illustrates the concept with a simple example: Imagine a restaurant where the volume of music is determined by a real-time vote among patrons, allowing for dynamic adjustments based on preferences and moods.

    The Power of Voting: Preference, Intuition, and Commitment

    • Voting can express preferences: "I like this over that."
    • Voting can reflect intuition: "I have an idea about the future."
    • Voting can signal commitment: "If I win the vote, I promise to..."

    Purpose and Benefits of Voting

    The author explores the various purposes and benefits of a decentralized voting layer:

    • A civic and moral right for individuals.
    • Collective wisdom: A vote serves as a form of information exchange.
    • Gaining buy-in and consensus.
    • Accountability and oversight: Holding leaders and managers responsible.

    The Future of Voting: Innovative Mechanisms

    The author outlines several innovative voting mechanisms that could be implemented within this layer:

    • "I will if you will": Commitments become binding when enough people agree.
    • Proxy voting: Votes can be lent, sold, or borrowed.
    • Extra credit: Rewarding those who demonstrate expertise or have a proven track record.
    • Fully informed debates: Voting requires prior research and understanding.
    • Quadratic voting: A louder voice comes at a higher cost.
    • Ranked choice voting: Allowing individuals to rank their preferences.
    • Approval voting: Individuals can vote for multiple options.

    The Potential Impact of a Voting Layer

    The integration of a voting layer into the internet's fabric could have far-reaching implications, transforming decision-making processes, fostering greater social participation, and empowering individuals in the digital world.

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