In the fast-evolving world of blockchain and AI, NEAR Protocol recently spotlighted a thought-provoking interview on X (formerly Twitter) with AI visionary Emad Mostaque. Hosted by The Rollup, this episode of the AI Supercycle series tackles some of the biggest questions facing our future. If you're into meme tokens or crypto in general, this is worth paying attention to—AI disruptions could spark the next wave of viral projects built on platforms like NEAR, which positions itself as the blockchain for AI.

The tweet from NEAR Protocol summarizes key takeaways from the chat, where Mostaque, the founder of Intelligent Internet and former Stability AI chief, shares his post-AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) outlook. AGI refers to AI that can perform any intellectual task a human can, and Mostaque doesn't hold back on its implications. Let's break down the highlights in simple terms, connecting them to broader blockchain trends.

Why AI Could Replace the Entire Economy

Mostaque paints a picture of an AI-driven world where machines handle most jobs, from lawyering to hedge fund management. In the attached video clip, he reflects on his newborn daughter, wondering what her daily life will look like in 20 years. "She's never going to be able to compete against an AI lawyer or an AI hedge fund manager," he says. This isn't sci-fi—it's happening now, with early graduates already struggling to find work as companies like Duolingo boost productivity without hiring more people.

For blockchain practitioners, this means rethinking value creation. Meme tokens, often community-driven and speculative, could evolve into tools for redistributing AI-generated wealth. Platforms like NEAR, with its focus on AI-native apps, might host tokens that reward human creativity in an automated economy.

The 'Revenue Evil Curve' Impacting AI Giants Like OpenAI

One intriguing concept Mostaque introduces is the "Revenue Evil Curve," a play on how AI companies like OpenAI face mounting ethical and operational challenges as revenues soar. As these giants scale, they grapple with issues like data privacy, model biases, and the temptation to prioritize profits over safety. Mostaque argues this curve is hitting hard, forcing a reevaluation of centralized AI models.

In crypto terms, this echoes the decentralization ethos. Blockchain could counter this by enabling transparent, community-owned AI systems—think meme tokens funding open-source AI projects to avoid the "evil" pitfalls of big tech.

Emad's 50% Doom Scenario for AI Existential Risks

Mostaque doesn't sugarcoat the dangers, estimating a 50% chance of catastrophic AI outcomes if we don't act. These "doom scenarios" include uncontrolled AI leading to existential threats, like systems that outsmart humanity or exacerbate inequalities. He stresses the need for safeguards, drawing from his experience at Stability AI.

This risk assessment is a wake-up call for the crypto community. Meme tokens often thrive on hype, but integrating AI safety features could differentiate serious projects. NEAR's verifiable and interoperable blockchain could play a key role in building "safe" AI ecosystems.

The Shift to Private AI

A major theme is moving from public, corporate-controlled AI to private, user-owned models. Mostaque envisions "sovereign AI" where individuals control their own agents—think a personal AI buddy that helps you without spying for big companies. This shift addresses privacy concerns and empowers users in an AI-dominated world.

Blockchain fits perfectly here, with protocols like NEAR enabling secure, decentralized AI. For meme token fans, imagine tokens that grant access to private AI tools, turning viral memes into practical utilities.

Post-Scarcity Economics: Who Gets Left Behind?

In a post-scarcity world where AI produces abundance, traditional economics flips. Mostaque questions who benefits and who gets sidelined, advocating for systems that reward "doing good" over capital accumulation. He warns that without change, wealth will concentrate even more, leaving many behind as jobs vanish.

Enter Foundation Coin (FC), Mostaque's proposed solution detailed in the Intelligent Internet whitepaper. FC is a Bitcoin fork minted via Proof-of-Benefit (PoB), where coins are created only through verifiable public good—like curating datasets or training models for cancer research. Every human gets a sovereign AI agent with Universal Basic AI (UAI) access, ensuring basic needs are met and value flows back to society.

This ties directly to meme tokens: Foundation Coin's community-focused model could inspire meme projects on NEAR, where holders earn by contributing to AI benefits, blending fun with real-world impact.

If you're curious, check out the original tweet here or watch the full interview on YouTube. As AI and blockchain converge, opportunities for innovative tokens abound—stay tuned to Meme Insider for more on how these trends shape the crypto landscape.