# The Rise of Digital Twins: When AI Builds a Second You

The line between real life and virtual life is getting thinner by the day. And one of the clearest signs of this shift? The rise of digital twins.

These aren’t just robotic replicas or cold simulations anymore. We’re talking about fully AI-powered versions of ourselves — personalities that can chat, think, make decisions, and even learn like we do. It’s one of the fastest-growing ideas in tech, and it’s shaking up everything from how we work and learn to how we remember people after they’re gone. If it sounds like science fiction, that’s because it used to be. But not anymore.

So, what exactly are digital twins? How are they made with AI? And what happens when your “other self” starts becoming smarter, more responsive, and maybe even more useful than the real you?

Let’s break it down.

## What Are Digital Twins?

![](img/the-concept-of-digital-twin-digital-twins-in-healthcare-are-virtual-models-that.png)

Digital twins started out in a pretty different place — engineering and manufacturing. Back in the early 2000s, companies like NASA and General Electric developed virtual models of machines so they could run simulations, predict breakdowns, and optimize performance without having to test the real thing.

The core idea was simple: create a digital version of something physical, feed it real-world data, and use it to make smarter decisions. That concept worked so well that it spread fast — to cities, hospitals, and now, people.

Today, we’re seeing digital twins of patients used in healthcare to test treatments. City planners use twin models of urban areas to understand traffic patterns, energy usage, and pollution in real time. And increasingly, we’re seeing digital twins applied on a personal level — from AI bots that mimic your writing style to virtual assistants that can finish your thoughts.

## How AI Is Powering Human-Like Twins

What’s making these digital twins feel less like software and more like people? The short answer: AI.

Artificial intelligence — especially through tools like natural language processing and machine learning — can now analyze mountains of data. It picks up how you speak, how you write, your favorite phrases, your emotional tone, and even the choices you’re likely to make in certain situations.

For example, apps like Replika offer users an AI companion that mimics conversation and learns from every chat to become more emotionally intelligent over time. In the world of video and media, tools like Synthesia or Hour One let people clone their face and voice to produce ultra-realistic video content — without ever standing in front of a camera.

There’s also a more emotional side to this. Services like HereAfter AI help people record interviews and memories, then use AI to turn those recordings into interactive chatbots. Families can then talk to a digital version of a loved one who’s passed away — keeping their voice, personality, and stories alive.

And this is just the beginning. These tools are becoming cheaper, faster, and easier to use — making digital twin technology accessible to everyday people, not just engineers or researchers.

## What About the Ethics?

As with any powerful technology, digital twins come with serious ethical baggage. For starters, there’s the question of consent. Can someone create a digital version of you using your public data — your photos, your tweets, your videos? And who owns that replica: you, the person who made it, or the platform that hosts it?

There’s also a big issue with privacy. These systems often rely on deeply personal data — things you’ve said, done, or even forgotten. If that data is misused or leaked, the consequences could be serious. Not only could it harm your reputation, but it could create confusion between the real you and the digital you.

Deepfakes are already raising alarms around trust and manipulation. As digital twins become more convincing, it becomes harder to tell what's real — which could be dangerous in politics, media, and personal relationships.

And here's the biggest philosophical question: if your twin starts acting on your behalf — sending emails, giving advice, making decisions — where do you end and it begin?

## The Psychological Side of Digital Twins

![](img/dto-reflections.jpg)

It’s not just about technology. It’s about people — how we think, feel, and relate to the world around us. And when you bring digital twins into that space, things get complicated.

On the positive side, AI twins can provide real emotional support. People going through grief might find comfort in talking to an AI version of someone they’ve lost. Teens or adults struggling with mental health might benefit from a chatbot that listens, responds with empathy, and never judges.

They can also be used in education or training, offering personalized guidance based on a learner’s needs, style, and pace.

But there are downsides. A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people who spent a lot of time interacting with AI companions formed emotional bonds — sometimes to the point where the line between real and artificial blurred. That kind of attachment could lead to confusion, disconnection from real relationships, or even dependency.

And what happens when your digital twin starts acting in ways that don’t align with who you are anymore? AI models evolve based on data — but people change based on life. The two versions could drift apart.

## How Digital Twins Could Change Society

Zooming out, the rise of digital twins could reshape society itself.

In classrooms, we might see students learning from virtual tutors that match their exact learning style and even mirror their voice. In the workplace, companies could use digital twins of top employees to train new hires or test strategies. In the dating world, apps might someday let you interact with AI versions of potential matches before you ever meet in person.

Even social media could change. Instead of static profiles, we might soon interact with dynamic, always-online versions of ourselves — ones that post, reply, and share ideas even while we sleep.

This raises big questions. Will people start building relationships with AI personalities instead of real humans? Will we trust digital twins more than each other? Could this improve social connection — or completely disrupt it?

## What’s Coming Next

If the last few years are any clue, the future of digital twins is moving fast.

Tech giants like Meta are already working on AI personalities for virtual reality spaces. Apple is exploring more personalized digital assistants. And new startups are racing to create "mind files" — massive databases of a person's thoughts, memories, and preferences — that could someday fuel posthumous digital lives.

We might see digital twins that understand our emotions and adjust their behavior in real time. We could have career versions of ourselves that sit in virtual meetings, negotiate deals, and file reports. Our AI twins might eventually live across all our devices — phones, cars, smart homes, and even metaverse avatars — becoming a seamless second self.

It’s no longer a question of if this will happen. It’s a question of how far it will go — and whether we’re prepared for what it means.

## In Summary

Digital twins started out as tools for engineers. But today, they’re becoming deeply personal. They can talk like us, think like us, and sometimes even feel like us. Thanks to AI, your digital self might soon be just as real as your physical one — at least in the eyes of those who interact with it.

This technology opens up a world of possibilities — and challenges. It forces us to rethink identity, ethics, relationships, and even what it means to be human. And while there’s no single right answer, one thing’s for sure: digital twins are here, and they’re not going away.

![](img/1_ezmmpeycnnhmwjwlspffia.png)

## Think About This

What would your digital twin be like? Would it reflect who you are right now — or evolve into someone new?

As this space grows, take a moment to reflect. Are you ready to share your mind with an algorithm? And more importantly — who gets to shape that version of you?

If you’re curious, keep exploring. There’s a lot more to learn about the future of digital identity — and the double life we’re all about to live.

Learn how digital twins change our lives!

Digital twins: How AI is creating alternative personalities — and what that means for us

# Gen Z as founders, how they are acting?

The face of entrepreneurship is getting younger. Gen Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — are stepping into the startup game with bold ideas, a native fluency in technology, and a defiant attitude toward outdated systems. Unlike previous generations who followed the traditional playbook of college degrees, corporate ladders, and slow career growth, Gen Z is rewriting the rules in real-time. They’re not waiting for permission or funding to build businesses — they’re doing it in their bedrooms, on Discord servers, and through social platforms. But what’s really behind this shift? Why are Gen Zers turning to entrepreneurship in such large numbers — and how are they reshaping what it means to be a founder?

Let’s break it down!

## A generation raised on the internet

To understand Gen Z’s approach to entrepreneurship, you need to understand the environment they grew up in

This generation didn’t witness the birth of the internet — they were born into it. By the time many Gen Zers hit their teens, smartphones and social media were already deeply integrated into everyday life. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok didn’t just entertain them — they educated and inspired them. Gen Z had access to tutorials, startup journeys, side hustle breakdowns, and business failure post-mortems all at their fingertips

They saw creators like Emma Chamberlain go from YouTube vlogger to fashion icon and business owner. They watched Ben Francis build Gymshark into a billion-dollar brand before turning 30. They followed startups like Glossier and Canva — led by young founders disrupting legacy industries. And the message was clear: you don’t have to wait until you're older or have an MBA to start something meaningful.

![Image by cake.com](img/снимок-экрана-2025-04-10-143007.png "Image by cake.com")

Image by [cake.com](https://cake.com/empowered-team/gen-z-workforce-statistics/)

## Why is Gen Z choosing entrepreneurship?

There are several key reasons why Gen Z is increasingly choosing to launch their ventures instead of pursuing traditional 9-to-5 careers

### 1. Economic uncertainty

Gen Z came of age during — and after — the Great Recession. They saw their Millennial siblings struggle with debt and underemployment. Then the pandemic hit during their formative years. These repeated economic shocks made it clear that job security no longer exists. A 2023 report by Deloitte found that 46% of Gen Zers say they live paycheck to paycheck and 75% believe they will need side hustles to make ends meet.

Rather than relying on traditional employment, many are choosing to create their own sources of income. It’s not just about passion — it’s a practical response to a broken economic system

### 2. Access to free tools and platforms

The barrier to entry for starting a business has never been lower. Gen Z doesn’t need a lot of capital or connections to build a company. They can launch a product on Shopify in a weekend, design their brand using Canva, promote it on TikTok for free, and accept payments through Stripe or Venmo. This is a generation of digital builders

A report by Morning Consult found that 50% of Gen Z adults have considered starting a business — and many already have. The rise of "micro-entrepreneurship" — where people run one-person brands from their phones — is driven by these tools

### 3. Values-driven innovation

Gen Z isn’t just building businesses to make money — they want to make a difference. According to a 2022 IBM survey, 75% of Gen Z respondents said it’s important that a brand reflects their values. That translates into how they build their own companies. They prioritize sustainability, mental health, inclusivity, and transparency

Ziad Ahmed, founder of JUV Consulting — a Gen Z-led marketing agency that advises Fortune 500 companies on how to better connect with youth. He launched the company as a teenager because he felt brands were constantly talking down to his generation. Now, JUV has worked with brands like Nike and Unilever, helping them reshape their messaging through authentic youth voices

## Notable Gen Z founders making waves

The headlines are catching up — Gen Z entrepreneurs are already building impressive businesses that defy expectations

* Mikaila Ulmer, founder of Me & the Bees Lemonade, started her company at just four years old and turned it into a national brand stocked in Whole Foods. Now in her early 20s, she’s a sought-after speaker and investor in youth entrepreneurship
* Alana Andrews, founder of So Positive Initiative and author of “Creating Confidence”, used her own struggles with confidence and entrepreneurship to launch a program that empowers other Gen Z kids to lead with impact
* Josh Browder, born in 1997, created DoNotPay, the “world’s first robot lawyer” to help people fight parking tickets and navigate legal bureaucracy without hiring expensive attorneys. He was just 19 when he launched the service
* Ben Pasternak, who dropped out of school at 15, built several apps and eventually founded SIMULATE, the plant-based food tech startup behind NUGGS, a viral chicken nugget alternative
* Avery Akkineni, president of Vayner3, entered the Web3 space early and led global campaigns for brands exploring NFTs and blockchain experiences — all before turning 30

## Stats that show the shift

The trend isn’t just anecdotal — the data backs it up

* According to a 2022 GoDaddy report, one in five Gen Zers say they already run their own business
* A Shopify study found that 62% of Gen Z entrepreneurs started their business as a side hustle, and 44% want to make it their full-time job
* In a survey by SCORE, 38% of Gen Z respondents said they believe entrepreneurship offers the best career path, compared to 25% of Millennials
* Y Combinator, the legendary startup accelerator, saw a 38% increase in founders under 25 in its 2022 cohort

## Rewriting the founder playbook

Gen Z doesn’t follow the Silicon Valley model of founders in hoodies pitching VCs in boardrooms. They are building in public, validating ideas on social media, and growing communities before they even register a company. Platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Discord have become their idea labs — where product-market fit is tested through memes and comment sections

They’re skeptical of traditional hierarchies and prefer flatter, more collaborative structures. Many don’t even identify as “CEOs” — they’re creators, operators, or community leads. They’re less obsessed with raising millions and more focused on building sustainable businesses that reflect who they are

## Challenges they face

It’s not all hype and hustle. Gen Z founders face serious challenges

* Age bias: Investors and customers sometimes don’t take young founders seriously
* Mental health strains: The pressure to hustle, perform, and constantly be “on” can lead to burnout
* Funding gaps: Despite their innovation, Gen Z founders often struggle to access traditional venture capital — particularly if they’re from underrepresented communities

But true to form, they’re building around those obstacles too. They’re raising funds through crowdfunding, building lean businesses, and prioritizing balance and authenticity over growth at all costs

## The future is peer-led

What makes Gen Z founders especially powerful is how peer-driven their success is. They support each other — promoting friends’ businesses on social media, sharing resources in group chats, and building networks of digital collaborators around the world. They believe in community over competition

As they grow older and gain influence, Gen Z entrepreneurs will redefine work culture, reshape industries, and create entirely new sectors. We’re already seeing this in climate tech, creator economy startups, femtech, and mental health platforms — all areas where Gen Z is innovating faster than legacy companies can keep up

## Final thoughts

Gen Z isn’t waiting for permission to lead — they’re already doing it. They’re founding businesses not because it’s trendy, but because it’s necessary. They want more autonomy, more meaning, and more impact — and entrepreneurship gives them that path

They are not here to play by the rules — they are here to rewrite them.

And the rest of the world is starting to pay attention.

What does the next era of entrepreneurship look like?

Gen Z as founders: Why young entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules

# Are buttons becoming a thing of the past?

Technology evolves fast, and so do the ways we use it. From the early days of desktop computing to today's smart devices and immersive experiences, how we interact with digital content has seen a massive shift. For the longest time, buttons were the cornerstone of web and app interfaces. Need to sign up? Click the button. Want to buy something? Hit that CTA.

But as we head into a world shaped by artificial intelligence, voice control, gestures, and virtual spaces, it begs the question: Are buttons still the future? Or are we slowly moving toward a more fluid, hands-free, and intuitive way of navigating the web?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how user interfaces are evolving, explore the technologies pushing the boundaries, and look at what this shift means for accessibility, design, and user experience.

## Why it worked so well

### The classic web experience

Buttons have been the digital equivalent of giving instructions. They’re clean, simple, and universally understood. You click, you act, something happens. They’re central to all kinds of user journeys—from filling out forms to completing purchases.

Designers have improved button aesthetics over time, adding animations, shadows, and hover effects. But functionally? They haven’t changed much. And that’s kind of the problem.

### Where buttons fall short

Despite their ubiquity, buttons aren’t perfect:

* Accessibility: Users with motor impairments, visual challenges, or cognitive conditions can struggle with button-heavy interfaces.
* Overload: Many websites offer too many clickable options, leading to decision fatigue.
* Mobile real estate: On small screens, buttons compete for space, often resulting in cluttered designs or frustrating UX.

The truth is, that buttons are useful, but they’re not always user-friendly. And as tech becomes more human-centered, alternative input methods are starting to make more sense.

## The rise of buttonless interfaces: What’s next?

We’re seeing a new generation of interface styles that aim to go beyond buttons—and even beyond touchscreens.

### 1. Voice User Interfaces (VUIs)

Virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri have opened up a new way of interacting with technology. Voice commands are no longer a novelty—they’re becoming part of everyday life.

Advantages:

* More accessible: Great for people with disabilities or for hands-free scenarios.
* Efficiency: Speeds up interactions, especially for quick tasks like setting reminders or searching.

Challenges:

* Accuracy issues: Voice tech can misinterpret accents, tone, and ambient noise.
* Privacy concerns: Users worry about being constantly "listened to."
* Adoption gaps: Not everyone is comfortable talking to devices, especially in public spaces.

In Web Design? Voice is starting to appear in search interfaces, customer service bots, and even form-filling tools.

### 2. Gesture-based interfaces

Think of Minority Report or modern gaming consoles—gesture recognition lets users interact with devices using body movements, without touching a screen.

Advantages:

* Natural interaction: Mimics real-world gestures, making experiences more immersive.
* Great for AR/VR: Ideal in spatial environments where buttons don’t make sense.

Challenges:

* Learning curve: Users need to know what each gesture does.
* Environmental limits: Poor lighting or restricted space can reduce accuracy.

Gesture controls are already being tested in smart TVs, gaming consoles, and automotive UIs, and they’re likely to spread to consumer websites soon.

### 3. Eye-tracking technology

This cutting-edge tech follows where your eyes go and translates that attention into action—without clicks. Eye-tracking can adjust content based on gaze or trigger responses when a user focuses on something for a set amount of time.

Advantages:

* Intuitive navigation: You look at something, and it reacts.
* Useful for accessibility: Great for users who can’t use traditional input devices.

Challenges:

* Hardware dependency: Requires cameras or sensors, which aren't standard (yet).
* Privacy: Gaze data is highly personal and needs to be handled with care.

Eye-tracking could be huge in e-commerce, gaming, and education—imagine a website that changes layout based on what you’re interested in.

### 4. Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR)

In immersive environments, buttons can feel clunky or irrelevant. AR/VR shifts interaction into 3D space—where you can grab, push, or manipulate digital elements like physical objects.

Advantages:

* Immersion: Users feel part of the content.
* Natural behavior: Gestures replace menus, and movement replaces clicks.

Challenges:

* Expensive setup: Not everyone owns a headset or AR-enabled phone.
* User comfort: Prolonged use can cause dizziness or fatigue.

While still a niche, AR/VR interfaces are quickly finding their way into virtual showrooms, online learning, therapy apps, and games.

## Buttons vs. other interfaces: A quick comparison

![](img/снимок-экрана-2025-04-08-182516.png)

## What this means for designers

### 1. UX needs to be rethought

Instead of leading users through a path of clickable steps, designers will have to build experiences that respond to intention, context, and behavior.

* Micro-interactions and feedback cues will be more important than ever.
* User flows may no longer be linear; they’ll need to adapt in real-time.

### 2. Accessibility has to be at the core

The buttonless design has the potential to improve accessibility—but only if it’s done with empathy and research. Think voice navigation for visually impaired users or gesture-based controls for those with limited mobility.

### 3. Testing will Be crucial

As we move into unfamiliar territory, designers will need to rely heavily on user research, A/B testing, and real-world feedback to shape interfaces that actually work.

### 4. Multidisciplinary teams are a must

Voice design needs linguists. Gesture design needs motion experts. AR/VR needs 3D artists. Web design is no longer just HTML and CSS—it’s a melting pot of disciplines.

### 5. Culture and context will matter more

Global UX will look different across cultures. In some countries, users love voice tech; in others, it’s avoided. Understanding local behaviors and values will be vital in designing interfaces that resonate.

## Preparing for a buttonless future

* Stay curious: Experiment with new interaction models.
* Collaborate more: Get designers, devs, researchers, and product folks in the same room.
* Put users first: Don’t ditch buttons just for the sake of innovation. Ask users what they want.
* Focus on accessibility: Use new tech to bring more people into the fold, not leave them out.

## Final thoughts

Are buttons going away tomorrow? Probably not. But they are becoming less central to the web experience. As technology becomes more intuitive, and as users expect more natural ways to interact, the traditional UI might just become the backup—not the main act.

The question isn’t if we’ll see websites without buttons—it’s when, and more importantly, how we’ll design for them. The future of interfaces isn’t just about new tools—it’s about making the digital world feel more human.

Let’s design for that.

What will be the future of web design in 2025? Let's figure it out in our latest article!

Will we see the future websites without buttons:  Next-gen interfaces 

## Introduction

Video games are not just a source of entertainment; they have the potential to revolutionize the field of medicine. In recent years, various studies have highlighted the positive impact of video games on cognitive improvement, behavioral modifications, trauma recovery, physical health, and medical training. This article explores the ways in which video games can enhance doctors' decision-making skills and competence.

## Cognitive Improvement and Behavioral Modifications

![Photo by vectorjuice from FreePik](img/cm.avif "Photo by vectorjuice from FreePik")

Photo by *vectorjuice* from *FreePik*\
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Traditional board games like chess, Go, and Shogi have been found to improve cognitive impairment and depression. Moreover, newly developed board games can promote healthy behaviors such as healthy eating and smoking cessation. By engaging in strategic thinking and problem-solving, doctors can enhance their decision-making abilities while enjoying a recreational activity.

## Trauma Recovery and Mental Health Support

Video games have proven to be effective tools in distracting individuals from pain and psychological trauma. They offer a form of escape and can provide therapeutic benefits to people dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD. The immersive nature of video games allows doctors to experience different scenarios and gain insights into the psychological challenges faced by their patients, thus enhancing their empathy and decision-making skills.

## Physical Health Considerations

![Photo by vectorjuice on FreePik](img/health-considerations.avif "Photo by vectorjuice on FreePik")

Photo by *vectorjuice* on *FreePik*\
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While there is preliminary evidence suggesting that increased gaming time may be associated with certain physical health issues, such as higher body mass index, it is important to note that insufficient evidence exists to conclude a direct link. Nonetheless, moderation is crucial, and doctors should maintain a balanced lifestyle that includes physical activity and healthy habits alongside their gaming interests.

## Medical Training and Skill Development

Video games have found applications in medical training, providing opportunities for doctors to enhance their skills in various areas. For instance, medical video games can aid individuals with degenerative diseases in improving their balance or help adolescents with ADHD enhance their thinking skills. Additionally, video games can be utilized to train surgeons in complex operations that require technical precision. By simulating real-life medical scenarios, these games offer a safe and controlled environment for skill development.

## Getting Involved in Medical Gaming Research

![Photo by katemangostar on FreePik](img/medical-gaming-research.avif "Photo by katemangostar on FreePik")

Photo by *katemangostar* on *FreePik*\
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For those interested in contributing to medical gaming research, several steps can be taken. First, identify your specific areas of interest within the field, such as game design or the psychological impacts of gaming. Educate yourself by staying updated on current research, utilizing resources like the Journal of Medical Internet Research. Seek opportunities to get involved in ongoing research projects by reaching out to professors, attending conferences, or joining relevant organizations. Asking questions and expressing interest can lead to valuable collaborations. Consider further education options, such as intercalating a bachelor's degree or pursuing higher qualifications like a master's or Ph.D. Lastly, joining committees or becoming a research champion through organizations like the National Institute for Health Research can provide a platform for active involvement.

## Enhancing Doctors' Decision-Making Skills through Video Games

A study conducted by Level Ex, a medical video games company, in collaboration with CE Outcomes, demonstrated that video games can lead to improved knowledge retention and decision-making among practicing dermatologists. The physicians played a game called Top Derm, focusing on skin diseases, hair and scalp disorders, and acne conditions. The study revealed that 40% of participants improved their scores during gameplay, and 88% either retained or improved their scores in the post-assessment. Furthermore, nearly 75% of the physicians preferred game-based learning over traditional continuing medical education channels, indicating the effectiveness of video games as a tool for medical education and training.

## Conclusion

The studies mentioned in this article emphasize the potential of video games in enhancing doctors' decision-making skills and overall competence. By leveraging the immersive and interactive nature of video games, medical professionals can engage in enjoyable learning experiences that lead to improved knowledge retention and practical application. As the field of medical gaming continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize the responsible use of video games and ensure a balanced approach that complements doctors' professional development.

Discover how video games are transforming medicine by enhancing doctors' decision-making skills. Explore the positive impact of gaming on cognitive improvement, behavioral modifications, trauma recovery, and medical training. Find out how you can get involved in medical gaming research for a rewarding experience.

The Impact of Video Games on Medicine: Enhancing Doctors' Decision-Making Skills

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