A GPT-Powered Summer: Navigating K-Beauty, Two-Hour Learning and Ultra-Sensory Experiences

From Japan to Miami, see how AI continues to transform daily life and take creativity to new heights

GPT use case: illustrating anime and translating k-beauty

A GPT Summer

This summer, I traveled to Asia and found myself relying heavily on ChatGPT, especially for family-friendly recommendations in Japan and South Korea. One of the most practical uses was shopping for skincare products. My daughter and I indulged in the incredible variety of products available, and even though I did some research beforehand, it was epic to have ChatGPT on hand to instantly translate ingredients and usage instructions. This tool made sure we knew exactly what we were buying and how to use it.

For my ten-year-old daughter, who loves anime, the trip was a huge source of inspiration. She came home determined to create her own anime character. After sketching a few ideas, she found herself stuck, unable to fully realize her vision. That's when she turned to ChatGPT. She uploaded her initial sketch and asked for an enhanced version of her character. The real fun began when she started dictating scenes, one by one, with ChatGPT acting as her personal illustrator. Scene by scene, her anime comic book came to life.

It's so cool to watch my Gen Alpha kid using AI so intuitively and unapologetically. It’s like, “Of course, I’m going to use it, and of course, it’s going to help me get exactly what I want.”

Alpha School

I recently learned about Alpha School, a new school opening this fall in Miami. Alpha School was founded ten years ago in Austin, Texas, by Mackenzie Price, an educator and mom who wanted to transform her daughters’ lackluster school experience. When her kids would come home and respond with “fine” when asked about their day, Price decided to turn the “meh” into “fantastic.”

Alpha School take an unconventional approach to education, leveraging technology and a startup mindset. The concept is simple yet innovative: condense the basic curriculum (like reading and math) into just two hours, using AI and apps, and spend the rest of the time focusing on life skills—leadership, public speaking, and financial literacy. Interesting, right?

I’m excited that Alpha is offering another schooling option in Miami, especially since many schools in town have become incredibly competitive. With Miami’s growing reputation as a tech-forward city, I think Alpha will be a fantastic addition to the local tech ecosystem.

Will Newsletters Save Independent Journalism?

Last year, I wrote about DIRT and how the media platform was leveraging blockchain to fund itself by selling NFTs of its issues. Fast forward a year, and we’re seeing a rise in newsletter popularity that aligns with DIRT's founder, Daisy Alioto's ambition to make it the “Condé Nast of newsletters.” It’s not hard to see why. The media business is in a tough spot right now, with AI-generated content crowding search results, but platforms like Substack, Beehiiv, and Ghost are giving independent journalists a viable future.

Substack, launched in 2017, has empowered writers by offering full control over their content and the ability to directly monetize their work. Its simplicity and focus on autonomy have led many prominent journalists to leave traditional media outlets in favor of starting their own paid newsletters. Beehiiv, a newer entrant founded in 2021, offers advanced tools for growth and customization, making it an appealing choice for creators looking to scale their newsletters into more sophisticated businesses. Ghost, an open-source platform, provides another alternative for creators who prioritize flexibility and control over their digital presence.

These platforms not only offer journalists full control over their content but also enable them to build solid relationships with their audiences and make a living from their craft. In an era where trust in traditional media is waning and AI-generated content is on the rise, the personalized, direct-to-reader model of newsletters is becoming increasingly appealing. It’s an encouraging trend for those who value high-quality, independent journalism.

As the competition between these platforms heats up, we can expect further innovations designed to support independent creators. The rise of newsletters signals a promising future for journalism, where independence and quality can thrive outside of traditional media structures.

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Immersive Experiences: Connecting on a Higher Level

Immersive experiences are fascinating, and I jump at every opportunity to try them out. I got my feet wet first with the Superblue Miami, then Mercer Labs in NYC earlier this year, which partnered with experimental artist Roy Nachum to give life to an ultrasensory experience with 15 different rooms that stimulated the senses. This summer, I had the chance to experience TeamLab Planets Tokyo, an art exhibit that uses your entire body to interact with the art.

We walked through spaces that engaged all the senses—some invited us to walk through water, others let us interact with giant balloons, lights, mirrors, and flowers. It was like stepping into different worlds where my mind expanded and my senses heightened.

As our world becomes more digital, now enhanced by AI, these physical experiences using technology are leaving a lasting impression. They invite us to exist in both physical and digital realms, reflecting the dual identities we’re increasingly encouraged to develop.

Brands are also getting in on the action, “putting people inside their favorite TV shows.” For example, The Friends Experience has popped up around the globe, letting fans interact with recreated settings, props, and costumes from the beloved series. Netflix House plans to open in 2025, allowing fans to participate in a Squid Game challenge or dance at a Bridgerton ball in select malls across the U.S.

Two things are happening here: Brands and marketers are finding new ways to stand out from the noise by creating experiences that make a lasting impression on their audiences, and incredible digital technologies (like AI, VR and AR) now available helps create these experiences.

Have you tried any of these immersive experiences? What did you think?