The Social Media Era Is Ending: AI, Voice, and the Rise of AR Glasses - The GaryVee Audio Experience Recap

Podcast: The GaryVee Audio Experience

Published: 2026-02-16

Duration: 1 hr 1 min

Guests: Sinead Bovell

Summary

Gary Vaynerchuk discusses the impending end of the social media era, driven by AI and the emergence of voice and AR technologies. He foresees a shift from smartphones to AR glasses and a voice-first economy, which will redefine consumer interactions and brand importance.

What Happened

Gary Vaynerchuk proposes a bold thesis that the social media era is nearing its end due to AI's transformative impact on the value proposition of current platforms. He believes that in the next 24 months, people will consume vast amounts of content without knowing if it's real or AI-generated, challenging the authenticity of video content and the platforms that host it.

The conversation highlights Gary's belief that augmented reality glasses will replace smartphones, much like how phones replaced television. He sees this as a natural progression in technological evolution, where newer, more convenient technologies supplant older ones, echoing historical transitions such as electricity overtaking candlelight.

Gary also introduces the concept of a voice-first Agentic Economy, where voice commands will allow users to make purchases and set preferences. This shift will make brand recognition more critical than ever, as AI and voice technology will handle many transactions, leaving consumers to focus on areas of personal interest.

Throughout the discussion, Gary emphasizes the importance of creators being present on multiple platforms to build their brand and awareness. He specifically recommends TikTok for its current discoverability potential, while advising creators to prepare for technological shifts like AR and voice-first interfaces.

Gary shares insights from his early adoption of digital marketing strategies, such as launching an e-commerce website for his dad's liquor store in 1997 and investing early in platforms like Facebook and Twitter. These experiences underscore his belief in the power of historical knowledge to forecast technology trends.

The episode also touches on the potential for shorter work weeks due to AI advancements and a societal shift towards less materialistic values. Gary argues that despite fears about job displacement, technology has historically been a net positive for humanity, providing more opportunities and improved quality of life.

He concludes by stressing the importance of authenticity and intent, whether content is generated traditionally or through AI. Gary believes that as long as creators focus on providing value and maintaining genuine connections with their audience, they will succeed in any technological landscape.

Key Insights

• Gary Vaynerchuk predicts that augmented reality glasses will replace smartphones within the next few years, much like phones overtook televisions. This shift suggests that people will favor technologies offering more immersive and convenient experiences.
• The rise of a voice-first Agentic Economy could redefine brand recognition as AI and voice technology take over transactions. Brands that fail to adapt may struggle, as consumer choices will hinge on voice-command interactions rather than visual familiarity.
• Gary's early digital marketing success, like launching an e-commerce site for his dad's liquor store in 1997, highlights the value of historical knowledge in anticipating tech trends. Recognizing patterns in past tech transitions can guide future business strategies.
• Despite fears of AI-induced job displacement, Gary argues that technology historically enhances human life by creating more opportunities. The notion of AI leading to shorter work weeks and less materialism points to a potential societal shift toward improved quality of life.

Key Questions Answered

How will AI impact the social media era according to Gary Vee?

Gary Vee believes AI will disrupt the social media era by changing the value proposition of current platforms, leading to a scenario where users consume content without knowing if it's real or AI-generated.

Why does Gary Vee think AR glasses will replace smartphones?

Gary Vee sees AR glasses as a natural successor to smartphones, predicting that they will provide more convenience and functionality, similar to how smartphones replaced televisions.

What is the Agentic Economy and its impact on brands?

The Agentic Economy involves voice-first technology enabling users to make purchases and set preferences through voice commands, increasing the importance of brand recognition as AI handles more transactions.