AI agents are moving beyond experimentation and into a new phase of real world deployment. Yat Siu, co founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, explains why he believes AI agents could fundamentally reshape the internet, with autonomous systems increasingly handling everything from search and scheduling to transactions and decision making.
Siu argues that AI agents will not simply replace human workers. Instead, they could dramatically expand human productivity by allowing individuals to manage multiple AI agents as digital workforces. He compares this shift to the rise of computers, social media and digital photography, where new technology ultimately created entirely new opportunities and expanded participation.
He also discusses the emerging invocation economy and how AI agents could transform advertising, content creation and digital payments. As agents increasingly access and consume content on behalf of users, Siu believes microtransactions powered by blockchain could become an important alternative to traditional advertising revenue, with creators receiving small payments for the content their agents use.
Looking further ahead, Siu envisions AI agents becoming more social and relational, acting as coworkers, assistants and representatives of individual interests. He believes sovereign AI and digital property rights could give people greater control over their data, digital assets and AI systems, creating a future where technology works more directly in the user’s interest.