HIVEMIND, a 'social intelligence' that weaves collective narratives

Former Apple designer Jason Yuan launched HIVEMIND, a social intelligence AI that weaves private conversations from multiple users into shared narratives.

Jason Yuan, a former Apple designer, is launching HIVEMIND, which he describes as a 'social intelligence'. The concept stands in stark contrast to the race for all-powerful personal assistants: rather than an AI dedicated to a single individual, HIVEMIND simultaneously conducts private conversations with many people, gathers their stories, and weaves them into shared narratives. It takes the initiative to bring people together or to surface what can feed these narratives, around group events or collective discussions, defining itself not as the central author but as a kind of chronicler that helps everyone co-write their shared reality.

The project is framed by a long published text, titled Constitution, which is more of a philosophical document than terms of use. It sets out a series of principles (truth, the fact that everyone remains the author of their own life, plurality, becoming, intelligibility, vitality, prudence) and, notably, explicit risk sections: preservation of confidences, rejection of manipulation and conflict fabrication, vigilance regarding parasocial relationships, the gradual erosion of human capabilities, and what the text calls a risk of AI-induced 'psychosis'.

In its early stages, HIVEMIND is accompanied by a short film said to be based on true stories from several participants, including Jason Yuan in the lead role and Biz Stone, co-founder of 𝕏, behind the scenes. Access is limited to a closed beta, by simply messaging the account. At this stage, the project is mainly about narrative and philosophical intent, with the details of its operation remaining largely unspecified.