I’ve been thinking about this: the more our world is shaped by AI and digital content, the more we may yearn for what’s real—original, authentic, and physical.
I’ve observed this trend across different fields, from music to architecture and games, as people seek genuine connections to creators and their crafts.
As a little kid, Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass was the soundtrack of my life. There are videos of me in a onesie, dancing joyfully to his music. It was playful, upbeat, and felt alive.
Fast forward many decades, and Herb is now 90 years old and touring the country, playing to sold-out crowds nearly every night. It’s astonishing. I recently had the chance to see him live for the very first time, front row in Orlando, and the energy in the room was electric. The band received multiple standing ovations. Smiles were everywhere. It was more than a concert; it was a celebration of something real.
Sure, I can stream his music anytime. And yes, there are cover bands that perform his songs—some arguably more technically precise. But they’re not Herb Alpert. They don’t carry the same emotional weight or origin story. There’s something powerful about being in the presence of the original creator. We’re not just seeking sound; we’re seeking soul.
I had a similar, albeit amusing, experience in Las Vegas. I was at a show when I saw someone who looked exactly like Larry the Cable Guy. I was stunned that fans weren’t mobbing him. I approached him to say hi, and that’s when I realized he wasn’t Larry. He was an impersonator. A really good one. I’m sure his act is strong and that he can get a laugh. But he’s not the original. That connection—the one that comes from knowing this is the real person, the mind behind the creation—was missing. Authenticity isn’t just about performance. It’s about origin and intent.
And this craving for the genuine isn’t limited to the arts.
I recently gave a speech to a group of architects, and I was surprised by something they told me. Some clients now request hand-drawn designs instead of computer- or AI-generated renderings. Even though the digital options are faster and arguably more precise, they lack the imperfections, quirks, and human fingerprints that make a hand sketch feel alive and trustworthy. Those little flaws? They’re part of what makes it beautiful.
I’ve seen a similar trend in my own work. During the pandemic, digital speeches—aka webinars—were the only option. But when it became safe to travel again, people craved in-person experiences. Digital just isn’t enough.
Live concerts are also surging in popularity. In fact, back in 2023, Live Nation reported its biggest year ever for attendance and ticket sales—and the numbers have continued to grow.
But it’s not just about being in person. In a digital world, we also crave the physical.
For example, my Personality Poker is a game that uses physical playing cards to explore personality styles and team dynamics. It’s something people can hold, shuffle, and pass around. Yes, there are countless online personality tests, but there’s something different about a game that unfolds across a table—with laughter, stories, and real-time reactions. People remember it. They keep their cards. Years later, I’ve had people pull them out of their wallets and say, “This still describes me perfectly.”
This pull toward physical interaction reflects a broader cultural shift. Board games, for instance, are having a resurgence. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global board games market was valued at approximately $14.37 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $32 billion by 2032, growing at an annual rate of over 10 percent. That’s not a fluke. It’s a signal.
People are rediscovering the joy of gathering around a table, face to face, with tangible pieces and shared stories. In a world flooded with screens, there’s comfort in cardboard, dice, and conversation.
It’s not just about the games. It’s about nostalgia and escape. As reported by Amanda Krause in Business Insider (November 20, 2023), adults are increasingly buying toys and games for themselves, seeking a sense of wonder, play, and reconnection. In 2023, grown-ups made up 17.3 percent of the U.S. toy market—about $6.7 billion in sales—an 8 percent increase over the previous year.
It’s clear: as we lean further into digital convenience, we’re also searching for emotional resonance. We want to feel something. We want to touch something. We want to know that what we’re experiencing is real.
All of these examples point to a simple, powerful truth. While technology can enhance our lives, it can’t replace our desire for originality, authenticity, and physical presence. Whether it’s live music, hand-drawn sketches, playing cards, or classic board games, the human touch still matters.
And maybe, in a world that’s increasingly artificial, what’s real will become our most valuable currency.