FAQ
What is Prediction Jar?
Prediction Jar is a platform where you record structured predictions about the future of technology, science, and society — and revisit them when the time arrives. It creates a long-term archive of how people thought about the future, and what actually happened.
How does resolution work?
When a prediction's target date passes, the author can submit a verdict. The community also votes independently for 90 days after the target date. Each prediction can be marked with one of four outcomes:
- Accurate — the prediction turned out to be correct
- Inaccurate — the prediction did not come true
- Partially Correct — the prediction was right in some ways but not fully
- Unclear — the outcome is ambiguous or there is not enough information to judge
Community consensus (more than 50% agreement, minimum 3 votes) takes priority over the author's own verdict when displaying the final result. Predictions marked as Far future (50+) or with a custom date beyond 10 years do not have a resolution voting period. These predictions are designed as long-term discussion threads and community archives rather than resolvable forecasts.
What is a Far future prediction?
Far future predictions are for ideas with a time horizon beyond 50 years — things like civilisational change, multi-generational technology shifts, or ideas too far ahead to resolve. These predictions never enter a resolution voting period. They exist as permanent discussion threads and community archives of how people thought about the very long-term future. Predictions with a custom date beyond 10 years also have no resolution period for similar reasons.
Can I edit or delete my predictions?
Yes, with time limits — and those limits are intentional. You can edit a prediction within 1 hour of posting it. You can delete a prediction within 24 hours of posting it. After those windows close, the prediction becomes a permanent part of your public record. This is by design. Prediction Jar is built around intellectual honesty — the whole point is to record what you believed at the time, with the information you had then. Allowing edits or deletions after new information emerges would undermine that. Your predictions are meant to be a honest snapshot of your thinking, not a curated highlight reel.
Is this a betting platform?
No. There is no money, no financial instruments, and no stakes involved. Prediction Jar is purely for intellectual discussion and long-term thinking.
Who can use it?
Anyone aged 16 or over. The platform is free to use. You need an account to post predictions and comments, but you can browse publicly without registering.
Who can see my predictions?
All predictions and comments are public. Your profile is accessible to anyone by your username. This is intentional — public accountability is part of what makes predictions meaningful.
How is my data handled?
We are GDPR compliant. We do not sell your data, do not use advertising trackers, and only collect what is necessary to operate the platform. See our full Privacy Policy for details.