Personalities that
We Recognize and Respect
Jaron Lanier
Essential Biography
WIKIPEDIA:
Jaron Lanier
WHERE TO FIND:
Link to wikipedia here
WHY YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT:
The page details his career as a computer scientist, his pioneering contributions in the field of virtual reality, and his work as a musician and composer. It also addresses his criticisms of contemporary digital culture and his influential publications.
Inspiring Book
TITLE:
“You Are Not a Gadget: A Manifesto”
WHERE TO FIND:
Link to Amazon page here
WHY READ IT:
In this book, Lanier offers an in-depth analysis of how digital technology is shaping the human experience, warning of the dangers of conformity and loss of individuality in the internet age.
Thought-provoking TED
TITLE:
“How We Need to Remake the Internet”
WHERE TO WATCH:
Access the program by clicking here
WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN:
In this talk, Lanier explores the problems inherent in the current structure of the internet and proposes solutions to recreate a network that values human dignity and promotes more authentic interactions.
Featured Initiative
TITLE:
“Proposal for a New Model for the Digital Economy”
WHERE TO FIND OUT:
Access the initiative’s website by clicking here
WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN:
Jaron Lanier proposes a fairer internet, where users are paid for the value of their data, challenging the Big Tech model. He criticizes the attention economy and digital manipulation, warning of the impacts of advertising-based monetization, such as polarization and misinformation. His work influences debates on regulation and digital rights.
Jaron Lanier offers a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and humanity, encouraging deep reflections on the role of digital innovation in our lives.
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