A NOD TO THE NODE: JARON LANIER

Every profession has its all-stars and notable names - individuals who are recognized as experts in their field and whose work has had a significant impact. In this series, we'll introduce you to some of the all-stars of the product ethics/tech ethics space. These are the professionals you'll want to know when you're thinking about what it means to make an impact in the tech industry.

First up: Jaron Lanier. Lanier is a well-known computer scientist, composer, and author who has written extensively about the ethical and social implications of technology, particularly in regard to the internet and virtual reality. His work has been compared to that of other notable professionals in other industries, such as philosopher and media critic Marshall McLuhan, who is known for his ideas about the impact of technology on society. Lanier's books offer valuable insights and perspectives on the impact of technology on society and encourage us to think critically about the ways in which it can manipulate and dehumanize us.

Lanier's work has been praised by leading figures in the tech industry, including Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. His thought-provoking ideas about the ethical and social implications of technology make him a valuable voice in the product/tech space. Here are three things we can learn from Lanier about the impact of technology on society:

1. The internet has the power to manipulate us. Lanier argues that the internet has the ability to manipulate our behavior and decision-making through algorithms that cater to our personal preferences and biases. This can lead to the creation of echo chambers, where we are only exposed to information that aligns with our beliefs and can contribute to the spread of misinformation.

2. Virtual reality has the potential to dehumanize us. Lanier warns that virtual reality has the potential to dehumanize us, as it allows us to disconnect from our physical bodies and reality. This can lead to a loss of empathy and disconnection from others, as we become more immersed in a virtual world.

3. We need to think critically about the ethical implications of technology. Lanier encourages us to think critically about the ethical implications of technology and to consider the potential consequences of our actions in the digital world. He calls on us to be responsible and accountable for the impact of our online behavior and to strive for a more humane and compassionate society.

Jaron Lanier's insights about the ethical and social implications of technology serve as a reminder of the power and potential impact of technology on society. It is up to us to be mindful of the ways in which technology can manipulate and dehumanize us and to strive for a more ethical and compassionate digital world.