Jaron Lanier is an American computer scientist, composer, visual artist, and author known for his pioneering work in the field of Virtual Reality (VR). Here is detailed information about him:
Early Life and Education
- Born on May 3, 1960, in New York City, Lanier showed an early interest in technology and music.
- He did not pursue a formal college education but was influenced by figures in the tech community and spent time at Xerox PARC, where he was exposed to cutting-edge research in computer science.
Career Highlights
- Virtual Reality: Lanier is often credited with popularizing the term "Virtual Reality" and was instrumental in developing some of the first VR systems. He founded VPL Research in 1984, where he developed the EyePhone, an early VR headset, and the DataGlove.
- Microsoft: In the 1990s, Lanier worked at Microsoft Research, contributing to the development of technologies that would later influence products like Kinect.
- Author and Critic: Lanier has written extensively on the social impact of technology. His books include:
- "You Are Not a Gadget" (2010), where he critiques Web 2.0 and the digital economy.
- "Who Owns the Future?" (2013), discussing the economics of digital information.
- "Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now" (2018), where he argues against the use of social media platforms due to their negative psychological effects.
Philosophical Views and Contributions
- Lanier is known for his humanistic approach to technology, advocating for a world where technology enhances human expression and creativity rather than reducing people to mere data points.
- He has proposed the idea of Data Dignity, suggesting that individuals should have rights over their data and receive compensation for its use.
- He has also been critical of artificial intelligence (AI) trends, particularly the notion of AI surpassing human intelligence, emphasizing instead the importance of human judgment in technology.
Art and Music
- Besides his tech work, Lanier is a celebrated musician, playing instruments like the Jaron Lanier Bass, which he designed himself. His music has been featured in various contexts, including as a member of the Grateful Dead's extended family.
Recognition
- He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work, including being named one of the "100 Most Influential People" by Time Magazine.
Current Work
- As of the last known updates, Lanier continues to work as a Research Scientist at Microsoft Research, exploring new ways to integrate technology with human life while protecting privacy and individuality.
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