Jaron Lanier
Pioneer of virtual reality technology and digital ethics advocate
Jaron Zepel Lanier (born May 3, 1960) is an American computer scientist, author, and internet pioneer best known for his pioneering work in virtual reality. In the 1980s, Lanier founded VPL Research, which developed and commercialized the first virtual reality equipment, including the DataGlove and EyePhone headset. These innovations established the technological foundation for modern VR applications. Beyond his technical achievements, Lanier has become a prominent public intellectual, authoring influential books like "You Are Not a Gadget" (2010) and "Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now" (2018), in which he critiques surveillance capitalism and advocates for digital humanism. He holds numerous patents in VR and computer interface technology. As a musician and composer, Lanier brings an artistic perspective to technology discussions. His work spans academia, industry (including Microsoft and Google positions), and public advocacy, making him a key figure in ongoing debates about technology's impact on society, digital rights, and the future of human-computer interaction.
Science & Technology
American
1960
Thinking about the name
Jaron
American origin
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