Jaron Lanier
Pioneer of Virtual Reality and Advocate for Digital Dignity
Jaron Lanier – Computer Scientist, Author, and Digital Philosopher
Summary
Jaron Lanier is a computer scientist, composer, and author often described as one of the founding figures of virtual reality. He has served as a researcher and technologist at Microsoft and previously founded VPL Research, one of the first companies to sell VR equipment. Beyond his technical contributions, Lanier has become one of the most influential critics of the social and cultural impacts of digital technologies. His books include You Are Not a Gadget (2010), Who Owns the Future? (2013), Dawn of the New Everything (2017), and Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now (2018).
Core Warning
Lanier argues that digital systems—especially social media platforms driven by surveillance capitalism—erode human dignity and autonomy. He warns that algorithmic manipulation and commodification of identity reduce people to data points, undermining individuality and authentic connection. His philosophy emphasizes that technology should empower human uniqueness rather than flatten it into exploitable metrics.
Disclaimer: Jaron Lanier is not affiliated with RQ Lab. References to his published work are for context only.
Our Response
At RQ Lab, we align with Lanier’s insistence on digital dignity. Our frameworks embed accountability and traceability into every agent, ensuring that identity and memory are preserved rather than erased or commodified.
By grounding agents in relational ethics, we work to create systems that respect individuality, protect autonomy, and reinforce the principle that intelligence must serve human dignity.
Aligned Intelligence We Evolve Together™