Jaron Lanier

Date of Birth: May 3, 1960

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: [Leave Blank]

Biography

Jaron Lanier is an American computer scientist, visual artist, composer, and author who is often credited with coining the term “virtual reality” (VR) and founding one of the earliest VR companies, VPL Research, Inc. Lanier’s work has spanned various fields, including computer science, music, visual arts, and philosophy. He is known for his critical views on social media and its impact on society, which he explores in his books such as “You Are Not a Gadget” and “Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now.” Lanier was born in New York City and raised in New Mexico, where he developed an early interest in technology and music. He attended New Mexico State University and later enrolled at the California Institute of Technology, though he did not complete a degree. In the 1980s, Lanier’s pioneering work in virtual reality led to collaborations with major technology companies and significant contributions to the development of VR technology. Aside from his technological endeavors, Lanier is an accomplished musician, specializing in traditional instruments from around the world. His artistic pursuits also extend to visual arts, where he has produced numerous works that blend his technical expertise with creative expression.

5 Interesting Facts about Jaron Lanier

1. Jaron Lanier is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of virtual reality technology.

2. He is a self-taught musician and plays various traditional instruments, including the khene, a Laotian mouth organ.

3. Lanier has been a vocal critic of social media platforms, arguing that they manipulate users and erode personal freedom.

4. He has authored several influential books, including “You Are Not a Gadget” (2010) and “Dawn of the New Everything” (2017).

5. Lanier has worked with major technology companies such as Microsoft, where he served as a consultant and researcher.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jaron Lanier

1. “You have to be somebody before you can share yourself.”

2. “Information is alienated experience.”

3. “We treat information as a commodity. It’s not; it’s a life form.”

4. “The most important thing about a technology is how it changes people.”

5. “The internet was supposed to be a way to liberate us, but it’s become a way to manipulate us.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Jaron Lanier’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, largely due to his contributions to VR technology and his work with major tech companies.

Children

Jaron Lanier has one child with his wife, Lena Lanier. They prefer to keep their family life private, so not much information is available about their child.