Why the internet's collective wisdom might be making us less intelligent and more isolated.

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Jaron Lanier, a pioneer of virtual reality, argues that our digital landscape is failing us. By prioritizing anonymous crowds and data-harvesting platforms, we are devaluing individual expertise and eroding the middle class. Lanier suggests we need a fundamental shift in how we value human contribution and online interaction.

Jaron Lanier, a computer scientist and musician who co-founded VPL Research in 1985, has become a prominent critic of the modern digital economy. He warns against 'cybernetic totalism,' the belief that computers will soon become superior to humans. Lanier argues that software development is inherently limited by human productivity, meaning code remains error-prone and cannot keep pace with raw processing power. He contends that treating humans as mere biological computers is a dangerous misconception that underestimates the necessity of individual personality in communication.

A central pillar of Lanier's critique is his opposition to what he terms 'Digital Maoism.' He argues that the internet's reliance on collective wisdom, such as Wikipedia or open-source movements, often creates a 'mob rule' environment that bullies experts and stifles true innovation. By removing the 'scent of people' from information, these systems filter out subtlety and context, potentially leading to totalitarian structures where anonymous groups exert influence without accountability. He believes that deep knowledge requires the perspective of specific, identifiable individuals rather than the consensus of a partially interested crowd.

Lanier also addresses the economic consequences of Web 2.0, which he claims disenfranchises the middle class. He describes large firms as 'Siren Servers' that collect vast amounts of user data for free, concentrating wealth in the hands of a few while providing no compensation to the original creators. For instance, he notes that while Kodak once employed 140,000 people, modern photo-sharing platforms that disrupted the industry operate with a tiny fraction of that workforce. To counter this, he proposes a system of micropayments based on two-way linking, ensuring that individuals are paid for the original content they contribute to the web.

Beyond his economic and social critiques, Lanier remains a champion of virtual reality's potential. In his 2017 memoir, he highlights how VR can treat PTSD, assist in complex surgeries, and help paraplegics experience movement. He argues that the most profound effect of VR is not the immersion itself, but the heightened awareness of reality that users experience once they remove the headset, suggesting that technology should ultimately serve to deepen our engagement with the physical world.

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