# Jaron Lanier

> American computer scientist, musician, and author

**Wikidata**: [Q92862](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q92862)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaron_Lanier)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jaron-lanier

## Summary
Jaron Lanier is an American computer scientist, musician, composer, and author known for his interdisciplinary work in technology and philosophy. He has authored influential books such as *You Are Not a Gadget* and *Who Owns the Future?*, while holding research roles at major technology corporations including Microsoft. Lanier is also recognized as a pioneer in the field of computer science and visual programming.

## Biography
- **Born:** May 3, 1960, New York City, United States
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** New Mexico State University
- **Known for:** Authoring *You Are Not a Gadget* and *Who Owns the Future?*; contributions to computer science and digital philosophy
- **Employer(s):** Microsoft (2006–present), Columbia University, Silicon Graphics (2001–2004), Advanced Network and Services (1997–2001), VPL Research (1984–1990), Atari, Inc. (1983–1984)
- **Field(s):** Computer science, artificial intelligence, philosophy, music composition

## Contributions
Jaron Lanier has contributed to the fields of computer science, literature, and music. As a programmer, he is credited with the creation of "Moondust." In the literary domain, he has published significant works addressing the impact of technology on society, including *Who Owns the Future?* and *You Are Not a Gadget*. His book *Who Owns the Future?* was recognized with the Goldsmith Book Prize in 2014.

Lanier’s career includes founding or working with pioneering technology companies. He founded VPL Research in 1984 and led it until 1990. He later served at Advanced Network and Services and Silicon Graphics before joining Microsoft in 2006. Beyond corporate work, he has acted as a university teacher and a philosopher regarding artificial intelligence and human cognition. His influence extends to music as a composer and pianist.

## FAQs
### Q: What are Jaron Lanier's most famous books?
A: Jaron Lanier is best known for his books *You Are Not a Gadget* and *Who Owns the Future?*, both of which critique the current trajectory of digital technology and the internet economy.

### Q: Has Jaron Lanier received any major awards?
A: Yes, he was named to the Time 100 list in 2010 and received the Peace Prize of the German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association in 2014.

### Q: What companies has Jaron Lanier worked for?
A: Lanier has worked for several major technology entities, including Atari, Inc., VPL Research, Silicon Graphics, and currently Microsoft. He has also been affiliated with Columbia University.

## Why They Matter
Jaron Lanier matters because he serves as a critical bridge between the technical development of the digital age and its ethical, philosophical, and cultural implications. Unlike many technologists who focus solely on utility or profit, Lanier has consistently questioned the long-term effects of "Web 2.0," social media, and the "hive mind" on individual human dignity and economic fairness. His work, particularly *Who Owns the Future?* and *You Are Not a Gadget*, has been recognized with major awards like the Goldsmith Book Prize and the German Book Trade Peace Prize, signifying his impact beyond just the engineering community. By maintaining an active role within top-tier research institutions like Microsoft while critiquing the industry's structural flaws, Lanier plays a vital role in shaping the discourse on how technology should serve humanity rather than subvert it.

## Notable For
- Authoring the books *Who Owns the Future?* and *You Are Not a Gadget*.
- Receiving the **Peace Prize of the German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association** in 2014.
- Being named one of the **Time 100** most influential people in 2010.
- Founding **VPL Research** (active 1984–1990).
- Winning the **Goldsmith Book Prize** in 2014.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Jaron Lanier was born on May 3, 1960, in New York City, New York. He attended New Mexico State University for his education. He is fluent in English.

### Professional Career
Lanier’s career spans several decades and prominent organizations:
- **Atari, Inc. (1983–1984):** Worked for the video game and home computer company.
- **VPL Research (1984–1990):** Founded and worked at this company, which was a significant player in the industry.
- **Advanced Network and Services (1997–2001):** Served in this organization following his time at VPL.
- **Silicon Graphics (2001–2004):** Worked at the high-performance computing company.
- **Microsoft (2006–present):** Joined the multinational technology corporation and remains employed there.
- **Academia:** He has served as a university teacher and is affiliated with Columbia University.

### Works and Projects
Lanier is a noted author and programmer. His notable works include:
- **Literature:** *Who Owns the Future?*, *You Are Not a Gadget*.
- **Software:** He is credited as a programmer for the project "Moondust."

### Awards and Recognition
Lanier has received significant accolades for his work in technology and literature:
- **2010:** Named to the Time 100 list.
- **2014:** Awarded the Peace Prize of the German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association.
- **2014:** Received the Goldsmith Book Prize for *Who Owns the Future?*.

### Personal and Artistic Pursuits
In addition to computer science, Lanier is a composer, pianist, and visual artist. He identifies as a philosopher and artificial intelligence researcher, influenced by figures such as Marvin Minsky.

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## References

1. IMDb
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. [Source](http://www.jaronlanier.com/general.html)
5. [Source](https://www.edge.org/memberbio/jaron_lanier)
6. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2001/dec/29/games.academicexperts)
7. [Source](https://www.friedenspreis-des-deutschen-buchhandels.de/die-preistraeger/2010-2019/jaron-lanier)
8. [Source](http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1984685_1984745_1985490,00.html)
9. [Who Owns the Future?](https://goldsmithawards.org/honoree/who-owns-the-future/)
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. MusicBrainz
12. CiNii Research
13. SNAC
14. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
15. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
16. Munzinger Personen
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. Open Library
19. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb13975444h)
20. CONOR.SI
21. BBC Things
22. Goodreads
23. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/jaron-lanier-107Zzr3G0O/appearances)