USC hosts innovator in residence

Named by Time magazine as one of the most influential people in the world, Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism Innovator in Residence Jaron Lanier joined Dean Ernest Wilson Wednesday in an open forum about technology in modern society.

In “Self and reality: Finding clarity in the digital noise,” Lanier discussed his past work and current thoughts on today’s technology. Called the “father of virtual reality,” Lanier has been involved with notable innovations and developments with software and hardware for decades.

“[We’re] pursuing the old dream of trying to come up with the right designs for wonderful experience in the furthering along the line of virtual reality,” Lanier said.

Lanier was chosen as the 2010 innovator in residence after recommendations were submitted by faculty. He is Annenberg’s second innovator in residence, after Irving Wladawsky-Berger received the honor in 2009.

“The purpose of the innovator in residence is to provide food for thought around topics related to innovation, creation and technology for our students, faculty and staff,” wrote Carola Weil, associate dean for Planning and Strategic Initiatives at Annenberg, in an e-mail.

At the event, Wilson said Lanier is not only an innovator, but he has also given careful thought to criticizing the central role of technology and innovation.

“The goal is to invite someone who is an innovator in his or her own right to our community here at Annenberg,” Wilson said. “That’s exactly the kind of countercurrent that we want to hear.”

Lanier said he believes that the way trends in technology have shifted are lazy and have a low-quality feeling.

“I have a lot of fun with computers, and yet I happen to think a lot of the particular designs on the surface of this stuff … which includes a lot of the social networking stuff,” Lanier said. “I don’t like this whole trend.”

Lanier argued that progress in technology is eliminating the need for human labor, and that a successful society would preserve its middle class.

“The essential idea is that as machines get better, people ought to be able to earn a living from their hearts and brains,” Lanier said. “The people who aren’t needed will become peasants and will be forgotten and lost.”

Lanier, who is currently working with Microsoft research labs, said he is always trying to evolve and come up with new ideas in the realm of technology.

“There’s the idea that there was a less technological way of doing things … and that there’s a new way of doing things that involve more technology,” Lanier said.