Human Data in Innovation

I recently read the book, Who Owns the Future? by Jaron Lanier.

I believe this book brings up very valid points that we all sometimes forget about. Most internet users are aware that their browsing information is stored by servers, both by the NSA, and by the everyday sites we use such as social media or even Google. At this point, most of internet users just consider it normal and forget it even happens.

This book serves as a good reminder, that in the data driven world in which we live, we as people are the data points. Large corporations value big data, as it provides them with intelligence about their users. This allows them to make more economically beneficial choices, for example with specifically targeted advertising or showing different posts or articles to different people. Big data and intelligence is valued as power, but we cannot forget that all this data actually comes from humans. Large corporation use the data they received from their users to take advantage of their users, but these people are never compensated. Who Owns the Future? brings up the idea of compensation for providing valuable information to servers, because we often forget that we need these people to provide. This may be important for the future, especially since none of the technology would exist without the people who contributed.

Another, even more important thing to remember, that every technology we create is created with the purpose of bettering human life. The issue is, that today’s business model puts no value on people, even though we are all people. The world is rapidly growing more automated, and humans are required for less and less tasks. And yet those humans who are needed for data receive no compensation, for example the future surgeon that will help with nano-robotic surgeries. Once the technology takes off, he will be out of work, but he will receive nothing for helping the technology come about. Lanier asks what tasks will be left for man in a fully automated world. He says there are certain tasks that only a human can do, such as caring for the elderly as it needs emotional connection and support; however, Lanier also says that firms will keep moving forward towards full automation, “They key reason to avoid acknowledging that there’s real skill in doing what robots can’t do – and hiring people for real jobs – will not be to keep the immediate expenses low, but to reduce the amplified liabilities of the network age,” (Lanier 100). This is simply (poor) economics in action. It is necessary for firms to really consider the effects of their products and innovations, and to determine if they truly help humankind. Following a simply economic path, will lead to an eventual demise.

Who Owns the Future? provides a lot of information to consider in our everyday lives, while using technology, and if one is in the technological field of study: while creating future technologies. Lanier writes to remind us of our humanity, so that pure economics and competition does not ruin humanity in the future.