Chapter 1: The Human Perception of Technology

When delving into virtual reality (VR), one quickly discovers that human perception differs significantly from mechanical devices; our eyes and ears do not function like cameras and microphones. We interpret reality through the lens of our own histories, beliefs, cultures, and cognitive tendencies. For example, reactions to avatars in VR social studies can reveal underlying biases, yet VR also has the potential to enhance our awareness of how we perceive the world.

Putting on a VR headset offers not just an immersive digital environment but also a journey back in time. I vividly recall the thrill of using one of the first color screen headsets in the 1980s, the disorientation of waking up in VR after a night of exploration, and the awkwardness of being an unkempt giant in front of polite Japanese visitors during a VR workshop in Tokyo.

The joy of successfully running new applications, such as surgical simulators, and engaging with whimsical musical instruments in VR brings back fond memories. However, the arduous process of establishing VR headset production highlights the complexities of technological advancement. Why was it necessary to navigate those physical challenges?

Beyond nostalgia, there's a profound sense of progress that many technologists share—a feeling of being on a cosmic trajectory toward a better future.

Five or six years ago, VR was at the forefront, with numerous startups and studios emerging in places like San Francisco. It was a time of excitement, allowing those on the sidelines to observe without being directly involved.

Technological trends wax and wane. Not too long ago, I spoke to enthusiastic young innovators who believed blockchain would revolutionize the world. Being at the cutting edge of technology fosters a sense of exclusivity and insight.

This exhilarating experience of being at the forefront of tech, while perhaps more pronounced in the past, remains compelling today. It often feels as if the previous fervor has been replaced by an ongoing cycle of discovery and novelty, akin to space exploration or psychedelic experiences that unveil new worlds.

The notion that the past was better is typically misleading. When I don a VR headset, it not only triggers memories but also evokes a historical awareness—an understanding that we are in a pivotal moment to address humanity's challenges.

You might perceive technologists as overly self-important, especially when young, but immersing oneself in this field fosters a sense of purpose and responsibility for shaping the future. While individuals can impact history through various channels, technologists constantly influence the trajectory of society. One day, figures like Trump may fade into mere footnotes, but the advancements in technology will remain.

Every technologist carries a narrative about the larger historical shifts influenced by their innovations. Steve Jobs famously spoke of "denting the universe."

Currently, a narrative that I find troubling dominates: the belief that computers and the internet are creating a super-intelligence destined to rule the Earth, with humanity merely serving as a stepping stone. This idea, promoted by many tech leaders, including Google’s Ray Kurzweil, resonates with some of my peers who embraced Ayn Rand’s philosophy, while I found inspiration in Star Trek.

In my youth, this grand narrative was already taking shape, articulated by my mentor, the late computer scientist Marvin Minsky. Despite my initial resistance to the idea, it proved effective in securing funding. Investors were eager to participate in the technological revolution, fearing exclusion from its potential benefits.

Recently, I attended an event with talented high school students who posed a challenging question: “If AI is set to surpass humanity, why do we exist?” This dark inquiry, based on misconceptions about AI, underscores a fundamental misunderstanding. Programs labeled as AI are merely human-created algorithms, often utilizing data taken from others.

The debate around AI's true essence is vast and outside the scope of this discussion. However, many of us who nurtured VR envisioned it as a counter-narrative to the dystopian views surrounding AI and the Singularity. We believed that technology should empower humanity rather than diminish it. Yet, even this seemingly rational perspective is complex to implement.

When we create advanced tools, they can be misapplied. Railroads, for instance, expanded human capabilities but also monopolized resources and dislocated communities. Often, we discover unintended consequences only after the fact, as seen with fossil fuels and climate change.

New technologies are perpetually required to rectify the shortcomings of previous innovations. Ultimately, introducing new tools can lead to better choices for humanity, fostering compassion and kindness. Historically, technological advancements have significantly reduced suffering; prior to modern medicine, infant mortality rates were alarmingly high.

Articulating this belief leads to a conclusion: technological progress is essential for alleviating human suffering and enhancing hope for a better future. The idea that the past was superior is generally a deceptive notion. The further back one goes, the more evident the hardships people faced.

However, each innovation brings its own challenges, often stemming from misuse. Thus, the cycle of innovation and rectification continues. We cannot regress; we are bound to a future where we must consistently address the issues created by prior solutions. Yet, in the grand scheme, this will ultimately provide more comfort, safety, and opportunities for humanity to act decently.

Nonetheless, the rapid pace of technological advancement raises concerns about whether our compassion can evolve in tandem. While we have averted nuclear disasters, will we also sidestep biotechnological crises or the rise of personal drone warfare?

In response to these dilemmas, some early VR enthusiasts developed a different perspective on progress. We believed the fundamental issue facing humanity was boredom. With a collective sense of attention deficit, we projected our desire for engagement onto society. We imagined that by providing creative and captivating pursuits, we could mitigate conflict.

From this viewpoint, humanity appears to be in a perpetual state of immaturity, where dissatisfaction emerges as distractions fade. Therefore, a technologist's role extends beyond ensuring safety and comfort; we must continuously offer new sources of fascination.

As a child, I was inspired by the messaging surrounding the space program in the 1960s, which often compared it to the Wild West. We were told that a new frontier was essential for a thriving society. I adored Star Trek, which depicted a harmonious future where humans explored space while overcoming adversity.

Virtual reality was envisioned as a similar frontier—a vast expanse for people to build connections through shared experiences or to inhabit vast spaces without conflict. It represented an infinite stage for creativity and exploration, contrasting with the finite nature of violence.

The vision of VR was not solely about the technology itself. Since the goal was to alleviate societal malaise, we should expect any technology to eventually become familiar and perhaps mundane. Indeed, even VR may lose its novelty over time. Humanity might focus on collaborative experiences in VR for a century, followed by an emphasis on technologically mediated communication, and then a revival of psychedelic advancements.

Is there evidence that this approach diminishes human conflict? Perhaps. Reflecting on the competing ideologies that defined our understanding of technology in the 1980s continues to shape my perspective every time I wear a VR headset. My mind is filled with unresolved questions.

The first video discusses the current challenges facing virtual reality, examining its limitations and the potential for growth.

The second video features insights from Michael Abrash and Dov Katz of Oculus VR, exploring the future of virtual reality as a transformative platform for society.