Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey recently expressed his concerns about the future trajectory of technology and its potential impact on society.
In an interview with Breaking Points, a YouTube news channel, Dorsey referenced the animated film “WALL-E” and its depiction of a dystopian world filled with people confined to floating recliners, consuming their meals through straws, and immersed in constant entertainment. His remarks were prompted by a discussion on Apple’s forthcoming Vision Pro headset, prompting him to emphasize the importance of addressing the potential harms of excessive technology usage.
Dorsey acknowledged the direction in which the world seems to be heading, highlighting the need for an “honest conversation” about the consequences of excessive technology. While Apple unveiled its Vision Pro headset with a focus on individual usage rather than social interaction, Dorsey found it noteworthy that other industry leaders, such as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have emphasized the social aspect of their augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) offerings.
Despite recognizing the potential for gaming and the evolution of user interfaces, Dorsey expressed concern about the increasing disconnection and potential alienation resulting from these technologies.
While Dorsey hopes for open discussions on the drawbacks of excessive social distancing, he maintains a belief in the inevitability of AR and VR advancements. He suggested turning to science fiction literature, such as Neal Stephenson’s “Snow Crash” and Ernest Cline’s “Ready Player One,” as they serve as roadmaps that envision the potential outcomes of these technologies.
Dorsey’s insights serve as a reminder to consider these developments’ societal implications and explore thought-provoking literature that offers insights into their potential impacts.