Infinite Reality: Revealing the Blueprint of Our Virtual Lives
Jeremy
Bailenson,
Founding Director, Virtual Human Interaction Lab and
Associate Professor, Department of Communication, Stanford University
A troubling lecture about amazing new strides in VR. the quote below was taken from the Stanford Lab's website, describing one of many research projects, sponsored by large corporations or the U.S. government.
http://vhil.stanford.edu/projects/
"Any time people use the Internet, they leave a digital record behind
(think "cookies" on browsers). Similarly, but in much greater detail,
any time people enter virtual reality, they leave a "digital
footprint"—all the data the computer automatically collects. This can
include: speech, nonverbal behavior, and location. Footprints can be
used (and, in fact, are being used) by military, industry, educators and
other organizations to detect who you are, what you are doing, and even
what you plan on doing later. We are using a variety of tracking
devices to predict identity and behavior, such as cameras that capture
facial expressions, videogame devices such as the Kinect that can
capture body gestures, and online virtual worlds such as Second Life
that archive all of your actions. For example, in our Second Life study
we demonstrated that footprints can be used to predict personality. In
another 'Driving Project,' we demonstrated that facial geometry
features, especially features involving the eyes and mouth, can be used
effectively as predictors of poor driving behavior and can identify
accidents two seconds before they occur. These machine learning
classifiers could be incorporated in advanced driver warning systems for
improved vehicle safety. In our 'Online Shopping Project,' we
demonstrated that the face can predict buyer intent, opening up
possibilities for commercial applications. In our 'Monitoring Operator
Fatigue' study we demonstrated that facial movements can accurately
predict operator errors, fatigue level, and learning rates during a
repetitive motor task. In essence, while one can hide behind an avatar
of a different name or appearance, the massive amount of data stored in
the digital footprint still can reveal much information. Moreover, this
data can be used to improve educational systems, commerce, and all
forms of social interactions"
All things have the possibility for
both good and evil. many things are both, rather than one or the other
. I was both fascinated by the rapid evolution of this technology and the possibility of its use in a social context, and horrified at the same time. Much indicating the ability to control subjects without their even being aware.
The speaker predicts we will have VR in our living rooms in a year. Good news for someone. Can't wait
You have to love evolution.
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MWAUH
<3 |
I was ready to enjoy high caliber photographic images of beautiful buildings and learn something along the way, but instead I once again left the lecture with more questions about the nature of ego and its positive/negative effect on the work, people and the planet.
