Apple, Meta VR headsets will ruin society, Jack Dorsey fears
Social media pioneer Jack Dorsey has expressed his concerns about the impact of mixed-reality headsets on American society. Dorsey, who co-founded Twitter, fears that devices like the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3 will lead to a future similar to the dystopian depiction in the Pixar film “WALL-E,” where people are isolated and glued to virtual screens.
During an appearance on the “Breaking Points” podcast, Dorsey spoke about his worries regarding the growing disconnect caused by these headsets. He stated, “I’m super worried and concerned with how out of touch it might make people and how it distances us even further.” He further elaborated, saying, “That’s the future we’re driving towards, with everyone in floating chairs, drinking their food out of straws and constant 24-7 entertainment. You can see that the whole world is headed this way.”
Apple recently joined the competition with its first major product launch in nearly a decade, the “Vision Pro” headset, priced at $3,499. CEO Tim Cook described it as a “spatial computer” with various applications, including virtual meetings, interactive sports experiences, and gaming. Meta is set to release its own headset, the Quest 3, later this year with a starting price of $499. This device will connect users to Mark Zuckerberg’s version of the metaverse, known as “Horizon Worlds.”
Dorsey acknowledged that mixed-reality headsets have incredible potential for gaming and present an obvious evolution in user interface compared to current devices. However, he expressed skepticism about the benefits of such advanced technology. He hopes for an honest conversation about the potential harms associated with increased social distancing.
These comments from Dorsey come in the wake of Zuckerberg’s criticism of Apple’s Vision Pro. During an all-hands meeting with Meta employees, Zuckerberg remarked, “Every demo that they showed was a person sitting on a couch by themselves. I mean, that could be the vision of the future of computing, but like, it’s not the one that I want.” Zuckerberg emphasized Meta’s focus on a “fundamentally social” metaverse that promotes user activity rather than pure entertainment.
FAQs:
1. What are mixed-reality headsets?
Mixed-reality headsets are wearable devices that combine aspects of virtual reality and augmented reality. They allow users to interact with and experience virtual environments while remaining aware of their physical surroundings.
2. What are the concerns raised by Jack Dorsey?
Jack Dorsey is worried that mixed-reality headsets will lead to increased social isolation and further distance people from real-world interactions. He fears a future where people spend their days immersed in virtual entertainment, reminiscent of the film “WALL-E.”
3. What are the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3?
The Apple Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset recently launched by Apple, priced at $3,499. It is designed to provide enhanced virtual meeting experiences, interactive sports events, and gaming. The Meta Quest 3 is a cheaper alternative set to be released by Meta later this year, starting at $499. It will connect users to Mark Zuckerberg’s metaverse, called “Horizon Worlds.”
4. How did Mark Zuckerberg respond to the Apple Vision Pro?
During an internal meeting, Mark Zuckerberg expressed his criticism of Apple’s Vision Pro. He argued that the focus should be on a “fundamentally social” metaverse that keeps users engaged and active, rather than purely entertaining them.
5. What benefits do mixed-reality headsets offer?
Mixed-reality headsets have numerous applications, including gaming, virtual meetings, and interactive experiences. They provide users with a more immersive and interactive interface compared to traditional devices such as phones and computers.
Jack Dorsey expresses concerns over the potential societal impact of Apple and Meta VR headsets
Social media pioneer Jack Dorsey has expressed concern that mixed-reality headsets, such as the recently launched Apple Vision Pro and the upcoming Meta Quest 3, will result in a society of socially-distant individuals. He likened this future to the dystopian world portrayed in the 2008 film “WALL-E” where people spend their days seated in floating chairs and fixated on virtual screens. Dorsey voiced his worries during a recent appearance on the “Breaking Points” podcast, stating that he fears these headsets will further distance people from reality and each other. He emphasized that this is the direction in which society is heading.
Apple’s entry into the market with the Vision Pro headset, priced at $3,499, was met with both anticipation and concern. Apple CEO Tim Cook has described the device as a “spatial computer” with potential applications in virtual meetings, interactive sports experiences, and gaming. Meta, on the other hand, will launch the cheaper Quest 3 headset later this year, starting at $499. This device will connect users to Mark Zuckerberg’s vision of the metaverse, known as “Horizon Worlds.”
Dorsey acknowledged that mixed-reality headsets offer exceptional gaming experiences and represent an exciting evolution in user interface compared to current widespread use of phones and computers. However, he remains skeptical about the overall benefits of this advanced technology and hopes for an honest conversation about potential negative impacts, particularly related to increased social distancing.
These remarks from Dorsey come shortly after Zuckerberg criticized the Apple Vision Pro during an internal meeting with Meta employees. He pointed out that all the demonstrations shown by Apple depicted individuals sitting alone on a couch. Zuckerberg contrasted this approach with Meta’s vision, which he described as fundamentally social, promoting user activity rather than passive entertainment.
In conclusion, Dorsey’s concerns about mixed-reality headsets and their potential impact on society reflect broader debates surrounding the balance between technological advancement and maintaining human connection and engagement.