One of the most illuminating television scenes ever filmed—a perfect analogy for the contemporary texture of reality—occurs in Season 4 of The Office, when Michael Scott tries to declare bankruptcy by standing up and shouting “I declare bankruptcy!” to the rest of the Dunder Mifflin staff.
I think it's worth adding that Andreesen himself profits immensely if we decide to retreat to his "simpler, easier" virtual worlds.
There is not just a "gap" in reality-richness between the elite and "the masses," but also... the elite profit directly when others retreat from reality and participate in the social media, games, tv, etc etc that they own (whether directly or by holding stock).
Thanks! And yes, of course - I should have pointed that out, although it's certainly implied in my assessment. That misalignment of incentives is so central to all of this. Facebook's recent "metaverse" announcements feel very similar, as FB has almost certainly profited from making the world worse and now wants to offer its users a simulated proprietary version of reality that is supposedly better.
Brilliant. Shared on my FB page. Can't afford -- yes, literally -- to subscribe, which I would do just to support you, Drew, as I wouldn't have the time to read and react every day. Some of my better off friends might decide to, hopefully. <3
Amazing piece!
I think it's worth adding that Andreesen himself profits immensely if we decide to retreat to his "simpler, easier" virtual worlds.
There is not just a "gap" in reality-richness between the elite and "the masses," but also... the elite profit directly when others retreat from reality and participate in the social media, games, tv, etc etc that they own (whether directly or by holding stock).
Thanks! And yes, of course - I should have pointed that out, although it's certainly implied in my assessment. That misalignment of incentives is so central to all of this. Facebook's recent "metaverse" announcements feel very similar, as FB has almost certainly profited from making the world worse and now wants to offer its users a simulated proprietary version of reality that is supposedly better.
Brilliant. Shared on my FB page. Can't afford -- yes, literally -- to subscribe, which I would do just to support you, Drew, as I wouldn't have the time to read and react every day. Some of my better off friends might decide to, hopefully. <3
Thank you! Glad you liked the piece.