Cults, Culture & Coercion with Dr. Steve Hassan

Rapid Advancements in VR and AI: Understanding Opportunities and Necessary Boundaries With David Christopher Lane, PhD

15 snips
Jun 16, 2025
David Christopher Lane, PhD, a philosopher and researcher, dives into the fascinating worlds of VR and AI. He likens the brain to a VR headset, interpreting our experiences symbolically. The discussion highlights the dangers of AI amplifying misinformation and the need for ethical oversight. Lane shares insights on creative AI tools and their potential in education, while pondering whether AI will enhance our intelligence or make us lazier. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and being open to being wrong in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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ANECDOTE

Early VR Journey And Classroom Pilot

  • David Lane started using VR in 1993 and returned to it seriously after his son competed in VR teams around 2014.
  • He created one of the first VR philosophy courses and gave students free headsets to explore virtual learning.
INSIGHT

AI's Exponential Leap

  • Lane uses exponential growth (Kurzweil) to explain rapid AI improvements and shows comparison via evolving AI art realism.
  • Small iterative gains compound fast, producing near-photorealistic fakes within years.
ADVICE

Embrace AI Tools Or Lose Ground

  • Learn and use AI tools rather than resisting them to avoid being left behind in work and education.
  • Teach students all major AI tools so they gain practical advantage and job readiness.
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