Jaron Lanier has a lot to say about how technology is ruining individualism in his book "You Are Not a Gadget." The article Jaron Lanier: The Internet destroyed the middle class discusses his new book "Who Owns the Future." Lanier says that the Internet is destroying the middle class by eroding the economy and and job security. He is essentially saying that technology is going to take over jobs that people would normally do; we see this already with robots/machines replacing people in factories. Lanier continues to discuss how technology is taking away from the creativity of artists ( especially musicians and photographers). With certain technologies, anyone can create music online or edit photos. Just look at Instagram; so many people think they're amazing "artistic photographers" just because they can take a picture on their cell phone and edit it. Things like Instagram take away from the actual artistic-ness of real/professional photographers. While both of these concepts make me question our generations use of technology, is it really destroying the middle class?
I think you are right to hone in on his passion for artistic creation. When he talks more broadly about the middle class, I feel like he begins to be out of his zone. I'd rather read an economist on those things. You seem to connect to his artistic critique, but then feel more skeptical when it comes to his thoughts on the middle class. So I think you are feeling something similar to me. I think you could explain this distinction somewhat more clearly.
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