economic-avatars

Chapter 26 of "Who Owns the Future?" explores the concept of "economic avatars" as flexible interfaces individuals can adopt to participate in the information economy with varying transaction preferences. Lanier argues for a humanistic economy characterized by economic network neutrality, where all parties in a transaction are treated symmetrically and incentivized to participate fairly, avoiding exploitation by dominant platforms. The chapter also discusses the challenges of transitioning to this new economy, emphasizing voluntary participation, theatrical economic behaviors, and the need for mechanisms to balance incentives and prevent market collapse.

Chapter 31 of 'Who Owns the Future?' discusses the challenges and possibilities of transitioning to a Nelsonian economy based on a digital social contract where information is monetized fairly. Lanier argues that voluntary participation, rather than enforcement, will sustain this new economy, and highlights the difficulties of financing the transition, addressing legacy contributions, and encouraging individuals to move from a 'free' digital world to one of universal micropayments. The chapter also explores the moral and economic implications of such a shift and the need for a grand bargain to resolve intergenerational justice issues.