Being Online is a techbro manifesto for a world where everything is connected to the internet and data is king
Wang Jian (a.k.a. Jian Wang), the founder of Alibaba Cloud has a thought-provoking but controversial vision of the future of the internet. It is encapsulated in his book “Being Online.”
Being Online is not just a disturbing glimpse into the minds of tech leaders who are more interested in amassing data than in improving people’s lives. It raises the question of whether these leaders are simply too shortsighted to see the dangers of their vision, or whether they are fully aware of the risks and are simply willing to deceive the public in order to profit.
Being online: our timeline
The author begins by tracing the history of the internet, from its humble beginnings as a tool for academic communication to its current status as a ubiquitous platform for commerce, entertainment, and social interaction. He then explores the key technologies that have enabled this transformation, including cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence.
The proposition that these technologies are converging to create a new digital infrastructure that will fundamentally change the way we live and work is still at puberty. He envisions a the mid-life of this digitalization of life where data is so common and computing resources are freely available on demand, enabling new forms of innovation and creativity.
Jian’s book is not just a technological treatise, but also a meditation on the social and philosophical implications of being online. He examines the challenges and opportunities that arise from our increasing reliance on digital technologies, and he offers insights into how we can create a more equitable and sustainable online world.
The genius Wang
Most geniuses don’t look the part. Wang’s mild manners and soft voice doesn’t reveal the magnitude of his insight and foresight. But his vision and his language as expressed in this book, definitely puts him squarely in the upper left hand corner of the great minds matrix.
One of the most striking aspects of Being Online is Jian’s ability to communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and concise way. He uses, in an almost biblical fashion, analogies and parables to make complex ideas accessible to a general audience. For example, he compares the internet to a vast ocean of data, and he describes cloud computing as a way to tap into this ocean of data and computing resources on demand.
I enjoy his for its optimism amidst all the digital toxicity. He believes that the internet era has the potential to create a more prosperous and equitable world. He envisions a future where everyone has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed, regardless of their background or location.
Ubiquitous over and over
Wang warns that as the internet is becoming ubiquitous, embedded in our everyday lives and collecting data about us at every turn we might lose track of the transformation from from analog to digital.
Wang’s vision is both exciting and daunting.
On the one hand, it promises a future where intelligent devices can provide us with personalized services and help us make better decisions. On the other hand, it raises concerns about the erosion of privacy and the potential for manipulation.
One of the most controversial aspects of Wang’s book is his argument that data is the new oil. He believes that whoever controls the data controls the future. This raises the question of who will benefit from this new era of datafication and who will be left behind.
Wang also argues that the internet is making us more connected and informed, but that it is also creating new challenges, such as the spread of misinformation and the erosion of democracy. He calls for a new approach to governance and regulation that will ensure that the internet is used for good.
He also bravely talks about the spread of misinformation and the erosion of democracy, is also controversial because he is from a land where iron fist control over opinions, ideas and speech is a norm. His point is that if it is allowed, the internet will not be a force for good in the world, but rather a force that can be used to manipulate and control people.
Finally, Wang’s call for a new approach to governance and regulation is also controversial because it suggests that the current approach to regulating the internet is not working. This is a serious concern, as the internet has become an essential part of our lives and it is important to ensure that it is used for good.
Being Online is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the future of the internet and the implications of being online. Wang provides a clear and insightful analysis of the key trends that are shaping the digital world, but he also challenges us to think critically about the potential risks and rewards of this new era.
Dr. Wang Jian was the chief technology officer at Alibaba and founded its Alibaba Cloud service, now ranks third as a public cloud provider globally and the first in Asia.
The chief architect of Apsara, Alibaba’s computing foundation, took the lead in proposing the industrial model of using computing as a public service. In 2016, Dr. Wang pioneered and led the nonprofit City Brain initiative to develop a new digital infrastructure for sustainable “smart” cities as his personal effort and was the architect of Hangzhou City Brain.
He founded the Yunqi Academy of Engineering, a private nonprofit research institute with a focus on scientific research for City Brain, and the Yunqi Science and Technology Innovation Foundation, a philanthropic private foundation that operates the free 2050 museum, which envisions the future through technology innovation and organizes the 2050 event every year in April, promoting the vision of science and technology bringing people together.
He is a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and lives in Hangzhou, China.
