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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
Lanier's timely book brings together a number of familiar reasons for why social media accounts — namely Facebook, in this case — is making people's lives worse. As a person who largely agrees with this hypothesis, I expected to love Lanier's book. Instead, I found it enormously frustrating. Lanier insists on using the acronym BUMMER to define services like Facebook and Google which profit from selling user data to advertisers, even though "Bummer" doesn't stand for anything. By the middle of the book, I found his constant use of the term to be a distraction, as I had long ago forgotten what he meant.
Relatedly, "Ten Arguments" is just badly written. Lanier is a smart guy and, as a longtime Silicon Valley personality, a compelling figure to take on this subject. But I wish he had collaborated with a professional writer or, at least, had an editor take a more forceful role in reshaping his arguments. In spite of its short length and intriguing subject matter, Lanier's book was a slog to get through. (I almost gave up).
I suspect, fortunately, that this won't be the last of these types of books — and that's a good thing. It's a subject that needs more scrutiny. But I just wish Lanier's ideas had been the source of another author's work.
Relatedly, "Ten Arguments" is just badly written. Lanier is a smart guy and, as a longtime Silicon Valley personality, a compelling figure to take on this subject. But I wish he had collaborated with a professional writer or, at least, had an editor take a more forceful role in reshaping his arguments. In spite of its short length and intriguing subject matter, Lanier's book was a slog to get through. (I almost gave up).
I suspect, fortunately, that this won't be the last of these types of books — and that's a good thing. It's a subject that needs more scrutiny. But I just wish Lanier's ideas had been the source of another author's work.
I think Jarin Lanier has his finger on the pulse when it comes to how AI and social media is affecting society and individuals. I think what we've seen is only the start of one of the biggest issues humanity will face. Slowly losing our autonomy to algorithms. I don't share his optimism that just tweaking the payment model will fix things either. This book gave me stuff to think about.
His philosophical and political groundings are what you'd expect from a liberal Silicon Valley tech-bro, though. The last chapter especially felt like nonsense. Paraphrasing "Humans might have a soul so we are special so let's ignore any potential for sentient AI having rights, and also animal rights are misguided(?)".
His philosophical and political groundings are what you'd expect from a liberal Silicon Valley tech-bro, though. The last chapter especially felt like nonsense. Paraphrasing "Humans might have a soul so we are special so let's ignore any potential for sentient AI having rights, and also animal rights are misguided(?)".
informative
fast-paced
If you are beginning to see the cracks in this digital age we are living in this might be a book for you. This book written by Jaron Lanier, the founder of VR, gives an interesting perspective from someone on the inside. Lanier explains in a conversational way the dangers of social media at present. He speaks about how current social media platforms manipulate users by using algorithms specific to each user and the negative impact it is causing our society. We as users are slowly losing our free will and our privacy. It boils down to the old adage “nothing in life is free”. Be mindful of what you are relinquishing, for the costs may be higher than you expected.
This is a very short book. I listened to the audio version which was a mere 5 hours. I found many of the concepts giving voice to the thoughts I was already thinking. Lanier’s main point I believe is that social media doesn’t need to be bad, but until there are some reforms and users have more control over their data, it would be wise to steer clear of it.
This is a very short book. I listened to the audio version which was a mere 5 hours. I found many of the concepts giving voice to the thoughts I was already thinking. Lanier’s main point I believe is that social media doesn’t need to be bad, but until there are some reforms and users have more control over their data, it would be wise to steer clear of it.
BUMMERS Deleted
Count me convinced. After watching "The Social Dilemma" and reading this, I've deleted my Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
But I still have this Goodreads... And myFitnessPal and Yelp.. Wonder if these last few qualify as BUMMER??
Count me convinced. After watching "The Social Dilemma" and reading this, I've deleted my Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
But I still have this Goodreads... And myFitnessPal and Yelp.. Wonder if these last few qualify as BUMMER??
Made me a little paranoid, but most importantly made me rethink the way I engage with social media, AI, my phone, and Internet at large. (And I got a bit of understanding of the current political climate here in the U.S., despite the book being published in 2018).
Definitely a read to go back to from time to time.
Definitely a read to go back to from time to time.
informative
inspiring
I didn't quite like the quirky quippy style, but I understand it might help make the material more accessible.
I'd say it's a solid introduction to an urgent problem we're collectively not adequately addressing.
I'd say it's a solid introduction to an urgent problem we're collectively not adequately addressing.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It certainly left me with a lot to think about. It made me more aware of my social media habits and the effects on society. But the book felt scattered, which was surprising for such a short read. And I'm not sure how convincing the arguments are for most people.
This isn't a self-help guide. If you want affirmation and motivation to quit social media for your own happiness, this isn't it. But if you want a techie rant about online culture, it might be for you.
This isn't a self-help guide. If you want affirmation and motivation to quit social media for your own happiness, this isn't it. But if you want a techie rant about online culture, it might be for you.
Seems to have some good ideas but does not feel readable to someone without a tech degree.
view on my booklr: https://thirtyfivebooks.tumblr.com/post/190205819976/review-ten-arguments-for-deleting-your-social
wow, this book is terrible.
i was recommended this book by a coworker who often advocates for breaking digital’s significant grip on our lives, so i knew which way this book would blow before i even read it. and don’t get me wrong, i agreed with many of its points. but at times, i could only ask why?
the entire thing read as a long form opinion piece in an online journal, written by a very self-important hipster. each argument (each chapter) was full of weird tangents, random political spin, and humblebrag. it was so cringe that i had to force myself to finish this because i have only allowed myself to abandon one book during this challenge and i didn’t want to waste it this early on this dumpster fire.
and remember, i AGREE with most of his points!
who let this dude write a book? did anyone edit this?
wow, this book is terrible.
i was recommended this book by a coworker who often advocates for breaking digital’s significant grip on our lives, so i knew which way this book would blow before i even read it. and don’t get me wrong, i agreed with many of its points. but at times, i could only ask why?
the entire thing read as a long form opinion piece in an online journal, written by a very self-important hipster. each argument (each chapter) was full of weird tangents, random political spin, and humblebrag. it was so cringe that i had to force myself to finish this because i have only allowed myself to abandon one book during this challenge and i didn’t want to waste it this early on this dumpster fire.
and remember, i AGREE with most of his points!
who let this dude write a book? did anyone edit this?