Nicholas Carr (sort of) strikes again

I use this blog to post links to other readings, so here is one you might enjoy: https://www.newcartographies.com/p/the-arc-of-innovation-bends-toward

I read The Shallows over ten years ago, and it had a huge influence on me. Unfortunately, I am still too much in the clutches of the Internet (one must be in the knowledge economy) but I hope to find a more sustainable balance soon.

On his argument here, that our innovations have come to focus on Technologies of the Self (social media, drugs that deal with mental or emotional illness), I would add that medical advancements for sustaining and prolonging life and health somewhat argue against his thesis. However, there are plenty of medical advancements that are for personal aggrandizement rather than the general public health; likewise, there seems to be a turning away from what is good for the public (vaccines) versus what is good for one's self (mood-altering medications). I doubt he would say that every advancement fits his thesis, but that the preponderance do.

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