Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Mindless Machines, Meaningless Myths: A Review of Robert Skidelsky's 'Mindless'

2025-08-18

This review examines Robert Skidelsky's 'Mindless: The Human Condition in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,' which explores the philosophical implications of AI, automation, and the illusion of progress. The author argues that we inhabit a 'machine civilization' where technology shapes our thinking, work, and relationships, prompting fundamental questions about human meaning, purpose, and freedom. Skidelsky traces technological development from the Industrial Revolution to the digital age, showing that progress isn't always positive, potentially leading to meaningless work, over-reliance on technology, and threats to human well-being. He calls for deeper reflection on technological advancement, urging us to avoid the pitfalls of technological optimism.

(lareviewofbooks.org)

AI Philosophy of Technology

Algospeak: How Social Media Is Reshaping Language

2025-07-28

Adam Aleksic's new book, *Algospeak*, explores how social media algorithms are transforming language. Algorithms fuel the creation and spread of new words, slang, and grammatical rules, like "rizz," "aura," and "-pilled." While the author views this "algospeak" as showcasing human adaptability and ingenuity, he also highlights potential downsides, including power imbalances and cultural homogenization – such as the mainstreaming of online subculture slang and appropriation of African American Vernacular English (AAVE). The review also touches on the algorithm's impact on the attention economy and culture, and the potential negative consequences for reading and literature.

(lareviewofbooks.org)

Tech

The Electromagnetic History of Firesign Theatre: A Psychedelic Trip Through Counterculture Comedy

2025-04-25

This review of Jeremy Braddock's new book, *Firesign: The Electromagnetic History of Everything as Told on Nine Comedy Albums*, explores the groundbreaking American comedy troupe Firesign Theatre. Active during the 1960s and 70s, they created a series of influential albums using advanced recording techniques and surreal humor, reflecting the counterculture movement. The review draws parallels between Firesign Theatre and the Beatles, analyzes their critiques of media, politics, and technology, and examines the lasting appeal of their work in the digital age. Their unique blend of experimental audio and sharp social commentary continues to resonate with fans decades later.

(lareviewofbooks.org)

Misc Firesign Theatre Counterculture Comedy Audio Collage

Lolita at 70: A Literary Exploration of Voyeurism and Self-Reflection

2025-04-15

Claire Messud's essay in the LARB Quarterly delves into the enduring controversy surrounding Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita on its 70th anniversary. The piece revisits the initial scandal and ongoing critiques, exploring the depiction of child abuse and the complex readerly experience. Messud argues that Lolita transcends simple 'problematic' status, serving as a profound exploration of human nature and a challenge to readers' habits and moral responsibilities. By referencing real-life cases, the essay connects the novel's plot to actual instances of child sexual abuse, prompting self-reflection. Ultimately, Messud advocates for a critical engagement with Lolita, viewing it as an exploration of humanity, not a justification of crime.

(lareviewofbooks.org)

Misc Nabokov Lolita

The College Essay: A Mirror Reflecting Back an Idealized Self

2025-04-08

With many colleges dropping the SAT/ACT requirement, applications have surged, placing greater emphasis on the college essay. However, the author argues that the essay, a central element of the application, is arguably more biased than standardized tests, reflecting back to applicants the idealized self colleges desire rather than their true selves. Drawing on Lacan's 'mirror stage' theory, the author contends that the essay forces students to curate an idealized version of themselves, potentially leading to neurosis and self-deception. Some universities, like Sonoma State, have eliminated the essay requirement, resulting in a more diverse and creative student body. The author calls on other universities to follow suit, promoting fairer and more equitable admissions.

(lareviewofbooks.org)

Misc mirror stage Lacan

Sci-Fi Author Ted Chiang on AI and the Future of Tech

2025-02-02

This interview with science fiction master Ted Chiang explores his creative inspiration, his critical perspective on AI, and his concerns about the future direction of technology. Chiang argues that current AI, especially large language models, are more like low-resolution images of the internet, lacking reliability and true understanding. He emphasizes the relationship between humans and tools, and the human tendency to see ourselves in our tools. The interview also touches on the nature of language, the role of AI in artistic creation, and ethical considerations in technological development. Chiang's optimism about technology is cautious; he believes we need to be mindful of potential negative impacts and work to mitigate their harm.

(lareviewofbooks.org)

AI

Superbloom: How Connection Technologies Tear Us Apart

2025-01-30

Nicholas Carr's new book, *Superbloom*, examines how modern connection technologies—cell phones, the internet, social media, etc.—impact individuals and society. Carr argues these technologies aren't inherently evil but cause negative consequences due to our misconceptions about communication and ourselves. He uses the 2019 Los Angeles poppy bloom event to illustrate how information overload and social media's amplification effect lead to chaos and negativity. The book traces the history of communication technologies, highlighting how they've always been accompanied by supernatural imaginings, and raises concerns about anonymity, power, and information veracity. Carr critiques technological optimism, arguing that information overload hasn't led to a more democratic or rational society but has instead exacerbated social divisions. He contends that social media's design leverages cognitive biases, exacerbating information fragmentation and fast-paced thinking, ultimately resulting in a 'hyperreality' where truth is indistinguishable from falsehood. Carr calls for a return to reality, resisting information overload, and proposes potential solutions, such as increasing the friction cost of information dissemination.

(lareviewofbooks.org)

Tech information overload technology's impact

Philosophical Dead Ends in Evolutionary Theory

2024-12-15

This review examines Richard Dawkins's "The Genetic Book of the Dead" and Sara Imari Walker's "Life as No One Knows It." Dawkins continues his "selfish gene" theory, arguing that genes are the central driving force of evolution. However, the review points out that this view is outdated and fails to adequately consider factors such as development, epigenetics, and niche construction. Walker's book attempts to explain the origin of life from the perspective of assembly theory, but the review argues that it is overly simplistic and fails to fully clarify the essence of life. The article concludes that popular science books often tend towards simplistic narratives, ignoring the complexity and diversity of the field of biology.

(lareviewofbooks.org)

AI evolution genes origin of life