The End of absence
Subtitle: reclaiming what we've lost in a world of constant connection
By: Michael Harris
Publisher: Current
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Number of pages: 243
ISBN-13: 9781591846932
Subjects: Social aspects; Information society; Technology; Information technology; Internet
Description: "Only one generation in history (ours) will experience life both with and without the Internet. For everyone who follows us, online life will simply be the air they breathe. Today, we revel in ubiquitous information and constant connection, rarely stopping to consider the implications for our logged-on lives. Michael Harris chronicles this massive shift, exploring what we've gained--and lost--in the bargain. In this eloquent and thought-provoking book, Harris argues that our greatest loss has been that of absence itself--of silence, wonder, and solitude. It's a surprisingly precious commodity, and one we have less of every year. Drawing on a vast trove of research and scores of interviews with global experts, Harris explores this "loss of lack" in chapters devoted to every corner of our lives, from sex and commerce to memory and attention span. The book's message is urgent: once we've lost the gift of absence, we may never remember its value"--
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 219-234) and index.
Table of contents: title: Prologue: This can show you everything; title: Gathering. This kills that; title: Kids these days; title: Confession; title: Public opinion; title: Authenticity; title: Breaking away. Attention!; title: Memory (the good error); title: Hooking up; title: How to absent oneself; title: What comes across, what stays behind.