The digital pandemic
Subtitle: reestablishing face-to-face contact in the electronic age
By: by Mack R. Hicks
Publisher: New Horizon Press
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Far Hills, NJ
Language: eng
Number of pages: 273
ISBN-13: 9780882823157
Subjects: Social aspects; Interpersonal communication; Technology; Social interaction
Description: From sundials to digital watches, smoke signals to cell phones, the telegraph to text messaging, technology has eased many aspects of daily life. But, Mack Hicks wonders, at what price? In his provocative new book, he explores how the digital revolution has caused society to become increasingly reclusive. By robbing us of our ability to relate on a one-on-one basis, the IT movement affects not only the individual, but also the educational system, the work environment, and the social scene in profound ways. Hicks argues that the core problem is not the content of computer programs, but the actual process of computerization and mechanization, theorizing that it disrupts the balance of our primal "hunter" and "gatherer" personality types. Finally, he lays out a plan that shows how to retain the advantages of technology while taking crucial steps to reconnect with ourselves, our environment, and each other.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 259-273).
Table of contents: title: Introduction; title: How we got addicted; title: Halvin and Garrison : hunter and gatherer personalities; title: Time ot inoculate? : electronic impact on kids; title: Twittering our creativity away : creativity and computers; title: Lost in the game world; title: The vital regimen : family cohesion; title: Education, relaxation, and games; title: Robotic or romantic? : mechanization and marriage; title: Contamination : "even the mighty shall fail"; title: Disconnection in the workplace; title: Gender catharsis : digital styles in men and women; title: Physical therapy : "we are what we do"; title: Interpersonal politics; title: Machines vs. humanity; title: Future mechanization scenarios; title: From impersonal contact to reconnection; title: Suggestions for inoculating the family; title: Conclusion : Mechanization and the hunter spirit; title: Appendix : Feed a cold, starve a fever : suggestions for schools.