The End of absence : reclaiming what we've lost in a world of constant connection / Michael Harris.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Harris, Michael, 1980-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Information society.

Information technology--Social aspects.

Information technology.

Internet--Social aspects.

Internet.

Technology--Social aspects.

Technology.

Physical Description:

viii, 243 pages ; 21 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Current, [2014].

Summary:

"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"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Prologue: This can show you everything

Gathering. This kills that

Kids these days

Confession

Public opinion

Authenticity

Breaking away. Attention!

Memory (the good error)

Hooking up

How to absent oneself

What comes across, what stays behind.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 219-234) and index.

ISBN:

9781591846932

1591846935

OCLC:

879329493