Max Fisher

A comprehensive look at social media and the influence it has on our societal decisions. Although none of this was news to me, it was horrifying and made me angry along with my sadness for the future. The more we know the better we can be. We will hope for a more positive swing in the online discourse. Is that a pipedream? Well, yes it is.
Page 80
This cycle of aggrievement, resentment and identity and mob anger, it feels like it’s consuming and poisoning the entire nation. ~ Wu victim of Gamergate… (meer)

This book is brilliant! Not only does the author expose an important and disturbing topic--artificial "intelligence", in the form of social media web site algorithms, foments hate and discord in the service of "engagement" (that is, capitalism)--he situates these current developments in the history of Silicon Valley and enduring sociological concepts. His analysis of the research studies that demonstrate the link between social media and violence in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the United States is thorough and balanced. The writing is very engaging and, miraculously, did not leave me with a feeling of despair but instead with gratitude for learning how an ubiquitous part of modern life functions. Highly recommended for all libraries and any readers who use (or are used by) social media.… (meer)