The Big Disconnect: The Story of Technology and Loneliness (Contemporary Issues)

When Giles Slade starts off chapter 1 mentioning how life was better when humans believed they were the center of the universe, I knew I was going to be in for a crazy ride. I mean, at least for me, the title indicates that he would be someone who has more knowledge than the average person to discuss technology and some scientific authority to justify his claim. Yet here is, right off the bat showing that he considers technology to be inherently bad with no more of an explanation than stating that humans used to believe we could wrestle angels. And that is supposed to make perfect sense? Then he goes on (forever--I mean, I actually fell asleep!) about how we have purposefully made things like games and cars for no other reason except to isolate ourselves from other people. Yep, not because we like to relax or have fun, among other reasons, but because we anti-social Americans just can't stand having to deal with others. According to him, Americans also invented the doll so we could train our children for the life of isolation that awaits them here. His "evidence" that supports this train of thought seems to be mostly other, anonymous, opinions from other foreigners and quotes from articles that seem like it would support what he is saying. However, when I looked at some of his sources, they didn't really pan out because they don't qualify as scientific evidence and/or they don't actually support his argument because he takes them out of context. Mind you that I haven't read past chapter 1, but there is zero research into his claims thus far... Well, then again he does mention, repeatedly, how awful science is, so I guess this is to be expected? So if you simply want to read a book about someone's heavily biased and unfounded opinion about how Americans are lonely, empty people who sold their collective soul for the sake of technology, then by all means, see what this Canadian has to say.

Giles speaks the truth of the tech world, the "new world we live in" I felt or experienced much of what he writes about...therefore I validate his book...his book is well written, easy to understand.While there's many features of tech that is good, but many that are not.It's necessary to find a balance with most of the tech ...while difficult to do that. "good common sense should prevail.

This is a very interesting and enlightening book that helps me understand who/why we are the way we are these days. I highly recommend it.

Too much historical fact. I was expecting less history and more sociological perspective. The message is very relevant to today's disconnect.

It arrived quick and was signed by Giles Slade himself! A nice bonus to add to my collection.

It is interesting in that some technological history is reviewed, but the overall thesis that these things---including automobiles and telephones make us loners is exaggerated. If anything, it is the placing of our houses in suburbia and exurbia that make us less likely to contact our neighbors.

Good look at modern society. I recommend this to anyone interested in history, because like history this book helps piece together how we got to where we are today. But really, we must stop having such a "connectedness" to technology and start being more connected to real life.

I see some of my process and dissatisfactions explained well, with a long historical context. Enlightening. Some interesting digressions. The evolution of mistrust, urban people avoidance, solitary music listening, celebrity making, marketing, consumer personality, personal growth as self marketing, all worthwhile topics. Well titled.

An excellent piece of very timely research. It is time for society to consider and respond with actions to the effects of overuse of technology. I am particularly impressed with how far back in our history the researcher is willing to go to see how our society has changed in the way in which it defines relationships and communication. Worth reading, particularly for people who are parenting.

A book everyone needs to read, changed my relationship with people and technology for the better.

Slade's analysis is frightening but insightful. This book should open up an important conversation: what we are doing in our relationships and communities? What are the consequences of allowing so many of our conversations to be technologically-mediated or even just replaced?