39 pages • 1 hour read
Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less From Each Other
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Book Brief
400
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Alone Together, Sherry Turkle examines the impact of technology on human relationships, focusing first on how people, particularly children, interact with robots like ELIZA, Tamagotchi, Furby, AIBO, My Real Baby, Cog, and Kismet, forming emotional bonds and seeing these robots as companions. The second half of the book delves into the effects of social media and virtual worlds like chatrooms, Facebook, World of Warcraft, and Second Life, arguing that while these platforms offer convenient connections, they can also lead to feelings of isolation and pressure to constantly be available and curate one's online persona. Note: The book discusses challenges faced by young people in relation to privacy and emotional expression.
Informative
Contemplative
Melancholic
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
7,165 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sherry Turkle’s Alone Together is praised for its insightful exploration of technology's impact on human relationships, highlighting both its connective potential and its isolating effects. Critics commend the vivid real-life anecdotes but note occasional repetition and a nostalgic tone. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read on our evolving digital lives.
Who Should Read Alone Together?
Readers who enjoy exploring the impact of technology on human relationships and societal norms will find Alone Together by Sherry Turkle intriguing. Similar audiences are drawn to Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows and Cal Newport’s Digital Minimalism. This book is ideal for those interested in digital culture and psychological perspectives on modern connectivity.
7,165 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Audrey
Audrey
A 16-year-old who describes her Facebook profile as her "internet twin" and experiments with various online identities, finding confidence in her avatars across different platforms.
Joel
Joel
A 26-year-old software team leader who becomes a pint-size elephant named Rashi in Second Life, where he engages in creative activities and faces challenges similar to those in reality.
Julia
Julia
A 16-year-old who frequently texts and experiences anxiety without timely responses, with a need to be connected rooted in past traumatic experiences.
Aaron Edsinger
Aaron Edsinger
The designer of Domo, a social robot intended to assist the elderly, who experiences the robot as "almost alive" and leverages the "ELIZA effect" to enhance its perceived competence.
Pia Lindman
Pia Lindman
A performance artist who collaborates with Edsinger, exploring the link between embodiment and emotion through acting out interactions with Domo, leading to reflections on authenticity.
400
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2011
Adult
18+ years
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