logo

66 pages 2 hours read

Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2015

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Sherry Turkle

Reclaiming Conversation

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age by Sherry Turkle examines how digital technology adversely affects human conversation and relationships. Through empirical research and anecdotes, Turkle explores the importance of face-to-face interaction, solitude, and empathy, using Thoreau's "Three chairs" metaphor to analyze personal and societal impacts. The book discusses the consequences on solitude, familial and romantic relationships, as well as broader effects on work and education, advocating for a return to meaningful, in-person dialogue to foster genuine human connection.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.1

5,861 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Sherry Turkle's Reclaiming Conversation insightfully addresses the impact of technology on human interaction, emphasizing the erosion of meaningful conversations. Critics praise its thorough research and compelling arguments but note a repetitive structure. While some find it overly nostalgic for pre-digital times, others appreciate its call for a balance between tech and face-to-face dialogue.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Reclaiming Conversation?

Readers who would enjoy Sherry Turkle's Reclaiming Conversation are likely interested in the effects of technology on human relationships and communication. Similar to Nicholas Carr's The Shallows and Susan Cain's Quiet, this book appeals to those curious about the intersection of technology, psychology, and culture.

4.1

5,861 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Sherry Turkle

The author and founding director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self, who explores the effects of technology on human connection and affirms the importance of humanity in the digital age.

The dean of Holbrooke Middle School, concerned with her students' increasing detachment from face-to-face interactions and deep reading due to their reliance on technology.

A man who shares his three years of transcribed messages with Turkle, representing those who use technology to curate an idealized version of themselves in relationships.

Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.