In a composed and distinct contrast to the stories conveyed by McChesney in "Digital Disconnect", Clive Thompson and his written work "Smarter Than You Think" delivers a perspective on technology that is more similar to "Yoga Guru" than "Tech Guru"- a twisted combination of the two. Thompson has very much poise and finesse in his descriptions and delves into his explanations with an ease that of a master of zen. Thompson encourages readers to think of the technological transitions being made in this digital age as "deeply positive", something that will help us as a society way more than hurt us. In a major sense, he is very right.Sometimes it's okay to just, let go. McChesney with his "caveat emptor" approach had readers very on point about everything within their environment- big brother's steady watch, how media is being directed to the interests of the wealthy and out of touch, how that in and of itself is destroying democracy as we know it. Thompson is quite different. He claims that the tools "at their worst... leave us prey to the toolmakers. But on balance, I'd argue, the transformation is deeply positive." It very much is.
It makes sense from time to time to stop and smell the roses, and Thompson is enforcing that throughout his talks. He believes we should take technology for what it is and use it to our advantage. He feels it's imperative though to remain aware... "Ambient awareness is the experience of knowing what’s going on in the lives of other people... We’re now able to stitch together these fantastic details and mental maps of what is going on in other people’s lives." This awareness is something that should remain consistent in our lives. I believe that this is something that could help shape our environment for the better. However... keep calm.
http://zenhabits.net/the-zen-of-tech-12-powerful-ways-to-keep-your-online-life-simple-and-peaceful/
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