Summaries of books about Internet & Social Media:
Zucked
Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe
Roger McNamee
The book provides an insider's perspective on the detrimental impact of Facebook on privacy, democracy, and society, as observed by an early investor and mentor to Mark Zuckerberg. It critiques the platform's business model, algorithmic amplification of misinformation, and the urgent need for regulatory oversight and ethical reform in the tech industry.
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The Metaverse
And How It Will Revolutionize Everything
Matthew Ball
The book provides an in-depth exploration of the concept of the metaverse, detailing its potential impact on various aspects of society, including entertainment, economics, and social interactions. It examines the technological advancements and industry shifts that are paving the way for this immersive digital universe, and how it might transform everyday life.
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Alone Together
Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other
Sherry Turkle
The book explores the impact of digital technology on human relationships, arguing that while we are increasingly connected through devices and social media, we are also experiencing a decline in the quality of our personal interactions. It delves into the psychological effects of technology, suggesting that our reliance on digital communication is leading to feelings of isolation and a diminished capacity for empathy and deep connections with others.
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In the Plex
How Google Thinks, Works, and Shapes Our Lives
Steven Levy
The book delves into the inner workings of Google, exploring its unique corporate culture, innovative products, and the impact of its search engine and other technologies on the world. It provides an in-depth look at the company's founding principles, business strategies, and the challenges it faces in the digital age.
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How To Get To The Top of Google
The Plain English Guide to SEO
Tim Cameron-Kitchen|Dale Davies|Jess Percival
The book provides a comprehensive guide to search engine optimization (SEO), offering practical advice and strategies for improving a website's ranking on Google. It covers keyword research, link building, content creation, and other essential SEO tactics, all explained in an accessible, non-technical language for business owners and marketers.
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Zoom For Dummies
Phil Simon
The book serves as a comprehensive guide to using Zoom, covering everything from basic setup and meeting management to advanced features like screen sharing and webinar hosting. It provides tips and tricks for both beginners and experienced users to effectively communicate and collaborate through the Zoom platform.
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Because Internet
Understanding the New Rules of Language
Gretchen McCulloch
The book explores the evolution of language in the digital age, examining how internet communication through social media, memes, and texting has influenced grammar, punctuation, and style. It delves into the linguistic quirks and emerging norms that characterize online discourse, reflecting on how technology shapes the way we communicate.
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The Master Switch
The Rise and Fall of Information Empires
Tim Wu
The book examines the cycle of information technology industries, from open platforms to consolidation and control by monopolistic entities, and the impact on innovation and free expression. It explores historical case studies, such as the telephone and film industries, to understand the ongoing struggle between consumer freedom and corporate power in the digital age.
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Everybody Has a Podcast
A How-to Guide from the First Family of Podcasting
Justin McElroy|Travis McElroy|Griffin McElroy
The book serves as a comprehensive guide to creating, launching, and sustaining a successful podcast, drawing on the authors' experiences as veteran podcasters. It covers technical aspects, content creation, and audience engagement, offering practical advice and humorous insights for both beginners and seasoned podcasters.
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Who Owns the Future?
Jaron Lanier
The book presents a critical look at the digital economy, arguing that the current system disproportionately benefits tech giants at the expense of the broader workforce. It advocates for a new economic model where people are compensated for their data and contributions to the networked environment, ensuring a more equitable distribution of wealth in the information age.
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