[ Lurking ]

While scrolling through the Tech section of the New York Times, I came across a book review for a new publication by Joanne McNeil, a writer well known for her essays on technology. From her website (currently under construction), I found a collection of video essays entitled “Just Browsing.” I meant to only watch one but found it so interesting that I proceeded to watch all five. They analyze technology and the internet, through the topics of emotions, traffic, stigma, pov, and text.

While I have not read her new book, I think these video essays provide a good foundational background on her reasons for writing the book and her perspective on the changing environment and function of the internet. In searching and sharing we lose things like anonymity, identity, safety, and privacy. The user becomes a data point, exploited for the benefit of business.

Her book explores the history of the internet, the relationship between platform and user, and the price that must be paid for its services. However, the book also explores possible solutions and what can be done to improve the internet.

In a time such as this, when we are stuck at home, reliant on the internet for all our forms of news, social interaction, and entertainment, it is important to be wary of what we are sharing, why we are sharing, and the natural consequences that come with being a user of the world wide web.

“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” – Christian Lous Lange