Chapter 1: Understanding the Civic Crisis

For many years, insightful individuals have guided us toward a deeper dialogue about contemporary media and its role in civic life. Now is the time to heed their wisdom.

This piece is part of a broader exploration of modern media and civic engagement, featuring insights from my forthcoming book, For ALL the People, set to release on February 23, 2021.

In the aftermath of the recent election, the civic challenges facing America have become glaringly evident. This period has sparked widespread discussions about the societal and civic risks associated with increased connectivity, the evolution of media, and the proliferation of misinformation—issues that have been studied extensively for decades. The repercussions and discourse surrounding these challenges have gained traction, particularly due to the unprecedented spread of disinformation and the distressing outcomes of a society increasingly divided by systems intended to unite us.

My upcoming book, For ALL the People, is the culmination of a seven-year effort, emerging at a pivotal moment of both crisis and opportunity. The timing is intriguing—conversations often arise when we are either ready or in dire need of them. This book represents my contribution to an essential dialogue. It is crucial to acknowledge that the discussions surrounding the unintended consequences of technology and modern media—along with strategies for addressing them—have existed beneath the dominant narrative of a cyberutopia that drives the lucrative, venture-funded landscape of Silicon Valley.

I do not claim to have penned an academic treatise; rather, I have made an effort to reference and recognize the contributions of others throughout my writing. Complex discussions require diverse voices that have influenced my ideas, serving as the foundation for this entire conversation. Notable thinkers like David Nye, who addressed cyber-dystopia as early as 2005, and Malcolm Gladwell, who analyzed Clay Shirky in 2010, have paved the way for this dialogue. Other important contributions include Nancy Baym's Personal Connections in the Digital Age (2010), Evgeny Morozov's The Net Delusion (2011), and the works of Andrew Keen, Jaron Lanier, Nicholas Carr, and many others.

As this conversation has accelerated in recent years, it has become more comprehensive and inclusive, intersecting with discussions on security, inequality, racism, and class. Works such as Molly Sauter's The Coming Swarm, Safiya Umoja Noble's Algorithms of Oppression, Siva Vaidhyanathan's Antisocial Media, Mary L. Gray and Siddharth Suri's Ghost Work, and Cathy O’Neill's Weapons of Math Destruction, alongside Virginia Eubanks’ Automating Inequality, have all contributed to this expanding dialogue.

Significant academic contributions have emerged from leaders like Rebekah Tromble at GWU, Laura Edelson at NYU, Jennifer Stromer-Galley at Syracuse, and Talia Stroud at UT, among many others.

The persistent naivety underlying cyberutopian perspectives on technology and the internet is intricately linked to the rise of neoliberal economic ideology, which prioritizes achievement over meaning and community over a commitment to wealth and growth at any cost. Our readiness to reconsider media and reclaim our civic life is inherently tied to our willingness to reevaluate our social contracts and redefine our expectations of community. Meaning is essential; economic growth and wealth should serve humanity, not the other way around.

We are at a critical juncture, engaging in necessary conversations whether we feel prepared or not. With clear vision and full commitment, we cannot fail.

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Chapter 2: The Impact of Misinformation

This video showcases the themes discussed in the article, focusing on the complexities of misinformation and its effects on society.

This audio presentation further explores the ideas from the article, emphasizing the need for critical engagement with modern media.