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Data Smog: Surviving the Information Glut by David Shenk — book cover

Data Smog: Surviving the Information Glut

by David Shenk
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Overview

Media scholar ( and Internet Enthusiast ) David Shenk examines the troubling effects of information proliferation on our bodies, our brains, our relationships, and our culture, then offers strikingly down-to-earth insights for coping with the deluge.

With a skillful mixture of personal essay, firsthand reportage, and sharp analysis, Shenk illustrates the central paradox of our time: as our world gets more complex, our responses to it become increasingly simplistic. He draws convincing links between data smog and stress distraction, indecision, cultural fragmentation, social vulgarity, and more.

But there's hope for a saner, more meaningful future, as Shenk offers a wealth of novel prescriptions—both personal and societal—for dispelling data smog.

Cyberpundit and media scholar David Shenk launches a trenchant, informed, and accessible critique of the impact of "data smog"--information overload--on the well-being of individuals and the entire culture, then points the way toward a saner, more meaningful future.

About the Author, David Shenk

David Shenk, a former Freedom Forum fellow, has written for Wired, Harper's, The New Republic, the New York Times and the Washington Post, and is a commentator for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered."

Reviews

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Editorials

Boston Globe

Data Smog is the Silent Spring for the Digital Age.

Boston Globe

Data Smog is the Silent Spring for the Digital Age.

Chicago Tribune

A concise, insightful, and welcome critique of the communications world we have created.

Chicago Tribune

Shenk has written a concise, insightful and welcome critique of the communications world we have created.

Houston Chronicle

If you're looking for a survival guide for the information age, this is your book.

Houston Chronicle

If you're looking for a survival guide for the information age, this is your book.

New York Post

A must-read for technophiles and neo-Luddites alike.

Washington Post

Regardless of where you stand...[Data Smog makes] good reading. Read ...Shenk to find out how to make the best of [things]...

Omni Magazine Online

Data Smog is a fascinating and important book...go and get yourself a copy. Unplug the phone, turn off the TV, and spend a few hours receiving data at a more human speed.

PC Magazine Online

Stunningly eloquent.

Salon

A valuable book....If everyone who isn't yet online read Data Smog before joining America Online or getting Net access, their lives -- and the Net itself -- would have a much better shot at staying sane.

The Capital Times

This is a marvelous book.

Toronto Globe and Mail

...[E]legant...a blessing...Shenk has dealt with his task with a suprising economy of prose and sharpness of wit.

Book Details

Published
October 13, 2009
Publisher
HarperCollins Publishers
Pages
256
ISBN
9780061844584

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