TABLE OF CONTENTS:
“The ability to read long and complex texts was once a widespread skill. It now risks becoming a rare, even esoteric accomplishment. …Though some still argue over the significance of factors like inequality or changes to the education system, it seems increasing obvious that the major culprit is the smartphone…” (p. 6-7)
James Marriott’s message is clear: “Without reading, the world is going to become less rational and more disorganized.” (p. 13) The decline of reading is obvious with the closing of bookstores, the plummeting of book sales, and the reduced usage of libraries (other than supplying movie DVDs).
“In the fragmented, trivialized and angry new world that is being shaped by the smartphone, conspiracy theories and mad ideas spread with terrifying fertility. Political discourse which was once conducted in print–with its remarkable capacity for sustain logical thought and extended argument—now takes place amid the moronic inferno of social media.” (p. 13)
Confrontation, arguments, name-calling are all on the increase. Everyone can air their grievances on-line no matter how silly. In fact, being silly and outrageous only increases “Likes” and audience response. We are drifting into chaos and illiteracy. Artificial Intelligence can’t fix that.
The New Dark Ages provides all the examples of smartphone addiction you could want. The Social Media companies designed their products to be addictive. The result is not only a decline in reading, but depression, anxiety, bullying, and suicidal thoughts (and actions). Our society is spiraling out of control. We have a $40 TRILLION debt with little in the way of repayment. The course we’re on is not sustainable! GRADE: A
INTRODUCTION — 1
- The reading mind — 15
- The rise of reading — 28
- The rise of the screen — 55
- The disenlightenment — 82
- The political power of books — 103
- The end of democracy? — 117
Conclusion — 154
Acknowledgements — 169
Recommended Reading — 171
Notes — 175