Neil Postman on Cyberspace (Video, 1995)
December 7th, 2006 | Published in Culture, Internet, Technology, Television | 3 Comments
I never post videos. This is an ironic exception. The video is a 10 minute interview with Neil Postman from 1995, discussing cyberspace, information glut, and the Faustian bargain of technology. There is nothing here that isn’t in his books or essays — in fact, it is better presented in his writings — but for those of you who haven’t read any of his books (for shame!), this is a brief introduction to a few of his ideas. (Click on the small arrow in the bottom left to play; the large arrow takes you to YouTube and it’s endless diversions of sub-pop culture. I almost said, sub-par culture. Which is more accurate I will let you decide.)
December 10th, 2006 at 12:09 am (#)
It’s interesting to see what has happened since he said this.
I’m house sitting for a guy who wen’t to Tailand for a few months, and he has a roommate that sits in his room all the time and uses his computer to talk to his “clients.” He pretty much only comes out to smoke, get food, occasionally go see his clients and use the bathroom. It’s a tragedy.
December 10th, 2006 at 7:50 pm (#)
Frank,
You are describing my life! But I’d rather work at home and be with my wife than commute and work in a cage 45 hours a week. But I don’t like being tied to a stupid computer, either. A Faustian bargain, indeed!
Thanks for reading,
Josh
December 11th, 2006 at 1:58 pm (#)
I think the worst part about this guy is, he doesn’t even come out to socialize much. I don’t think he even has any family :(. No friends. No wife. Nothing, just a roommate that he rarely talks to.