In 2019, California witnessed an influx of tourists eager to capture images of a rare superbloom of poppies, resulting in many trampling the delicate flowers in their quest for the perfect photograph. This event inspired technology critic Nicholas Carr to pen his book titled "Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart," which was released in Russian on October 14.
Carr delves into a perplexing contradiction: as our communication increases, our understanding of one another diminishes. Social media has led to a form of "digital crowding," where we are bombarded with the thoughts, feelings, and disputes of others. Rather than fostering closeness, this constant exposure often breeds frustration, anxiety, and animosity. The human brain struggles to manage such an avalanche of social interactions.
The situation may be exacerbated by the rise of artificial intelligence. Previously, technology was limited to sharing human-created content. Now, however, machines are capable of producing an almost limitless array of text, images, and videos, customized for each user. Carr expresses concern that we could eventually lose our ability to differentiate between reality and its digital counterpart.
Has social media enhanced your life? — Yes, it alleviated my loneliness — No, it's become overwhelmingly excessive...
Informational material. 18+.
