Social Capital: Life Online in the Shadow of Ireland's Tech Boom

Aoife Barry explores the human cost of Ireland's Faustian pact with Big Tech in her book, "Social Capital: The Coming of Age Story of Ireland 3.0." She examines the impact of technology on society, from the local communities uprooted by Google to the traumatized moderators working for Big Tech companies. Barry also reflects on her own life online, from her humble beginnings using dial-up to working for Ireland's first digital-only newsroom.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A David and Goliath Story: Ireland's Role as Prime Real Estate for the World's Largest Tech Multinationals

The arrival of the tech giants on the shores of Ireland at the turn of the millennium marked a seismic shift in the country's fortunes. Once considered one of Europe's poorest cities, Dublin transformed into a bustling hub of innovation and progress, drawing the attention of the global tech industry. The city's transformation was remarkable, as it embraced technology like never before, becoming a symbol of Silicon Valley's promise of progress and power.

However, this transformation came at a human cost. As the face of the capital was remade in the image of Big Tech, local communities were uprooted, and the social fabric of the country was altered. The rise of social media, in particular, had a profound impact on Irish society, altering the way people communicated, shared information, and engaged with the world. Romantic Ireland, with its picturesque landscapes and traditional culture, seemed to fade away, replaced by a digital landscape dominated by social media platforms.

In her book, "Social Capital," Aoife Barry delves into the human cost of Ireland's Faustian pact with Big Tech. She explores the impact of Google's arrival on local communities, the plight of the traumatized moderators who work tirelessly to keep the internet safe, and the toll it takes on their mental health. Barry also sheds light on the personal experiences of individuals, from her humble beginnings using dial-up in her parents' kitchen to her role in Ireland's first digital-only newsroom. She questions the price we pay in exchange for life in the metaverse, where our online identities and interactions shape our real-world experiences.

"Social Capital" is not just a story about Ireland's role in the tech revolution; it is also a coming-of-age story for Ireland 3.0. Set against the backdrop of the tech revolution, the book chronicles how we have collapsed the boundary between physical and virtual reality, and the possibilities that this has opened up for us. Barry offers a thought-provoking analysis of the potential benefits and risks of this new digital landscape, and raises important questions about our responsibility as individuals and as a society in navigating this rapidly evolving world.

Through her compelling narrative and insightful analysis, "Social Capital" provides a valuable perspective on the impact of technology on our lives and the choices we make in navigating this complex digital landscape. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human cost of the tech revolution and the opportunities it presents for us to shape a better future.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 152 x 234 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008524234