The Internet Is Not What You Think It Is: A History, a Philosophy, a Warning

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Many view the internet as a remarkable and overwhelmingly positive achievement of modern human technology. However, is this truly the case? In "The Internet Is Not What You Think It Is," Justin Smith presents an original and in-depth exploration of the internet's history, spanning from ancient times to the present day. Through his research, Smith unveils the surprising origins of the internet in nature and the centuries-old utopian dreams that drove its development. These dreams envisioned a world where human thinking could be outsourced to machines, enabling seamless communication across vast distances. Despite the internet's ongoing potential, Smith argues that the utopian aspirations behind it have tragically come to an end. The demise of these hopes can be attributed to various factors, including the negative impact of social media, the dominance of the global information economy, and the attention-sucking nature of networked technology.

Smith's exploration of the internet's history is broad and multidisciplinary, encompassing centuries of scientific and technological development. He draws fascinating connections between the experiences of internet users, artificial intelligence, the invention of the printing press, the communication between trees, and the early computing systems that emerged in the machine-driven looms of the silk industry. By delving into these historical and philosophical aspects, Smith challenges the conventional notion that the internet is solely a human-made creation. He reveals how the internet's organic structure and development are deeply rooted in the natural world, in ways that may surprise and defy attempts to draw a clear line between technology and nature.

"The Internet Is Not What You Think It Is" combines the broad sweep of intellectual history with the sharp insights of philosophy. Smith's writing is accessible and engaging, making it suitable for a wide audience. He cuts through the daily digital clutter to provide a clear-sighted picture of what the internet is, where it came from, and where it might be heading in the coming decades. Through his analysis, Smith offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of the internet, helping us to understand its potential benefits and challenges as we navigate this rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Weight: 200g
Dimension: 132 x 203 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691235219