The Digital World: Darker than You Realized

The Dark Side of Our Digital World: And What You Can Do about It takes a deep dive into all of the ways technology has become an impervious and seemingly inescapable part of our lives. In four parts, Andrew Weiss considers how  information distracts us, how we suffer from information overload, how conspiracy theories seem to be lurking behind every bush, the realities of disinformation, misinformation, and fake news, and then concludes with what we can do to protect our privacy, defeat trolls, and preserve democracy. Weiss, a librarian at California State University Northridge, presents an extremely well-researched dossier of how technology is in many ways "the genie out of the bottle." Even for those who consider themselves well-informed about technology and privacy issues or "fake news" will be shocked at the ways in which our lives, businesses, and the government are shaped and manipulated by big technology.

Although written by a librarian with an audience of librarians in mind, this book could easily be read by any professional who is concerned about technology and in particular the rise of privacy issues and dis/misinformation. Libraries and librarians in particular are mentioned a few times but not so much that would prevent others from reading and enjoying this book. I see the information shared in this book become the basis for many information sessions and webpages regarding digital privacy, fake news, and other technology related items. Weiss provides wonderful succinct, and often times memorable, definitions that describe the issues our world is facing and makes the important case that information literacy should not be confined to libraries but is key to not only education but the survival of democracy and the free world. The Dark Side of Our Digital World: And What You Can Do about It is highly recommended for librarians, educators, and anyone who cares about democracy and privacy. Be warned that this is not a quick and easy book to read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Dark Side of Our Digital World: And What You Can Do About It from Rowmand & Littlefield via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.