Quote of the week
The digital environment is not a parallel or purely virtual world, but is part of the daily experience of many people.
Articles of the week
- Forbes: Facebook Graph Search Is A Disruptive Minefield Of Unintended Consequences
Anthony Wing Kosner, in this detailed article, points out aspects of the new Facebook Graph Search that could be confusing, problematic, mildly unpleasant, or downright dangerous. - The Guardian: What’s the real problem with Google Now?
Andrew Brown addresses a contradiction in Evgeny Morozov’s opinions on Google Now, concluding that the product might be an attempt to solve a problem technology can’t solve. - The Globe and Mail: Why smart companies make incredibly dumb decisions
Here Andrew Hill discusses what is meant by ‘functional stupidity,’ why it is essential to companies’ operations, as well as why it is probably inevitable that it will sometimes cause big problems. - New Yorker: What We Should Fear
Every year, John Brockman of Edge asks scientists and writers to respond to a big, interesting question. This year’s question: What Should We Be Worried About? This is a short summary containing some of the most interesting responses. (The full report is here.) - The Atlantic: Obscurity: A Better Way to Think About Your Data Than ‘Privacy’
Also on the topic of Graph Search, this one focuses on the notion of obscurity vs. privacy. The verdict on whether Graph Search allows users to maintain their data’s obscurity: “Is it really wise to presume Facebook’s financial interests align with the user interest in maintaining obscurity?”