Thirty years ago I thought all the Internet conversation would amount to more.
Thirty years ago (reading Marc Stiegler's book "David's Sling" [1]), I expected that the Internet would enable us to more effectively communicate, and enable us collectively to make better and smarter decisions as a society.
And... that's not exactly what happened. We've instead made it even easier to find groups of people who will reinforce our existing beliefs, and easily exclude inconvenient truths. Sigh
The Internet does make information easy to get. It is truly wonderful in that regard.
What I was expecting with the Internet is that it would lead to a widespread increase in correct beliefs and (eventually) wisdom as well.
Certainly, some individuals do use the increased information availability to great benefit. But this isn't nearly as widespread as I predicted and hoped it would be.
Thirty years ago (reading Marc Stiegler's book "David's Sling" [1]), I expected that the Internet would enable us to more effectively communicate, and enable us collectively to make better and smarter decisions as a society.
And... that's not exactly what happened. We've instead made it even easier to find groups of people who will reinforce our existing beliefs, and easily exclude inconvenient truths. Sigh
[1] https://www.baen.com/david-s-sling.html