Sunday, March 3, 2013

Thoughts on "Googlization of Everything (And Why We Should Worry)" by Siva Vaidhyanathan


Overall, ideas presented by Vaidhyanathan make for a useful read for those interested in internet history, philosophy and modern media. The author tries to be fair throughout the book by exposing both positive and negative effects of Google on modern culture. Vaidhyanathan’s acknowledges the great deal of good that Google has done to our Internet experience. He recognizes that Google provides many useful tools and simplifies many everyday needs. He endorses Google in some chapters and bashes its products and policies in others. However, this attempt to be impartial causes the author to lose track of his own thoughts and many times go on for too long trying to prove a point.
The sub-title “Why we should worry” hints at the book’s objective to make the readers feel tormented by the idea of global Googlization.  Vaidhyanathan tells an enchanting tale but fails to present enough convincing arguments to sway the readers in any particular direction. The biggest claim of the whole book is that Google is a money making business and not a charity organization.  Vaidhyanathan presents this idea as if it was something new. In reality, no one reasonably familiar with the concept of capitalism and free market would be naïve enough to believe in the opposite. The author’s accusations of Google delivering information “to facilitate consumption” lack substance since consumption needs are at the core of human existence.
Some of Vaidhyanathan’s arguments are interesting and alarming. For example, notion of a 15-year-old company running our lives is quite disturbing and unsettling. There are plenty examples of big failures in our history. Nevertheless, by comparing Google to Caesar and attacking it for being too innovative Vaidhyanathan sounds a lot like critics of radio and television back in the days.  Regardless of the current situation, privacy dilemma, fear of Google growing too big, etc., Vaidhyanathan fails to suggest a different way of getting and sorting information. Human Knowledge Project looks good in theory, but in reality is nowhere near its implementation stage.
At the end we felt a little disappointed – you start reading the book feeling like your world is about to change and you will discover something really important. And it simply doesn’t happen. This book is written for librarians, legal analysts, copyright lawyers.

3 comments:

  1. Is it kind of scary that a 15 year old company runs our lives? Yes. But think about it- in the past 15 years, what harm have you been caused due to Google's existence? Now think of all the benefits, conveniences, and ease Google's services have brought to your life. Chances are, that pros & cons list is pretty lopsided. Which makes the decision fairly simple: Pro Google over no Google by a landslide.

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  2. There are people that don't realize Google is a business? I've never heard that before. If you're so worried about Google then get off of the internet!

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  3. I this globalization is unavoidable, and it wouldn't smart not to make profit on it, Google is not the only company who is using globalization in it's advantage, and since right now it's the best internet service on the market, I think it's is pointless to blame them for that.

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