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.
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.
ReplyDeleteThere 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDelete