Project description
This paper involves a write-up of your assessment of, and reactions to Turkles book, Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and Less from Each Other. You should develop a clear, concise 3 to 5-page essay discussing each of the following:
1. Your general reaction to the book.
Would you describe the book as interesting, challenging, boring, enlightening, uninformative, simplistic, some combination of the above, or in some other way? Most importantly, be sure to explain why you take the position you do. It is not enough to say simply that the book is interesting, or the book is boring. (This part of the paper should be relatively brief a couple of paragraphs at most)
2. How the book has contributed to your understanding of technologys impact on our lives
Turkle discusses numerous ways in which these new technologies which offer companionship and connectivity have affected children, teens and adults and how they live their lives. What is it that we seek from these technologies, and what do they deliver? Discuss at least 3 key points you learned about how technology is impacting the ways we experience solitude and togetherness. Some summary of the authors points is necessary, but you should focus on discussing these points, not merely summarizing them. In other words, use these points as a departure point, a springboard to discuss and elaborate the issues raised. Do you agree that todays technology often leads us to feel less isolated while at the same time transforming connection into something paradoxically closer to isolation?
3. Where do we go from here?
Is 24/7 connectivity now the norm from here on out? What are the ramifications of this being alone together? Can (should?) we resist this impact of technology? How? Is there some way to navigate a better path between isolation and connectivity? Discuss your thoughts and reflections in light of having read this book.
Make sure to wrap up your paper with some sort of conclusion, dont just end it abruptly.
