The Social Life of Information
The initial version of The Social Life of Information was praised by The Times Literary Supplement. We're living in that future now, and one of the Internet Age's key books is more important than ever.
Technology was expected to empower people while obliterating social groups in the future. Information technology, according to pundits, would put an end to practically everything, from mass media to bureaucracy, universities, politics, and governments. Obviously, we do not live in that future. Why is this? The Social Life of Information explains.
John Seely Brown and Paul Duguid demonstrate how to go beyond data to the social environment that shapes and interprets it. The Social Life of Information is a hopeful view beyond the simplicities of information and persons, arguing elegantly for the crucial role that human sociability plays, even if maybe especially in the digital era. It demonstrates how a deeper knowledge of how communities, organizations, and institutions contribute to learning, working, and creating may lead to the most effective use of technology in our work and daily lives.
This updated version, which includes a new introduction by David Weinberger and reflections by the writers on changes since the book's original publication, is required reading for everyone interested in understanding the human presence in a digital world.
