"Cult of the Amateur" by Andrew Keen

[Veganitaliana]

A very interesting book about the follies of the internet. For instance, when doing a google search for something it is not the most pertinent site that will be at the top of the list-but the most visited site. People have learned to take advantage of this and there is a whole business of people being paid to visit over and over again a certain site in order to defraud the advertisers and make it look like the site is heavily trafficked!

 

Also, have you noticed that most experts-recognized scientists, etc. do not post much? This is because it's the people with the most time and the loudest voice instead of people with recognized credentials that hog the space and are being listened to.

 

Dr. Campbell in "The China Study" made it very clear that people should be very skeptical even of recognized experts because the system is very screwed up-funding for nutritional and other research being sponsored by interested corporations-and this regarding verifiable public studies! Imagine then what credibility we should give anonymous posters of the internet!!!

[CollegeB]

The internet has also been a great tool to connect like minded people. Does Keen discuss regulating the internet?

[DV]

Thanks for the post, Veganitaliana!

[Veganitaliana]

The internet has also been a great tool to connect like minded people. Does Keen discuss regulating the internet?

Somewhat,not enough, but his proposed solutions are a step in the right direction. To be fair, I didn't agree with everything he says nor his condescending tone towards amateur knowledge-but it is a good reminder to be on one's guard and maintain a healthy dose of skepticism.