Technology is Not the Problem: The ultimate history of our relationship with technology and how it has shaped our world today, from smartphones to AI

by Timandra Harkness

We already know how much of our data is collected and used to profile and target us. The real question is why, knowing all this, do we keep going back for more? “Great book” – Matt Ridley, author of How Innovation Works

“Essential reading” – Pete Etchells, author of Unlocked

“An urgent must-read” – Tiffany Jenkins, author and broadcaster, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s A History of Secrecy

Technology has delivered a world that we expect to revolve around us, our needs and preferences, and our unique personalities. We willingly hand over intimate information about ourselves in return for a world that’s easier to navigate.

We live in the Personalised Century, where we view ourselves in terms of what rather than who we are – the objects of others’ recognition, rather than the subjects and authors of our own lives. Is this a sign of our shrinking sense of self?

Interrogating the historical currents that have brought us here, Harkness envisages a messier, riskier and less comfortable world than the one into which we’re sliding. Challenging readers to look at what’s missing from their personalised menus, Technology is not the Problem encourages us to look afresh at the not just the technology we use every day, how we relate to the world and those around us.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2024

Reviews

[Sebastian Gebski · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've learned about TINTP from one of the podcasts, probably Quillette. I've also seen some initial opinions that looked very enthusiastic, and the book was part of my audiobook subscription, so I didn't hesitate for long.

My biggest problem with TINTP is that I have completely zero idea what this book is about. The title and subtitle suggest a very wide analysis (of the impact technology has on our lives), once you start reading it, the main topic appears to be personalization (of all sorts), but at some point, the author keeps notoriously leaning into the ever-increasing role of identity in modern society, and how does it correspond with the progress of tech. Such a train of thought doesn't look very scary, but the reality is much worse - TINTP is extremely watered down, as the author keeps digressing and meanders around the topic, never coming to definite conclusions or even truly thought-provoking hypotheses. I tried to make any notes (yeah, I turned that into a habit), but ... I failed here. I couldn't propose a single thought worth writing down for future reference.

So, in the end, I don't know what charmed the early reviewers so much. For me, it was a book about nothing. I haven't been so bored by a nonfiction book for a long time.

[Curvy Exterior · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Good: A reminder that technology is not the problem but we are. Each chapter can be read on its own. Pretty telling that the creators of technology come from individualistic societies and therefore, those who adopt it and use it daily, lose their character of collective societies. A good attempt at being politically neutral on hot issues like gender identities.

The Bad: Dull recap of past technological developments. Some chapters had philosophical arguments, which may not be relatable to non-Western countries.

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Technology is Not the Problem" by Timandra Harkness argues that the real issue lies not in technology itself but in humanity's obsession with identity and validation. Harkness contends that technology amplifies cultural desires, leading individuals to sacrifice privacy for convenience and promoting hyper-personalisation over meaningful social interactions. She situates contemporary digital behaviors within a historical framework, suggesting that fears about social media's role in radicalisation have been exaggerated, as the desire for social recognition has existed long before modern technology. The book encourages a shift towards genuine social bonds rather than self-curation, positing that the most detrimental technology is the metaphorical mirror reflecting our quest for external approval. For its insightful analysis and witty tone, the book is recommended for those exploring the interplay between technology, culture, and psychology.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not the book I was expecting to read. I was expecting to read about how technology isn't the problem, but this book is about how WE ARE the problem. The problem in view is the atomised and personal society that we live in. There were some really interesting and good observations once I'd got over the gap between my expectation and what I was reading. Some great quotes and well written chapters, albeit in a journalistic style.

[Ratthapong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book told us how technology in the past was and how people lived in the recent past so it is good to read this book in order to learn the history of technology.
It also told us about the history of each concept and idea. it's good for learning history.

[Duncan Swann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine, a bit scattershot and simple.

[Octavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting, it does change a lot of topic throughout the book and sometimes not in the most coherent way.