What do you think?
Rate this book
Cyberselfish: A Critical Romp through the Terribly Libertarian Culture of High Tech
Twenty-six years after its original publication, Borsook’s “smart, funny and irreverent” (The New York Times) critique of high-tech has proved a prescient assessment of a toxic ethos which has seeped into every corner of our world.
Cyberselfish saw the warning signs about a culture violently lacking in compassion, tremendously opposed to regulation, more comfortable with computers than people, and surprisingly ignorant. An ironic position, given this cohort was perhaps the single biggest recipient of the greatest government subsidy of technology and expansion in history. But it is also a culture that believes in Ayn Rand and the stockholder theory of value and acts as if privacy isn't for the Little People.
Borsook foresaw that once tech boomed to new heights of financial success, those at the helm would feel their achievement in one sphere should result in greater power and influence in others. Today, as titans of the tech world have inserted themselves even further into all aspects of society, Borsook’s insights have become more universally applicable than even she could have imagined. But what will result if the people who shape public policy know nothing about history or political science or, most importantly, how to interact with other humans? Cyberselfish posits this is the true revenge of the nerds.
Cyberselfish saw the warning signs about a culture violently lacking in compassion, tremendously opposed to regulation, more comfortable with computers than people, and surprisingly ignorant. An ironic position, given this cohort was perhaps the single biggest recipient of the greatest government subsidy of technology and expansion in history. But it is also a culture that believes in Ayn Rand and the stockholder theory of value and acts as if privacy isn't for the Little People.
Borsook foresaw that once tech boomed to new heights of financial success, those at the helm would feel their achievement in one sphere should result in greater power and influence in others. Today, as titans of the tech world have inserted themselves even further into all aspects of society, Borsook’s insights have become more universally applicable than even she could have imagined. But what will result if the people who shape public policy know nothing about history or political science or, most importantly, how to interact with other humans? Cyberselfish posits this is the true revenge of the nerds.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 12, 2026
Cyberselfish is a remarkably prescient and intellectually engaging critique of Silicon Valley culture that feels even more relevant today than when it first appeared. More than a historical commentary on the early internet era, Paulina Borsook's work offers a penetrating examination of the ideas, assumptions, and values that continue to influence the technology industry and, increasingly, society itself.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its willingness to examine technology through the lenses of culture, philosophy, politics, and economics rather than treating innovation as inherently beneficial. Borsook challenges readers to consider how beliefs about individualism, markets, regulation, and human relationships shape the technologies we build and the societies those technologies ultimately create.
I particularly appreciated the book's sharp wit and fearless analysis. Rather than relying on simplistic criticism, Borsook presents a thoughtful exploration of how ideological commitments within the technology sector can influence decision-making, corporate behavior, and public life. Many of the questions she raised decades ago now feel astonishingly relevant in discussions surrounding artificial intelligence, platform governance, privacy, and the growing influence of technology companies.
The writing is intelligent, accessible, and frequently humorous while never losing sight of the seriousness of its subject. Readers interested in technology, public policy, business ethics, political philosophy, or the history of Silicon Valley will find a wealth of ideas worthy of discussion and reflection.
Cyberselfish is not merely a critique of the technology industry. It is an invitation to think more deeply about the values that drive innovation and about the responsibilities that accompany technological power. Its insights remain remarkably timely and increasingly essential.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its willingness to examine technology through the lenses of culture, philosophy, politics, and economics rather than treating innovation as inherently beneficial. Borsook challenges readers to consider how beliefs about individualism, markets, regulation, and human relationships shape the technologies we build and the societies those technologies ultimately create.
I particularly appreciated the book's sharp wit and fearless analysis. Rather than relying on simplistic criticism, Borsook presents a thoughtful exploration of how ideological commitments within the technology sector can influence decision-making, corporate behavior, and public life. Many of the questions she raised decades ago now feel astonishingly relevant in discussions surrounding artificial intelligence, platform governance, privacy, and the growing influence of technology companies.
The writing is intelligent, accessible, and frequently humorous while never losing sight of the seriousness of its subject. Readers interested in technology, public policy, business ethics, political philosophy, or the history of Silicon Valley will find a wealth of ideas worthy of discussion and reflection.
Cyberselfish is not merely a critique of the technology industry. It is an invitation to think more deeply about the values that drive innovation and about the responsibilities that accompany technological power. Its insights remain remarkably timely and increasingly essential.
Displaying 1 of 1 review