Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection

by Jacob Silverman

Social networking has grown into a staple of modern society, but its continued evolution is becoming increasingly detrimental to our lives. Shifts in communication and privacy are affecting us more than we realize or understand. Terms of Service crystalizes this current moment in technology and contemplates its the identity-validating pleasures and perils of online visibility; our newly adopted view of daily life through the lens of what is share-worthy; and the surveillance state operated by social media platforms—Facebook, Google, Twitter, and others—to mine our personal data for advertising revenue, an invasion of our lives that is as pervasive as government spying.

Jacob Silverman calls for social media users to take back ownership of their digital selves from the Silicon Valley corporations who claim to know what's best for them. Integrating politics, sociology, national security, pop culture, and technology, he reveals the surprising conformity at the heart of Internet culture—explaining how social media companies engineer their products to encourage shallow engagement and discourage dissent. Reflecting on the collapsed barriers between our private and public lives, Silverman brings into focus the inner conflict we feel when deciding what to share and what to "like," and explains how we can take the steps we need to free ourselves from its grip.

Genres: Nonfiction, Technology, Cultural, Internet, Social Media, Sociology, Business

441 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2015

Reviews

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Jacob Silverman digs deeply into various social media platforms and uncovers not only privacy violations but also underlying attitudes adopted by the platform owners that point towards a future that is completely controlled by digital government watchdogs and technological elites.

Terms of Service is a terrifying book to me in many ways.

I knew some of the pitfalls of the big networks like Facebook, but I didn't know all of them. This book changed the way that I view the portable devices that everyone carries around with them. Instead of helpful tools, I now see that they can be a chilling and impersonal form of control and surveillance, if we let them.

Terms of Service isn't all doom and gloom though. Silverman gives the reader innovative ways to buck the bland, over-sharing majority and examples of creative hackers and programmers who are doing just that.

He also suggests some sweeping societal changes within the government like a twenty-first century Bill of Rights to address the troubles and privacy challenges of technology and a universal minimum wage to unlock the chains of digital serfdom.

It's an exciting possible vision for the future. I wonder if we will ever manage to do any of that.

This is the part of the review where I try to list read-alikes or books with a similar theme, but I think that Terms of Service is in a class all of its own. I think parents, educators, politicians, and anyone who uses the internet should read and discuss this book.

It is only through knowing the dangers of constant connection that we can begin to address them. Terms of Service provides an eye-opening and disturbing view of how far we have let the situation go.

But, never fear, with proper education- like reading this book- anything is possible.

I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check! And thanks for reading.

[April Prey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel lucky to be old enough (53) to have lived without the internet/social media AND to have experienced its rise. To date, I am still able to live on both sides of the divide: I take breaks from the internet, don't use FB, Twitter, Instagram etc - yet easily adopt technologies that provide a clear benefit (on line banking, shopping).

However, being a bit of a loner/introvert means that much of social media simply doesn't appeal and it never will. I was raised with a strong, stubborn streak of independent thinking. Therefore, what a stranger thinks of my photos, life, personality, etc...simply doesn't concern me. This book pointed out that some people don't get this option, as their sonogram images were uploaded to FB before their birth - having a digital self thrust upon them in the uterus. THIS one fact made the most impression on me over anything else in this book. No wonder young people are obsessed with what other's think - they were born into this paradigm.

The one down side to this book is that this author makes what is, for me, a real pet peeve. Like most journalists, they find individuals to profile to illustrate their points and make their argument. In an effort to drum up sympathy from the reader, this author overshoots the mark and chooses to profile people that are their own worst enemies due to their stupid choices - I didn't see these people as victims of social media and the digital life. In other words: the people profiled are not very bright nor perceptive. For example: the young woman hoping to "make it" in NYC that moved from Texas. Never mind that thousands of youth have flocked to NYC (and other major cities) since there were such cities to "make it" in some kind of arts/media/music that is highly, highly competitive. Honey, moving back to Texas to regroup is not a failure. Or the guy that was the global warming blogger, feeling overwhelmed by how hard he had to work 24/7. LEARN ABOUT BOUNDARIES! Jesus, dude, if you can't set boundaries in your work I suspect you can't set them in other areas of your life either.

Like the pre-digital era, life is tough for the gullible, the stupid, and those that let life "happen" to them. I only wish the author had spend more time profiling people who were victims of doxxing, etc..people who are truly screwed by digital screw ups.

Overall, I would recommend the book. And be glad if you are cynic with a tight hold on your wallet - I chuckled the whole way through the book at the very idea that a company can get me to buy crap I don't need with mere pop up ads. Silly corporation - don't you know you I don't buy things unless I really need them and without some thought?

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads Program for the purpose of a fair and honest review. As such, you may want to stop now. Are you still with me? Well, don’t say that I didn’t warn you.

Overview: Mr. Silverman is taking on the social media empire. Facebook, Twitter, Google+, no social media platform is immune. There are quotes from the founders of these companies, as well as Mr. Silverman’s commentary about the media platforms themselves.

Likes: Mr. Silverman’s warning over not posting everything from what you eat to your likes, dislikes, family etc, on your chosen social media platform is pretty accurate. It’s also something that most should acknowledge anyway.

Dislikes: There was a lot of fear in this book. Be it what it may, the only one you can answer for, or hold accountable for what is posted on social media, is yourself. You can mitigate how the owners of such platforms use your data by simply not tying it into everything you own. There is no reason that Facebook, for example, should have a foot in your computer, e-mail, cell phone and some of the newer televisions and game decks.

Now this will be a sticky issue. If you enjoy it, rest assured that I am not taking any issue with you. My problem is with the ‘Name and Shame’ game that seems to be so popular these days. It is just a way to make the one playing the game feel better at someone else’s expense. Even if the person being ‘named and shamed’ did something absolutely reprehensible, making him or her the victim of the game does nothing to change his or her attitude, or mind. The game does nothing to change the circumstances of the situation, nor does the victim agree with those doing the naming and shaming. Would you? I hope that those playing the game never say or do anything online that someone else will find offensive. After all, Mr. Silverman doesn’t disagree with the game, just as long as the victims have done something that he doesn’t like.

Oh, one more thing before I get off of my soapbox. Overnight fame doesn’t always lead to depression or suicide. Those in the rescue professions always have to weigh the victories of those saved against the losses of those that they couldn’t help in time. Such topics must surely increase depression in those circles.

Conclusion: There is an easy summary to this book. Watch what you put up online. It’s kind of like ‘streaking’ if you will. There are some things that you just don’t want public. Accept that the social media platforms are public places, and others will be getting involved. I don’t believe we need more governmental regulation in the social media circles, anymore than we need it in the shopping malls or other gathering places for the masses. I hope you enjoy the book.

[Keith Akers · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book should be considered three or four stars if you're new to this subject, but I have read a number of other books on the subject and was looking for someone who actually thinks they have a way forward through this problem. This is a good book, and I read to p. 205, but in the end (like a lot of other books about social media), it left me unsatisfied. He describes a lot of the problems created by social media: feelings of anxiety, loss of privacy, the distortion of truth, the barrage of advertisements. Facebook, "churnalism," the "stickiness" of social media, the collection of personal data by governments and corporations, and the feeling (and reality) of constantly being watched, all enter into the discussion.

Silverman's description of, and understanding of, social media is excellent, but that's only part of what we need. After p. 205 I lost interest, though I finally skipped ahead to the conclusion and found that he had nothing in particular to recommend. He does at least briefly explore several possibilities. He explores those who cut themselves off from social media, either partially or entirely. Just jettisoning the internet and social media isn't the answer, evidently, but what is? Another possibility is "subverting" the internet by posting anonymously or giving misleading information as to your "likes." A third is just posting without regard to what the public (or the government, or advertisers) think about you.

Writing intelligently about this subject, I think, requires more considered research into the psychology and sociology of the internet. My thinking is that this is a vast and complex subject and will require many smart people to work together to understand it. In the meantime, we face a bunch of problems (like climate change and Donald Trump) that are not directly related to social media, but which are being distorted by social media. I don't mind reading or talking about internet issues, but I think we need someone to acknowledge that we really don't know what's happening to us or to do the serious research and thought. In the meantime, our experiments with non-truth are expanding, Donald Trump is President, and we're on our own. Facebook doesn't have the answer, either.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required reading for anyone that goes anywhere near a smartphone, let alone the Internet.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book written before the shit show that became the EU Ref/Brexit and the rise of Trump, due in part to social media and the big tech companies that trade in people's private information. At times it does feel dated (all those references to Google Glass), but for the most part this book felt timely and urgent. Silverman does give concrete examples and pointers for those that want to limit their social media and more so their private information from getting out. I have already began shrinking my social media presence (deleting my Tumblr account and Blogger blog) and I am making use of my phone's screen time monitor, working on lowering my score a little each week. Highly recommend.

[Diana Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I found some of Silverman's arguments to be a bit extreme, overly simplistic, or even misinformed, I appreciated his book for how thought-provoking it was and how it helped me to develop more nuanced opinions on these important matters.

[Laura McDougall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started and ended great. Got very bogged down in the middle, but plowed through it eventually as the backup read or whenever I needed reminding that I am being farmed like data cattle, but I DO have choices.

[Chadi · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you worry about your digital life, this book is for you! But it could have been shorter.

[Neo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book managed to cover a lot of problems of social media - but I am giving a three star review as I was expecting more than just elaborating the issues that we have already known.

That said, overall speaking, it's a great book for readers new to this subject.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The monetizing of information is on a scale now and increasing at a pace that should all worry about. Every person as at minimum 1500 bits of data on them and growing. Silverman ending chapters advice is a strategy to help slow down the data collector... is start lying to it. Add a number to address invent a persona of bullshit. Add an extra digital kid to the family(you don't have to pay for his/her college)give yourself a different middle name. Misinformation is a way to get at collectors credibility. Never post anything without a generous helping of BS! My daughter Glenda thinks I'm paranoid and should stay away from tech books.

[David Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A broad (sometimes overly so) look at how Facebook, Twitter and the like are changing the way we think and interact. The thought that has stayed with me mostly strongly is that what we do with social media isn't interpersonal communication so much as advertising ourselves. We present a highly edited and curated version of our life to the world in hopes of making a specific impression. A natural outgrowth of these services all being ad-supported. "All advertising advertises advertising" -- Marshall McLuhan.

[Kacper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book talks about how Facebook is using all of us.

[Dian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book just in time.
Like many people my age, I've started to see the unpleasant sides of a society addicted to social media. However, my thoughts and dissatisfactions were scattered and listless. Then comes "Terms of Service"— a nuanced, all-compassing meditation on the "price of constant connection".
But, like many of the social media networks that I use, this book had some unpleasant "Terms of Service" itself.
There were some unexpectedly memorable passages, including this beautiful description of netizens "tending to their profiles, little gardens of personality in which only pleasantries bloom and life's setbacks, even a death in the family, are presented with such overwrought sentimentality that it's possible to think that such tragedies are welcomed, because they offer an opportunity to share and be embraced by the social media cocoon." (46)
Wow.
(I had to reread that sentence four times— twice just to unpack it, twice to appreciate it.)
Yet this quote in itself presents some of the flaws in Silverman's meditation. 1) It's cluttered, almost unorganized. 2) Its apocalyptic tone is grating. 3) It's quite repetitive, and content is often built on assumptions. 4) Most irritating of all, it's self-flagellating, "a point which I'll get to later." (182)
1) ORGANIZATION
Silverman is quite good at bringing up nuanced arguments about the downsides of social media. Each chapter starts out strong, elicits questions, and catches your attention. However, by the time you're a dozen pages in, your eyes begin to unfocus. At that point, most of the clarity and confidence has dissolved into roundabout arguments and anecdotal evidence. I skimmed a lot of the midsections.
2) TONE
While there was some attempt at restraint, the book still oozed some very strong, very negative opinions about social media. It presents itself as a reality check...but for the entire 400 some pages. It really wears down on the curious reader after a while.
3) REPETITION
Yes, Silverman is quite good at bringing up nuanced arguments. The problem is, the nuance is sometimes lost since the evidence tended to be repetitive. Perhaps that is the nature of the evidence itself, but that doesn't change the fact that "Terms of Service" was written with the assumption that every single social media user overshares, overuses, and overlooks. Everyone is Facebook's "ideal user"— the type to thought-vomit on statuses and put every single life event online. Out of the several hundred friends I have on Facebook, there are exactly two people I can think of who do that. In short, the book exaggerates its assumptions to make itself more important.
4) UGH
"A point which I'll get to later." This phrase was used several times in the book. This phrase was also the bane of my existence while I was reading. This phrase also shows exactly how unorganized this book can be at times, and how self-important the book sounded.
So.
I actually highly recommend reading this book. It's extremely thought-provoking and interesting. It's kind of like taking really bitter preventative medicine. You know you should do it, but you regret it afterward because of the experience.

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the book's subtitle suggests, Silverman takes a critical look at the pervasiveness of social media in our current culture, and how that pervasiveness can warp our personal identity. It easily shows how the use of social media really isn't free - we create content for companies that utilize all of our data to sell to advertisers. It also shows the difficulty of living an authentic life in the context of social media - what's being in the moment; as humans are social creatures, we want to share, but when does it become about a personal brand rather than growing relationships.

Silverman also hits each of the big data/social media companies, particularly Facebook and Google, hard, and occasionally offers some critique of the cyber-libertarian, who believes that if government just got out of the way, the technology would bring about a utopian result [ironic, as Silverman notes, as the Internet resulted itself from government intervention and that amount of cooperation that takes place between tech companies and the government for modern surveillance].

While the book reads well, and offers interesting and timely information, I felt disappointed in Silverman's "suggestions" for how to respond to the current state of things. His idea for "civil disobedience" seemed more likely to embrace the spread of "fake news" that is ubiqituous now and simple shenanigans with websites and media, rather than any tools to preserve your own privacy or authenticity, or sustained effort to change the present status quo.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might be jaded, but I didn't feel that this book really presented anything new. I think part of that is also because, even though this book is only 3 years old, in terms of technological time, it might as well be a dinosaur. No where is this more pronounced than in the frequent references to Google Glass. I found the chapter about the constant surveillance effect of social media and how we change ourselves in relation to social media interesting, but overall, I kept thinking, "Ok, and .." because you have to be willfully ignorant to not realize the extent of information that tech companies get from you.
This book would be better served to have focused more on why we should care. Because the frequent drumming of: privacy is our right and we are consumers and producers, we are selling ourselves for free to tech companies, we are our own chains kind of rhetoric is all well and good, but largely ineffective of no real solution is presented. And I think this is where the jaded part comes in. I know all this stuff, but I find it hard to care that much. Maybe my tolerance for social media has yet to reach critical mass.
I did find it ironic that I was reading this during the data sharing controversy regarding Facebook and Cambridge Analytics, but even that, showing real life justification for the points this book are making, has yet to show any decline in Facebook's user count or revenue stream. I think most people, myself included, have a nihilistic outlook on the relationship between our social media usage and the company behind them.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The nonfiction cousin of Dave Eggers’ “The Circle,” this book argues that social media turns ourselves and our world into a series of panopticons — to the benefit of capital and the detriment of everything else.

At times the tone gets polemical, even apocalyptic, and there are counterarguments to be addressed that aren’t (the Internet does still offer opportunities for meaningful identity play - fandom culture being the highlight - although they’re becoming rather rare) but the essential arguments are on point and highly relevant.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book, but the farther I got into it, the fact it was over 5 years old became more and more evident. This is ironic since one of his arguments is that social media had increased our need for immediacy and newness. It’s just that tech is a fast-changing world and some of what the author was discussing is no longer around.

That being said, I don’t regret reading it because he so effectively nails the cringe-worthy aspects of self-promotion and identify cultivation on social media. It has definitely inspired me to learn more and change my ways.

[Montana Goodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book is like watching Black Mirror, but it’s real life. I wish the author had introduced himself a little earlier in the book. Without an overall narrative, it often feels more like a collection of semi-randomly titled articles. It’s full of really useful information and densely packed with google-able characters, companies, pieces of art, and stories.

[Sarah S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The internet and social media are not evil, but they're not looking out for your interests, either. Being more connected exposes us to more information and entertainment, but sometimes it's at the expense of depth and of trustworthy information. People tend to forget that each social media platform is a business--they are out to make money and they do that by gathering information about you. The challenging part of this is that they will not tell you what they're collecting or how they are using it. There's nothing--no Better Business Bureau, no trade association, no legislation--that controls or limits their practices. Go ahead and share your kitten videos, but do your best to be informed as you do it.

[Demi Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for school for a research project but it was better than expected. A little long at times but overall I’m glad I read it. It brought a lot of things to my attention when it comes to the internet, social media, communication & privacy in a NON conspiracy way!

[Mr. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super interesting. Definitely worth a read from everyone on any type of social media platform.

This is my first read reaction:

I hope I will get a chance to do a more in depth read, but I will definitely be adding this book to my collection for further usage.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information, but I'm not sure his conclusions were very helpful. Clog the internet with gags and hoaxes? Isn't there a more mature answer?

[Aiman Adlawan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A millennial person must read this book. Social media is very engaging and it can be dangerous. I love this book. it gives us better understanding about our trends and how to respond to it.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book makes me question my compulsion to rate books on Goodreads.

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Squibart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attention please, fellow social media users,anyone who uses a Smartphone, persons who have turned on a computer and clicked a button of any kind, look over here! I have read this book and you want to know about it. For those who have a busy digital life (and can't attend for longer than a few characters) here's the quick synopsis: long book, big words, fascinating, written about YOU, ask your friend to read it and to email you bulleted notes. And now for those who like to hang in there for my more literate reviews here is one for you: Finishing this book- without skimming (okay-skimming just a bit) is a huge accomplishment. It's like having scaled a mountain only without all the physical work. It did tire me out though because every time I started reading this book, I fell asleep. And here is where it gets weird- I found the information in this book fascinating, eye opening, and supremely important and I recommend everyone read it. I really wish I had taken notes for you so you didn't have to muddle through so many of the actual words, but even though much of the information was repetitive there came a point in each chapter where the tidbit of information you learned was just unbelievable that this is truth and not science fiction. What you ultimately do with the information doesn't really matter, you should just be aware of how Facebook, Google, Microsoft and the digital entities are collecting data about you and what it means or could mean. I knew that webcams, smartphones, computers in general were able to "see" me and know some things about me, but I figured, okay, I am not a very exciting, complicated person that would really be of interest so big deal. I have now learned that the concern is really how that information is used, for what purpose, and how it could change (is changing) our way of life. Stand outs for me were the information on bidding for jobs on websites, the concept of shadow labor, the idea of mannequins and garbage bins equipped to recognize us, the automatic opt in we naively allow, and the religion like theories of social media giants. I fear this book will not get the readership it needs. The major problem is that it is written by a very intelligent author who has used a writing style that will speak to others like him. It is filled with difficult vocabulary, some of which is "shop talk" for people who already understand the digital marketplace. The people who really need to read this book have already been trained by social media to digest small bits of information that use more familiar everyday language so a 400 page book that begins with some pretty difficult to comprehend statements is not going to get most of us past the free sample from Amazon. For anyone who has made it this far in my very long, rather boring review; Remember when Facebook Messenger updated not long ago and everyone was afraid to update because you had to agree to let FB control your information? Did that bother you? Then read this book. If you were one who said "who cares- all apps do that.", read this book.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A near-400-page-long criticism of social media: everything from 'first world problems' -- https://www.reddit.com/r/firstworldpr... -- like the few seconds spent with a captcha -- to the erosion of privacy (privacy being a pillar of a free society and a basic human right). In the past it was necessary to spend time and money to learn about people's beliefs, likes, dislikes, friends, jobs, addresses, skills, etc. Now people help organize this information about themselves, on social media platforms that can be accessed by corporations, government agencies, and others.

A college student blogs about her sex life, maybe believing that her readers will be people like herself and her peers, and is harassed by an anonymous creep or group of creeps. The police won't do anything about it and the blogger retires. Years pass, yet when people google her name she still appears as a sex blogger.

A man is arrested (but not convicted). His arrest would have been public information in the past but it would have been difficult for anyone to find out about it. Now his mugshot appears in web searches. The mugshot site offers to remove the mugshot if he pays hundreds of dollars, which he does, but the mugshot then appears on other sites, and more payoffs are required.

An insurance company denies a woman's claim that she's clinically depressed based on her happy-looking vacation photos posted on social media. The vacation was recommended by her doctor as a way to fight depression.

Walter Benjamin is quoted, "late" capitalism is assumed, California libertarianism is blamed. San Francisco (last Republican mayor: 1964) is pricing out working people and is home to Airbnb. An Indian immigrant can't find an acceptable job in New York so she takes on little errands and chores for people she connects with on a social media platform. She is then employed on a regular basis as a personal assistant by one of these people, who is affluent, hardworking and busy. What was the point of this story? Damned if you do, damned if you don't?

Hundreds of pages in and, incredibly, it seems that the author has no intention of withdrawing from the social media platforms he frequents. He suggests fighting back in various ways, such as pranks and "culture jamming"; pretend you have children when you don't, wear a mask in photos, etc.

(I got an advance reader copy of this book.)

[Ben Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection by Jacob Silverman explores the negative effects of our planet’s shift towards a more technologically integrated world. Furthermore, the author discusses the haunting fixation today’s Silicon Valley giants have with collecting our personal data through social media and using it to better their own ideals. Silverman takes a clearly negative and foreboding tone toward the advancements of social media. However, his skeptical nature comes across as a bit unjustified at times, highlighting little to no benefits of the technological age we live in. Instead, he seems to simply dismiss these crucial counterarguments. For example, Silverman writes, “In the summer of 2014, Facebook revealed that it had experimented on almost six hundred thousand users by subtly increasing or decreasing the amount of positive material these people were seeing in their feeds ....in an attempt to coax the kind of behaviors out of them that will help boost bottom lines” (203-204). Silverman fails to point out that Facebook was most definitely not perpetuating propaganda--they were boosting positive material. Simply put, this is smart business. Yet, even through the author’s unquestionably biased tone, he does bring up several valid and considerable points when it comes to our online lives. For example, he points out a striking trend in today’s culture, where infants are posted on Facebook or Instagram just moments after they are born. Just minutes after coming into the world, Silverman indicates, their virtual presence is already made and sealed for eternity. It does cause one to stop and ponder the implications of every online decision they make. I plan to use this book as a counterpoint to my persuasive paper on the positive effects of social media. This is just the sort of opposing standpoint I need: a relentless skepticism and criticism of today’s movement toward more and more social media intervention. Even though Silverman’s unflinching negativity toward social media can sometimes be illogical, more than enough credible and thought-provoking points are made to provide a viable counterargument to my paper.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having recently decided as a New Year's resolution to actually increase my social media presence in the coming year, this book was a particularly frightening depiction of our current enslavement to these powers and the complete eradication of privacy as a cultural norm. Silverman leaves no stone unturned and looks at all the ways in which both social media platforms and the users of them both willingly participate in the wholesale fleecing of nearly every aspect of our personal lives in order to feed the almighty advertisers that keep those very platforms afloat. The future looks even grimmer as technologies become even more embedded in our lives and we the consumers become even more addicted to sharing their data, regardless of the consequences.

One of the best takeaways from Silverman:

John Steinbeck said that poor Americans see themselves as
"temporarily embarrassed millionaires." In the same way,
today's Americans tend to see themselves as unrecognized
famous people.

So the real question is what are we all trying to get out of all this sharing? The Internet, as it exist today, is a huge sounding board for our egos. Anonymity is anathema, and unless our every thought/mood/behavior isn't broadcast immediately it risks being undervalued or worse - not having taken place at all.

Of course, most of readers finding their way to this book won't be completely surprised by all its revelations. These are the exact reasons I abhorred most social media for quite a few years. So why did I suddenly feel the need to hop back on board? Let me think about that as I post this review to Goodreads, which re-posts it to my personal blog and re-links to my Google+, and is automatically added to my Facebook update feed. That way I am sure this very important review certainly happened!