Right at the dawn of the modern internet he wrote another book, Silicon Snakeoil. He was skeptical of the promises being made for the “information superhighway.” An energetic presentation about the book is here. In some cases he did not think the technology would mature enough to be useful for many people, and also questioned if it would be a good idea even if it did. He was mostly wrong on the first point—years and decades later most of the technology promised has come into being. But the second point, was a warning. Much like the warnings of hackers from years later, it went unheeded.
After the internet was in most homes, he wrote High Tech Heretic, an interview regarding it is here.
I'm also very concerned that the Internet is promoted as a great educational tool when in fact it is a way of avoiding learning about logic. That the Internet is promoted as a way to meet people, to bring us closer together, when in fact it isolates us from one another. It puts me in contact with distant strangers while taking me away from my neighbors, my friends, my family. This is as obvious to you as it is to me. I have spent an hour online without realizing that all of the people who are important to me were gone. - Cliff Stoll
Time to listen to him.
He is sort of retired now, but does sell glass devices that mathematicians find interesting.
Jaron Lanier was part of Silicon Valley early on. He coined the term “virtual reality” and started high-tech companies. He has concerns about the current model of how the “free stuff” on the internet: Google, Facebook, etc. His is more left than right, but is concerned about the current state, especially .social media.
Other things to listen to or read:
A former Google employee talks about manipulative big tech.
Joe Rogan talks about iPhone zombies (language warning).
A mom gives up her smart phone.
A view of smart phone zombies from Canada.
A Psychology Today Article about kids and smart phones.