I found that there were too few statistics at the beginning, and so it was very difficult to get through (I had to watch the beginning three times over the course of a week). All just very hand-wavy general statements about trends. And that section just seemed to be too obvious to be profound without compelling data to back it. Moreover, the 12 traits of networked information is fine and important for a rigorous analysis of how the internet has impacted culture, but it’s something that is better written down in a paper than spent 20 minutes on in a talk.
Now, once the statistics picked up with the 140% increase in words consumed per person since 1980 is really interesting. It’s expected, because of the availability of information (where previously something like a physical encyclopedia set would have to be used), but it’s still an interesting advance. I certainly expect a drop in that percent change in the coming years, as people begin to even more prefer the audio and video means of internet communication.
Interesting to hear him talk from a time when Augmented Reality was still big, and he seemed to fall victim to the hype. I suppose it’s in accordance with the cycles, but I’m still surprised that AR didn’t stay at the top of the peak for longer. One thing in AR that I always have thought would be cool, and I’m pretty sure this wasn’t my idea but rather an example given by one of the computer vision professors in the CS department at UNC, is glasses or a windshield capable of virtually projecting directions on a physical road ahead. Safety concerns aside.
Really interesting that there’s “a lot less sleep being done”, and less housework in exchange presumably for all of the internet usage.
The email bankruptcy is also hilarious. The problem really is that email accrues as you get older, and when you only received 2 emails a day in high school you’re now receiving dozens or hundreds in college, only to be worsened once you have a job.