Cognitive Surplus

Clay Shirky takes a step back from the digital noise and considers the collaborative nature of Web 2.0 technologies - and how they're creating a better society for all of us. Ranging from specific behavioural studies, such as the decisive factors behind intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, to sociological-based critiques of the online atmosphere, Shirky's thesis is that thanks to the postwar boom, Americans (i.e. all of us) now have a surplus of time, energy, and intellect. He argues that the Internet now houses the required technologies to combine this surplus and create things that will benefit the greater good of society. Whilst I wholeheartedly agree with several of his points, I can't help but remain skeptical at his overbearing (even oblivious) attitude towards the Internet. At several points in the book I found myself questioning his prophet-like approach - yearning for some realistic reflections on the limitations of online environments, as well as the inherent dangers of creating an exclusive online society. For this reason I'm giving the book three stars. Had there beed a more conceptual research spotlight in Cognitive Surplus, a greater emphasis on the ‘other' side of the Internet, I would have easily awarded this book four stars.

This is a worthwhile read if you're looking for motivation in the online development side of things, or just curious about how Web 2.0 technologies are changing us. It'll also make you think twice about ‘why' people do collaborative projects (think of the open-source movement) and the beautiful picture such projects paint of people coming together, not always for monetary gain, but for purposes of passion, social justice, and moving humanity forwards.

We live in amazing times. For the majority of those of us who live in America, we have vast reservoirs of free time.



But how do we choose to use that free time? Sadly, for the last fifty years, we have spent most of it passively watching television, watching television to the exclusion of other more social, more fulfilling activities. Last year, in fact, Americans watched about two hundred billion hours of television. And, even more sadly, studies show that those who watch tv are less happy, more overweight, and less social.



Shirky begins his book with this information, but he does have happier news to report: Americans are gradually beginning to turn off the tv in favor of other, more interactive activities. Shirky looks with great hope at the new social media that allows users to accomplish big social projects in easy ways.



A book that is definitely worth reading.