

#28488
Mentioned in 2 episodes
Power Button
A History of Pleasure, Panic, and the Politics of Pushing
Book • 2018
In 'Power Button,' Rachel Plotnick traces the origins and impact of push-button technology on society.
The book explores how buttons have been made, distributed, used, rejected, and refashioned throughout history, particularly between 1880 and 1925.
It delves into the cultural, social, and political implications of button pushing, including its role in automation, instant gratification, and the dynamics between those who command with buttons and those who are commanded.
The book also discusses how buttons have crystallized social hopes and fears about technological solutions and their enduring influence on contemporary digital culture.
The book explores how buttons have been made, distributed, used, rejected, and refashioned throughout history, particularly between 1880 and 1925.
It delves into the cultural, social, and political implications of button pushing, including its role in automation, instant gratification, and the dynamics between those who command with buttons and those who are commanded.
The book also discusses how buttons have crystallized social hopes and fears about technological solutions and their enduring influence on contemporary digital culture.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 2 episodes
Mentioned by 

and 

as the author's book on the history of pleasure, panic, and the politics of pushing buttons.


Adam Stacoviak


Jerod Santo

12 snips
The power of the button (Interview)
Mentioned by 

as the author of the book during the introduction of the guest.


Ira Flatow

Are Physical Buttons And Knobs Making A Comeback?
Mentioned by 

and 

as the author's book on the history of pleasure, panic, and the politics of pushing buttons.


Adam Stacoviak


Jerod Santo

The power of the button (Changelog Interviews #623)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a fascinating look at the history of buttons, particularly in cars.

Edward Niedermeyer

#320: Pushing Buttons with Dr Rachel Plotnick
Mentioned by Rachel Plotnick, who is an associate professor of cinema and media studies at Indiana University Bloomington.

Private equity’s appetite for restaurants