Buttons give the illusion of power but hide the consequences

Published in 1909, 'The Machine Stops' is a prophetic tale by E.M. Forster that depicts a future where humans live underground in isolated rooms, relying on 'The Machine' for all their needs. The story follows Vashti and her son Kuno, who live on opposite sides of the world and communicate through the Machine. Kuno's desire to experience the surface world and his warnings about the Machine's impending failure are met with resistance from Vashti, who is deeply entrenched in the Machine's culture. The narrative explores themes of technological dependence, social isolation, and the erosion of human values, culminating in a catastrophic event when the Machine stops functioning, leading to the collapse of the society it supports.

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.