The Art of Manliness Familiarity Breeds Contempt (And Other Underappreciated Consequences of Digital Communication)
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Jan 28, 2025 
Nicholas Carr, author of *Superbloom*, dives into the often-overlooked impact of digital communication on our connections and self-perception. He argues that the belief that more communication is better has faltered, leading to overwhelming interactions and superficial relationships. The conversation touches on how the evolution from thoughtful letters to rushed emails has diminished intimacy. Carr also highlights the unsettling nature of presenting multiple selves online and advocates for prioritizing meaningful exchanges over mere convenience in our digital age.
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19th Century Social Media
- The term "social media" was coined in the 19th century by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley.
- He defined it as communication technologies enabling group formation independent of location.
Society Liquifies
- Cooley observed that advancements in communication technologies cause societies to "liquefy".
- This means social structures become more fluid, changing rapidly as information accelerates and individuals connect across distances.
WWI and the Telegraph
- The optimistic view of increased communication leading to world peace was disproven by World War I.
- The rapid communication technologies, like the telegraph, accelerated the war's outbreak rather than preventing it.
