Howard Rheingold

Howard Rheingold is an eminent author, maker, and educator. His work has explored and defined key aspects of digital culture, including the use of computers as tools for mind augmentation, virtual communities, and social media literacy. In this conversation, we discuss computers as extensions for our minds, Douglas Engelbart’s unfinished revolution, basic literacies for interacting in information environments, and the resurgence of Tools for Thought.Photo by Joi Ito (CC BY 2.0)Show notesHoward Rheingold (rheingold.com)Howard’s PatreonTools for Thought: The History and Future of Mind-Expanding Technology by Howard RheingoldThe Virtual Community: Homesteading on the Electronic Frontier by Howard RheingoldNet Smart: How to Thrive Online by Howard RheingoldHotWiredWhole Earth CatalogInstitute for the FutureXerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC)Steve JobsBill GatesDouglas EngelbartJohn von NeumannAlan TuringGeorge BooleCharles BabbageAlan KayMother of All Demos (Wikipedia)Stanford Research InstituteSam WineburgRoam ResearchObsidianDEVONthinkThe BrainJerry MichalskiJerry’s BrainRender(); Tools for Thinking conferenceBrian EnoScenius, or Communal Genius by Kevin KellyShow notes include Amazon affiliate links. I get a small commission for purchases made through these links.

Howard Rheingold, an author and critic renowned for his insights into technology's societal impact, dives into the importance of attention management in the digital age. He discusses how technology can both distract and empower individuals, urging listeners to engage more mindfully with digital tools. Rheingold reflects on his personal journey with technology and consciousness, emphasizing the necessity of digital literacy amidst challenges like surveillance capitalism. By fostering creativity and community engagement, he argues we can better navigate our complex digital landscape.