Although accessibly written, the content is too broad and lacking in context to be useful.
This compact, stand-alone title unsuccessfully attempts to explain how digital technologies have radically transformed all facets of society.
The content is organized into five chapters: The first examines how digital technologies are impacting individual communication and interaction, but the treatment of the subject is obvious and lacking in insight. The second chapter, discussing the rise and impact of the sharing economy, is equally lacking in edification. A chapter on information overload offers only cursory and perfunctory treatments of subjects like fake news and how search engines work. The fourth chapter examines privacy issues. The last chapter speculates on future developments and impacts of digital technologies. Hulick (Coral Reefs, 2018, etc.) uses quotes from people who have done important research on many of these subjects, such as Sherry Turkle, but the significance of their findings is not discussed. Critical voices like Jarod Lanier and Tim Wu are absent. Text boxes offer quotes on related topics as well as anecdotes about cyberspace (such as one in which online bullying contributed to the suicide of a young teen or an example of phishing). The book takes an evenhanded approach, highlighting some of the downsides of technology as well as describing the positives that have emerged, such as the increased ability for activists to organize worldwide.
Although accessibly written, the content is too broad and lacking in context to be useful. (photos, sources notes, resource list, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-68282-469-6
Page Count: 80
Publisher: ReferencePoint Press
Review Posted Online: July 29, 2018
Attractively designed and handsomely illustrated, this informative text introduces teens to many intriguing angles on a...
Will the world end in a bang or a whimper? Unless pre-empted by human-induced disaster or one of many scientifically possible catastrophic scenarios, life on Earth will end a billion years from now in a sizzle.
Predicting the end of the world is an old story, argues the author, presenting evidence in brief surveys of eschatologies from the world's major religions and mythologies of ancient civilizations. Miller also notes how end-of-world scenarios have captured humanity's imagination in their frequent appearances in science-fiction novels and motion pictures. (Disappointingly, the reasons for this ongoing fascination are not explored.) A chapter about imminent predictions for 2012 explains the Mayan prophecy and a theory about a phantom planet called Nibiru crashing into Earth. Another chapter examines pseudoscientific end-of-world theories such as planetary alignment and pole shifts. The primary focus is on scientifically plausible scenarios: self-destruction through nuclear war or continued environmental exploitation; humanity wiped out by a pandemic; an asteroid or comet strike destroying Earth.
Attractively designed and handsomely illustrated, this informative text introduces teens to many intriguing angles on a high-interest topic that should inspire many to further explore the subject. (chronology, glossary, bibliography, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7613-7396-4
Page Count: 120
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2011
A chilling look at a timely topic.
The rapid melting of Arctic ice has opened a new frontier for international competition or cooperation.
The book opens with a dramatic scene, as three men in a submersible search for a hole in the ice above the North Pole location on the ocean floor where they’ve just planted a Russian flag. McPherson goes on to describe the changes in polar ice cover that are encouraging exploration and allowing access to previously inaccessible energy resources. Subsequent chapters describe new, shorter ocean passages, the jockeying for territory as nearby nations lay claim and others look for ways to get involved, and the likely difficulties of development. Native peoples, whose livelihoods and cultures are inextricably connected to this harsh environment, have to make difficult choices, and the melting of the ice sheet over Greenland offers new opportunities as well as potential for disaster. McPherson’s clear explanations and balanced approach encourage reflection; there are no easy answers. Given that the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming, should the newly accessible oil and gas be extracted and added to the world’s supply? Does the North Pole belong to one or another nearby nation or to the world? Is it even possible to develop this area without spoiling it? Maps, photographs and a thoughtful design add to the package.
A chilling look at a timely topic. (source notes, glossary, bibliographies, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4677-2043-4
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2014
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