Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Writing on the Wall by Tom Standage is a captivating historical account that explores the role of social media throughout the ages, from ancient Roman graffiti to the rise of the internet, revealing its profound impact on human communication.
In Writing on the Wall, Tom Standage takes us on an intriguing journey through the history of social media, exploring how humans have always sought to communicate and share information. Standage begins with the ancient world, where the use of papyrus and wax tablets allowed people to share news and ideas across great distances. He shows that the Romans, for example, had a network of news collectors who kept the city informed about events in distant provinces.
Standage then moves on to the medieval period, where he discusses the role of the coffeehouse as a hub for the exchange of ideas. He also explores the impact of the printing press, which allowed for the mass production of books and pamphlets, enabling the rapid spread of information. Standage argues that these developments laid the groundwork for the birth of modern media.
As we move into the modern era, Standage examines the rise of mass media. He discusses the impact of the telegraph, which allowed for near-instantaneous communication over long distances. This, he argues, was the first step towards the creation of a global information network.
Standage also explores the emergence of newspapers and their role in shaping public opinion. He discusses how newspapers became powerful tools for political and social movements, and how they influenced public discourse. He also delves into the rise of radio and television, showing how these media further transformed the way we consume and share information.
With the advent of the internet, Standage argues, we have come full circle in terms of information sharing. He discusses the early days of the internet and its potential to democratize information. He also explores the birth of social media platforms and their impact on how we communicate and share information.
Standage argues that social media has given individuals unprecedented power to share their thoughts and ideas with the world. He discusses how social media has been used to organize political movements, share news in real-time, and even hold governments and corporations accountable.
In the final section of Writing on the Wall, Standage looks towards the future. He discusses the potential of emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, to further transform the way we share and consume information.
He also raises important questions about the impact of social media on society, such as the spread of misinformation and the erosion of privacy. He argues that while social media has the potential to be a force for good, we must also be mindful of its negative effects.
In conclusion, Writing on the Wall offers a fascinating exploration of the history of social media and information sharing. Standage shows that the desire to connect and share information is a fundamental part of human nature, and that our methods of doing so have evolved over time. By understanding this history, he argues, we can better navigate the complexities of our digital age.
Writing on the Wall by Tom Standage explores the history of social media from ancient civilizations to the present day. It reveals how humans have always sought to connect and share information, and how innovations in communication technology have shaped society. Through fascinating anecdotes and analysis, the book offers valuable insights into the role of social media in our lives.
People interested in the history and evolution of communication
Those curious about the impact of social media on society
Readers who enjoy thought-provoking insights into human behavior
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma