Podcasts > Making Sense with Sam Harris > #392 — Technology & Culture

#392 — Technology & Culture

By Waking Up with Sam Harris

On this episode of Making Sense with Sam Harris, Christine Rosen shares insights on the cognitive and societal impacts of technological change. The discussion explores the implications of handwriting's decline on memory, focus, and embodied cognition. Rosen and Harris also delve into the double-edged nature of digital tools—providing efficiency yet diminishing sensory experiences—and the role of social media in fueling misinformation, polarization, and the erosion of shared reality.

The conversation further examines how digital technology destabilizes traditional journalism, politics, and trust in institutions. Rosen advocates for reviving local coverage, fact-checking influential voices, and exploring new models like Substack for high-quality, independent reporting—underscoring the importance of reliable media in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Listen to the original

#392 — Technology & Culture

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Nov 19, 2024 episode of the Making Sense with Sam Harris

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

#392 — Technology & Culture

1-Page Summary

The cognitive and cultural implications of technological change

The disappearance of handwriting and its cognitive consequences

  • Christine Rosen discusses how handwriting enables embodied cognition, fostering memory, recall, and patience - abilities lost as handwriting declines.
  • Sam Harris notes handwriting's role in mindful editing and effective note-taking for memory encoding.
  • Rosen warns that neglecting handwriting risks losing the ability to read historical documents and discern personality in personal writings.

The trade-offs in our use of technology and digital tools

  • While digital tools offer efficiency and convenience, Rosen suggests they may degrade sensory experiences and diminish physical embodiment.
  • Harris and Rosen highlight balancing technology with traditional activities like reading books versus audiobooks.
  • Rosen laments the lack of deliberate consideration around losing handwriting as the focus shifted to computer skills in education.

The societal and political effects of social media and digital technology

The erosion of shared reality and the rise of conspiracy thinking

  • Harris criticizes platform X for amplifying misinformation, radical politics, and conspiracy theories like Pizzagate.
  • Rosen cites how social media enables conspiracy theories by eroding trust in institutions and providing few fact-checking barriers.

The destabilizing impact of digital technology on politics and trust in institutions

  • Rosen and Harris suggest social media's engagement-driven structure lacking public discourse norms breeds societal polarization.
  • Harris notes the asymmetry between the political left and right in being held accountable for spreading misinformation, further corroding trust.

The state of journalism and the need for media reform

The decline of local journalism and the consequences for civic engagement

  • Rosen emphasizes reviving local news as corruption often occurs locally, and lack of coverage hinders holding leaders accountable.
  • She also mentions the need for diverse journalist voices beyond the current national media demographics.

The potential for new journalistic models to revive high-quality, independent reporting

  • Rosen cites platforms like Substack offering entrepreneurial opportunities for in-depth, factual reporting free from legacy constraints.
  • She advocates for reliable, independent outlets focused on issues and fact-checking influential figures like Elon Musk.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While handwriting may aid memory and patience, digital note-taking can also be effective with the right techniques and software that mimic the cognitive processes involved in handwriting.
  • Mindful editing is not exclusive to handwriting; it can be practiced in digital writing with discipline and the use of appropriate tools that encourage review and reflection.
  • The ability to read historical documents is important, but digital archives and transcriptions can make these documents more accessible and preserve them for future generations.
  • Digital tools can enhance sensory experiences in different ways, such as through interactive visualizations and multimedia content that are not possible with traditional handwriting.
  • Audiobooks and digital reading can offer accessibility benefits for those with visual impairments or learning disabilities, providing an alternative means to engage with literature.
  • The shift to computer skills in education reflects the evolving demands of the modern workplace and society, which increasingly values digital literacy.
  • Social media platforms have also been used for positive social movements, community building, and spreading awareness on important issues, not just for negative aspects like misinformation.
  • Some social media platforms are implementing fact-checking measures and algorithms to reduce the spread of misinformation, though the effectiveness of these measures can be debated.
  • Polarization is a complex phenomenon with many contributing factors beyond social media, including economic, cultural, and ideological divisions.
  • The asymmetry in accountability for misinformation may be more nuanced, with various actors on both sides contributing to the spread of false information.
  • Local journalism faces challenges beyond lack of coverage, such as financial sustainability and competition with digital media, which also need to be addressed.
  • While diversity in journalism is important, it is also essential to maintain journalistic standards and ethics across all demographics.
  • Platforms like Substack, while offering new opportunities, may also contribute to the fragmentation of news consumption and the potential for echo chambers.
  • Independent outlets are valuable, but they must also find sustainable business models to ensure their longevity and maintain journalistic integrity.

Actionables

  • You can enhance your memory and patience by setting aside specific times each week for handwriting exercises, such as copying poetry or passages from books, which can also improve your appreciation for language and literature.
    • By regularly practicing handwriting, you engage multiple senses and cognitive processes that can lead to deeper learning and retention. For example, try transcribing a favorite poem or a meaningful quote once a week, focusing on the shape and flow of the letters, which can help embed the content in your memory.
  • Start a personal project to transcribe and interpret historical documents, which can be a hobby that connects you with the past and improves your handwriting reading skills.
    • This could involve visiting local archives or libraries to find old letters, diaries, or records, then spending time each week deciphering the handwriting and possibly typing up a transcription. This activity not only preserves history but also gives you a greater appreciation for the personal touch in handwritten texts.
  • Create a balanced media diet plan that includes dedicated time for reading print news and books, alongside controlled periods for engaging with digital media, to foster a more nuanced understanding of information.
    • For instance, you might allocate 30 minutes each morning to reading a physical newspaper or book, ensuring you're exposed to in-depth reporting and long-form writing. This can be complemented by setting strict time limits for social media use, which can help reduce exposure to misinformation and encourage more critical thinking about the news you consume online.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
#392 — Technology & Culture

The cognitive and cultural implications of technological change

The disappearance of handwriting and its cognitive consequences

Christine Rosen and Sam Harris delve into the cognitive repercussions following the decline of handwriting in education and everyday life.

The loss of embodied cognitive skills like memory, recall, and patience that come from the physical practice of handwriting

Christine Rosen discusses how handwriting is a form of embodied cognition where the mind and body collaborate, impacting skills related to memory formation and recall. These skills develop through the focused practice of handwriting. She notes that if we abandon this practice, we may lose not just penmanship but also significant cognitive abilities.

Sam Harris adds that handwriting naturally integrates a stage of mindful reconsideration and editing, which is absent in typing due to its faster nature. Harris also highlights how handwriting notes in classes forces students to summarize information, which leads to a more effective encoding in memory.

The erosion of the ability to read and appreciate historical documents and personal writings due to the decline of handwriting

Rosen raises the point that, by neglecting handwriting, we risk losing the capacity to read historical documents, which often feature cursive script. She emphasizes the personal aspects of handwriting, like discerning personality through the pressure of the pen on paper, and fears the loss of these deeply human traits as handwriting wanes.

The trade-offs in our use of technology and digital tools

Rosen then pivots to the broader cultural shift towards digital tools and the implications of this transition on our embodied human experiences.

While digital tools offer increased efficiency and convenience, they can also degrade important sensory and embodied experiences

Rosen suggests that while digital tools bring connectivity and efficiency, they may not necessarily contribute to happiness, health, or social well-being. This overreliance on technology could degrade the quality of our sensory experiences and diminish our awareness of being physically embodied.

She notes the trade-offs in technology's rise, particularly as children's activities shift from physical interactions to technology-centered experiences. The saturation of technology in young people's lives, combined with the decline of handwriting, exemplifies a lack of thoughtful consideration of these trade-offs.

People today are more likely to mediate their daily experiences through technology, potentially diminishing ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

The cognitive and cultural implications of technological change

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Embodied cognition is a theory that suggests cognitive processes are influenced by the body and its interactions with the environment. It challenges the idea that cognition is solely a function of the brain, emphasizing the role of bodily experiences in shaping mental functions. This perspective highlights how physical actions, sensations, and perceptions are integral to cognitive processes, going beyond traditional views of cognition as purely mental. Embodied cognition posits that our understanding of the mind should consider the body's active involvement in shaping how we think, perceive, and interact with the world.
  • Mindful reconsideration involves a deliberate and focused reflection on one's thoughts, actions, or decisions. It implies a thoughtful review of information or ideas with a heightened awareness and attention to detail. This process often leads to a deeper understanding or refinement of one's initial thoughts or perspectives. Mindful reconsideration is about pausing to reflect before finalizing or acting upon something.
  • Encoding in memory is the process of converting perceived information into a form that can be stored and retrieved later. It involves transforming sensory input into a meaningful memory trace within the brain. This process is crucial for learning, as it allows information to be retained and recalled when needed. Encoding helps in creating connections between new information and existing knowledge stored in long-term memory.
  • Cursive script is a style of handwriting where letters are joined together in a flowing manner. It is often used for faster writing and is known for its continuous, connected strokes. Cursive script can vary in style and complexity depending on cultural and educational traditions. It is commonly taught in schools as a form of expressive and efficient handwriting.
  • Trade-offs in technology refer to the concept that while digital tools offer efficiency and convenience, they can also lead to the degradation of important sensory and embodied experiences. This means that as we embrace technology for its benefits, we may unintentionally sacrifice certain aspects of our traditional human experiences and interactions. The trade-offs highlight the need for a balance between leveraging technology for its advantages while also preserving and valuing the more tactile, physical, and sensory aspects of our lives. Balancing these trade-offs involves considering how technology impacts our well-being, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
  • When individuals mediate experiences throug ...

Counterarguments

  • While handwriting may aid in memory and recall, digital note-taking can be enhanced with multimedia elements, hyperlinks, and search functionality, which can also support learning and memory in different ways.
  • Mindful reconsideration and editing are not exclusive to handwriting; they can be practiced in digital writing through deliberate pauses and review processes.
  • The ability to read historical documents is important, but it can be preserved through specialized education and digital transcription tools, without requiring everyone to maintain cursive handwriting skills.
  • Digital tools can complement sensory and embodied experiences, such as using fitness apps that encourage physical activity or art programs that simulate various artistic techniques.
  • Overreliance on any tool, not just technology, could diminish awareness of physical embodiment; it's about balance rather than the inherent nature of the tool.
  • Mediating experiences through technology does not necessarily reduce awareness of physical embodiment; it can also enhance and share experiences in ways that were not previously possible.
  • The integration of technology into traditional experiences can cre ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
#392 — Technology & Culture

The societal and political effects of social media and digital technology

As digital technology and social media platforms entwine with everyday life, the consequences of their use stir public debate. Renowned voices have expressed concerns about the divisive nature of these platforms and their broader impact on society and politics.

The erosion of shared reality and the rise of conspiracy thinking

Social media encourages polarization, the spread of misinformation, and the rejection of objective truth

Sam Harris and Christine Rosen highlight significant ways in which social media fuels the spread of misinformation and conspiracy thinking. Harris suggests boycotting social media and notably platform X, which he labels a digital sewer that's become the epicenter of radical politics and crazy conspiracies. The platform's owner has been accused of amplifying its worst tendencies, contributing to the misinformation epidemic.

Rosen addresses the erosion of trust, particularly citing the right's belief that the government may be actively working against people. This distrust has been weaponized by social media, enabling conspiracy theories to take root and grow.

Tucker Carlson's tactics after leaving Fox News are highlighted as a case study. His hyperbolic and conspiratorial tone into supposed hidden truths confirms the biases of an audience already disenchanted with institutions.

The lack of accountability and fact-checking on social media platforms allows the amplification of extreme and false narratives

The conversation on platform X reflects the political culture of conspiracy, where misinformation like Pizzagate takes hold and causes real-world actions. This is aggravated by Harris's noting that we are becoming a "Pizzagate culture politically," where narratives based on misinformation trigger activities such as the purported rescuing of nonexistent children from non-existent basements.

Rosen stresses that social media fosters an environment where extreme and false narratives are amplified, partly due to the lack of barriers to entry and difficulties in verifying truth, further contributing to societal division and conspiracy culture.

The destabilizing impact of digital technology on politics and trust in institutions

Social media has become a "public square" without the traditional norms and standards of real-world public discourse

Rosen and Harris emphasize that social media's structure, which rewards anger and hostility for greater engagement, has become a catalyst for polarization. The "do your own research" mantra often fronts the descent into speculative beliefs and conspiracy theories. Unlike traditional platforms, where facts hold higher reverence, social media users can craft their version of reality, corroding the shared understanding critical to functioning democracies.

The asymmetry in how errors and misinformatio ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

The societal and political effects of social media and digital technology

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The text discusses how social media and digital technology contribute to societal polarization, the spread of misinformation, and the erosion of trust in institutions. It highlights the impact of conspiracy theories and false narratives on public discourse and political processes. The asymmetry in how errors and misinformation are handled between the political left and right is emphasized, affecting public trust differently. Overall, the text underscores how these issues shape societal divisions and challenge traditional norms of public discourse and trust in institutions.
  • The erosion of trust in institutions and government is linked to social media's role in amplifying conspiracy theories and misinformation. Social media platforms can foster a climate of distrust by allowing false n ...

Counterarguments

  • Social media also fosters community building and the spread of positive social movements.
  • Fact-checking and accountability measures are being implemented by some social media platforms to combat misinformation.
  • Social media can provide a voice to marginalized groups who are often excluded from traditional public squares.
  • There is evidence of bipartisan spread of misinformation, and both sides of the political spectrum have instances of unaccountability.
  • Regulation of speech on social media is a complex issue that in ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
#392 — Technology & Culture

The state of journalism and the need for media reform

Christine Rosen addresses the decline of local journalism and its consequences, as well as the potential for new journalistic models to restore high-quality reporting.

The decline of local journalism and the consequences for civic engagement

Rosen emphasizes the importance of reviving local news, pointing out that much of the corruption and significant events take place at the local level, but coverage is dwindling as local newspapers disappear. This lack of local news coverage leads to a trust deficit. As local issues like pothole repairs go uninvestigated, the public's ability to hold local leaders accountable diminishes and civic engagement suffers. Rosen also notes that reductions in the media environment, such as the shrinking of foreign bureaus and impending layoffs, affect coverage of important community issues.

The lack of diverse voices and backgrounds in national journalism

Continuing, Rosen reflects on the career trajectory of Tucker Carlson, considering it representative of the media’s disconnection from average Americans. She discusses the potential benefit of philanthropic investment in journalism, especially at the local level, where it is most needed. She advocates for cultivating a new generation of journalists from a broader range of backgrounds to bring more diverse perspectives to media.

The potential for new journalistic models to revive high-quality, independent reporting

Rosen cites platforms like Su ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

The state of journalism and the need for media reform

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While reviving local news is important, it's also necessary to consider the economic sustainability of such ventures in the digital age, where ad revenues for traditional media have declined.
  • Civic engagement may be affected by factors beyond local journalism, such as education levels, political polarization, and social media influence.
  • The media environment is evolving, and reductions in traditional areas may be offset by growth in digital media, citizen journalism, and international collaborations.
  • Tucker Carlson's career may not be representative of all media professionals, and there may be a variety of pathways and backgrounds among journalists that are not as visible.
  • Philanthropic investment in journalism could potentially lead to biases if donors have specific agendas, which might influence the independence of the reporting.
  • Platforms like Substack could contribute to the proliferation of echo chambers, as readers may choose to follow journalists who reinforce their existing views.
  • The entrepreneurial model of journalism on platforms like Substack may not be viable for all journalists, especially those covering less popular or more resource-intensive beats.
  • Independent media outlets ...

Actionables

  • You can support local journalism by subscribing to or donating to independent local news outlets that focus on community issues. By financially backing these organizations, you help ensure they have the resources to cover local stories and hold local leaders accountable. For example, find a local news outlet that reports on city council meetings or school board decisions and become a regular subscriber or donor.
  • Start a neighborhood news exchange using a simple email list or social media group to share and discuss local news and events. This grassroots approach can increase civic engagement and create a sense of community. You might share information about a new local business, a road closure, or a school event, encouraging neighbors to contribute their news and insights.
  • Encourage local businesses to sponsor ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA