Tochi Onyebuchi’s 'Racebook' is a 'personal history' of a less serious time online

In his groundbreaking book Bowling Alone, political scientist Robert D. Putnam argues that the social glue holding the US together—its social capital—is breaking down. Social capital—the value of cohesive relationships and networks—differs from the types of capital that economists study (such as financial and physical resources). Social capital enriches people and communities by enabling mutual trust, support, and communication. But after peaking in the 1950s, the US’s social capital has fallen, even as other forms of capital have risen.

Putnam warns that if the US’s social glue keeps fraying, the collective social systems we rely on could dissolve. In this guide, we’ll explore Putnam’s argument that social capital is vital to society, and we’ll follow as he tries to solve the mystery of what caused its decline in the first place. We’ll look at whether these social trends have continued into the 21st century, examine different views on what causes social change, and see how various organizations use social capital for the betterment of all.

Tech platforms and the U.S government have increased their surveillance and censorship of the Internet over the past decade, sharply so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Will the Internet ever be truly “free” again?

In his groundbreaking book Bowling Alone, political scientist Robert D. Putnam argues that the social glue holding the US together—its social capital—is breaking down. Social capital—the value of cohesive relationships and networks—differs from the types of capital that economists study (such as financial and physical resources). Social capital enriches people and communities by enabling mutual trust, support, and communication. But after peaking in the 1950s, the US’s social capital has fallen, even as other forms of capital have risen.

Putnam warns that if the US’s social glue keeps fraying, the collective social systems we rely on could dissolve. In this guide, we’ll explore Putnam’s argument that social capital is vital to society, and we’ll follow as he tries to solve the mystery of what caused its decline in the first place. We’ll look at whether these social trends have continued into the 21st century, examine different views on what causes social change, and see how various organizations use social capital for the betterment of all.

Do you ever feel that there is a more authentic, primal self within you waiting to be free? Glennon Doyle has felt this way, too—like a wild animal in captivity who was conditioned not to feel, think, or trust herself. She tells her story in Untamed, part memoir—covering her personal story of addiction and rehab, falling in love with a woman, leaving her marriage, and rebuilding her life—and part call to action for any woman who feels held captive by society’s rules and expectations.

Through exploration of her story, she instructs readers to rebuild their lives using emotion, intuition, and imagination as guiding forces. In this guide, we’ll explore Doyle’s journey out of captivity and her lessons for other captive women. Along the way, we’ll explore complementary ideas from other feminist thinkers, psychological reasoning for aspects of captivity, and practical actionables to help you live Doyle’s principles.

In the 21st century, the internet has vastly reshaped the world’s information landscape, but what’s less obvious is how the internet is changing us. In The Shallows, journalist Nicholas Carr warns that the internet is reshaping our thoughts and behaviors—actively rewiring the nerves in our brains—leaving us with dwindling attention spans and unable to engage in deep concentration.

In this guide, we'll explain how internet use is literally reconfiguring our brains. We’ll look at how new forms of media impact the way we think and learn about the world, as well as the societal consequences of these changes in human cognition. We’ll also explore research from neuroscientists on the internet’s effects, investigate whether current trends in reading and comprehension are the fault of online media, and consider the other challenges excessive internet use may bring about.

In his groundbreaking book Bowling Alone, political scientist Robert D. Putnam argues that the social glue holding the US together—its social capital—is breaking down. Social capital—the value of cohesive relationships and networks—differs from the types of capital that economists study (such as financial and physical resources). Social capital enriches people and communities by enabling mutual trust, support, and communication. But after peaking in the 1950s, the US’s social capital has fallen, even as other forms of capital have risen.

Putnam warns that if the US’s social glue keeps fraying, the collective social systems we rely on could dissolve. In this guide, we’ll explore Putnam’s argument that social capital is vital to society, and we’ll follow as he tries to solve the mystery of what caused its decline in the first place. We’ll look at whether these social trends have continued into the 21st century, examine different views on what causes social change, and see how various organizations use social capital for the betterment of all.