Digital technology is both arousing and distancing. We don't look at the users on the other side as people. They aren't - they're just usernames, Facebook photos and Twitter handles.
Douglas RushkoffOnline advertising may not be much more successful than an old double-barrel, but - like a good spray of buckshot - it makes up for its lack of accuracy with sheer volume. There are 10 unique ads listed with every Gmail message in your queue, each tied to the message content. And a paying sponsor.
Douglas RushkoffBy turning every Yahoo search box into a Bing box, Microsoft may have bought itself the exposure it needs to be the next Google.
Douglas RushkoffWeb sites are designed to keep young people from using the keyboard, except to enter in their parents' credit card information.
Douglas RushkoffOne argument against open systems is that they become open to everything, good and bad. Like a Richard Meier skyscraper, the anal retentive, Bauhaus elegance of the Mac does prevent the loose ends and confusion of a less sterile environment. But it also prevents fertility. Apple's development must come from within.
Douglas Rushkoff