Thread by @division6

I've finished reading @ruskin147's 'ALWAYS ON: Hope and fear in the social smartphone era and it's an absolute delight. #armandminibookreview to follow.

First thing to note is that this book does many things. Part memoir, part modern history, part socio-political thesis.

...this variety makes it richer, not poorer, as Rory's typically crisp and engaging writing style makes complex issues clear and paints a picture of the rapid change we've seen in the last 15-20 years that's worth reflecting on.

As a memoir, it's interesting to chart Rory's journey from excited technophile to (somewhat cynical) technophile as the star of 'big tech' has shone brightly & then dimmed due to a variety of things, from murk in corners of the crypto world to misinformation and trolls on social.

The behind-the-scenes moments of some of the big tech stories we've lived through, particularly of the track and trace app development through the pandemic, was absolutely amazing, as is Rory's openness in sharing his hopes and fears with his own health issues.

As a commentary on where we're going and where we've been, in the political and sociological aspects of where we're going, Rory ends on a positive tone which I share; where big tech has overstepped the mark, regulators and politicians are stepping in.

It's a great read. So many insights into the journalistic process, so many great insights and stories of people I vaguely know on social like @belindaparmar @Dr_Black @Whatleydude, as well as the big tech celebrities you know and love/hate. The Musk story is spectacular.

If I have any criticism of the book, is that it's that the title and core thesis doesn't always line up against some of the more fascinating chapters in the book. Crypto, autonomous driving, the Raspberry Pi - are important and interesting stories. Not that smartphone-y, though.

But that's a small comment on what is a really good read. Can recommend, and do.

Buy it here. Other bookstores are available. blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/produ…