The Anatomy of Evil

September 18, 2017
In this skillfully written and researched survey, journalist Harrison (Good Thinking) makes an argument for appreciating social media’s good points while exercising prudence to avoid its downside. Harrison is not a diehard opponent, although he acknowledges criticisms of social media that characterize it as “a zombie invasion... eating our brain.” He discusses the challenge of bringing nuance to online discussions of hot-button issues and poses some provocative questions related to the ubiquity of social media (such as, “Will we miss privacy?”) and what people are sacrificing as the internet supplies more of their social interactions. His book addresses timely topics, such as avoiding information “filter bubbles” and “fake news.” It also contains a well-designed chart for objectively measuring time devoted to social media and cogent advice about healthy use and warning signs. Perhaps the strongest sections are discussions of the importance of critical thinking, “standard weak points” to be aware of in news reports, and five steps to “think like a scientist.” Harrison manages to be firm without being a fearmonger.