New Dark Age

While the author's cautionary message should concern listeners, Emily Beresford's emphatic narration will send them into full-throttled fear. Bridle offers a stark and sobering look at how digital technology contributes to extremism of thought, surveillance and manipulation of users, and the undermining of democratic institutions. The problem continues to grow as newer technologies such as wearables, artificial intelligence, and robots continue to be added to the technological landscape. Beresford's slightly nasal voice elicits listeners' attention, but her delivery has a judgmental tone that is wearing and detracts from the importance of Bridle's ideas. Her attempt to draw out salient points and to energize the listening experience does the opposite. L.E. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine