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From Counterculture to Cyberculture

327 pages, 2008

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When the Silicon Valley burst onto the scene in the 1990s, it looked nothing like how we imagine it today. In Counterculture to Cyberculture: Stewart Brand and the Digital Utopians , author Barry Wellman tells how a group of San Francisco Bay-area entrepreneurs who rejected the rigid organization and mechanical conformity that made the military-industrial complex possible envisioned a digital utopia modeled on communal ideals of the hippies.
The Connection Between Counterculture and Cyberculture

Fred Turner explores the fascinating link between the counterculture of the 1960s and the rise of cyberculture. He shows how the ideals of the counterculture, such as freedom, creativity, and decentralization, influenced the development of the internet and digital technology.

The Role of Stewart Brand

Turner digs into the life of Stewart Brand, a key figure in the transition from counterculture to cyberculture. Brand's Whole Earth Catalog, a publication that promoted self-sufficiency and ecological responsibility, played a significant role in shaping the ethos of the digital age.

The Influence of the New Communalists

The book takes a look at the New Communalists, a group that emerged from the counterculture movement. Turner explains how their communal living experiments and their embrace of technology as a tool for social change laid the groundwork for the collaborative, networked culture of the internet.

The Evolution of Digital Utopianism

Turner's research shows how the utopian ideals of the counterculture were transformed into the digital utopianism of the cyberculture. He explores how the belief in the liberating potential of technology has shaped the development of the internet and digital media.

The Impact on Today's Society

Finally, Turner helps us see how the legacy of the counterculture continues to influence today's digital culture. From the way we communicate and collaborate online, to our attitudes towards technology and its potential to change the world, the counterculture's influence is still very much alive.

Quotes 5

Turner's book is a compelling exploration of the connection between the counterculture of the 1960s and the birth of the digital age. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the history of technology and culture.

Clay ShirkyClay Shirky - Internet Sociologist

Turner's work is a fascinating deep dive into the roots of the digital revolution. It's a crucial read for understanding the cultural and technological shifts of our time.

Howard RheingoldHoward Rheingold - Cyberculture Pioneer

From Counterculture to Cyberculture provides a profound insight into the cultural transformation brought about by the digital age. Turner's book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand our digital world.

Sherry TurkleSherry Turkle - Social Studies Scientist

Turner's book brilliantly traces the lineage from the counterculture of the 60s to today's digital world. It's a fascinating journey that anyone interested in technology and culture should embark on.

Kevin KellyKevin Kelly - Digital Culture Editor

Turner's book is a masterful exploration of the cultural and technological shifts that have shaped our digital age. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and culture.

Jaron LanierJaron Lanier - Computer Philosophy Writer
Clay ShirkyHoward RheingoldSherry TurkleKevin KellyJaron Lanier

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