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Liked It2 of 2 members found this review helpful “This is one of the most brilliant books I've read in a while. Here, let me repeat that for truth: |
Didn’t Like It “Author sets out to make the absurd point that video games, TV, and Internet content have increased the public's ability to think. Quotes from Neil Postman to make his argument, seemingly unaware that Postman offered the exact opposite theory. What Mr. Johnson has to say about the popularity of...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“We know games are good for you - otherwise why would we spend so much time playing them. But why? Steven maps out the increasing complexity and fulfilment of modern pop culture - and above all games - with a mix of observation, explanation, research and theory. Not just saying how, or even who, but above all why. It'll have you nodding as you read. This observation a bit too close to home: "The screen is not just something you manipulate, but something you project your identity onto, a place to work through the story of your life as it unfolds". ”
MR MATTHEW D CARROLL wrote this review Thursday, March 21, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“This is a good quick read that counters the oft lamented belief that media such as tv and gaming are dumbing down the populace as companies produce lowest common dominator content that mass audiences gravitate towards. The key points that Johnson covers are: - compare like for like shows on TV: Games shows now are more complex, engaging and interactive than game shows from the 80s. Look at Xfactor Vs The Generation game - no contest. - TV shows have become more complex both in terms of the number of concurring story lines that occur and the number of relationship networks that people have to keep track of. Look at Homeland or the Wire for the most obvious examples -Gaming is mentally taxing not only through the necessity for hand-eye coordination but also because games involve tasks such as prioritisation, choice architecture and probability evaluation. These skills are useful to everyday life and offer important stimulation different to that provided by traditional media such as books. Johnson is careful to point out the difference between the moral value and aesthetics of games Vs the type of effort and skill required to perform tasks within them. He also referrs to Flynn effect and the disproportionate increase in IQ of lower/ middle classes as testament that we're not dumbing down and culture and media consumption will no doubt contribute to this trend. ”
fabio labate wrote this review Thursday, February 14, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Very interesting explanation of the effects that (modern) multimedia have on society. Computers do not make children dumb!”
Bernd Kanis wrote this review Thursday, January 24, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Author sets out to make the absurd point that video games, TV, and Internet content have increased the public's ability to think. Quotes from Neil Postman to make his argument, seemingly unaware that Postman offered the exact opposite theory. What Mr. Johnson has to say about the popularity of Charles Dickens in Victorian England will make you say, "Huh?" A noteworthy book, striking in its idiocy.”
Mitchell Shannon wrote this review Monday, January 21, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Two parts both equally as fastinating. The first is how media is not getting worse, but more complex and engaging. The second is about our ability to learn complex systems and the ability to apply new learning concepts. Highly recommended!”
Brett wrote this review Monday, January 21, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Amazingly thought provoking. It makes me rewind and take a different look at some of my daughter's favorite types of entertainment. ”
Anjeanett Grant wrote this review Tuesday, February 21, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I read this after reading Where Good Ideas Come From. I found it very interesting and it blew away my preconceptions that only shows like The West Wing were more intelligent than before. Johnson makes a compelling case for his contention that in fact even rubbish like Survivor is better for you than the equivalent trash would have been decades ago.”
Jackson Bates wrote this review Friday, February 17, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Freaking fantastic.”
Bryan Quesada wrote this review Monday, January 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I really enjoyed reading this book and getting a new perspective on today's culture for teenagers as I work with them daily. This covers video games, television programs, the internet and the whole idea of changing society. The positive effects of all these on the brain and problem-solving skills is so encouraging. One interesting fact: IQ's have been rising for the low and middle scorers over the past 50 years!”
Rita H wrote this review Thursday, November 17, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Rachel H said: 3 stars
Play Book Tag Shelf wrote this review Sunday, September 4, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
An interesting take on popular culture. The author's argument is that popular culture, such as t.v. and video games, is becomign more complex which is making us use our brains more. So instead of dumbing down society popular culture is making us smarter. There isn't much evidence to support this but I do think it is an area where we could definitely due more research. The book is a few years old so parts of it are dated but overall an interesting read.”
