Hooked on Hooked!
June 21, 2007 | Tech Trends
Your phone rings. You receive a “new e-mail” notification. A new blog entry has just been posted and beckons you to read. The brief moment of euphoria that follows these occurrences is often overlooked, yet unmistakable; your heart quickens and blood rushes to extremities. You’re hooked!
The first novel written by Matt Richtel, a journalist for The New York Times, Hooked is a technological thriller that elucidates a new genre of addiction that has already engulfed millions in capitalist nations worldwide””the technology addict. Doubtlessly, if you are reading this blog you are indeed guilty of what Richtel describes in his book: aimlessly perusing through the internet, checking compulsively for a new e-mail or something of the like. This, Richtel argues, is all part of the addiction. These cravings we eventually satisfy, by means of technological and thus psychological and physiological response, only to have the stress arise once again.
In contemplating this hypothesis, we can only wonder “is this real?” along with a question that Richtel himself asks, “What can V.C. people do with this information in the non-fictional world?” Richtel proposes a startling possibility, but you must read to find out!
I myself had been separated from electronics for the duration of a near 6.5 hour flight from New York. There was no time for a technology fix between my arrival and Richtel’s book party, and my stress was compounding due to lack of exposure. Luckily, walking into the Hooked party proved to be the perfect cure. A 19-year-old intern straight off the plane, in the presence of Wall Street Journal and New York Times royalty was the prescription that replaced the drug. No one told me that the prescription was addictive too! Fortunately, I wasn’t the only one on sensory overload.
Richtel was a CPU at full capacity, buzzing from journalist to V.C., even making a stop for this meek intern! When Richtel learned that I had read his book, he was mock-ecstatic: “You and my family are the only ones who have read this book!” He then signed my book, “Welcome to the biz! Please forgive me in advance if I don’t answer your calls.” I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this, but as I spoke to more people at the party, they seemed to be giving me a similar message.
Back to the book:
I thought that the ending of the book was somewhat disjointed, and asked Richtel’s wife Meredith if she could tell me anything about it, Richtel busy with the big guys. Interestingly, there was a story behind it, and this had not been Richtel’s original ending. When Richtel submitted his book to friends, publishers and peers, it was suggested that he change the ending.
It isn’t difficult in this day in age to feel as if technology is the fuel that runs life. But who is to blame? As you take a break from modern technology and read Richtel’s book, step back and contemplate: Would it make you feel less anxious if the book was in pdf form?
Sarah
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