The Social Life of Information

In 'The Social Life of Information', John Seely Brown and Paul Duguid challenge preconceived notions about information in the digital age. They explore how context, culture, and social practices shape the way we understand and utilize information. Drawing upon various examples, the authors argue that information must be viewed through the lens of social interaction to truly grasp its significance. This insightful work prompts readers to reconsider how they navigate the complex landscape of information in modern society. Are we merely passive consumers of data, or are we active participants in a rich social tapestry?

By John Seely Brown, Paul Duguid

Published: 2017

""In the age of information, understanding is not merely about knowing more; it's about knowing how to connect the dots between knowledge, context, and human experience.""

The Social Life of InformationBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Introduction: Tunneling ahead -- Limits to information -- Agents and angels -- Home alone -- Practice makes process -- Learning - in theory and in practice -- Innovating organization, husbanding knowledge -- Reading the background -- Re-education

About the Authors

J

John Seely Brown

John Seely Brown is a renowned author, researcher, and thought leader in the fields of organizational learning and innovation. He served as the Chief Scientist at Xerox Corporation's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) and has made significant contributions to the understanding of how technology and social practices intersect in learning environments. Notable works include 'The Social Life of Information' co-authored with Paul Duguid, 'A New Culture of Learning,' and 'Design Unbound.' Brown's writing style is characterized by its clarity and accessibility, often blending theoretical insights with practical applications, making complex concepts approachable for a diverse audience. His interdisciplinary approach integrates knowledge from psychology, education, and design.

P

Paul Duguid

Paul Duguid is a distinguished author and scholar, widely recognized for his contributions to the fields of information studies and history. He is particularly noted for his work on the implications of technology on society and the interplay between knowledge and its material manifestations. His notable works include "The Social Life of Information," co-authored with John Seely Brown, which explores how information is used in social contexts, and "The History of the Information Age," where he examines the societal transformations brought about by informational shifts. Duguid's writing style is characterized by depth of insight, clarity, and an engaging narrative that bridges academic rigor with accessibility, making complex concepts relatable to a broader audience.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
John Seely Brown, Paul Duguid
Published
January 2017
Publisher
N/A
ISBN
1633692418
Language
English
Pages
N/A
Genres
PhilosophyCultural StudiesDigital CommunicationSocial MediaMediaTechnology

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Digital MinimalismBook binding

Digital Minimalism

Cal Newport

Homo DeusBook binding

Homo Deus

Yuval Noah Harari

The Facebook EffectBook binding

The Facebook Effect

David Kirkpatrick

IrresistibleBook binding

Irresistible

Adam Alter

Ctrl Alt DeleteBook binding

Ctrl Alt Delete

Mitch Joel

What Technology WantsBook binding

What Technology Wants

Kevin Kelly

Parable of the TalentsBook binding

Parable of the Talents

Octavia E. Butler

The Attention MerchantsBook binding

The Attention Merchants

Tim Wu

Showing 8 of 30 similar books

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work

View Collection
Jan Losert's Book Recommendations

Jan Losert's Book Recommendations

Jan Losert is a visionary author and digital design expert, renowned for his contributions to the intersection of technology and creativity. His most significant work includes co-authoring "Design Systems Handbook," which has become a seminal guide for creating cohesive and efficient design frameworks. Losert's expertise extends to his role as a speaker and educator, where he passionately shares his insights on user experience and interface design. In addition to his literary achievements, he co-founded several successful startups, leveraging his deep understanding of design to drive innovation. His work continues to influence and inspire both emerging and established designers worldwide.

View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.

View Collection
Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.

View Collection
Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations

Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations

Caterina Fake is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding Flickr, one of the first photo-sharing platforms that helped define social media and web 2.0. After the success of Flickr, Fake went on to co-found Hunch, a recommendation engine that was later acquired by eBay. She is a partner at Yes VC, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups, with a focus on companies that foster human connection and creativity. Fake is also an advocate for ethical technology and often speaks about the importance of designing products that prioritize user well-being. Her contributions to tech and her insights on the intersection of technology and culture have made her a respected leader in the industry.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Drew Houston's Book Recommendations

Drew Houston's Book Recommendations

Drew Houston is an accomplished American entrepreneur best known for co-founding Dropbox, a widely-used cloud storage service, in 2007. As the CEO, he has led the company to serve millions of users worldwide and become a key player in the tech industry. Although not primarily known for literature, Houston has shared his entrepreneurial insights and experiences through various interviews and public speaking engagements, offering valuable lessons to aspiring business leaders. His work has significantly influenced the way people and organizations manage and share digital content. Houston's innovative vision continues to shape the future of cloud computing and digital collaboration.

View Collection
Bridget Phetasy's Book Recommendations

Bridget Phetasy's Book Recommendations

Bridget Phetasy is a multi-talented writer, comedian, and podcaster known for her sharp wit and insightful commentary on contemporary culture and politics. She gained prominence through her work with Playboy, where her essays and columns attracted a wide readership. Bridget is the host of the popular podcast "Walk-Ins Welcome," where she engages in deep, humorous conversations with a variety of guests. Her candid and often provocative takes on societal issues have garnered her a loyal following on social media. Additionally, she created the satirical YouTube series "Dumpster Fire," where she humorously dissects current events.

View Collection

Showing 8 of 13 related collections

"In the age of information, understanding is not merely about knowing more; it's about knowing how to connect the dots between knowledge, context, and human experience."

The Social Life of Information

By John Seely Brown, Paul Duguid