Edward Tenner Bücher

Wer kennt sie nicht, die Technik, die frustriert, unsere Nerven strapaziert, die 'nach hinten losgeht'. Seien es Klimaanlagen, die für Erkältungen sorgen, oder Computerprogramme, deren Beherrschung mehr Zeit und Geduld kosten, als sie angeblich einsparen sollen. Die Errungenschaften des technischen Fortschritts bringen nicht nur Erleichterung sondern sind gleichzeitig immer komplexere Systeme, die uns permanent mehr Wachsamkeit und Vorausschau abverlangen. Edward Tenner ist diesem 'Rache-Effekt' systematisch nachgegangen. An einer Vielzahl, oft kurioser und verblüffender Beispiele zeigt er: Je naiver unser Technik-Optimismus, desto sicherer der Rückschlag!

A "skillful and lucid" (The Wall Street Journal) way of thinking about efficiency, challenging our obsession with it—and offering a new understanding of how to benefit from the powerful potential of serendipity. Algorithms, multitasking, the sharing economy, life hacks: our culture can't get enough of efficiency. One of the great promises of the Internet and big data revolutions is the idea that we can improve the processes and routines of our work and personal lives to get more done in less time than we ever have before. There is no doubt that we're performing at higher levels and moving at unprecedented speed, but what if we're headed in the wrong direction? Melding the long-term history of technology with the latest headlines and findings of computer science and social science, The Efficiency Paradox questions our ingrained assumptions about efficiency, persuasively showing how relying on the algorithms of digital platforms can in fact lead to wasted efforts, missed opportunities, and, above all, an inability to break out of established patterns. Edward Tenner reveals what we and our institutions, when equipped with an astute combination of artificial intelligence and trained intuition, can learn from the random and unexpected.

Exploring the unintended consequences of human inventions, the author reveals how technology shapes our lives in unexpected ways. Dubbed "the philosopher of everyday technology" by National Public Radio, he delves into the intricate relationship between creation and impact, illustrating how our innovations often return to influence us profoundly. This engaging history highlights the complexities of invention and its lasting effects on society.

The collection features essays by Edward Tenner that delve into the dual nature of human creativity, examining how innovation can lead to unexpected challenges as well as beneficial outcomes. Through insightful analysis, Tenner highlights the complexities of technological advancements and their societal impacts, encouraging readers to reflect on the surprises that stem from human ingenuity.