Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Diego Rodriguez
Professor Powers
ENGL 1302
24 March 2023
In "You Are Not a Gadget," Lanier uses an analogy between cats, dogs, and people to show how
dangerous it can be to reduce humans to data and algorithms. He explains that unlike cats and dogs, which
can be treated as standard models, each person is unique and cannot be reduced to a set of data points or
predetermined patterns. The way Lanier starts his argument is excellent because it captures your attention
and makes you realize how much technology is affecting us. His comparison is easy to understand and
stays in your mind, making it a great way to explain complicated concepts so that everyone can get it.
Lanier sets the foundation for further exploring how technology and humanity are linked by starting with
Lanier is well known for his works, such as being a computer scientist, musician, scientist, and
writer. In the article, he discusses the subject of the intersection of technology and has even published
multiple books covering this topic. In addition, he's been able to spread and share his ideas without using
social media but by using podcasts, radio, and TV. Moreover, his work has also been shared with many
people through the use of newspapers and magazines. However, I believe Lanier's credibility as an author
is affected by the absence of social media being used to promote his work. Furthermore, he proves to
society you don't need social media to be successful, share ideas, and make it big in life. He explains that
the quality of the content matters the most and outweighs how the content is shared.
A counterargument to Lanier's claim that social media is slowly taking away our free will is that
individuals who have social media can unfollow, unsubscribe from accounts, and unengage with certain
posts and content. In addition, one could argue social media can be used as a tool to promote or support a
cause that's happening in the real world. Most social media platforms offer a user and terms agreement
which states every user must be responsible for their time spent on the platform and the content they post.
Rodriguez 2
Social media also can be used to connect with family members, relatives, and friends, thus making it a
better way to catch up with those who live farther away from the user.
I believe Lanier's stance on social media and its impact on the world is critical and essential. In
addition, I believe his tone is analytical, and he presents his arguments in a rational and logical manner.
Throughout the article, he gives example phrases such as "we are losing free will" and "social media
trains us" to reinforce his stance that social media limits our behavior to think and act independently.
Additionally, Lanier uses multiple phrases to explain better social media's impact on our lives.
Furthermore, Lanier's piece educates the reader on social media's risks and its consequences on society. In
the end, Lanier's work has a serious and worried tone about the influence social media may have on the
world and the efforts one might take to prevent the negative impacts of social media.