Book description
Finalist for the Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism From a New York Times investigative reporter, this "authoritative and devastating account of the impacts of social media" (New York Times Book Review) tracks the high-stakes inside story of how Big Tech's breakneck race to drive engagement--and profits--at all costs fractured the world. The Chaos Machine is "an essential book for our times" (Ezra Klein). We all have a vague sense that social media is bad for our minds, for our children, and for our democracies. But the truth is that its reach and impact run far deeper than we have understood. Building on years of international reporting, Max Fisher tells the gripping and galling inside story of how Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social network preyed on psychological frailties to create the algorithms that drive everyday users to extreme opinions and, increasingly, extreme actions. As Fisher demonstrates, the companies' founding tenets, combined with a blinkered focus on maximizing engagement, have led to a destabilized world for everyone. Traversing the planet, Fisher tracks the ubiquity of hate speech and its spillover into violence, ills that first festered in far-off locales, to their dark culmination in America during the pandemic, the 2020 election, and the Capitol Insurrection. Through it all, the social-media giants refused to intervene in any meaningful way, claiming to champion free speech when in fact what they most prized were limitless profits. The result, as Fisher shows, is a cultural shift toward a world in which people are polarized not by beliefs based on facts, but by misinformation, outrage, and fear. His narrative is about more than the villains, however. Fisher also weaves together the stories of the heroic outsiders and Silicon Valley defectors who raised the alarm and revealed what was happening behind the closed doors of Big Tech. Both panoramic and intimate, The Chaos Machine is the definitive account of the meteoric rise and troubled legacy of the tech titans, as well as a rousing and hopeful call to arrest the havoc wreaked on our minds and our world before it's too late.
Delicious Cupid
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Boost
This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
Guillotine Trigger
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ±
Bat Magenta
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! π Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! π±π
Twisty Dew
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Roller Turtle
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
ByteBard
I'm hooked on this app β it's like Netflix for book lovers! Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
Bombay Shivers
Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
FireBerry
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient.
Kickstart
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things.
Sun Leo
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket.
Lime
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! π Elevating my reading routine β this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Lunar Treat
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Lunar Treat
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
Dorothy Solitaire
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Vermilion
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§ The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story.
Valley Guardian
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
Cinder Coffee
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ
Guncap Slingbad
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Baby Brown
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer β I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience