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.
VenusXX
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise.
LoreLoomer
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
NoiseFire
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
Mantis Queen
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential!
Darkside Orbit
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π
Black Walnut
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ
Flotsams54
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist.
Kamikaze Grandma
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. I can't imagine my life without this app β it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
2nd Hand Joe
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off β no more searching for my spot! This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
MrOnsTr
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life β it's a unique experience. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Trigger Warming
πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
ThoughtTrailblazer
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine.
Romance Princess
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly.
Die Slice
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats β this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ππ ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Tacklebox
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way β through audiobooks! ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate.
Find It Girl
I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine.
Petite Flurry
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life β it's a unique experience. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
Lady Pomegranate
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Loot
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance β it's like having a personal audiobook curator. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear.
Venom Charms
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
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