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.
Indestructible Potato
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs.
Bridge Whip
πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Killah Goose
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection.
StorySculptor
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
Sly Bible
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
Skull Crusher
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ππ I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
ManMaker
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
Wildcat Appaloosa
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§
Mammoth 2
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app β it's revitalizing. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again β it's a must-have. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a winner. No need to convert files anymore β ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis.
Terror Master
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with itβthe narration was fine, and the story was okayβbut nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Fist Wizard
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. π§ An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand β this app is pure convenience! ππ The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Old Man Winter
π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ± Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Virgo Moon
ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph.
General Broomdog
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
VenusLion
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ 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!
Sleek Assassin
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
RDTN
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
Blink
ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature.
ThreadTrail
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§ π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic!
Storm Master
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
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