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.
Gunhawk
With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail.
Heartbreaker
This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Shadow Chaser
With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment.
Riff Raff
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven.
RiddleRover
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnβt call it unforgettable.
RZR
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly.
Shadow Chaser
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Stone Boomstick
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Atlantic Rim
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Necromancer
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Twister Hero
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
Opulent Gamer
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests.
ShadowFax
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
Whip Chu
I appreciate the minimal ads β it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
Firefly Caramel
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. Audiobook journey simplified β this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Pusher
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ 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. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
X-Dew
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life β it's a unique experience. ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. πΌ Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background β love it! π»π§
Purity
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app.
Frosty Sunshine
This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine β it's a habit I cherish. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
Trick Baron
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine β it's a habit I cherish. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
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