SPOS #975 – Nicholas Carr On The Human Consequences Of Connection And Technology
Release Date: 03/16/2025
SPOS #1000 – Patrick Tanguay On Paths To Better Thinking
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1000 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. is a self-described generalist, synthesist and curator whose lifelong curiosity and love of reading have led him across multiple careers, and now shape one of the most thoughtful newsletters in the futures-thinking space. As the creator of , a weekly “futures thinking observatory” (and one of my most favorite reads), Patrick spotlights signals of change across technology, society, and culture. He helps readers trace emergent paths instead of prescribing them. Alongside his writing, he designed and launched...
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SPOS #991 – Bob Goodson On The "Like" Button (And How It Changed The World)
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #991 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. is President and Founder of , an AI-driven company whose models are used by a third of the Fortune 50. Before launching Quid, he was the first employee at , where he witnessed (and helped shape) the birth of the like button. Bob’s academic roots in language theory () and his deep curiosity about patterns of innovation led him to co-author , an illuminating book about how a simple social media feature rewired global communication and commerce. In this episode, we dig into the origin story of the like button and...
info_outlineWelcome to episode #975 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.
Nicholas Carr has long been one of the most important voices questioning how technology is shaping our minds, our communication, and our culture (and a personal favorite). His latest book, Superbloom - How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart, builds on the themes he’s explored in The Shallows and The Glass Cage, offering a critical look at how our obsession with constant connectivity may be eroding human relationships rather than strengthening them. In this conversation, Nick challenges the assumption that more communication automatically leads to greater understanding, explaining how friction in conversation is necessary for thoughtful interactions. We discussed the rise of dissimilarity cascades - how exposure to differing viewpoints can sometimes increase polarization rather than bridge divides - and why the utopian vision of digital communication often clashes with human nature. Nick also highlights the psychological toll of constant connectivity, particularly among younger generations, and the unintended consequences of social media’s influence on work, leisure, and personal identity. As AI continues to reshape communication, he raises important questions about authenticity, the risk of society becoming skeptical of everything, and the broader shift toward efficiency at the cost of deeper human values. His perspective is always thought-provoking, and this conversation is no exception. If you want to rethink how you engage with technology in your daily life, this episode is a must-listen. You should also check out his excellent Substack newsletter, New Cartographies. Enjoy the conversation...
- Running time: 1:01:14.
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- ...or on X.
- Here is my conversation with Nicholas.
- Superbloom - How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart.
- The Shallows.
- The Glass Cage.
- New Cartographies.
- This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction to Nicholas Carr and His Work.
(03:13) - Thematic Connections in Carr's Books.
(06:10) - The Misconception of Communication Technology.
(08:46) - Human Nature vs. Technology: A Conflict.
(11:54) - The Impact of Online Communication on Empathy.
(14:47) - The Dangers of Digital Disconnection.
(17:59) - Parental Influence on Children's Technology Use.
(20:47) - The Social Dynamics of Smartphone Usage.
(24:09) - The Rise of Anxiety and Loneliness in Youth.
(27:07) - The Concept of Influencers and Work in the Digital Age.
(34:24) - The Misconception of Leisure vs. Work.
(35:34) - Rethinking Our Relationship with Technology.
(39:03) - The Dangers of Blind Adaptation.
(42:00) - AI: A Revolutionary Shift in Communication.
(47:30) - The Impact of AI on Human Expression.
(56:09) - The Original Sin of Efficiency Over Humanity.