Skip to content

I would not hesitate to say I was addicted to the Internet…

“I would not hesitate to say I was addicted to the Internet in the first two years. It can be addictive, and things not taken in moderation have negative effects. But the alarmism around 'Facebook is changing our brains' strikes me as a kind of historical trick. Because we now know from brain…” quote by Clay Shirky
Download Open image
“I would not hesitate to say I was addicted to the Internet in the first two years. It can be addictive, and things not taken in moderation have negative effects. But the alarmism around 'Facebook is changing our brains' strikes me as a kind of historical trick. Because we now know from brain science that everything changes our brains.”

Clay Shirky

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Internet use is pervasive; moderation matters, but fearmongering over brain changes is exaggerated.

In simple terms: All experiences reshape the brain; balance is key.

Key Takeaway

Use tech wisely, avoid panic.

Themes

technology addiction media literacy

Mood

reflective balanced

Type

cautionary informative

When to use this quote

  • daily browsing
  • social media use
  • online learning
  • workplace productivity

Key Concepts

neuroscience behavioral economics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What limits do you set on screen time?
  • How can you harness the internet positively?
A Different Perspective

Not all tech use is harmful; context matters.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Clay Shirky

Explore all 132 Clay Shirky quotes

More Addicted quotes

Browse all 541 Addicted quotes