Computers Quote by Nicholas Carr
““information is a commodity that can be processed by a machine.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains” (2008)
Information is treated as a tradable good that machines can manipulate, reducing it to a commodity rather than a nuanced idea.
In simple terms: Data is a product machines can handle.
Key Takeaway
Treat information as knowledge, not just a product.
Themes
information
technology
economics
automation
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
academic
technological
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
data commodification
digital capitalism
machine processing
Questions to Reflect On
- How does commodifying data affect creativity?
- What are the risks of over‑reliance on machines for knowledge?
A Different Perspective
The view may ignore the creative and interpretive aspects of human information use.
