Actually Quote by Rose George
“Perhaps we believe that everything travels by air, or magically and instantaneously like information (which is actually anchored by cables on the seabed), not by hefty ships that travel more slowly than senior citizens drive.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Atlantic, “The Hidden Infrastructure of the Internet”, 2017
We imagine information travels instantly through the air, yet it depends on massive undersea cables, highlighting a gap between perception and physical reality.
In simple terms: We think data flies, but cables carry it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the hidden infrastructure behind modern communication.
Themes
technology perception
information flow
infrastructure
misconception
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
educational
informative
When to use this quote
- planning travel
- explaining tech to non‑experts
- designing resilient networks
- educating about digital dependence
Key Concepts
media studies
network theory
digital culture
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you make about how technology works?
- How does knowing the truth affect your trust in digital services?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on the “air” metaphor can obscure the need for physical maintenance and security.
