Of late, I have found myself gravitating toward science fiction franchises that imagine not advanced technology or seamlessly integrated AI, but something even more improbable and futuristic: a world free from the distractions and degradations of the internet. It may seem perverse to seek solace in “Dune” and “Battlestar Galactica,” fictions about societies that have been ravaged by war and genocide, but characters in both stories are treated to a significant silver lining: After catastrophic brushes with sentient computers, they have sworn off connectivity altogether. However vicious their political infighting and however tyrannical their leaders, they are still spared Andrew Tate videos and QAnon posts.
Review by Becca Rothfeld
What readers are saying
The comments reflect a mix of skepticism and nostalgia regarding Tim Berners-Lee's vision of returning the web to its democratic roots. Many express doubt about the feasibility of this vision, citing the overwhelming influence of profit-driven interests and the prevalence of... Show more
This summary is AI-generated. AI can make mistakes and this summary is not a replacement for reading the comments.A note to our readersWe are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking
to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
- OpinionMatt BaiThe real enemy of democracy sneaked up on meToday at 6:30 a.m. EDT
- OpinionCarrie FilipettiWhy is TikTok dangerous? Consider this scenario.September 15, 2025
- Nitasha TikuSenators weigh regulating AI chatbots to protect kidsSeptember 15, 2025
- Drew HarwellandDylan WellsAnti-Trump influencers flood the White House’s new TikTok accountToday at 6:00 a.m. EDT
- Joseph MennAI firm DeepSeek writes less-secure code for groups China disfavorsSeptember 15, 2025
- 1Anahad O’ConnorWe asked dietitians for healthy high-protein meals. Here’s their list.
- 2Mark Berman,Angie Orellana HernandezandMaría Luisa PaúlProsecutors say alleged Charlie Kirk gunman wrote: ‘I had enough of his hatred’
- 3OpinionGeorge F. WillA seamlessly unserious president
- 4Kadia GobaandKatie TarrantHouse Republicans threaten to cancel anyone who disparages Charlie Kirk
- 5ColumnCarolyn HaxCarolyn Hax: Husband with past TBIs says his recent erratic behavior is ‘fine’
NewsletterFridays
Book Club
Our weekly selection of book reviews and recommendations from Book World editor Ron Charles.