Gizmos Or: The Electronic Imperative

Gizmos or: The Electronic Imperative offers a concise series of analyses on the transformative impact of digital devices on American society. With approaches ranging from semiotic theory to psychoanalytic theory, sociological theory to personal reflection, Berger taps the span of knowledge from his prolific career to help readers better understand the role digital devices play both in their technologic, economic, and common-use forms. Using accessible, conversational language and numerous illustrations, Berger deconstructs familiar objects and media for readers ranging from field specialists to everyday cultural consumers alike.

Preface: Alone With my Thoughts Introduction: Why I Decided to Write This Book 1. The Internet: Everyone is Connected 2. Smartphones: Everyone Can Do Anything 3. Television: Everyone's Watching 4. Tablets: Everyone's a God 5. Computers: Everyone's a Writer 6. Video Game Consoles and Video Games: Everyone's a Hero 7. Digital Watches and Smart Watches: Everyone's Monitored 8. Digital Cameras and Photography: Everyone's a Documentary Maker 9. Computer Printers: Everyone's a Publisher 10. Flatbed Computer Scanners: Everyone's An Art Director Coda