Breakpoint

Why the Web Will Implode, Search Will Be Obsolete, and Everything Else You Need to Know About Technology Is in Your Brain

By: Jeff Stibel

Narrated by: Robert David Grant

Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

We are living in a world in which cows send texts to farmers when they're in heat, where the most valuable real estate in New York City houses computers, not people, and some of humanity's greatest works are created by crowds, not individuals.

We are in the midst of a networking revolution - set to transform the way we access the world's information and the way we connect with one another. Studying biological systems is perhaps the best way to understand such networks, and nature has a lesson for us if we care to listen: Bigger is rarely better in the long run. The deadliest creature is the mosquito, not the lion. It is the quality of a network that is important for survival, not the size, and all networks - the human brain, Facebook, Google, even the internet itself - eventually reach a breakpoint and collapse. That's the bad news. The good news is that reaching a breakpoint can be a step forward, allowing a network to substitute quality for quantity.

In Breakpoint, brain scientist and entrepreneur Jeff Stibel takes listeners to the intersection of the brain, biology, and technology. He shows how exceptional companies are using their understanding of the Internet's brain-like powers to create a competitive advantage by building more effective websites, utilizing cloud computing, engaging social media, monetizing effectively, and leveraging a collective consciousness. Indeed, the result of these technologies is a more tightly connected world with capabilities far beyond the sum of our individual minds. Breakpoint offers a fresh and exciting perspective about the future of technology and its effects on all of us.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2013 Jeff Stibel (P)2013 Audible Inc.

Good apatizer

This book provided a great introduction to the intricacies of psychology and the natural order of the world. It was written in a way that made it easy to understand and allowed readers to delve into the more in-depth thoughts on these topics.

While the book was enjoyable, it did have some drawbacks. At times, the author seemed to repeat the same message over and over again, which could become tedious for some readers. However, despite this
flaw, the book as a whole was definitely worth reading.

Much more than expected.

I’ve done my own brain studies, but Jeff fills in all the gaps and takes me places I hadn’t thought of. Quite surprising. He is right on making the connection between intelligence and systems. This is what society must apply in a practical sense to take us through the breakpoint.

Internet and brain

Got a good insight into how brain closely resembles internet. What the future of technology might be. A good read.

Excellent concept that truly changed my perception

What made the experience of listening to Breakpoint the most enjoyable?

The analogies to biology.

What did you like best about this story?

The concept of carrying capacity.

Which scene was your favorite?

The story about queen bee.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The same as the book title.

Any additional comments?

none

Meh

Let me save you some time and a credit. Looking at the human brain, an ant colony, and the Internet, this boils down to a string of unsurprising factoids, sophomoric comparisons, and vague conclusions. Neurons in the brain & ants in a colony usually grow in number beyond some "breakpoint," after which they settle back down to some lesser size, and the effect of that settling results in greater "wisdom" for the brain & the colony. Apparently the Web will undergo the same settling at some point.

In case the subtitle piqued your interest, be aware that it's sensational purchase-bait that isn't supported by the content.

Pseudo-science and wild speculation

Not nearly as engaging as Malcolm Gladwell or as intelligent as Daniel Kahneman, Stibel instead relies on specious arguments and pedantic prose.
Do yourself a favor and read one of the aforementioned authors, or perhaps Nicholas Carr or Sherry Turkle, instead.