The book itself is unique in its format, which emphasizes the critiques that it's presenting, as many
platforms on the Internet are far removed from formal standards compared to traditional media,
whether that be style or slang. It presents ubiquitous juxtapositions between scientific diction,
most clearly demonstrated in the given definitions of fabricated words, and very simplistic diction that's
extremely blunt and doesn't attempt to eloquently obscure meaning for the reader. Consequently, this
forms contrasts in syntax between longer sentences harder to digest due to their density and simple
statements that don't require much thought to process. Though most, if not all of the themes tackled
in the novel are centered around the detrimental corollaries of rapidly advancing technology, at its core
it heavily critiques the inevitable loss of individual identity among an impersonal society. While the
problems the book highlights are valid and existing in greater amounts than they should, the lack of
eloquence and subtlety creates a lecture-like tone; the book treats its reader like they’re stupid, or at the
very least, like they aren’t already aware of the very negative social constructs that technology has bred.
The constant switching between subjects takes away a reader’s ability to empathize, making it largely
ineffective if the purpose was to make the audience care about the subject matter in the text. It also only
points out problems, not ways to fix them. It also twists certain concepts to antagonize them to a larger
extent than necessary; for example, wanting to belong in a group doesn’t automatically strip an
individual of their identity, since a person is not merely defined by one trait alone but rather the
culmination of all of their traits. The oppressing cynicism and shallow perspective of technology made
the book extremely frustrating to read.
platforms on the Internet are far removed from formal standards compared to traditional media,
whether that be style or slang. It presents ubiquitous juxtapositions between scientific diction,
most clearly demonstrated in the given definitions of fabricated words, and very simplistic diction that's
extremely blunt and doesn't attempt to eloquently obscure meaning for the reader. Consequently, this
forms contrasts in syntax between longer sentences harder to digest due to their density and simple
statements that don't require much thought to process. Though most, if not all of the themes tackled
in the novel are centered around the detrimental corollaries of rapidly advancing technology, at its core
it heavily critiques the inevitable loss of individual identity among an impersonal society. While the
problems the book highlights are valid and existing in greater amounts than they should, the lack of
eloquence and subtlety creates a lecture-like tone; the book treats its reader like they’re stupid, or at the
very least, like they aren’t already aware of the very negative social constructs that technology has bred.
The constant switching between subjects takes away a reader’s ability to empathize, making it largely
ineffective if the purpose was to make the audience care about the subject matter in the text. It also only
points out problems, not ways to fix them. It also twists certain concepts to antagonize them to a larger
extent than necessary; for example, wanting to belong in a group doesn’t automatically strip an
individual of their identity, since a person is not merely defined by one trait alone but rather the
culmination of all of their traits. The oppressing cynicism and shallow perspective of technology made
the book extremely frustrating to read.
Word Count: 297
Pastiche:
Who could blame you for wanting to be liked?
Even if it's by random strangers who you will never meet.
Because real life is hard. It's ugly.
There are people with faces.
Do you think you're special?
You're not.
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