Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age
Reviving the fading art of conversation, in our age of echo chambers. Sequel to the spectacular Alone Together.
Information from the publisher
A Must-Read on the Importance of Human Connection
Renowned media scholar Sherry Turkle explores the profound impact of technology on human interaction in Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age. This groundbreaking book examines how the decline of face-to-face conversation affects relationships, creativity, and productivity—while offering insights on how to restore meaningful dialogue in our lives.
In today's fast-paced, tech-driven world, we are always connected but rarely engaged in deep conversation. While technology allows for constant communication, we have sacrificed meaningful interactions for superficial connections. Text messages, emails, and social media posts replace real conversations, leaving us disconnected from ourselves and others.
The Problem: The Decline of Face-to-Face Communication
Sherry Turkle has spent over 30 years studying digital culture. Once an advocate for technology’s potential, she now highlights a troubling consequence:
- At Home: The dinner table grows silent as children and parents compete with smartphones for attention.
- Among Friends: Social gatherings are interrupted by screens, and conversations lack depth.
- At Work: Employees retreat to their screens, diminishing creativity, collaboration, and productivity.
- In Politics: Online discourse encourages echo chambers, avoiding real debates and solutions.
Technology has shaped a society that fears solitude. Instead of engaging in self-reflection, we rely on digital interactions to define our sense of self—weakening our capacity for empathy and genuine relationships.
The case for conversation begins with the necessary conversations of solitude and self-reflection. They are endangered: these days, always connected, we see loneliness as a problem that technology should solve. Afraid of being alone, we rely on other people to give us a sense of ourselves, and our capacity for empathy and relationship suffers. We see the costs of the flight from conversation everywhere: conversation is the cornerstone for democracy and in business it is good for the bottom line. In the private sphere, it builds empathy, friendship, love, learning, and productivity.
But there is good news: we are resilient. Conversation cures.
The Solution: Reclaiming the Art of Conversation
Based on five years of research and interviews in homes, schools, and the workplace, Turkle argues that we have come to a better understanding of where our technology can and cannot take us and that the time is right to reclaim conversation. The most human—and humanizing—thing that we do.
The virtues of person-to-person conversation are timeless, and our most basic technology, talk, responds to our modern challenges. We have everything we need to start, we have each other.
Why Conversation Matters:
- Builds empathy, friendship, and love
- Enhances creativity and critical thinking
- Strengthens collaboration and workplace productivity
- Encourages deeper learning and self-awareness
By making intentional changes—such as setting boundaries for technology use, fostering in-person discussions, and prioritizing active listening—we can reclaim the lost art of conversation.
Praise for Reclaiming Conversation
Critics and Experts Weigh In
“Turkle deftly explores and explains the good and bad of this ‘flight from conversation’ while encouraging parents, teachers and bosses to champion conversation, use technology more intentionally and serve as role models.” — Success, A Best Book of 2015
“Reclaiming Conversation reminds readers what’s at stake when devices win over face-to-face conversation, and that it’s not too late to conquer those bad habits.” — Seattle Times
“In a time in which the ways we communicate and connect are constantly changing, and not always for the better, Sherry Turkle provides a much needed voice of caution and reason to help explain what the f*** is going on.” — Aziz Ansari, author of Modern Romance
Learn more
Publisher’s Website: Penguin Random House
Author’s Website: Reclaiming Conversation
This Valentine’s Day, Choose Connection Over Distraction
Love isn’t about texting heart emojis—it’s about being present. This year, instead of another predictable gift, give your partner something that strengthens your relationship: the time and attention they deserve.
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