Notes on Reclaiming Conversation

Turkle states, "In solitude we find ourselves; we prepare ourselves to come to conversation with something to say that is authentic, ours. When we are secure in ourselves we are able to listen to other people and really hear what they have to say. And then in conversation with other people we become better at inner dialogue" (p. 10). She says this as if it naturally or logically follows, but I don't see that.  Later, "it's the capacity for solitude that allows you to reach out to others and see them as separate and independent" (p. 61). Is it? How are these related? Where is the argument for this claim?  She states that psychology and neuroscience have long made this case but has not one source to prove this.

"Attachment enables solitude" (p. 65), again no proof.

So much anecdotal evidence which means nothing. Is there an argument here or just assertions and examples.



First, she needs to prove that conversation is actually declining in interest, time, stimulation, something
Second she needs to show that this is bad
Third she needs to show that it won't change over time with technology and improve itself as we figure it all out
Fourth that there is something essential in face to face conversation that needs to be reclaimed

Solitude Chapter: lots of anecdotes, no argument. Claims that Solitude is both how we find ourselves and how we develop empathy.

Self reflection: technology encourages a superficial look at ourselves. We become focused on what the data collects which can't ever be the meaningful bits. So we are the number of steps we took, the narrative of ourselves on facebook, etc. Psychoanalysis deepens conversation because it teaches us how useful it is (p. 98), Seems incredibly spurious. . .

Family
Suggests Asperger's might be caused by parental cell phone usage, p. 108
FAmily's should have time without technology so parents can be better mentors

FRiendship
Technology disrupts and changes it

Romance