On March 2, Best-Selling Author Nicholas Carr to Explore the Ubiquity of Technology

With themes from 'The Circle' – this year’s Common Reading selection – as guide, Carr will examine the intersection of humanity and technology

Sabrina Polin ’17
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BRISTOL, R.I. – In a world in which documenting everyday life in snapshots and status updates posted for public view on the web is the norm, while corporations freely collect and share information culled from online identities, the debate remains open: Does the ubiquitous digitization of society helps us or harm us?

To explore both sides of the issue, – a Pulitzer Prize finalist and the New York Times bestselling author of and – will visit 51to discuss the intersection of humanity and technology, themes identified in this year’s Common Reading selection: ’ novel, . His presentation will be held on Monday, March 2, at 7 p.m. in the Campus Recreation Center Fieldhouse.

Called an “exceedingly lucid” speaker and one of the “100 Most Influential People in IT”, Carr speaks across the world on information technology, the culture of innovation and business strategy.

While The Circle – a novel set in the near future about a young woman who obtains a job at the world’s most powerful internet company, ultimately trading secrets about her and her family members and friends for competition and success within the company – raises questions about privacy and identity, Carr focuses on how technology (and the Internet in particular) affects the way people think, act and live.

In his presentation at 51– titled “From The Circle to The Glass Cage: The Intersection of Technology & Humanity” – Carr will challenge conceptions of technology and demand we rethink how computerization benefits us all. A book signing will immediately follow the presentation.

An annual tradition at RWU, the Common Reading program has first-year students, faculty and staff read a selected text and engage in discussions on the book. The program is part of the University’s First Year Experience initiative, which this year has a theme of Adaptation and Change.

Attendance at the Nicholas Carr event is required for first-year students. The event is open to the entire 51community, with limited seats available to the greater community. Depending on attendance, some attendees may be seated in an overflow location.