“This book is a captivating review of important computing developments. Many things talked about as new today have been around for a long time. Much can be learned from the past. The book also teaches a careful and consistent method that enables the reader to do this kind of work as the need arises. The book suggests the need will arise.”
— John Leslie King, Emeritus Professor, University of Michigan
“Are you feeling happy about the role of information technology in the world today? You should read this book for a dose of reality. Are you in despair about it? This book is the prescription for that condition, too! Nobody else could cover the landscape as Ron Baecker does.”
– Clayton Lewis, Emeritus Professor, University of Colorado
“A remarkable review of how well-intentioned technology dreams can become digital nightmares. Ron Baecker fluently covers contemporary issues like e-commerce, online community, self-driving cars, disinformation, unemployment, and human-centered AI, reporting on the history and key personalities, while giving a balanced view so readers can form their own opinions. Then he makes bold recommended actions for readers to help make a better world.”
— Ben Shneiderman, Emeritus Professor, University of Maryland
“Ron Baecker’s book explains both good and bad attributes of new technology, citing causes and effects, anecdotes, history, and many facts, together with charming illustrations. It stresses making computer science ethical; this foundation for teaching the discipline is usually missing. The book is a significant contribution to the ongoing discussion of practical, useful techniques, as well a cogent analysis of how we got here, where we are, and where we are going.”
— Aaron Marcus, User-experience design pioneer
“Digital Dreams Have Become Nightmares: Here’s What to Do works provides a fascinating and thorough history of digital technology. It also explores the many ways technological advancements have turned against us. Third, and most importantly for me, it provides plenty of proverbial food for thought and ideas. If I was looking for the next “big idea” in digital technology, or to develop an app that helps rather than hinders, this book is a must-read.”
— Dwight Wainman, Co-founder and long-time CEO, Caseware International
“In documenting his personal journey from dreams and exuberant optimism about computer technology to pessimism, nightmares, and fear caused by the growing reality of negative consequences of the invasion of computer technology in all aspects of modern lifer over the past 75 years. Ron Baecker has provided a comprehensive historical sweep of the computer revolution. In Part I he chronicles the high hopes of early developers to create technological solutions to disparities in healthcare and education, to increase creativity, collaboration, and community, and to provide greater power and convenience to all. Part II of the book examines the resulting nightmares of algorithmic injustices, greater inequities, disinformation, loss of privacy, unemployment, increase of monopolistic power, individual psychological damage and the growing threat posed by premature adoption of AI technologies.
Full of engaging case studies and stories of computer pioneers, the most unique aspect of the book is Section III where Baecker lays out a set of concrete actions in work and civic life that can be taken by individuals to protect themselves and society from the negative consequences of unchecked technology.”
— C. Dianne Martin, Professor, George Washington University and the University of North Carolina
Ron Baecker 