DL 335

The Act of Looking

Welcome to Digitally Literate, issue #335.

Last week, I joined Bryan Alexander on the Future Trends Forum for a fascinating conversation about edtech, badges, and the lessons of Google+. Watch it here.

🔖 Key Takeaways

• Facing Shadows: Revisiting Plato’s cave as a metaphor for our digital reality.
• The Power of Iconic Imagery: Kim Phúc’s reflections on the lasting impact of being “Napalm Girl.”
• Productivity Beyond Metrics: Collaboration, not output, is the new frontier.

📚 This Week’s Highlights

1. Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

Plato’s timeless allegory offers a powerful lens to reflect on how we perceive reality. Are we merely observing shadows, or are we turning toward the light?
Why this matters: In the age of curated feeds and algorithmic influence, Plato’s allegory feels more relevant than ever.

2. It’s Been 50 Years. I Am Not “Napalm Girl” Anymore.

Kim Phúc, known to the world as “Napalm Girl,” shares her perspective on the iconic photograph that shaped her life and the world’s perception of war.
Why this matters: Phúc’s reflections challenge us to confront the human cost of conflict and the ethical dilemmas of sharing graphic imagery.

3. The January 6 Hearings Are Fighting for Your Attention

Amid competing distractions, the January 6 hearings struggled to capture the attention they deserved.
Why this matters: In an era of disinformation and divided media ecosystems, the battle for attention is as important as the battle for truth.

4. Why Isn’t New Technology Making Us More Productive?

While AI and cloud computing promise greater productivity, the broad economic payoff remains elusive.
Why this matters: The true potential of technology lies in fostering collaboration and breaking down silos—not just automating tasks.

5. The Democracy of the Future

Tomas Pueyo explores how decentralized networks might reshape governance, drawing lessons from Wikipedia, peer review, and ant colonies.
Why this matters: As nation-states face new challenges, technology offers a blueprint for more participatory, decentralized systems.

6. When DRM Comes for Your Wheelchair

The spread of digital rights management (DRM) to essential devices like wheelchairs highlights the urgent need for consumer rights legislation.
Why this matters: The fight for the right to repair is about more than convenience—it’s about autonomy and dignity.

🛠️ DO: Strengthen Your Vagus Nerve

How to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve for Better Mental Health
The vagus nerve plays a vital role in emotional stability and resilience. Techniques to strengthen it include:

• Cold exposure
• Deep breathing
• Singing, laughing, or humming
• Probiotics and gut health
• Regular exercise

Why this matters: Taking care of your vagus nerve can improve mental health and overall well-being.

🌟 Closing Reflection

“We’re looking at shadows on the cave walls. Let’s turn around to see the light that is casting these shadows.”
— Plato

Reflect and Engage

• How do we reconcile the tension between iconic imagery’s emotional impact and ethical considerations of sharing?
• What steps can we take to shift the focus of productivity from individual output to collective collaboration?
• Can decentralized systems truly replace traditional governance?

Thank you for reading Digitally Literate. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions. Connect with me at hello@digitallyliterate.net or explore Newsletter Index for all past issues.