Nicholas Carr's 'Superbloom' explores how technology divides us

A thought-provoking analysis of media’s unintended consequences.

Illustration by Stella Levi

By Novanka Laras and Sarah Oktaviany

Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart, by Nicholas Carr

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Nicholas Carr’s Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart offers a nuanced exploration of the paradoxical impact of mass media throughout history. From the invention of the telegraph to the rise of social media, Carr argues that each technological innovation, initially heralded as a unifying force, has often produced unintended consequences, fostering division rather than harmony.

Carr’s latest work continues his tradition of critical media analysis, building on themes explored in his 2010 bestseller, The Shallows. While Superbloom delivers insightful commentary on the human and societal impact of communication technologies, its final chapters, which delve into artificial intelligence and deepfakes, lack the depth and authority of earlier sections. Nonetheless, the book remains a compelling study of how our tools shape our world—and not always for the better.

Carr begins by addressing the enduring optimism surrounding new technologies. Historically, each advancement has been accompanied by utopian dreams: that faster communication would promote understanding, that greater access to information would enhance democracy, and that connectivity would foster empathy and collaboration. Yet, as Carr illustrates, reality often falls short of these ideals.

The problem, he argues, lies in human nature. While communication technologies are ingeniously designed, they are ultimately wielded by people—flawed, emotional, and prone to both generosity and envy. Rather than fostering unity, these technologies often amplify our baser instincts, from gullibility to hysteria. Carr highlights this dichotomy with examples that span centuries, emphasizing how human behavior consistently undermines the lofty promises of technological progress.

Carr’s historical analysis is one of Superbloom’s strengths. He examines the telegraph’s introduction in the 19th century, an innovation celebrated for its potential to usher in global peace. Nikola Tesla himself envisioned the wireless telegraph as a means to “abolish war.” However, the telegraph’s speed inadvertently escalated tensions during the 1914 crisis following Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination. Diplomatic communications, once conducted thoughtfully over weeks, devolved into rapid-fire ultimatums and threats. The result was the outbreak of World War I—a sobering reminder of how technology can inflame conflicts rather than resolve them.

Carr draws a parallel between the telegraph and today’s social media. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter, designed to foster connection, have instead become breeding grounds for outrage, misinformation, and division. Carr specifically critiques the algorithms that curate social media feeds, which prioritize emotionally charged content to maximize user engagement. These algorithms, he argues, do not manipulate users against their will but rather feed into their desires, creating a cycle of overindulgence and addiction.

“It’s important to be honest about our own complicity,” Carr writes. “We’re not being manipulated to act in opposition to our desires. We’re being given what we want, in quantities so generous we can’t resist gorging ourselves.”

The book’s title, Superbloom, refers to a phenomenon that unfolded in Southern California in 2019 when poppies bloomed in extraordinary abundance. Social media influencers, drawn by the aesthetic allure of the event, turned it into a viral spectacle, encouraging hordes of selfie-takers to descend on the area. What began as a natural marvel quickly spiraled into chaos. Roads were clogged, flowers were trampled, and online debates erupted over the environmental damage caused by the crowds.

Carr uses this incident as a metaphor for the perpetual deluge of messages in the digital age. Just as the superbloom was destroyed by those who sought to capture its beauty, the constant flow of information in our hyper-connected world overwhelms our ability to process and understand it. “Attention splinters, understanding grows thin,” he writes. “Rather than leveling barriers to knowledge and sympathy, communication itself becomes a barrier.”

Carr does not shy away from addressing the political implications of communication technologies. He critiques social media’s role in shaping public discourse, pointing to the 2016 U.S. presidential election as a turning point in the public’s perception of Silicon Valley. While some blamed tech companies for enabling the spread of misinformation, Carr emphasizes that the platforms merely catered to user demand for sensational and polarizing content.

However, Carr’s own biases occasionally seep into his analysis. His disparaging remarks about figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk risk alienating readers who might otherwise find common ground in his broader arguments. Additionally, his failure to address the influence of platforms like TikTok—operated by China—leaves a notable gap in his discussion of global media dynamics.

In its final chapters, Superbloom shifts focus to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and deepfakes. While these sections are timely, they lack the depth and rigor of earlier chapters. Carr raises important questions about the ethical implications of these technologies but offers few concrete insights or solutions. As a result, the book’s conclusion feels underdeveloped, particularly when compared to its compelling historical analysis.

Despite its shortcomings, Superbloom succeeds in challenging readers to rethink their relationship with technology. Carr’s central argument—that human nature is the ultimate obstacle to the utopian promises of communication technologies—is both provocative and persuasive. By examining historical precedents and contemporary trends, he underscores the need for greater accountability and self-awareness in how we use these tools.

Nicholas Carr’s Superbloom is a thought-provoking exploration of the unintended consequences of communication technologies. Through vivid storytelling and incisive analysis, Carr demonstrates how tools designed to connect us often deepen divisions and exacerbate societal challenges.

While the book falters in its final chapters, its core message remains resonant: true connection cannot be engineered through technology alone. As we navigate an era of unprecedented connectivity, Superbloom serves as a timely reminder of the importance of reflection, restraint, and a deeper understanding of human nature.

In a world awash with information, Carr’s work offers a much-needed pause for thought—and a powerful call to consider the ways in which we might better use the tools at our disposal.

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