Susan Pinker

Face-to-face interactions matter. That is the conclusion Susan Pinker draws from her extensive review of the research conducted in the fields of social cognition and neuroscience. Live interactions with people promote health, happiness, and learning. The same effects are not obtained through electronic contact with others. The many examples and research results included in the book and Pinker’s engaging writing style make for fascinating reading. Those interested in business, health care, show more education, and parenting will find in the book much that is interesting and useful. The extensive research Pinker cites supports the argument that screen time is not a substitute for face time. show less

The data the book is based on is really interesting, and the idea that scientific facts must come before what is considered "politically correct" in any given period is important.

However, the data is dispersed in 270 pages, while it could have been related much more clearly in 100 or less. The rest is repetitions, interviews of doubtful value, and more repetitions.
I was thankful when I finished the book: enough of the same stuff already!
As a consequence, the weakest aspect of the book is the show more actual proof that the data is *not* due to a cultural bias, but is rather biological. I am personally convinced if this, but I couldn't in honesty say that the book proves it in any convincing way. There's little discussion of the proposed relevant evidence - and it is scattered around.

Still, interesting read. show less

If you needed more proof that you really can't change your husband into a more considerate, warm and caring partner, this book provides it. I don't completely buy conclusions, but interesting read nonetheless.

I am not a causal identification maniac, and I find descriptive stuff interesting, but I am frustrated by presentation of statistical associations followed by suggestive or explicit causal language, even if occasionally accompanied by acknowledging other possibilities and selection issues. Susan Pinker is not the worst offender in this regard that I have come across, but a pretty serious offender she is. In particular with all the talk about "the female effect" and the effects of marriage , show more but often also casually, as with "the effect of eating dinner together". I accept much of her message that face-to-face social interactions are important and perhaps undervalued in today's society, the problem is that this is almost lost in hyperbole and one-sided interpretation. Not recommended. show less