Agents of the Internet Apocalypse | Wayne Gladstone | Talks at Google

TL;DR

A satire about a world without the internet and the struggles people face as they try to recreate their online experiences in real life.

Transcript

WAYNE GLADSTONE: Thanks for having me here. I appreciate it. Just wanted to start off by congratulating you all for being Google employees. I also at one point wanted to be a Google employee. I even submitted a resume. I kind of feel my application probably never made it past the review of my Google search history. Could probably get a job at Bing ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😀 The novel satirizes society's dependency on the internet and explores the difficulties people face when it suddenly disappears.
• 💨 The protagonist embarks on a mission to find the internet, encountering various characters along the way who contribute to the satirical nature of the story.
• 🎮 The book addresses themes of control, censorship, and the impact of technology on society.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the premise of "Agents of the Internet Apocalypse"?

"Agents of the Internet Apocalypse" is a satirical novel set in a world where the internet suddenly disappears, following the story of Gladstone as he searches for it.

Q: Who are some of the key characters in the book?

Key characters include Gladstone, Toby, an Australian webcam girl, Jeeves (a psychic librarian turned human search engine), Quiff Monster 42 (a character claiming to be anonymous royalty), and Special Agent Rowsdower (responsible for finding the internet).

Q: How does the internet disappearance affect people in the story?

The disappearance of the internet creates panic and confusion among people who do not know how to live without it. Many try to recreate their online experiences in real life, leading to humorous and satirical situations.

Q: What is the significance of the book being part of a trilogy?

The book is part of a trilogy that explores the idea of a world without the internet, examining the impact it has on society and the challenges people face. The subsequent books delve deeper into the consequences and offer resolution to the story.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The protagonist, Gladstone, embarks on a mission to find the internet in a world where it suddenly disappears.

• Gladstone's investigation is joined by his friend Toby and an Australian webcam girl as they encounter various characters and obstacles along the way.

• The story explores the effects of living without the internet and the implications of its disappearance.