Review of Terms of Service
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Hubre De Klerk
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Review of Terms of Service
[Following is a volunteer review of "Terms of Service" by Craig W. Stanfill.]
Technology is everywhere, and we are constantly looking for the newest and best models. Its creators are constantly working to enhance and modernize it. Have you ever heard the phrase that technology will eventually rule the world? This book demonstrates how everything is run through technology and under its control. Kim, the protagonist of this story, is tasked with teaching automatons how to carry out their everyday activities because they lack the capacity for independent thought. In this universe, AIs (artificial intelligence) are in charge of everything, but they must first be taught before they can take charge.
Imagine not being able to disable or snooze your alarm clock, having no control over your outfits, and only having muted, primarily beige, colors to choose from. You have no control over what you eat since everything the food manufacturer deems healthy gets thrown out of the refrigerator, which is mainly tofu. Speaking aloud or displaying emotions is strictly prohibited and will result in a stern punishment. Some of the worse rules include not being able to pick your date since they are selected for you, using drugs during intimate moments, and being required to "give over" your child to companies by the age of four if you are given permission to conceive. Would you be able to live like this? Are these guidelines and a multitude of others worth having a "perfect and peaceful" world?
Kim followed the rules and was a good citizen. She only got into trouble when Shan, her best friend, was nearby, and they indulged in their own curiosities and adventures. Kim drank vodka excessively as she struggled with loneliness and adhered to the same daily routines without change. All of this changed when Shan returned to her neighborhood in the city and they went cycling. They got into serious trouble and landed in restricted areas. Kim was given an option that wasn’t really an option, and she agreed to it by handing full control of herself to the companies. She was to become a creator and create an AI. How will this adventure turn out, and will Kim be successful? What impact will this have on her and her life?
The writing in this book was superb, with very few mistakes. Only two errors were discovered, which gives me the impression that this book underwent expert editing. While reading, I was filled with so many thoughts and feelings, and it seemed far too likely that anything like this might actually occur. I appreciate technology and how much easier it makes life for everyone, but I do think it has boundaries that it shouldn't go beyond. I can see how pushing technology frontiers might be enlightening and something to aspire towards, but this book made me realize that there should also be a stopping point.
I give Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The book was masterfully written and quite relatable, so there was no justification for revoking a star. I admired how Kim's persona evolved and how she began to raise doubts. The phrases were simple to understand and made me feel a variety of emotions. Although there was heavy drinking and drug usage in this book, it matched the theme flawlessly. I would also have to suppress my emotions while under the same kind of restraint and control as in this reality. Nothing is overtly explicit, and I would suggest this book to anyone who appreciates science fiction, technology, or the concept of a future controlled by technology. I can only imagine how draining it must be to be constantly watchful of your actions, reactions, words, and other behaviors, and having any preference at all is dangerous. Do you think a world run by technology is a possible reality, and if it is anything like in this book, would you be able to survive?
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Technology is everywhere, and we are constantly looking for the newest and best models. Its creators are constantly working to enhance and modernize it. Have you ever heard the phrase that technology will eventually rule the world? This book demonstrates how everything is run through technology and under its control. Kim, the protagonist of this story, is tasked with teaching automatons how to carry out their everyday activities because they lack the capacity for independent thought. In this universe, AIs (artificial intelligence) are in charge of everything, but they must first be taught before they can take charge.
Imagine not being able to disable or snooze your alarm clock, having no control over your outfits, and only having muted, primarily beige, colors to choose from. You have no control over what you eat since everything the food manufacturer deems healthy gets thrown out of the refrigerator, which is mainly tofu. Speaking aloud or displaying emotions is strictly prohibited and will result in a stern punishment. Some of the worse rules include not being able to pick your date since they are selected for you, using drugs during intimate moments, and being required to "give over" your child to companies by the age of four if you are given permission to conceive. Would you be able to live like this? Are these guidelines and a multitude of others worth having a "perfect and peaceful" world?
Kim followed the rules and was a good citizen. She only got into trouble when Shan, her best friend, was nearby, and they indulged in their own curiosities and adventures. Kim drank vodka excessively as she struggled with loneliness and adhered to the same daily routines without change. All of this changed when Shan returned to her neighborhood in the city and they went cycling. They got into serious trouble and landed in restricted areas. Kim was given an option that wasn’t really an option, and she agreed to it by handing full control of herself to the companies. She was to become a creator and create an AI. How will this adventure turn out, and will Kim be successful? What impact will this have on her and her life?
The writing in this book was superb, with very few mistakes. Only two errors were discovered, which gives me the impression that this book underwent expert editing. While reading, I was filled with so many thoughts and feelings, and it seemed far too likely that anything like this might actually occur. I appreciate technology and how much easier it makes life for everyone, but I do think it has boundaries that it shouldn't go beyond. I can see how pushing technology frontiers might be enlightening and something to aspire towards, but this book made me realize that there should also be a stopping point.
I give Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The book was masterfully written and quite relatable, so there was no justification for revoking a star. I admired how Kim's persona evolved and how she began to raise doubts. The phrases were simple to understand and made me feel a variety of emotions. Although there was heavy drinking and drug usage in this book, it matched the theme flawlessly. I would also have to suppress my emotions while under the same kind of restraint and control as in this reality. Nothing is overtly explicit, and I would suggest this book to anyone who appreciates science fiction, technology, or the concept of a future controlled by technology. I can only imagine how draining it must be to be constantly watchful of your actions, reactions, words, and other behaviors, and having any preference at all is dangerous. Do you think a world run by technology is a possible reality, and if it is anything like in this book, would you be able to survive?
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: In the End by Ken Saik
