Living Under Sick Machines and Other Essays

The text, authored by the writer of T.A.Z., offers a strong critique of media and the internet, describing them as "sick machines" created by capitalist forces that divert our attention from genuine human connections, art, and life. It advocates for "Immediatism" as a strategy to regain control over our media, rather than being controlled by it. The text goes on to explore various historical examples of cultural and social structures, such as Chinese secret societies, tribal potlatches, Dadaism, and non-hierarchical organizations, highlighting the need for non-authoritarian approaches. The author, often associated with cyberpunk, harshly examines the technological obsession of our time, where excessive communication has led to its own breakdown. While acknowledging the utility of technology like computers, video, radio, and printing, the text warns against becoming overly dependent on them, as they can isolate us from genuine, physical human interaction and must not overpower our essential, natural selves.