I noticed that people are doing a lot of 'googling' before a first date nowadays - this represents the real trend. Poindexter's doing this and DARPA allowed him to do it for the propaganda that someone's serious about cyberwar someplace.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He notes that people now Google before first dates, seeing it as a real trend, and mentions DARPA’s involvement in cyberwar propaganda.
- In plain terms
- People Google before dates; it's a trend, and DARPA uses similar tactics for cyberwar propaganda.
- What can you take from it?
- Digital background checks have become normal in personal interactions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is it appropriate to research someone online?
- How does this affect authenticity?
Another view
Not all pre‑date research is harmful; motivations vary.
More from Bruce Sterling
I like to get paid for doing basic research, so it's pleasant to write some nonfiction about it.
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