In politics, the teleputer [networked computer] will break the bondage of public opinion.
Predictor: Gilder, George
Prediction, in context:In a 1994 article he wrote for National Review, George Gilder, a fellow of the Discovery Institute in Seattle and author of “Life After Television,” expounds on his views of future communications. He writes: ”In politics, the teleputer [networked computer] will break the bondage of public opinion. As Walter Lippman showed some 60 years ago, public opinion is mostly a myth. People do not truly hold enduring opinions on most of the subjects on which they are surveyed. Unlike votes, opinions are not even remotely equal, as polls assume. Knowledgeable views are incomparably more significant than the statistical figments of bogus majorities. On most issues, the public en masse possesses not opinions, but impressions.”
Biography:George Gilder was a pioneer the formulation of the theory of supply-side economics. In his major book “Microcosm” (1989), he explored the quantum roots of the new electronic technologies. His book “Life After Television,” published by W.W. Norton (1992), is a prophecy of computers and telecommunications displacing the broadcast-TV empire. He followed it with another classic, “Telecosm.” (Futurist/Consultant.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1994
Topic of prediction: Global Relationships/Politics
Subtopic: Democracy
Name of publication: National Review
Title, headline, chapter name: Net Gains: Information, Technology & Culture; Breaking the Box
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Pages 37-43
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney