The Cult of the Amateur

*The Cult of the Amateur* by Andrew Keen critiques the shift towards user-generated content on the internet, which has democratized publishing but also led to the proliferation of low-quality, unverified information. Keen argues that this "cult" undermines expertise, professionalism, and the value of traditional media, risking a decline in quality and reliability. He warns that the emphasis on amateurs and viral content can erode institutions that foster knowledge and truth, ultimately weakening society’s ability to discern truth from misinformation. The book advocates for balancing openness with critical standards to preserve quality and integrity.