The Writer Who Dared Criticize Silicon Valley
Paulina Borsook's 1999 book, Cyberselfish, is gaining popularity 25 years after its release, as it predicted the negative consequences of Silicon Valley's love for libertarianism. The book was initially ignored and written off as overly skeptical, but its dire predictions are now being recognized as prophetic. Borsook's work is finding fans among those who believe the tech world has lost its way, including residents of Silicon Valley itself.
- ▪Paulina Borsook's book Cyberselfish was published in 1999 and predicted the negative consequences of Silicon Valley's love for libertarianism.
- ▪The book was initially ignored and written off as overly skeptical, but its predictions are now being recognized as prophetic.
- ▪A 2024 poll found that more than two-thirds of Silicon Valley residents believe tech companies have partially or completely misplaced their moral compass.
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| Original publisher | Nytimes |
| Canonical URL | https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/technology/writer-silicon-valley-criticism.html |
| Publication time | Fri, 22 May 2026 07:44:26 +0000 |
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You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load.The Writer Who Dared Criticize Silicon ValleyPaulina Borsook’s “Cyberselfish,” which offered dire predictions about the tech world’s love for libertarianism, is finding fans. It only took 25 years.Paulina Borsook in Berkeley, Calif. Her 1999 book, “Cyberselfish,” was largely ignored and written off as overly skeptical of Silicon Valley at the time.Credit...Bryan Meltz for The New York TimesSkip to contentSkip to site indexThe Writer Who Dared Criticize Silicon ValleyPaulina Borsook’s “Cyberselfish,” which offered dire predictions about the tech world’s love for libertarianism, is finding fans. It only took 25 years.Paulina Borsook in Berkeley, Calif.
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