Wasting time on the Internet

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Using clear, accessible prose, conceptual artist and poet Kenneth Goldsmith’s manifesto redefines our internet experiences as productive and creative, situating them within a theoretical and philosophical framework. Goldsmith encourages a rethinking of the internet, challenging the guilt many feel after spending hours online. He argues that, unlike traditional media, the internet fosters active engagement, enhancing our social interactions, creativity, and productivity. His course at the University of Pennsylvania, titled “Wasting Time on the Internet,” garnered significant media attention, with major outlets expressing shock and curiosity about his ideas. Goldsmith’s insights resonate because they are subversive and shareable. He expands on the notion that our digital lives are reshaping human experiences; what seems like “wasting time” actually cultivates collaboration and transforms how we read and write. The internet challenges traditional concepts of authority and authenticity, placing us in a unique state of focus and flow conducive to creativity. Goldsmith suggests that this creative potential will shape narratives of the twenty-first century. Engaging, counterintuitive, and unpredictable—much like the internet itself—this manifesto offers a fresh perspective on our digital lives.