Smoke & Mirrors: How Hype Obscures the Future and How to See Past It

An insightful guide to cutting through the hype (and idealism) that blinds us in the world of science and technology. Gemma Milne looks at nine different areas of research, from feeding the world to cures for cancer, and reveals how we're prevented from seeing what is really going on in the world, and held back from making real progress.

'Couldn't be more timely. Fascinating and vitally important'
Jamie Bartlett, author of THE PEOPLE VS TECH

'A much-needed blast of fresh air! Gemma Milne expertly shows us how to separate the truth from the hype surrounding the emerging techs of today, and those of the near-tomorrow.'
Lewis Dartnell, author of ORIGINS: HOW THE EARTH MADE US

'I loved this book! This is exactly the sort of sceptical, cut-through-the crap-but-still-excited-about-what's-emerging book around tech innovation that's sorely needed, yet is so hard to find . . . essential reading for anyone who's serious about how real-world advances might be effectively harnessed to build a better future.'
Dr Andrew Maynard, scientist and author of FILMS FROM THE FUTURE and FUTURE RISING

'SMOKE & MIRRORS is a vital contribution in a world where technological progress promises so much, but too often disappoints. If, like me, you believe that advances in science and technology are our best hope for solving the grand challenges of our times, this book is the indispensable guide to avoiding the mirages and the charlatans along the way.'
Matt Clifford, co-founder and CEO of Entrepreneur First

'A refreshingly grown-up, clear-headed look at the interaction between science, technology and the media - readable without being dumbed down, acknowledging complexities without being heavy.'
Tom Chivers, author of THE AI DOES NOT HATE YOU

'In this book, we see technological hype for what it is: not mere exuberance, but a form of attention-seeking. As some technological hucksters stake claims on our future and try to foreclose alternatives, we need strong defences. Gemma Milne offers a spotter's guide to hype, using science to bring speculation down to earth. People inside and outside the world of technological innovation need this book.'
Jack Stilgoe, author of WHO'S DRIVING INNOVATION?

'ROBOTS WILL STEAL YOUR JOB!'

'AI WILL REVOLUTIONISE FARMING!'

'GENETIC EDITING WILL CURE CANCER!'

Bombastic headlines about science and technology are nothing new. To cut through the constant stream of information and misinformation on social media, or grab the attention of investors, or convince governments to take notice, strident headlines or bold claims seem necessary to give complex, nuanced information some wow factor.

But hype has a dark side, too.

It can mislead. It can distract. It can blinker us from seeing what is actually going on.

From AI, quantum computing and brain implants, to cancer drugs, future foods and fusion energy, science and technology journalist Gemma Milne