'Threat Talk' exposes how US and Chinese scientists and policy-makers have understood and responded to the problem of internet addiction in their societies. Is the internet good or bad for society? American analysts like Lessig and Zittrain suggest that the internet is inherently liberating and positive for society, while Morozov and Sageman warn that the internet poses risks to citizens and societies. Using a comparative framework to illustrate how the two states differ in their assessments of the risks to citizens posed by the introduction of new technology, Mary Manjikian compellingly argues that both 'risk' and 'disease' are ideas which are understood differently at different historic periods and in different cultures. Her culturalist approach claims that the internet is neither inherently helpful, nor inherently threatening. Rather, its role and the dangers it poses may be understood differently by different societies. Is the internet good or bad for society? The answer, it appears, is 'it depends'.

You cant just reveal something related to the future and then say you cant tell me what it means, Han put to Master Li. Sorry, Li replied. The future is tricky stuff ... if I tell you... I know, Han shot back. Youll upset the natural flow of time. The future doesnt exist. Its made up of probabilities! That doesnt help us. Were in the middle of a crisis! Han is right, Michael added. You must tell us something, Master Li. Our friends lives are at stake. Im not even suppose to be looking at the future when I walk the timeline! Li protested. I only meant to help... Then you leave us no choice but to suffer our fate, Han said, resigned. Chance is all we ever have when fate is concerned, Li pointed out. Perhaps not... if you can figure things out in time... master strategist, Michael suggested. We can only hope, Han said. I have a bad feeling, Michael... this time will be different.