Digital Inferno: Using Technology Consciously in Your Life and Work: 101 Ways to Survive and Thrive in a Hyperconnected World - Softcover

Levy, Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1905570740 ISBN 13: 9781905570744

Publisher: Clairview Books, 2014

Synopsis

How many times do you check something on the internet and find that you are merely drifting aimlessly from one link to another? If you cannot not answer the phone when it rings; if you spend hours a week on social media if you read your texts instead of kissing your loved one goodnight; if you don’t give your kids proper attention and instead have to prioritize new responses to your tweet... this book is for you.

The digital world is spreading like an inferno―a swirling hot storm of change, possibility, addiction, passion, manipulation, creativity, and abuse. It demands our attention and encourages us to be always on for its constant updates and feedback. It is exciting but can also overwhelm us. Moreover, it is developing more quickly than our ability to deal with it in a healthy way.

To adherents of digital living and working, any criticism is uncool, a sign of being out of touch―a luddite.

Refreshingly, Digital Inferno is neither simple indictment nor unqualified endorsement. Rather, it’s about holding your own in the digital realm―adapting in a healthy way to the new reality. It offers a conscious path that allows us to derive the benefits we need while also managing the dangers. Packed with a wealth of practical advice, Digital Inferno describes numerous methods that enable us to step back from constant digital activity and virtual living, allowing more space and time to pay attention to the real world. Included are exercises to overcome fatigue arising from digital technology and to develop skills that enable us to remain awake and aware. Crucially, we can master the digital realm and abstain from contact, and when necessary, also freely immerse ourselves when we choose to.

We don’t need to shun new technology, but we do need to understand its challenges, problems, and limitations. This book provides tools we can all use to meet the future consciously.

About this title

About the Author

PAUL LEVY is a writer, facilitator and founder of digital publication FringeReview. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Research in Innovation Management (CENTRIM) at the University of Brighton in the UK, and co-author of several books on innovation, technology and change, including E:Quality and Technosophy. Paul was Head of Interaction at the Digital Workplace Group, and has worked with the digital realm for over thirty years, using technology in the fields of business training and organisational theatre. He lives with his family in Brighton, England.

Review

'This book is visionary and practical and both are needed at this time as the digital inferno spreads, setting fire to more and more elements of daily life.' - Tom Bourner, Emeritus Professor of Personal and Professional Development, University of Brighton, co-author of Workshops That Work 'An exciting book, full of hope for the future. By applying the concept of mindfulness to digital interactions, Paul Levy shows how we can get the most out of technology without losing touch with our essential humanity. Great stuff - thoughtful, insightful and very timely.' - Sue Palmer, author of Toxic Childhood 'An insightful guide for those seeking to consciously navigate the noise and confusion of the digital age.' - Daniel T. Jones, author of The Machine That Changed The World and founder of the Lean Enterprise Academy 'A fascinating and thought-provoking survey of our digital times.' - Cliff McNish, author of The Doomspell Trilogy 'Our generation is gradually noticing the subtle effects of digital media in our lives. There are no clear answers as the effects are generative and emergent but it is useful to be mindful of the path we are creating. Paul Levy's book is an eye opener. It is written with precision and full of insights on this ongoing interplay between people and technology. It is a great book for anyone keen to regain control of their relationship with gadgets and digital media in general.' - Professor John Baptista, Associate Professor of Information Systems, University of Warwick 'A fascinating, moving and practical dance of content exploring what awfully is and what awe fully might be as human civilization embraces digital virtuality. Brilliantly conceived and written.' - Angus Jenkinson, author of From Stress to Serenity, Chief Organising Officer of the Civil Society Forum

Edition details

• Publisher: Clairview Books
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1905570740
• ISBN 13: 9781905570744
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208