Review of Power and Presence

[Seetha E]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Power and Presence" by Marcus T Anthony.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Marcus T. Anthony is currently an Associate Professor of Foresight and Strategy at the Beijing Institute of Technology (Zhuhai). Originally from Australia, he completed his Ph.D. at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As a keynote speaker, he conducts workshops across the globe and has authored both fiction and non-fiction books.

Dr. Anthony's writing delves into deep human consciousness, the future of humanity, and spirituality. In his latest book, Power and Presence, he explores the effects of the internet, social media, and the online world on unsuspecting individuals. He offers ways to avoid falling prey to clickbait and losing one's true self.

The book consists of eleven chapters divided into three sections. The author devotes a significant amount of time to discussing his background, from his early years to the present, which sheds light on why he is so skilled at understanding human behavior. He also talks about how past experiences and current events can influence a person's perspective and then provides mental exercises and training techniques.

The author takes us on a journey through the evolution of the online world, from its inception as a platform for quick and easy communication to its present-day versions, which come with several risks. The author supports his argument with numerous real-life examples, providing ample evidence to justify his assertion. Some instances mentioned in the book include news about a pregnant teenage girl, the hidden agenda of Pokemon Go in 2016, and reports on CNN regarding research on interpreting brain signals in monkeys. He has also shared many heartbreaking instances of online abuse that ended in fatalities. I appreciate that the author also cites the work and quotes of other researchers, which helps the reader gain a better perspective when attempting to understand the author's message.

The online world and connectivity offer immense advantages, but we are all aware of the fast-changing online atmosphere and how sensitive and personal data is researched and exploited. The author aims to create awareness and help us stay connected with our inner selves, constantly analyzing and assessing our online activity to ensure we are not being used or falling prey to being puppets on various platforms. The book introduces five pillars that offer immense promise for navigating the online world while staying true to our authentic selves. Practicing the exercises laid down by the author to strengthen the five pillars will enable us to make the most of the online world while protecting our authenticity.

I must caution readers that I found the author's writing style and layout of the book slightly too complex. I appreciated the steady flow of real-life examples. However, it resulted in the key takeaways being too far apart. Listing the subtopics within the chapters in the table of contents would have been very helpful. This aspect of the book and the number of minor errors, which did not distract my reading pace, would warrant a reduction of half a star each. Therefore, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to all adults who use the internet. It will help them navigate the challenges of the online world with the help of the exercises. I believe that teenagers are now at the greatest risk. Parents and educators can use the information in this book to guide them to practice safe and healthy internet conduct. Overall, this book provides insightful information. I request the author write a concise edition that would appeal to vulnerable teenagers.

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Power and Presence
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Power and Presence" by Marcus T Anthony.]

Marcus T. Anthony is currently an Associate Professor of Foresight and Strategy at the Beijing Institute of Technology (Zhuhai). Originally from Australia, he completed his Ph.D. at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As a keynote speaker, he conducts workshops across the globe and has authored both fiction and non-fiction books.

Dr. Anthony's writing delves into deep human consciousness, the future of humanity, and spirituality. In his latest book, Power and Presence, he explores the effects of the internet, social media, and the online world on unsuspecting individuals. He offers ways to avoid falling prey to clickbait and losing one's true self.

The author takes us on a journey through the evolution of the online world, from its inception as a platform for quick and easy communication to its present-day versions, which come with several risks. The author supports his argument with numerous real-life examples, providing ample evidence to justify his assertion. Some instances mentioned in the book include news about a pregnant teenage girl, the hidden agenda of Pokemon Go in 2016, and reports on CNN regarding research on interpreting brain signals in monkeys. He has also shared many heartbreaking instances of online abuse that ended in fatalities.

The book introduces five pillars that offer immense promise for navigating the online world while staying true to our authentic selves. Practicing the exercises laid down by the author to strengthen the five pillars will enable us to make the most of the online world while protecting our authenticity.

The Australian working at the Beijing Institute of Technology was an immediate attention getter! That is different and unexpected for me. This book has a strong title that demands to be looked at, I can appreciate that. It also sounds like it might be right up my alley in terms of content. I'm dying to know what experiences in his life gave him these incredible insights into human behavior! After having reviewed "Shame the Devil," this seems like a complimentary read into the world of internet and social media damage. Hidden agenda of Pokemon Go?! I'm off to googling - must know now, mind is blown! One of my most recent endeavors is finding ways to stay true to my authentic self, so this work really speaks to me. I enjoyed reading your well-written review as always, I think I'll definitely take a chance on this one!

[Prabhat Sunil Mathur]

It's evident that you appreciate the author's background and how it informs his understanding of human behavior. This context adds depth to the content and credibility to his insights. The book's structure, with eleven chapters divided into three sections, seems to provide a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter.

Your mention of the real-life examples used to support the author's arguments is particularly helpful. These examples not only lend credence to his points but also make the book relatable and engaging for readers. It's also commendable that the author references the work of other researchers to provide a well-rounded perspective.

[Catherine Radford]

This sounds like a very deep book, did you find it hard to read and make your way through it or does the author break it down well?

[Seetha E]

This sounds like a very deep book, did you find it hard to read and make your way through it or does the author break it down well?

The initial part took me some time, I admit. Also, the author keeps returning to his back story, which may not be appreciated by many. But, I assume he does so only to accentuate the fact that the impact a certain content may make, wholly depends on the baggage we carry from influences of the past.
Considering the fact that the vulnerable younger generation is already grappling with a lot of online nonsense, and can be easily drawn into things that are too dark. That makes this subject more relevant. Wish the author can pen the same in a compressed volume with a style that will welcome the age group between 10 to 18 too.

Thanks a lot for reading the review and expressing interest in the book.

[Bettny Andrade]

A deep book, with complex content. I think the auro was very meticulous in exposing each point, and managing to bring it all together. This type of topic is very broad and the author seems to give a complete account. Thanks for your review.

[Rob Carr]

Thank you for the interesting review. I feel there is so much risk and so much opportunity in the digital world. The technology is moving so quickly that governments just can't keep up with it from a regulatory sense.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Power and Presence" by Marcus T Anthony.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

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Marcus T. Anthony is currently an Associate Professor of Foresight and Strategy at the Beijing Institute of Technology (Zhuhai). Originally from Australia, he completed his Ph.D. at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As a keynote speaker, he conducts workshops across the globe and has authored both fiction and non-fiction books.

Dr. Anthony's writing delves into deep human consciousness, the future of humanity, and spirituality. In his latest book, Power and Presence, he explores the effects of the internet, social media, and the online world on unsuspecting individuals. He offers ways to avoid falling prey to clickbait and losing one's true self.

The book consists of eleven chapters divided into three sections. The author devotes a significant amount of time to discussing his background, from his early years to the present, which sheds light on why he is so skilled at understanding human behavior. He also talks about how past experiences and current events can influence a person's perspective and then provides mental exercises and training techniques.

The author takes us on a journey through the evolution of the online world, from its inception as a platform for quick and easy communication to its present-day versions, which come with several risks. The author supports his argument with numerous real-life examples, providing ample evidence to justify his assertion. Some instances mentioned in the book include news about a pregnant teenage girl, the hidden agenda of Pokemon Go in 2016, and reports on CNN regarding research on interpreting brain signals in monkeys. He has also shared many heartbreaking instances of online abuse that ended in fatalities. I appreciate that the author also cites the work and quotes of other researchers, which helps the reader gain a better perspective when attempting to understand the author's message.

The online world and connectivity offer immense advantages, but we are all aware of the fast-changing online atmosphere and how sensitive and personal data is researched and exploited. The author aims to create awareness and help us stay connected with our inner selves, constantly analyzing and assessing our online activity to ensure we are not being used or falling prey to being puppets on various platforms. The book introduces five pillars that offer immense promise for navigating the online world while staying true to our authentic selves. Practicing the exercises laid down by the author to strengthen the five pillars will enable us to make the most of the online world while protecting our authenticity.

I must caution readers that I found the author's writing style and layout of the book slightly too complex. I appreciated the steady flow of real-life examples. However, it resulted in the key takeaways being too far apart. Listing the subtopics within the chapters in the table of contents would have been very helpful. This aspect of the book and the number of minor errors, which did not distract my reading pace, would warrant a reduction of half a star each. Therefore, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to all adults who use the internet. It will help them navigate the challenges of the online world with the help of the exercises. I believe that teenagers are now at the greatest risk. Parents and educators can use the information in this book to guide them to practice safe and healthy internet conduct. Overall, this book provides insightful information. I request the author write a concise edition that would appeal to vulnerable teenagers.

******
Power and Presence
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

To reap the boundless fun, benefits and opportunities of the internet, we must understand its risks and how to defend against them. The formality and complexity might deter some casual readers, but it's the detail that matters.

[Anu Anand]

This sounds like a much-needed read in today’s online world. I appreciate that it offers practical tools, not just warnings. It’s helpful to know that the structure is a bit complex. A simplified version for teens would be great. Thanks for the insightful review. @Seetha E