Review of Born Digital: The Story of a Distracted Generation

[Christabel Uzoamaka]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Born Digital: The Story of a Distracted Generation" by Robert Wigley.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Generation Z is a generation with no memory of what life was like before technology. Technology has made life easier for man, but no one can deny the risks that come with it. Technology is said to allow seamless communication and connectivity. But in reality, we have become distracted and disconnected from the real world; this is especially true for Generation Zers. In Born Digital: The Story of a Distracted Generation, Robert Wigley addresses the positive and negative effects that technology has had on the world, with a special focus on Generation Z. In this book, the author analyzes present trends, likely future trends, and ways to combat the negative effects of technology.

As a tech investor, who is in contact with many Gen Zers, and the father of three Gen Zers, Robert Wigley is knowledgeable about this topic. But he still did his research. Almost every point the author made was backed up by verifiable sources. As a Gen Zer, a lot of things he wrote also made sense to me. I could not help nodding when the author mentioned that we are much more concerned about climate change than any other generation. But when he mentioned that we have become jugglers and struggle with doing deep work because of the constant multitasking and speed with which we work, I felt the prick and knew he was right.

The author’s objectivity was commendable. He wrote the book in four parts; it made the information orderly and helped my understanding. He introduced Gen Z, mentioned the positive and negative effects of technology, and explained the trends among Gen Zers. By the time he offered solutions to combat the negatives in the last part, I was engrossed and found them intelligent. Each chapter took on a new topic; readers may find “Let’s Talk About the Juggler’s Brain” a favorite. I especially appreciated that the author used input from Gen Zers (interviews), whose experiences allowed me to relate better to the messages.

I did not, however, care for the way the author continuously used the phrase “our children...” (directed to parents about Gen Zers). This limits the wide range of audiences that this book should typically have. It is not only parents who need to read this book; tech executives, Gen Zers, government officials, and anyone who cares about the upward movement of technology should also read this book because of the awareness it creates on the activities of Big tech companies and how they are steering everyone's attention. This issue concerns everyone and not just parents. Also, while the research was great, it sometimes overshadowed the author’s voice and his original thoughts. I would have liked to read more of the author’s ideas.

Some of the suggestions the writer gives are ones that only big tech companies and the government can implement. It felt gratifying that the author put a lot of responsibility on institutions to create technology that focuses on humans’ welfare and not money. I did not mind the author’s occasional repetitiveness, and the minor issues I explained earlier do not warrant removing a star, so my rating is 4 out of 4. Robert Wigley is not the first to notice that technology may be doing a lot of harm, but he has made a comprehensive review of technology and how to make it better for coming generations.

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Born Digital: The Story of a Distracted Generation
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[M Tri mulyanto]

I like reading this book because it tells about the impact of current and future technological changes on the next generation

[Aisha Yakub]

Absolutely great. It isn't enough to state harms; methods of preventing these harms should be discussed as much as the harms are. Glad the author did this. Thank you for your review.

[ChampagneSon]

Very informative and straightforward. As a Gen Zer, I am compelled to read this book and educate myself. Thank you for this great review.

[Amiczy Heaven]

It is true that we have become disconnected from the real world. Sometimes I wonder what life was like when there was no technology. Nice review.

[MUHAMMAD ARSLAN 13]

I think that it is right
We have no need to depend on technology too much

[Mary Lou Mills]

This sounds like a must read for everyone especially parents.

[County 700]

This is a good book for every one who does not aware the upcoming era.

[Shridhar Suryawanshi]

I agree with what you said about technology. Thanks for the lovely review.

[Wee Bee]

Nice to know that OBC is up to date with the contemporary problems, meaning that there are lots of actual problems/themes to explore in books that are part of the platform.

[nerdychikka]

Wow, what an insightful review. I especially loved how you addressed the negative part of this book.

[Eva brook]

The book is a current one that perfectly describes our generation and our need for technology. A great review for a open minding book.

[Beatrice Ochieng]

As a parent who is constantly wondering how technology is impacting my children, and also how we as adults are embracing technology, this sounds like a good read, thank you for the informative review.

[Sarah Sonbol]

Despite the benefits, it is clear that the modern technology has its downsides, especially to children and their reactions to the real world. I think the book is really important as it offers solutions to a problem that has a great impact on all of us. Great review.

[Korie Ifeoma Chisomaga]

Everyone will benefit immensely from this book if they are willing to admit that they need help. Thank you for the review.