The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
kimmeyer's review against another edition
3.0
I love the Note to Self podcast, so I think I encountered the same problem here that I often have with books written by podcast hosts or bloggers: I had already heard the content. That said, this book is simplistic but motivational, and the variety of sources that Manoush speaks to provide some interesting research backing.
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
4.0
well researched and put together, convincing evidence for not letting our devices rule our lives. definitely interested in learning more about my phone usage especially and how to fully tune in in a world filled with digital distraction. heard about this one on the By the Book podcast.
debi_g's review against another edition
3.0
I adore Manoush and her podcast, so I'm happy to have supported Zamorodi with the purchase of this book, but I was looking for more than a compilation of what I've already listened to on Note to Self over the years.
angiesix's review against another edition
4.0
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Netgalley.
Have you ever felt that tinge of guilt when you pick up your phone for a mindless scroll, knowing there are better things you can be doing with your time? Have you ever said, âJust one more game and then Iâll go to bed.â Do you ever worry that youâre setting a bad example for your kids when it comes to smartphone usage, saying one thing and yet doing another? Do you feel like you have 15 apps to make your life more productive, but you canât focus long enough to use any of them or remember what, exactly, needs the most attention in the first place? Manoush Zomorodi, host of WNYCâs podcast Note to Self (for those âtrying to preserve their humanity in the digital ageâ), felt all of these things and more. She was concerned that her dependence on tech to fill in the space made by boredom was affecting her creativity and ability to concentrate, and so she proposed a challenge to her podcast listeners. The âBored and Brilliant Challengeâ was a one-week experiment in reassessing phone use, partially unplugging, confronting boredom, and exploring our creative side. The challenge touched a nerve, with thousands of participants chiming in on their experiences.
In the Bored and Brilliant book, Zomorodi leads the reader through the 7-step Challenge. Each chapter addresses a technology issue, discusses the up and downsides, and gives the reader an assignment, such as deleting the one app you think you canât live without, keeping your phone out of sight while in transit, and going a day without taking a photo. Itâs not an anti-technology book, but instead it provides a way for us to take some small steps away from technology and reassess how and where it belongs in our life. I havenât taken my own Bored and Brilliant Challenge yet, but I fully intend to (and hope to convince the teen to do it with me). With its mix of personal stories, interesting research, and easily implementable ideas, Bored and Brilliant is an excellent resource for anyone who struggles with our increasing dependence on smartphones in this digital age.
Have you ever felt that tinge of guilt when you pick up your phone for a mindless scroll, knowing there are better things you can be doing with your time? Have you ever said, âJust one more game and then Iâll go to bed.â Do you ever worry that youâre setting a bad example for your kids when it comes to smartphone usage, saying one thing and yet doing another? Do you feel like you have 15 apps to make your life more productive, but you canât focus long enough to use any of them or remember what, exactly, needs the most attention in the first place? Manoush Zomorodi, host of WNYCâs podcast Note to Self (for those âtrying to preserve their humanity in the digital ageâ), felt all of these things and more. She was concerned that her dependence on tech to fill in the space made by boredom was affecting her creativity and ability to concentrate, and so she proposed a challenge to her podcast listeners. The âBored and Brilliant Challengeâ was a one-week experiment in reassessing phone use, partially unplugging, confronting boredom, and exploring our creative side. The challenge touched a nerve, with thousands of participants chiming in on their experiences.
In the Bored and Brilliant book, Zomorodi leads the reader through the 7-step Challenge. Each chapter addresses a technology issue, discusses the up and downsides, and gives the reader an assignment, such as deleting the one app you think you canât live without, keeping your phone out of sight while in transit, and going a day without taking a photo. Itâs not an anti-technology book, but instead it provides a way for us to take some small steps away from technology and reassess how and where it belongs in our life. I havenât taken my own Bored and Brilliant Challenge yet, but I fully intend to (and hope to convince the teen to do it with me). With its mix of personal stories, interesting research, and easily implementable ideas, Bored and Brilliant is an excellent resource for anyone who struggles with our increasing dependence on smartphones in this digital age.
whitmc's review against another edition
5.0
Have been a big fan of Zomorodi for years via Note to Self and listened to the podcast when she was doing the original Bored and Brilliant project, so we really excited to see a whole book filled with the back research on each piece of the project. Of course, had to listen via audio, and it was great. A short audiobook--5 hours--and she's so engaging I tried to listen in all my available time cracks.
The title is a bit misleading, as it's not about daydreaming necessarily, it's about having a productive relationship with our technology so we have the mindspace to be creative. Mindful technology use, where it's not ruling us, either through compulsive social media checking, incessant game playing, or constant texting when you should be engaging in the real world or let's be real, engaging just with yourself. I get so sick of my phone, yet still find myself mindlessly scrolling through Instagram sucking up time and my limited brain energy. I loved all the research she did and the interviews she had in the audiobook. The more information you have the better choices you can make.
The title is a bit misleading, as it's not about daydreaming necessarily, it's about having a productive relationship with our technology so we have the mindspace to be creative. Mindful technology use, where it's not ruling us, either through compulsive social media checking, incessant game playing, or constant texting when you should be engaging in the real world or let's be real, engaging just with yourself. I get so sick of my phone, yet still find myself mindlessly scrolling through Instagram sucking up time and my limited brain energy. I loved all the research she did and the interviews she had in the audiobook. The more information you have the better choices you can make.
eskay1891's review against another edition
2.0
Book really started with good note and went downhill from there.Title was misleading and content was poorly organized, a lot of just one line reviews from people who took the challenge of reducing their screen time. Two rating is just because of the interview from Two Dots game developer, which is the only worthy section reading.Rest of the book was filled with jibber jabber.
rlk7m's review against another edition
4.0
This book reads like the podcast, which isn't a complaint. And I've integrated some of the challenges into my daily routine -- woohoo!
alittleoverdue's review against another edition
4.0
Manoush is a well-known podcast host and radio professional, so the book is definitely enhanced by her narration in the audio format. I wanted to not like this book based on the title, but it was highly engaging and frankly, a little uncomfortable-making. It's hard to look at your own phone use and notice the almost reflexive habits that get developed with smartphones. I feel like finding balance with conscious, mindful technology use is one of the common modern challenges we struggle with as this technology has taken hold. This book will give you some simple (but not easy!) ways to take a brief technology break, or at least make you more aware of what you're doing when you instinctively reach for the phone. I am (trying) to reconsider my relationship with boredom, especially given the compelling science that points to the brilliance it can spark.