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nolasia's review against another edition
5.0
A quick read for anyone trying to get more control over their phone, social media, etc usage so they can take back their life. Includes helpful exercises to break the unhealthy habits we didn't even realize we started forming.
jrc2011's review against another edition
4.0
I've enjoyed Manoush Zomorodi as a radio host - she's a skillful interviewer who brings good questions, well researched topics and informative guests to her programs. I listened to this book as an audio book - and found it to be a bit of a mix of blog posts, interviews and articles about her program to help people take control over their digital. habits.
In 2015, well before iPhone included information about user habits, the journalist/author Zomorodi noticed that something was missing from her life: boredom. She started tracking her usage of games and other apps, talked to other people and started a challenge (self-selected). She shares a lot of information and feedback from the participants in her challenge which is illuminating and interesting. Zomorodi also shares information about her own challenges - and perspectives.
Personally - I don't believe boredom exists. Boredom is what we call doing something that doesn't interest us, not being present, and not feeling in control of our time. If you accept or choose something - like sitting through a church service that doesn't interest you or heavy traffic - that makes it a different situation than being "bored."
Self-awareness is a beautiful thing - we should all strive for it every day. Instead of mindlessly snacking -- literally and metaphorically -- we should be able to take a break whether it's from digital games, alcohol/sugary snacks, or disagreeing with people we think are wrong (who cares? everyone has an opinion).
Some of the sections of the audio book were interviews (ie, between the author and the game creator). The other main components of the book were essays or blog postings about neuroscience and sections with details about her challenge.
As a whole - it's an enjoyable audio book, I'm glad I listened to it rather than reading it since it is narrated by Zomorodi and includes the voices of folks she interviewed. It was like a collection of personable, enjoyable, informative and friendly podcasts. Highly recommend the audio book.
In 2015, well before iPhone included information about user habits, the journalist/author Zomorodi noticed that something was missing from her life: boredom. She started tracking her usage of games and other apps, talked to other people and started a challenge (self-selected). She shares a lot of information and feedback from the participants in her challenge which is illuminating and interesting. Zomorodi also shares information about her own challenges - and perspectives.
Personally - I don't believe boredom exists. Boredom is what we call doing something that doesn't interest us, not being present, and not feeling in control of our time. If you accept or choose something - like sitting through a church service that doesn't interest you or heavy traffic - that makes it a different situation than being "bored."
Self-awareness is a beautiful thing - we should all strive for it every day. Instead of mindlessly snacking -- literally and metaphorically -- we should be able to take a break whether it's from digital games, alcohol/sugary snacks, or disagreeing with people we think are wrong (who cares? everyone has an opinion).
Some of the sections of the audio book were interviews (ie, between the author and the game creator). The other main components of the book were essays or blog postings about neuroscience and sections with details about her challenge.
As a whole - it's an enjoyable audio book, I'm glad I listened to it rather than reading it since it is narrated by Zomorodi and includes the voices of folks she interviewed. It was like a collection of personable, enjoyable, informative and friendly podcasts. Highly recommend the audio book.
philgz's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
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, “Just one more game and then I’ll go to bed.” Do you ever worry that you’re 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 can’t focus long enough to use any of them or remember what, exactly, needs the most attention in the first place? Manoush Zomorodi, host of WNYC’s podcast Note to Self (for those “trying to preserve their humanity in the digital age”), 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 “Bored and Brilliant Challenge” 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 can’t live without, keeping your phone out of sight while in transit, and going a day without taking a photo. It’s 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 haven’t 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, “Just one more game and then I’ll go to bed.” Do you ever worry that you’re 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 can’t focus long enough to use any of them or remember what, exactly, needs the most attention in the first place? Manoush Zomorodi, host of WNYC’s podcast Note to Self (for those “trying to preserve their humanity in the digital age”), 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 “Bored and Brilliant Challenge” 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 can’t live without, keeping your phone out of sight while in transit, and going a day without taking a photo. It’s 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 haven’t 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.