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Managing Your Family's High-Tech Habits: From Video-Games to the Dark Side of the Web
Most families are riding the wave of high-tech gadgets, rarely considering its negative consequences: increased stress, “connected isolation,” loneliness, bad habits and behaviors, and dangerous addictions. Managing Your Family's High-Tech Habits helps you sort through the promise and the pitfalls of virtual living, showing you how to navigate social media choices and set healthy boundaries. Various chapters address hot-button issues: why boys get hooked on video games; why our daughters practically “live” on their cell phones; what to do when families are caught in the dark side of the web.
169 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
6 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 1, 2015
This isn't a "technology is bad" book from modern Luddites, or one where "family" means "children" - quite the opposite. The authors both acknowledge and praise the good that results from our connected world, showing how they utilize it and try to maintain a balance. The key, as they point out, is moderation, and there are good reasons for striving for more balance. They look at some neuroscientific studies, showing how various behaviors (including, yes, reading or drinking coffee) change our brains. They look at social science, the social impact of being connected or isolated online and the social mores we should still adhere to, offering advice on managing different aspects of technology, the risks to watch out for, healthy boundaries for children and adults, and then they look at the spiritual impact. But this isn't a primarily Christian book. It's not preachy, nor overly forward, so if you're not religious there are only a couple of sections you might choose to skim and they're towards the end.
It's very balanced too. They're careful to define terms they use, to point out certain fallacies or flaws in studies, not to force causation where the evidence only shows correlation, to provide references for the studies and numbers they quote, and to find a control group when possible.
There are some interesting - or worrying - statistics, and here's an example: "It's now estimated that the average American child will spend as much time playing video games as she or he will be in school (from kindergarten to twelfth grade)." That gave me pause. There are also some excellent examples, and I was struck by how different a behavior looks when you substitute the word "book" for "phone".
(There's some irony in the fact that I read most of this on my Kindle while walking to and from work, but in my own defence I'll point out that I read DTF while walking too.)
Everyone needs to sit quietly at times, to reflect or meditate on problems or theories or works, and our growing drive to receive the random reward does appear to jeopardize that. As adults, we also need to teach the new digital natives how to use technology safely, how to moderate their own behavior, and to be aware of the effects of constant connectedness: an off-color joke or picture may affect a future relationship or employment situation, while texting your friends at 1am every night isn't going to help you study or work. They need to question apparent defaults: does something *need* to be shared with your 300 closest friends? Might you be embarrassed if your parents/teacher/younger cousin saw your post? And they need to recognize when technology is actually preventing them from connecting with real people in real life.
Highly recommended for parents, or even people who have growing concerns about their own habits.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's very balanced too. They're careful to define terms they use, to point out certain fallacies or flaws in studies, not to force causation where the evidence only shows correlation, to provide references for the studies and numbers they quote, and to find a control group when possible.
There are some interesting - or worrying - statistics, and here's an example: "It's now estimated that the average American child will spend as much time playing video games as she or he will be in school (from kindergarten to twelfth grade)." That gave me pause. There are also some excellent examples, and I was struck by how different a behavior looks when you substitute the word "book" for "phone".
(There's some irony in the fact that I read most of this on my Kindle while walking to and from work, but in my own defence I'll point out that I read DTF while walking too.)
Everyone needs to sit quietly at times, to reflect or meditate on problems or theories or works, and our growing drive to receive the random reward does appear to jeopardize that. As adults, we also need to teach the new digital natives how to use technology safely, how to moderate their own behavior, and to be aware of the effects of constant connectedness: an off-color joke or picture may affect a future relationship or employment situation, while texting your friends at 1am every night isn't going to help you study or work. They need to question apparent defaults: does something *need* to be shared with your 300 closest friends? Might you be embarrassed if your parents/teacher/younger cousin saw your post? And they need to recognize when technology is actually preventing them from connecting with real people in real life.
Highly recommended for parents, or even people who have growing concerns about their own habits.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2015
I live with two 'digital natives' of the 'iGeneraltion'; two boys, an 11 year old and a 13 year old, who are drawn to computer games, SmartTV, Smartphones and everything that goes with it like bees to a honeypot! Their dad, with three decades between him and his sons, is similarly drawn to technology, and our household was one of the first to own a computer (now multiple!), to have home internet access, to have WiFi, to have two or three screens linked to one desktop.....and so on! I am now 44 years old and if I examine too closely how quickly technology has developed since I was a child and look ahead to where it might go in the next 44 years, I actually find it overwhelming and even quite scary!
Like every parent who cares, I am concerned about the impact of screens, the quantity and speed of information accessed, the amount of hours spent staring at a screen instead of engaging in physical or social activity and what might be hidden behind every innocent Google search - and was immediately drawn to the book by the title, 'Managing Your Family's High-Tech Habits.'
Admittedly, I didn't realise it came under the 'Christianity' category when I requested it for review, but actually, 'Christian' or not, this book thoroughly engaged me with its easily relatable and thought provoking insights into high-tech usage and its impact upon everyday life. Supported by research and figures, the authors Arnie, Pam and Michael organise their writing into very readable categories and chapters with real stories taken from real life to illustrate.
My thoughts towards the book did cool a little in the last two or three chapters when I felt that it moved away from *managing* high-tech habits, to discussing online church communities and heavily promoting and advertising their own Christian-based app.
However, that aside, I think most families living in the current digital age would benefit from reading this book with a view to a realistic analysis and potential moderation of their own high-tech habits.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Like every parent who cares, I am concerned about the impact of screens, the quantity and speed of information accessed, the amount of hours spent staring at a screen instead of engaging in physical or social activity and what might be hidden behind every innocent Google search - and was immediately drawn to the book by the title, 'Managing Your Family's High-Tech Habits.'
Admittedly, I didn't realise it came under the 'Christianity' category when I requested it for review, but actually, 'Christian' or not, this book thoroughly engaged me with its easily relatable and thought provoking insights into high-tech usage and its impact upon everyday life. Supported by research and figures, the authors Arnie, Pam and Michael organise their writing into very readable categories and chapters with real stories taken from real life to illustrate.
My thoughts towards the book did cool a little in the last two or three chapters when I felt that it moved away from *managing* high-tech habits, to discussing online church communities and heavily promoting and advertising their own Christian-based app.
However, that aside, I think most families living in the current digital age would benefit from reading this book with a view to a realistic analysis and potential moderation of their own high-tech habits.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
February 7, 2017
Existe una gran necesidad hoy, a medida que los Millenials y la generación Z crece, de conocer como manejar la tecnología en una generación tecnológicamente tan cambiante y creciente. Personalmente, busco buena consejería bíblica relacionada con estos temas.
Este libro es bueno desde el punto de vista práctico. Es corto y directo, por lo que es una lectura agradable. Creo que cualquier familia se beneficiará de aplicar los consejos sugeridos.
Sin embargo, el mayor problema con este libro, es que tiene muy pocos consejos bíblicos. Excepto el primer capítulo (sobre amar a Dios y amar al prójimo), casi no hay principios bíblicos que sean aplicados a situaciones relacionadas con la tecnología. Cro que este es uno de los mayores retos de esta generación de cristianos, COMO aplicar la Biblia a las situaciones que nos presenta la tecnología.
El libro es muy práctico, pero realmente poco bíblico. Hay capítulos en los que hay 1 o ninguna referencia a la Biblia. Creo que esto mejoraría ampliamente este libro.
A pesar de esto, cualquier familia puede beneficiarse de este libro.
*******************************
There is a huge need today, to know how to manage technology in a generation growing digital. As a concerned parent, I'm constantly looking for good biblical advice about these topics.
This book is good at giving practical advices. It is short-written, so it's a good reading. I guess any family can get benefit of the advices given on any topics.
The major drawback, is has very few biblical principles drawn to application to high tech habits. I think this is on the center of our christian generation, HOW to apply biblical principles to the challenges that technology are bringing to us. Even that the book is very practical, is poorly biblical. There's even chapters that has 1 or none bible verses.
Este libro es bueno desde el punto de vista práctico. Es corto y directo, por lo que es una lectura agradable. Creo que cualquier familia se beneficiará de aplicar los consejos sugeridos.
Sin embargo, el mayor problema con este libro, es que tiene muy pocos consejos bíblicos. Excepto el primer capítulo (sobre amar a Dios y amar al prójimo), casi no hay principios bíblicos que sean aplicados a situaciones relacionadas con la tecnología. Cro que este es uno de los mayores retos de esta generación de cristianos, COMO aplicar la Biblia a las situaciones que nos presenta la tecnología.
El libro es muy práctico, pero realmente poco bíblico. Hay capítulos en los que hay 1 o ninguna referencia a la Biblia. Creo que esto mejoraría ampliamente este libro.
A pesar de esto, cualquier familia puede beneficiarse de este libro.
*******************************
There is a huge need today, to know how to manage technology in a generation growing digital. As a concerned parent, I'm constantly looking for good biblical advice about these topics.
This book is good at giving practical advices. It is short-written, so it's a good reading. I guess any family can get benefit of the advices given on any topics.
The major drawback, is has very few biblical principles drawn to application to high tech habits. I think this is on the center of our christian generation, HOW to apply biblical principles to the challenges that technology are bringing to us. Even that the book is very practical, is poorly biblical. There's even chapters that has 1 or none bible verses.
June 3, 2015
This book was fascinating, as it has lots of facts, polls, and studies. It wasn't just straight facts though, and it wasn't boring at all! It was written in a great way. There were examples from the writers' lives, and that really helped to make it easier to digest everything.
This book made me question my own high-tech habits! Computers are a big part of my life, and after reading this book it really makes me think about how much time I waste on computers and social media. I always used to care how many followers and likes I had, but it really helped me realize it doesn't matter!
I really loved the fact that this book was written in a Christian perspective. Many people, like myself often spend more time online than reading the Bible. It also offers a way to help you remember to set aside time for God with GoTandem app.
I really learned a lot from this book, and I would rate this 5/5, I would definitely recommend this book to others with high-tech habits like myself.
This book made me question my own high-tech habits! Computers are a big part of my life, and after reading this book it really makes me think about how much time I waste on computers and social media. I always used to care how many followers and likes I had, but it really helped me realize it doesn't matter!
I really loved the fact that this book was written in a Christian perspective. Many people, like myself often spend more time online than reading the Bible. It also offers a way to help you remember to set aside time for God with GoTandem app.
I really learned a lot from this book, and I would rate this 5/5, I would definitely recommend this book to others with high-tech habits like myself.
February 16, 2017
This is an excellent first step. It's an easy read and a quick intro to the dangers of our phones (mentally, physically, & spiritually). They give 1-2 easy first action steps for you to consider. I am sure there is more weighty, hefty research out there with more resources about what you can personally put into action. But the masses probably won't have time for that. So that's why I think this book is a great place to start.
June 10, 2017
Book had some good info and points in it. Made me think about my and my families use of tech gadgets. Got a little heavy into religion towards the latter part of the book, which could turn some readers off, as I didn't get that impression from the book description.
March 1, 2017
This book is a quick read with several useful tips on managing technology in today's family life. I didn't read anything new, but it was good common sense.
May 11, 2018
Good practical advice on how to guard our lives from becoming to technology driven.
March 6, 2023
This book has a good message, but as tech natives become parents this book is awfully simple. I think if you’re trying to understand tech this book would be great, but it definitely shows it’s age.
September 29, 2016
A good book on technology, especially if it is your first on technology and habits. Not anti technology but how to avoids it's dangers and even some how to benefit or that you can benefit from technology (like their app). However since I have read other books on the same topic it was mostly review for me, so no 5 stars. Though i did appreciate them dispelling the negitive connotation that technology changes your brain and that's dangerous...because everushing you do or don't do changes your brain. It's constantly changing and change in and of itself is not bad.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews