Born Digital: The Story of a Distracted Generation

New technology presents several challenges, including addiction, anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-esteem, empathy development, troubled relationships, fake news, propaganda, and threats to democracy. Antitrust law has failed to prevent the emergence of dominant big tech platforms, and regulation has not kept pace with surveillance capitalism. Robert Wigley's book "Born Digital" offers a roadmap for society to urgently reset its relationship with technology for the sake of future generations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: Whitefox Publishing Ltd

The advent of new technology has brought forth a multitude of challenges that impact individuals and society as a whole. Addiction, anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-esteem, empathy development, troubled relationships, fake news, propaganda, and even threats to democracy are just a few of the issues that have emerged. While antitrust law has aimed to prevent the emergence of dominant big tech platforms, regulation has struggled to keep pace with the rapid growth of surveillance capitalism. The internet, which was once conceived as a platform that promotes equality and inclusivity, has inadvertently left children and vulnerable individuals behind. In his book, Born Digital, Robert Wigley, a renowned expert in the field, distills a vast array of research and draws on his extensive institutional experience to offer a comprehensive roadmap for society to reevaluate its relationship with technology. Wigley emphasizes the urgent need for a radical reset, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being and future of generations to come.

The challenges posed by new technology are multifaceted and far-reaching. Addiction, anxiety, and depression have become increasingly prevalent, with individuals spending excessive amounts of time on social media and other digital platforms, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Low self-esteem and a lack of confidence have also been linked to technology use, as social media often perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and promotes comparison. Empathy development has been hindered by the isolation and detachment that technology can create, as individuals are more likely to engage with virtual interactions rather than face-to-face relationships. Troubled relationships have also been exacerbated by the prevalence of online dating and social media, as individuals may form connections with others who are not necessarily compatible with their values or interests.

Fake news and propaganda have become a significant threat to democracy, as they can manipulate public opinion and influence political outcomes. The spread of misinformation and false narratives can undermine trust in institutions and lead to the erosion of democratic values. Moreover, the rise of authoritarian regimes has been facilitated by the use of technology to suppress dissent and control populations.

The emergence of dominant big tech platforms has also raised concerns about competition and innovation. A few companies have become dominant in their respective industries, controlling vast amounts of data and wielding significant influence over public discourse. This concentration of power has led to concerns about the potential for abuse and the lack of competition in the digital marketplace.

In response to these challenges, there is a growing call for regulation and reform of the technology industry. Antitrust laws have been implemented to prevent the formation of monopolies and promote competition, but they have not been effective in preventing the rise of dominant big tech platforms. Regulation has also struggled to keep pace with the rapid growth of surveillance capitalism, as companies collect vast amounts of data and use it for targeted advertising and other purposes.

At the same time, there is a growing recognition of the need for a more responsible and ethical approach to technology use. Individuals and society as a whole need to be more aware of the impact that technology has on their lives and take steps to mitigate the negative effects. This includes promoting digital literacy, encouraging face-to-face interactions, and promoting a culture of mindfulness and self-care.

In conclusion, the advent of new technology has brought forth a multitude of challenges that impact individuals and society as a whole. Addiction, anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-esteem, empathy development, troubled relationships, fake news, propaganda, and even threats to democracy are just a few of the issues that have emerged. While antitrust law and regulation have aimed to address these challenges, they have struggled to keep pace with the rapid growth of technology. It is essential that society takes a proactive approach to reevaluating its relationship with technology, prioritizing the well-being and future of generations to come. This includes promoting responsible and ethical use of technology, investing in digital literacy and education, and fostering a culture of mindfulness and self-care. By doing so, we can mitigate the negative effects of technology and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915036421
Edition number: New ed