Left to Their Own Devices: How Digital Natives Are Reshaping the American Dream

Digital natives are hacking the American Dream by disconnecting from traditional social structures, leading to increased isolation, anxiety, and loneliness, decreased physical exercise, ephemeral relationships, fragmented attention spans, and detachment from nature. This book offers insights into the unintended societal and psychological implications of lives exclusively lived in a digital world.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 368 pages
\n Publication date: 16 April 2019
\n Publisher: Prometheus Books
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Digital natives, those born into a world where technology has become an integral part of their lives, have undergone a significant transformation in their relationship with people, places, jobs, and other stabilizing structures. This shift has led to the emergence of a new way of life that starkly contrasts with the American Dream of past generations.

Young individuals raised with the Internet, smartphones, and social media are rapidly eroding old habits, values, behaviors, and norms, creating the largest generation gap in history. In her captivating book, digital sociologist Julie M. Albright delves into the myriad ways in which younger generations, aided by technology, are breaking free from traditional aspirations and ideals. She raises important questions about the consequences of disconnecting from traditional social structures such as churches, marriage, political parties, and long-term employment. Moreover, she explores what it means to be human in a world where digital hyper-connectivity has weakened or severed our ties to people, places, jobs, and societal institutions.

Albright recognizes both the positive and negative aspects of this digital revolution. On the one hand, mobile connectivity has granted digital nomads the unprecedented opportunity to work or live anywhere, transcending geographical boundaries. However, this newfound freedom comes with its own set of challenges. Increased isolation, anxiety, and loneliness, decreased physical exercise, ephemeral relationships, fragmented attention spans, and detachment from the tranquility of nature are just a few of the new threats to well-being that have emerged as a result of our digital lifestyles.

In this rapidly changing, global, technologically driven world, this book provides valuable insights into the unintended societal and psychological implications of lives exclusively lived in a digital realm. It serves as a timely reminder that as we navigate this digital landscape, we must be mindful of the impact it has on our relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. By understanding the nuances of our digital interactions, we can work towards creating a future where technology enhances our lives rather than detracts from them.

\n Weight: 604g\n
Dimension: 165 x 236 x 31 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781633884441\n \n