From email to smart phones, and from social media to Google searches, digital technologies have transformed the way we learn, entertain ourselves, socialize, and work. Despite their usefulness, these technologies have often led to information overload, stress, and distraction. In recent years many of us have begun to look at the pluses and minuses of our online lives and to ask how we might more skillfully use the tools we’ve developed. David M. Levy, who has lived his life between the “fast world” of high tech and the “slow world” of contemplation, offers a welcome guide to being more relaxed, attentive, and emotionally balanced, and more effective, while online. In a series of exercises carefully designed to help readers observe and reflect on their own use, Levy has readers watch themselves closely while emailing and while multitasking, and also to experiment with unplugging for a specified period. Never prescriptive, the book opens up new avenues for self-inquiry and will allow readers—in the workplace, in the classroom, and in the privacy of their homes—to make meaningful and powerful changes.

Technology is integral to teaching in the English language arts, whether in-person, hybrid, or remote. In this indispensable guide, Troy Hicks shows how to teach and model "digital diligence"--an alert, intentional stance that helps both teachers and students use technology productively, ethically, and responsibly. Resources and lesson ideas are presented to build adolescents' skills for protecting online privacy, minimizing digital distraction, breaking through “filter bubbles,” fostering civil conversations, evaluating information on the internet, creating meaningful digital writing, and deeply engaging with multimedia texts. Dozens of websites, apps, and other tools are reviewed, with links provided at the companion website; end-of-chapter teaching points and guiding questions facilitate learning and application.

Technology surrounds us every day: a phone alarm wakes us up, an electronic calendar tracks assignment deadlines, GPS directs us to the new dentist’s office, social media keeps us connected to friends and family, and streaming platforms make sure we’re never without something new to binge-watch. Our devices and apps can make life much more convenient and entertaining. But for years, scientists have warned that too much screen time may have negative effects on our health. With portable devices and remote learning, it is even more difficult to put down electronics. Being intentional about how and when to unplug can help teens and young adults to protect their physical and mental wellbeing in a world where screens and technology are increasingly becoming necessities rather than just conveniences. Attention Hijacked offers a roadmap for those deciding how they want to deal with technology, exploring the ways technology affects the individual, dispelling common misinformation, and using this knowledge to make personalized decisions. Page Plus links in the book lead to mindfulness and meditation audio clips. Using mindfulness techniques, this book gives readers the power to take charge of their technology use.

Welcome to "The Human Algorithm: Navigating the Digital Era with Mindful Technology Practices." In this book, we embark on a journey to explore the profound impact of technology on our lives and discover how we can cultivate a mindful and intentional approach to its usage. As we navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, it is crucial to understand the effects of technology on our well-being, relationships, and society as a whole. By developing a mindful relationship with technology, we can harness its potential while preserving our humanity and prioritizing what truly matters. In this digital age, technology surrounds us at every turn, shaping how we communicate, work, and live. It has revolutionized our world, providing immense benefits and opportunities. However, it has also brought forth challenges such as digital distractions, information overload, and the erosion of privacy and human connection. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to navigate it consciously, with awareness and intentionality. By reading this book, you will gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and thought-provoking perspectives on how to engage with technology mindfully. Each chapter delves into a specific aspect of the digital era, examining its impact on our psychology, relationships, well-being, and the world around us. We explore concepts such as the attention economy, the psychology of social media, digital wellness, and responsible innovation. Through the pages of this book, you will discover: The cognitive effects of technology on the human brain and the importance of understanding how it shapes our thoughts, behaviors, and attention span. The strategies employed by technology companies to capture and hold our attention and the consequences of constant distraction on our well-being. The psychological impact of social media on self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being, along with techniques for managing social media addiction. The principles of mindfulness and their relevance to technology usage, as well as practical ways to integrate mindfulness practices into our digital lives. The benefits of taking breaks from technology and strategies for implementing digital detoxes in our daily lives to enhance well-being and productivity. The importance of setting boundaries for screen time and practical tips for managing and reducing excessive technology usage. Strategies for cultivating digital mindfulness and developing awareness and intentionality in our digital interactions. The impact of technology on personal relationships and ways to build and maintain meaningful connections in the digital age. Strategies for promoting mental health and well-being in the digital era, including identifying and addressing negative influences of technology on mental health. Techniques for teaching children responsible and mindful technology use and fostering healthy relationships with technology as digital natives. The philosophy of digital minimalism and embracing simplicity and intentional technology usage. The importance of cybersecurity, digital hygiene, and protecting personal information in the digital landscape. The ethical implications of technology use and the importance of responsible and conscious engagement with technology. The impact of digital distractions on productivity and strategies for enhancing focus and productivity in the digital age. The potential benefits and risks of using technology for mental health support and leveraging technology for positive mental health outcomes. Establishing healthy boundaries with technology in professional settings and strategies for managing digital overload and finding work-life balance. Becoming conscious consumers of technology and considering the environmental and social impact of tech products. The role of individuals and society in shaping the future of technology through responsible innovation and human-centered design. Reflecting on the journey towards mindful technology use and embracing the potential of a mindful digital future. By reading this book, you will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era. You will acquire practical tools and strategies for managing technology, fostering well-being, and navigating the digital landscape mindfully. Whether you are an individual seeking to cultivate a healthier relationship with technology, a parent striving to guide your children in responsible tech usage, or a professional aiming to find work-life balance in a digital world, this book offers valuable insights and guidance. Now, let us embark on this journey together and discover how we can navigate the digital era with wisdom, intentionality, and compassion. By embracing a mindful approach to technology, we can harness its power while preserving our humanity, well-being, and the values that make us who we are.

We live in a world unimaginable only decades ago: a domain of backlit screens, instant information, and vibrant experiences that can outcompete dreary reality. Our brave new technologies offer incredible opportunities for work and play. But at what price? Now renowned neuroscientist Susan Greenfield—known in the United Kingdom for challenging entrenched conventional views—brings together a range of scientific studies, news events, and cultural criticism to create an incisive snapshot of “the global now.” Disputing the assumption that our technologies are harmless tools, Greenfield explores whether incessant exposure to social media sites, search engines, and videogames is capable of rewiring our brains, and whether the minds of people born before and after the advent of the Internet differ. Stressing the impact on Digital Natives—those who’ve never known a world without the Internet—Greenfield exposes how neuronal networking may be affected by unprecedented bombardments of audiovisual stimuli, how gaming can shape a chemical landscape in the brain similar to that in gambling addicts, how surfing the Net risks placing a premium on information rather than on deep knowledge and understanding, and how excessive use of social networking sites limits the maturation of empathy and identity. But Mind Change also delves into the potential benefits of our digital lifestyle. Sifting through the cocktail of not only threat but opportunity these technologies afford, Greenfield explores how gaming enhances vision and motor control, how touch tablets aid students with developmental disabilities, and how political “clicktivism” foments positive change. In a world where adults spend ten hours a day online, and where tablets are the common means by which children learn and play, Mind Change reveals as never before the complex physiological, social, and cultural ramifications of living in the digital age. A book that will be to the Internet what An Inconvenient Truth was to global warming, Mind Change is provocative, alarming, and a call to action to ensure a future in which technology fosters—not frustrates—deep thinking, creativity, and true fulfillment. Praise for Mind Change “Greenfield’s application of the mismatch between human and machine to the brain introduces an important variation on this pervasive view of technology. . . . She has a rare talent for explaining science in accessible prose.”—The Washington Post “Greenfield’s focus is on bringing to light the implications of Internet-induced ‘mind change’—as comparably multifaceted as the issue of climate change, she argues, and just as important.”—Chicago Tribune “Mind Change is exceedingly well organized and hits the right balance between academic and provocative.”—Booklist “[A] challenging, stimulating perspective from an informed neuroscientist on a complex, fast-moving, hugely consequential field.”—Kirkus Reviews “[Greenfield] is not just an engaging communicator but a thoughtful, responsible scientist, and the arguments she makes are well-supported and persuasive.”—Mail on Sunday “Greenfield’s admirable goal to prove an empirical basis for discussion is . . . an important one.”—Financial Times “An important presentation of an uncomfortable minority position.”—Jaron Lanier, Nature

"Guides parents in teaching their children how to reap the benefits of living in a digital world while also preventing its negative effects"--

Concerned that you (and your kids?) spend way too much time on devices and screens? Is this an unhealthy habit that can be controlled whenever you choose to cut back, or are you hopelessly hooked? Do you find it tough to get your kids (even the adult ones) off their phones at mealtimes to connect with each other? And to get outside to connect with nature? Now there's a way to find tech balance and use social media, smartphones, WiFi and "Smart" devices more safely. Too much screen time can be hazardous to your brain, heart and mental health.Concerned about phone or screen addiction and the disconnect from others and nature, especially youth and indoor kids? An international team of experts offers their latest research and recommendations with The Mindful Tech Plan: effective ways to unplug from your electronic gadgets and social media. Reconnect with yourself and others out in nature - digital detox made fun. Learn about the safer tech solutions for mobile phones, headsets, wireless connectivity and 'smart' devices. Enjoy the benefits of technology and reduce the risks. The international team of experts who worked with me to develop this plan are also concerned, and see the need for balance. We rely on technology ourselves and know the benefits. Our program is not about discarding digital devices, or feeling guilty when using them. It is about mindful use, and more nature time. No need to spend all day outside. Research shows only 20 minutes per day significantly reduces ADHD and improves your child's attention and behaviour. Can you find 20 minutes? Kids thrive outside splashing in puddles, getting dirty and building strong immunity. It's vital they learn to love nature and develop calm, not fearful, brains. They need to self-soothe without staring at an electronic screen. Parenting is not rocket science. These days it is much more complicated. You worried about attention deficit, now there's nature deficit as many parents believe that dangers lurk outside and the safest place is indoors. And many feel they are protecting kids by giving them cell phones so they are always within reach. If they only knew the hidden hazards of this good intention.Getting kids outside to play each day has always been a good idea. In this digital age it's essential and urgent. And balancing screen time with outdoor green time, you'll have less stress, better sleep and a more calm and focused mind in this age of digital distraction. It is vital to get our kids outside to play in nature as much as we can; to remember that all of us are inherently connected with this living, breathing earth. The greatest gift we can give children is to learn to respect and care for themselves, each other, animals, wildlife - all living beings - and our environment. The Mindful Tech Plan focuses on this vital issue. Young adults and children need our direction and support in dealing with digital addiction so they can be healthy, confident, kind-hearted, empathetic, and socialize well.I am concerned about so many young people feeling isolated and depressed in their tech-focused lives. Kerry Crofton is a mother, grandmother, health educator and founder of the nonprofit charity, Global Alliance for Brain & Heart Health. Her previous books: The Healthy Type A, and A Wellness Guide for The Digital Age.