I would love to see a version of this book specifically aimed at young adults, please.

I don't believe the average adult would find this read to be earth-shattering, but it was well-presented. The author being experienced in the world of media was a helpful lens to tackle the subject of the effect of media on the lives of consumers. I think we're seeing a lot of positive and negative effects of media saturation right now.

My favorite things in the book are the ones that empower the reader as a creator. There's a great section on how to use your phone to share things worth sharing (that will make a difference). There's another section specifically about Instagram that will challenge most users to use their influence for something bigger.

This book has a very specific audience of adults who already are skeptical of media and the amount of time we spend immersed in it. I'd love to see it retooled for teens.

As a millennial in the media, I'd like to believe I'm "immune" or able to spot the addictiveness of the medium imposes on my everyday life. Yet, social media, television + other new digital outlets are too strong of a drug.

In Michael Rosenblum's "Don't Watch This", readers are taken on a descriptive journey to help understand how a seemingly innocent spark grew into the massive firestorm of media addiction our society is grappling with. Using his real-life experience combined with Rosenblum's extensive research, I closed this book feeling knowledgeable about the hidden psychology driving addiction and understanding the power it holds over our everyday life.

While packed with historical information, I was left wishing for more concrete strategies to control media addiction and practical tips that could be implemented today.

I'd recommend this book to someone looking to understand the details behind our media channels.

Dont watch this
3.25/5 💥💥💥

"If you are going to spend a good deal of your life immersed in the media, which it seems you are, then here is something you should now about the media. The media does not exist for you. You exist for it.... They are there to capture you... The media companies builds the mousetrap. The content is the cheese. You are the mouse." (Chills, anyone?)

Ooh this was an interesting read. The author included anecdotes from his career (reality tv show producer) and plenty of cited facts and statistics. I was shocked that the average American spends 8 hours a day watching tv (9 hours in 2010!). We also spend 11 hours a day starting at screens- this I can believe, between work and our phones- and it's estimated we'll spend about 65% of our life looking at a screen-- what?! I'm not usually a book highlighter but I marked up so many interesting facts on my kindle edition. (Side note: I also learned that "media" is plural, not singular.)

Media companies are paid by advertisers, not consumers. Their purpose is to get us to buy "stuff"-- and lots of it. This book was also relevant to what's going on in the world right now, in these uncertain times. Half of Americans can't come up with an extra $400 if they needed to for an emergency; the average credit card debt is $16,000; and if an average American lost their job they would have enough money to last them six days. Six days!

The book also discussed that we'd rather experience something on a screen rather than real life and that these stories we watch control how we perceive reality. We lack the actual experiences themself and relate the facts we know to what we've watched. For example, when someone is asked to describe a pirate, they describe Johnny Depp from Pirates of the Caribbean. The author also shows us how what we watch carries over into our fears or even our parenting style.

The author related increase in screentime to obesity, which isn't new, but also to personal/consumer debt and the increase in prison population- again, crazy to think about!

Two things about this book prompted the slightly lower rating. First, were the author's multiple digs at his ex-wife. Made me cringe a bit because it didn't seem to add anything to his story. Second, there were a few points that could've been cut down. I found myself just skimming at a few points and thinking several times, "ok, I get it- let's move on." Overall, still an interesting and thought provoking look at what influences many of our daily actions.

It wasn’t the type of book for me. I requested it without really reading what it was about. It was interesting and well written. About what goes on in the world today.

This book is perfect for explaining todays world – full of screens! I like the fact its got comparisons in it from previous years including facts and figures. I guess it made it hit home a bit more.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.