Disconnected provides fantastic insight to finding ways to rediscover ones self in a consistently connected society. It is a joke that we would not know what to do without the internet. Yet, the more connected we are, it is no longer a joke.

I work from home, so I'm always plugged in. I mentioned that to someone while connected to Zoom and chatting over the vpn on my college's server. I realized at that moment that it was no longer a joke. I've been so plugged in and completely tuned out the world around that Emma's book merely scratches the surface for me. Outside my family, I realized I haven't had human interaction face-to-face in nearly a year.

Taking a few prompts from Disconnected, I plan to start reconnecting with the world around me. I hope Emma writes more on this. Her view of how Twitter virtually decided everything for her is exactly how I feel about Instagram now,

Thank you to the publisher, Emma Gannon, and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this insightful audiobook.

I always enjoy reading Emma Gannon's perspective on the internet. Her latest book Disconnected: How to Stay Human in an Online World is written specifically for a millennial audience. She presents keen observations based on her own life and friends on topics like influencer marketing, a shift towards private accounts, a desire for genuine "authentic" connection, and a need for less time online. It's not the advice you'd expect but I can guarantee that it will make you think twice about your online habits if you're not already. I really enjoyed the quick prompts. They'd be worth going back through the book and creating a journal to reflect on how the internet makes you feel. This is a quick read that you can easily finish in an afternoon.

“According to the online magazine “Inc.”, we tap, swipe and click on our phones 2,617 times per day.”

Emma Gannon narrates the audiobook version of her latest book, “Disconnected”. She reads flawlessly. The clarity of her diction, her tone and reading speed make for a pleasant listening experience.

“Disconnected” is a book which I believe will benefit anyone who spends time on the internet and who has a social media account. It’s not about digital detoxing but rather about making your time on social media count so your days and nights are not reduced to endless scrolling.

Gannon writes about the importance of living in the present, spending time connecting with your loved ones offline and doing more of the things which make you happy, in order to live a more balanced life.

“Disconnect” is wise, considered, practical and well written. It includes frequent prompts, allowing you to reflect on your own use of time. It is food for thought for anyone who experiences internet fatigue and others who are frustrated with the lack of freedom and quality time in their days due to ingrained social media habits. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

DISCONNECTED offers an insightful, thoughtful exploration of the digital and social media landscape in relationship with habits, identity, mental health and well-being. while the book is more reflective than prescriptive, Gannon does offer concrete solutions for retaining humanity while living partially online. these strategies include leaning into nostalgia and blocking off time for only yourself not your phone. I listened to the audiobook, love her voice, and found it calming and soothing. I reread Gannon’s book SABOTAGE annually and will now be adding DISCONNECTED to that routine.

It seems counterintuitive to the book’s message to be giving feedback on a book about disconnecting from social media and other people’s fake lives and opinions. But here we are. Disconnected by Emma Gannon contains relatable vignettes about growing up in the wake of new technology. Gannon offers advice your therapist would give you about not letting your perception of others control your life and influence your emotions. Alongside the advice, there’s space and time built in to reflect. Gannon offers insightful prompts meant to make you evaluate your own role in overconsumption of media. In my opinion, more books need to include thought provoking questions related to the subject matter throughout the text. This is a short and sweet, one-sitting read earning 3.75/5 stars.