Digital Inferno: Using Technology Consciously in Your Life and Work: 101 Ways to Survive and Thrive in a Hyperconnected World

How many times do you check something on the internet and then find that you are drifting aimlessly from one link to another? If you cannot not answer the phone when it rings, if you spend hours a week on social media, if you read your texts instead of kissing your loved one goodnight, and if you do not give your kids enough attention because you need to prioritize new responses to your tweet...then this book is for you.

The digital world is spreading like an inferno—a swirling, hot storm of change, possibility, addiction, passion, manipulation, creativity, and abuse. It demands our attention and encourages us to “be on” constantly with constant updates and feedback. It is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Moreover, it is developing faster than our ability to deal with it.

To adherents of digital living and working, criticism is uncool and a sign of being out of touch. Refreshingly, Digital Inferno is not simple indictment, nor is it an unqualified endorsement. Rather, it’s about holding your own in the digital realm—adapting in a healthy way to the new reality. It offers a conscious path that allows us to derive the benefits we need while managing the dangers. 

Packed with a wealth of practical advice, Digital Inferno describes numerous methods to help us step back from constant digital activity and virtual living and pay more attention to the “real world.” Included are exercises to overcome tiredness from digital contact and to develop skills that enable us to remain awake and aware. Crucially, the reader will become master of the digital realm, abstain from contact when necessary, and freely to immerse oneself through free choice.

We don’t need to shun new technology, but we do need to be armed with an understanding of its challenges, problems, and limitations. Digital Inferno provides the tools needed to meet the future consciously.

“This book is visionary and practical and both are needed at this time as the digital inferno spreads, setting fire to more and more elements of daily life.” —Tom Bourner, Emeritus Professor of Personal and Professional Development, University of Brighton, coauthor of Workshops that Work

“An exciting book, full of hope for the future. By applying the concept of mindfulness to digital interactions, Paul Levy shows how we can get the most out of technology without losing touch with our essential humanity. Great stuff—thoughtful, insightful, and very timely.” —Sue Palmer, author of Toxic Childhood

“An insightful guide for those seeking to consciously navigate the noise and confusion of the digital age.” —Daniel T. Jones, author of The Machine that Changed the World and founder of the Lean Enterprise Academy

“A fascinating and thought-provoking survey of our digital times.” —Cliff McNish, author of The Doomspell Trilogy

“Our generation is gradually noticing the subtle effects of digital media in our lives. There are no clear answers as the effects are generative and emergent but it is useful to be mindful of the path we are creating. Paul Levy’s book is an eye opener. It is written with precision and full of insights on this ongoing interplay between people and technology. It is a great book for anyone keen to regain control of their relationship with gadgets and digital media in general.” —Professor John Baptista, Associate Professor of Information Systems, University of Warwick

“A fascinating, moving and practical dance of content exploring what awfully is and what awe fully might be as human civilization embraces digital virtuality. Brilliantly conceived and written.” —Angus Jenkinson, author of From Stress to Serenity, and Chief Organizing Officer of the Civil Society Forum