Against the Current: Living Offline in an Online World

by Luke Young

Against the Current is a true story about a member of the first generation of teenagers to be confronted with the lightning speed advances of an online world that continue to challenge their pursuit of a happier and healthier life. It is a memoir that moves from gross misuse to having all devices locked away, and a struggle to even carry a mobile phone that transforms an otherwise ordinary life into a battle for survival in the modern world. But it is this experience that makes them discover that the need for a balance between staying connected and maintaining a decent level of personal care, is not so peculiar after all.

238 pages, Paperback

Published June 16, 2023

Reviews

[Andrew F · Rating 5 out of 5]

A extraordinarily powerful and moving book which, after the exposition, is paced like a thriller. The second half is literally unputdownable. The book does not give you advice, but the story it tells will make you want to reconsider your attitude to the subject matter.

[Lily Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting read and an eye opening look into the reality of social media and the effects it can have on our mental health.

[Eloise Plannner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really interesting read and made me think about social media in a completely different light. I resonated very strongly with the book as it really opened my eyes to the impact social media plays on our mental health. It was refreshing to read from the point of view of someone who grew up at a time where there was a social media boom. The book openly explores the pressures that came from growing up in the technological age and how this plays out in our ‘real lives’. I appreciate the honesty in the writing and really recommend people give this a read if they feel like social media negatively consumes their life. Very well written.

[Brandon F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tells another side to the complex reality of our relationship with online technology today. Amongst the honest account of the author’s struggle, it offers a brighter shade of making it out on the other side. Rather than leaning on data and statistics, it conjures up a truly emotional take without telling the reader what is good for them, and what is not. Read this, and you’ll understand that struggling with your smartphone is not a lonely struggle, and it’s not all immediate perfection on the other side of the insta lens either.

[Liz Petty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brave and honest account of the writer's struggles with social media and the effect it had on his whole life. Very timely given the growing awareness of the harms so many young people are suffering in their online lives. Much more help needed from psychologists, mental health services etc. It's a hard read at times but there is optimism at the end. I wish the writer all the very best and salute him. Liz

[Karen James · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written, I was drawn into the story and couldn’t put it down. Such an important topic and to read about the impact of the on line world that our young people have had to deal first hand really brings it all home. Would thoroughly recommend.

[Milly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a well-written and engaging account of the author's experiences with social media. The topic is very timely and a great read for anyone affected by social media use. Highly recommend. I look forward to more from the writer in the future.

[Silvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an insightful read. Very relatable and has changed my outlook on my social media consumption

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important, intelligent, and courageous piece of work. Against the current is raw and evocative from a talented writer who I’d love to see more from in the future.

[Mia Gorringe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating. I couldn’t put it down - everyone should read it

[Isabel Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling.

[Emily Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg so relatable about modern day experiences with technology and social media and yet a very unique experience and difficulties with it that’s important to understand and reflect on our own uses with devices and the internet. Very easy to read the whole book in small amount of time because hugely interesting.

[Graham M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very important book for the age that doesn’t try and stuff too many branches in one cover. A must read for anyone who cares about their online use, or anyone who doesn’t care...

[Joe Gunbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passionately and thoughtfully written. Would highly recommend!

[Matt Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a vivid insight into the life of a young person developing in the 2010’s, told with great honesty and wit to relate to a whole generation

[Charles Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling piece of literature that needs to be spread far and wide. It actually details what it’s like for a young person to live through the experience of the growth of digital technology in the 21st century, while its also refreshing to have the topic touched upon by an author who is neither an academic psychologist or a former software developer of the Silicon Valley variety. It’s easy to read for people who don’t typically have a lot of books too, which is quite apt when the existence of online entertainment has shoulder barged this form from a lot of households.