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Don't Watch This: How the Media Are Destroying Your Life
An unfiltered look at the addictive properties of social media, TV, and movies on our culture, with strategies to help you reclaim control over your life.
Today, the average person spends an astonishing eight hours a day watching TV or videos online. Watching social media stories, movies, and TV is now our number one activity, outpacing everything else that we do, including sleep.
This habit has an incredibly powerful influence on our lives – from what we think to what we buy to whom we elect. Media are more than entertainment; they are a drug.
This media addiction wreaks havoc on our mental health, causing increased stress, depression, and anxiety, and ruining personal relationships. It also drives us deeper and deeper into debt.
In Don’t Watch This, former TV producer and Ivy League professor Michael Rosenblum reveals the hidden psychology driving us to media addiction. He describes why solving the problem is not as simple as swearing off our devices, but about learning how to use media for good.
Rosenblum reveals the key to getting the best out of technology, without letting it get the best of you. Inside, you’ll learn:
How to take control of the media
How to use your phone’s camera to spread stories worth telling
How having a former reality TV star in the Oval Office has changed the scope of media
Why posting selfies on Instagram isn’t going to change the world, and what you can post instead
Enlightening and empowering, Don’t Watch This provides actionable, revolutionary techniques and insight to control your media addiction—helping you live the life you really want.
Today, the average person spends an astonishing eight hours a day watching TV or videos online. Watching social media stories, movies, and TV is now our number one activity, outpacing everything else that we do, including sleep.
This habit has an incredibly powerful influence on our lives – from what we think to what we buy to whom we elect. Media are more than entertainment; they are a drug.
This media addiction wreaks havoc on our mental health, causing increased stress, depression, and anxiety, and ruining personal relationships. It also drives us deeper and deeper into debt.
In Don’t Watch This, former TV producer and Ivy League professor Michael Rosenblum reveals the hidden psychology driving us to media addiction. He describes why solving the problem is not as simple as swearing off our devices, but about learning how to use media for good.
Rosenblum reveals the key to getting the best out of technology, without letting it get the best of you. Inside, you’ll learn:
How to take control of the media
How to use your phone’s camera to spread stories worth telling
How having a former reality TV star in the Oval Office has changed the scope of media
Why posting selfies on Instagram isn’t going to change the world, and what you can post instead
Enlightening and empowering, Don’t Watch This provides actionable, revolutionary techniques and insight to control your media addiction—helping you live the life you really want.
- GenresNonfiction
240 pages, Hardcover
Published June 2, 2020
3 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 6, 2020
Michael Rosenblum, a former producer puts forth this book about our addiction to media. He starts with a history of media, touches on reality television and the capitalism of the news. He then moves on to the amount of time we spend consuming digital media. The last section is spent on how we can take back our lives from digital media.
I thought the book had some good points but I question whether the author is the best person to tackle this subject. He's made a lot of money from media and he admittedly exploited people during the making of his reality show. Also the end is confusing. He gives some ideas to combat what we see on the news but his answer is to create more digital media, not less.
A worthy read regardless.
I thought the book had some good points but I question whether the author is the best person to tackle this subject. He's made a lot of money from media and he admittedly exploited people during the making of his reality show. Also the end is confusing. He gives some ideas to combat what we see on the news but his answer is to create more digital media, not less.
A worthy read regardless.
January 12, 2021
“This book is a magazine article with a very high view of itself.” What my friend Stephen Board said about another book doubly applies to Don’t Watch This. Michael Rosenblum had a very successful career in television, including pioneering much “Reality” TV. After thirty years he has finally figured out it is all mindless junk. Solution: don’t be a passive viewer. Start producing your own videos. All you need is right there in your smart phone—plus some instruction, which he frustratingly never gives us. While I largely agree with his basic ideas, he has given us very little substance. My recommendation: Don’t Read This.
April 25, 2020
"Close your eyes and quickly, tell me your perception of Africa. Disease ridden? Starving children? Civil wars? Atrocities? That is what you see because that is what you have been repeatedly shown."
Michael Rosenblum gives an insider look at how all forms of media aren't looking out for the viewer, rather pushing their own agenda for a capitalist gain.
To start with, you may this this is some self help book trying to get you to bin every screen in the house. Rather the book's aim is to highlight and educate through stories and statistics from a person who was part of this machine for a long time.
The book is full of personal and historical anecdotes from the creation of radio to Rosenblum's time as a producer for a cable network. Using these stories, and coupled with credible citations, we're not told anything that we already don't know about the media's impact on our life.
This method of storytelling isn't dissimilar to how the networks bid for our attention. Rosenblum actually references what he is doing in the book to deliver this message.
In the last third of the book, the message can become a little confused, especially when it makes the jump from explaining how the media is destroying everything to how to combat this. However Rosenblum always manages to loop his stories to the point he's trying to make.
"Don't watch this..." Is a book if you want a brief history lesson of all forms of media and how they have their own agenda. It may seem that it is against all forms of media, but in the last third of the book, tips and tricks are given to take back control of your own narrative and to not listen to everything you hear. In short, it makes you question everything you hear in the news, and that's a good thing.
I'm not sure about the appeal of the book. There will be people who need to read this, but won't because they are set in their ways, and people who'll read the book to reaffirm their views. That being said, it is a good book and recommended. If Goodreads would do a half star, it would be a 3.5, but I round down.
I was given an advanced digital copy to review (somewhat ironically given the contents of the book). I've not been paid for this and my review is entirely my opinion.
Michael Rosenblum gives an insider look at how all forms of media aren't looking out for the viewer, rather pushing their own agenda for a capitalist gain.
To start with, you may this this is some self help book trying to get you to bin every screen in the house. Rather the book's aim is to highlight and educate through stories and statistics from a person who was part of this machine for a long time.
The book is full of personal and historical anecdotes from the creation of radio to Rosenblum's time as a producer for a cable network. Using these stories, and coupled with credible citations, we're not told anything that we already don't know about the media's impact on our life.
This method of storytelling isn't dissimilar to how the networks bid for our attention. Rosenblum actually references what he is doing in the book to deliver this message.
In the last third of the book, the message can become a little confused, especially when it makes the jump from explaining how the media is destroying everything to how to combat this. However Rosenblum always manages to loop his stories to the point he's trying to make.
"Don't watch this..." Is a book if you want a brief history lesson of all forms of media and how they have their own agenda. It may seem that it is against all forms of media, but in the last third of the book, tips and tricks are given to take back control of your own narrative and to not listen to everything you hear. In short, it makes you question everything you hear in the news, and that's a good thing.
I'm not sure about the appeal of the book. There will be people who need to read this, but won't because they are set in their ways, and people who'll read the book to reaffirm their views. That being said, it is a good book and recommended. If Goodreads would do a half star, it would be a 3.5, but I round down.
I was given an advanced digital copy to review (somewhat ironically given the contents of the book). I've not been paid for this and my review is entirely my opinion.
April 20, 2020
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."
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, and spends a total of 11 hours a day starting at screens. 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.)
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. 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.
Thank you to netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"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."
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, and spends a total of 11 hours a day starting at screens. 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.)
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. 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.
Thank you to netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2020
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.
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.
July 17, 2020
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.
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.
April 23, 2021
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!
The author does not understand the difference between correlation and causation. Additionally, the book is riddled with typos and issues (I read it as an e-Book, but these were legitimate spelling and grammar errors, not just a conversion issue).
The author does not understand the difference between correlation and causation. Additionally, the book is riddled with typos and issues (I read it as an e-Book, but these were legitimate spelling and grammar errors, not just a conversion issue).
July 11, 2021
Preachy and unhelpful
September 25, 2022
By far, one of the most boring books I’ve ever tried to get through. After multiple attempts, I gave up.
March 30, 2020
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.
March 26, 2020
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.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews