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Life Mode On: How to Feel Less Stressed, More Present and Back in Control When Using Technology
Life Mode On is a revolutionary approach to living a better life with technology and our personal devices, from digital lifestyle expert Dr. Joanne Orlando. These are no quick fixes; these are real, practical solutions for long-term fulfilment in our increasingly digital world. If you somehow find yourself sending emails from the dinner table, staying up late to online shop while binge-watching another series, waking up during the night to scroll social media, and always pressing 'ignore' on your screen time app, you are not alone. Technology is no longer something we simply possess or use; it's part of who we are. And that is not something that we necessarily can - or want to – change. But our transition into living with computers, smartphones and other devices has been fast, messy and unplanned. The exact technology that can make us smarter, happier, more organized and more connected is instead causing us stress and distraction, and highly competent people are struggling to feel in control.
Dr. Jo helps people all over the world to understand their technology use and make it better. From showing how we can better set up our devices (like we'd set up our kitchens) to revealing the 'dark patterns' that websites use to keep us clicking, Dr. Jo helps us to understand and reset our digital habits, whether they be in our homes, workplaces or relationships. Life Mode On is just not a technology book – it's a life book.
Dr. Jo helps people all over the world to understand their technology use and make it better. From showing how we can better set up our devices (like we'd set up our kitchens) to revealing the 'dark patterns' that websites use to keep us clicking, Dr. Jo helps us to understand and reset our digital habits, whether they be in our homes, workplaces or relationships. Life Mode On is just not a technology book – it's a life book.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published August 3, 2021
5 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 9, 2022
Probably the best book I've consumed about our use of digital technology. In comparison to other books, the author doesn't start with the assumption that digital tech is bad in every form and use and we need to use it less.
Unfortunately, she seems to not have much knowledge about digital tech which lead her to word some statements in such a way that edged on fear mongering and misinformation. Please, can someone who is an expert in both psychology and digital technology write a book on this subject?!?
Also, I was constantly peeved (now adopted as a pet) that she used the word technology to mean "computery stuff."
Unfortunately, she seems to not have much knowledge about digital tech which lead her to word some statements in such a way that edged on fear mongering and misinformation. Please, can someone who is an expert in both psychology and digital technology write a book on this subject?!?
Also, I was constantly peeved (now adopted as a pet) that she used the word technology to mean "computery stuff."
November 27, 2025
I love that it has References in the end. This book contains very nuanced takes on our present technology use. We must use technology creatively, make great interaction with others using it----even build communities. Technology such as our current social media is not inherently bad. It's how we use it that matters.
We are a technological specie, I say, and right now we are accelerating in our advancements. But we must remember that WE STILL HAVE THE AGENCY TO THINK FOR OURSELVES, TO CHOOSE OUR ACTIONS.
Lately I've been being mindful of my social media use. I'm using this app called 'AppBlock' to limit my usage of doomscrolling-inducing apps (as I call it) such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok, and even Reddit. I put them together in a folder and placed them at a far corner of my screen. I'm trying to use healthier social media like Goodreads, Letterboxd, Musicboard, Yummi app (for food), and Substack. What we put our attention on is our life.
We are a technological specie, I say, and right now we are accelerating in our advancements. But we must remember that WE STILL HAVE THE AGENCY TO THINK FOR OURSELVES, TO CHOOSE OUR ACTIONS.
Lately I've been being mindful of my social media use. I'm using this app called 'AppBlock' to limit my usage of doomscrolling-inducing apps (as I call it) such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok, and even Reddit. I put them together in a folder and placed them at a far corner of my screen. I'm trying to use healthier social media like Goodreads, Letterboxd, Musicboard, Yummi app (for food), and Substack. What we put our attention on is our life.
March 21, 2022
A really nice audiobook to be listened to. A good overview on how and why we are so addicted to technology, and how and how much we should gain our control back: with useful tips to do so as well.
The author reads the book in a pleasurable, relaxing voice, that enhances everything she says.
We are so closely connected to technology, we often don't even realize how much it is part of our life. And not always we are able to get the most out of it, without sacrificing something in the usage of it.
This book is eye-opening and forces you to reconsider your relationship with technology altogether.
The author reads the book in a pleasurable, relaxing voice, that enhances everything she says.
We are so closely connected to technology, we often don't even realize how much it is part of our life. And not always we are able to get the most out of it, without sacrificing something in the usage of it.
This book is eye-opening and forces you to reconsider your relationship with technology altogether.
July 5, 2021
Fantastic read. Would recommend for anyone wanting to improve the way they use technology everyday. It doesn't stick to the clichés around eliminating technology or apps altogether. But rather delving into why technology has become intrusive and ways for you to make it work for you, rather than against you. Thoroughly recommend
August 23, 2021
This is quite an eye opener! Who knew that within a few decades of the internet’s invention, the whole planet would be assimilated into its web. This book highlights some of technology’s impacts on humanity and offers practical and well researched ideas for living a human life with technology. A must read.
November 4, 2021
Great book. I found my habits got really bad with Covid and lockdowns. Was getting worried about how much I was using my phone. The book helped me to understand my actions and why I can't seem to stop checking my phone. Really interesting research and some great strategies that I'm working my way through. Worthwhile read.
February 26, 2023
a pretty digestible book with 6 chapters of advice and information, Life Mode On is really enlightening even if you are already aware of the impacts of social media. this book allowed me to become more self aware of my use of technology, my intentions and how in the future I can use technology wisely
October 2, 2021
Great little book with a positive take on technology & tips for taking back control of your life. It matter of factly states that tech is here to stay & so the focus is on how to be happier, calmer & in control of your technology. "This is NOT a technology conversation, it is a life conversation".
December 1, 2021
3.5 stars
I think the title is misleading. This is not a “how to” but more of an overview of the negatives of our phones and how companies are taking advantage of us. I didn’t take away from this any tools to gain back control and reduce stress but an interesting book nevertheless.
I think the title is misleading. This is not a “how to” but more of an overview of the negatives of our phones and how companies are taking advantage of us. I didn’t take away from this any tools to gain back control and reduce stress but an interesting book nevertheless.
April 1, 2022
Overall good read, has very good insight and interesting research on technology use.
December 7, 2022
Some good common sense reminders regarding our use of technology.
July 13, 2023
Nice guidance and tips to reduce screen time. Good way to have digital detox
March 7, 2023
Life Mode On is a review of the impact technology and social media has on our lives.
I think this was a well-balanced and well thought out book. Instead of suggesting cutting technology and social media out, this book suggests ways to use the technology to your advantage whilst also being mindful of the potential harmful effects. It is interesting how research can't quite keep up with the impacts of social media and technology due to the fast-paced evolution of everything, especially compared to 10 years ago!
A quick and informative read.
I think this was a well-balanced and well thought out book. Instead of suggesting cutting technology and social media out, this book suggests ways to use the technology to your advantage whilst also being mindful of the potential harmful effects. It is interesting how research can't quite keep up with the impacts of social media and technology due to the fast-paced evolution of everything, especially compared to 10 years ago!
A quick and informative read.
April 4, 2023
I enjoyed reading this but found that it did mostly regurgitate theories and ideas I’ve already heard. As someone who spends a lot of time on my phone and laptop, many of these ideas resonated.
Orlando presents a strong case for reassessing our relationship with technology and does provide some practical tips for using it more mindfully. Her insights and advice were good!
If you haven’t read much about mindful technology or digital minimalism, I’d recommend this however if you’ve already looked into this, I wouldn’t as it’s not very original and more observational of wider known ideas/suggestions.
Orlando presents a strong case for reassessing our relationship with technology and does provide some practical tips for using it more mindfully. Her insights and advice were good!
If you haven’t read much about mindful technology or digital minimalism, I’d recommend this however if you’ve already looked into this, I wouldn’t as it’s not very original and more observational of wider known ideas/suggestions.
May 21, 2022
The book tells how to live with technology, not to cut cold the use for a while (digital detox, i think that’s what it’s called) as it is inevitable for us these days but to use it more properly and wisely. There are not many new tips, -1 for this. You may have seen it somewhere on the internet, but the author can convince me enough to start doing something from what the book has told me. The illustration is quite cute, it’s enjoyable.
October 22, 2021
Great book. Really informative. The chapter how the technology companies manipulate us was amazing. I thought it was happening but Dr Jo shows the evidence. Quite an eye-opener actually. I learnt so much from this book and I'm still thinking about it days after finishing it. Really well written, great blend of fun stories and research. Highly recommend.
September 16, 2021
An interesting read for those really obsessed with technology. Might not be very informative for those who are already enlightened on the effects of social media, connected devices etc / those developer or engineers who develop and produce the discussed technology. There are good anecdotes from researches stated that are intriguing.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews