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The Visual Detox: How to Consume Media Without Letting It Consume You
The average person sees about 10,000 commercial visuals a day. Yet, research shows we can only process about 1% of the visual information we encounter. If a picture is worth a thousand words, where does this excess leave us?
'Necessary reading for everyone who uses the internet' Emma Dabiri | 'Brilliant insights ... highly recommended' Christian Busch | 'An indispensable guide' Guillaume Cerutti, CEO of Christie'sIn The Visual Detox, art expert and businesswoman Marine Tanguy explains how the imagery we see shapes our wellbeing. She gives us new tools to think critically about images, combat information overload and participate more in the visual world around us by engaging with the art and content that improves our day-to-day experiences online, at work, in our homes and in public spaces. Drawing on science and insightful case studies, she shows us how · learn the type of thinker you are (spatial, visual, verbal?);· understand our brains’ interpretation of visual language;· decode the subtle negative messages in popular culture;· devise tiny hacks to block out the online noise· curate your surroundings to create soothing spaces.This handy guide to visual decluttering will empower you to reclaim your focus, peace of mind and sense of wonder.
'Necessary reading for everyone who uses the internet' Emma Dabiri | 'Brilliant insights ... highly recommended' Christian Busch | 'An indispensable guide' Guillaume Cerutti, CEO of Christie'sIn The Visual Detox, art expert and businesswoman Marine Tanguy explains how the imagery we see shapes our wellbeing. She gives us new tools to think critically about images, combat information overload and participate more in the visual world around us by engaging with the art and content that improves our day-to-day experiences online, at work, in our homes and in public spaces. Drawing on science and insightful case studies, she shows us how · learn the type of thinker you are (spatial, visual, verbal?);· understand our brains’ interpretation of visual language;· decode the subtle negative messages in popular culture;· devise tiny hacks to block out the online noise· curate your surroundings to create soothing spaces.This handy guide to visual decluttering will empower you to reclaim your focus, peace of mind and sense of wonder.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2024
15 people are currently reading
4424 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 9, 2024
We often think about what we eat and how it impacts our bodies but we never think about visuals we take in and how that impacts our mental health. Much of those visuals are managed and controlled by advertisers, large technology platforms and corporations who are actively trying to manipulate us and change our emotions. This is also a growing problem. Imagine if those advertisers got to choose all the food we ate and how bad that would be for our bodies, that is the way it currently is for visuals.
Marine in The Visual Detox details this problem but more importantly gives you concrete ways to take back control of your visual environment and how to improve your mental health in the process. This should be a compulsory read for everyone, especially younger generations.
Marine in The Visual Detox details this problem but more importantly gives you concrete ways to take back control of your visual environment and how to improve your mental health in the process. This should be a compulsory read for everyone, especially younger generations.
October 23, 2024
Rounded up from 3.5 stars
I found the discussion of design and art interesting, but not necessarily as tied in as I thought it would be to visually detoxing. However, I plan to try the concrete four week plan in the back and then reevaluate.
I found the discussion of design and art interesting, but not necessarily as tied in as I thought it would be to visually detoxing. However, I plan to try the concrete four week plan in the back and then reevaluate.
April 24, 2024
This book is a great exploration of how the constant barrage of images affects our lives. With practical advice and insightful analysis, a real handbook to reclaim control over our visual consumption. Very accessible, practical and engaging, it's a nice read to learn how to navigate our visually saturated world and rediscover authenticity. A must-read!!
February 24, 2024
Since being away at a bookish retreat in January and having a digital detox; I have definitely been thinking more about my use of technology and the information I consume on a day to day basis. I came away from the retreat with great intentions about having regular detoxes and being more mindful about my consumption but have very quickly fallen into bad habits.
Recently I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed and just a little bit rubbish and The Visual Detox is a book which came along at the right time for me.
The book’s starting premise is that we often talk about information or technology overload in our society but visual information is not something we give much thought to; we have become so used to being surrounded by imagery all the time, that we have become desensitised to it and don’t give it much thought. But in reality many images we are exposed to are carefully thought out and intended to make us think a certain way, desire a certain object or aspire to achieve a certain something whether that is a material object, a type of lifestyle or maybe even our own thoughts and belief systems.
This book has brought to light how subtle but impactful visual imagery can be, and how we can reduce the impact by being more aware and mindful of what we are surrounded by.
I found the writing style of the book accessible and easy to follow; the author uses real life examples which really helped me to understand the content better and think about how it applied to day to day life. There is theory behind it but it’s not dense which made it a far easier read.
The tools and tips throughout the book were helpful; not too overwhelming and just small practical steps which can help us to curate the visual information we expose ourselves to. Since reading the book, I have certainly found I am noticing things more and trying to be more mindful about some of the more subtle messaging I might be being exposed to.
This is a well written, informative and thought provoking book. I enjoyed it
Recently I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed and just a little bit rubbish and The Visual Detox is a book which came along at the right time for me.
The book’s starting premise is that we often talk about information or technology overload in our society but visual information is not something we give much thought to; we have become so used to being surrounded by imagery all the time, that we have become desensitised to it and don’t give it much thought. But in reality many images we are exposed to are carefully thought out and intended to make us think a certain way, desire a certain object or aspire to achieve a certain something whether that is a material object, a type of lifestyle or maybe even our own thoughts and belief systems.
This book has brought to light how subtle but impactful visual imagery can be, and how we can reduce the impact by being more aware and mindful of what we are surrounded by.
I found the writing style of the book accessible and easy to follow; the author uses real life examples which really helped me to understand the content better and think about how it applied to day to day life. There is theory behind it but it’s not dense which made it a far easier read.
The tools and tips throughout the book were helpful; not too overwhelming and just small practical steps which can help us to curate the visual information we expose ourselves to. Since reading the book, I have certainly found I am noticing things more and trying to be more mindful about some of the more subtle messaging I might be being exposed to.
This is a well written, informative and thought provoking book. I enjoyed it
May 9, 2024
This book is a real eye-opener that delves into a pervasive yet often overlooked aspect of our daily lives – the profound impact of what we see and how it shapes our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For me, the author's personal anecdotes about how visual norms and stimuli have influenced their own life and professional journey also added a relatable and engaging touch to the narrative.
But this book isn't just a collection of stories; it's a well-researched exploration backed by case studies and practical exercises. In our modern world, we meticulously track various aspects of our lives, from exercise and diet to stress levels, but rarely do we pause to consider the "visual diet" we consume and how it affects our mood and cognitive processes.
And that's what makes this book so timely and relevant. With the constant barrage of visual stimuli bombarding us from every direction, it's high time we start paying attention to this often-neglected aspect of our lives. The author's insightful and practical approach provides a much-needed wake-up call, encouraging us to be more mindful of the visual influences that surround us and offering strategies to navigate them more consciously.
Overall, this book is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of visual stimuli and a desire to curate your "visual diet" more intentionally.
But this book isn't just a collection of stories; it's a well-researched exploration backed by case studies and practical exercises. In our modern world, we meticulously track various aspects of our lives, from exercise and diet to stress levels, but rarely do we pause to consider the "visual diet" we consume and how it affects our mood and cognitive processes.
And that's what makes this book so timely and relevant. With the constant barrage of visual stimuli bombarding us from every direction, it's high time we start paying attention to this often-neglected aspect of our lives. The author's insightful and practical approach provides a much-needed wake-up call, encouraging us to be more mindful of the visual influences that surround us and offering strategies to navigate them more consciously.
Overall, this book is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of visual stimuli and a desire to curate your "visual diet" more intentionally.
May 3, 2024
Marine Tanguy's "Visual Detox" is a compelling exploration of the profound impact visual culture has on our mental and emotional well-being. Tanguy, an articulate advocate for the transformative power of art, delves into how the images we consume can both nurture and harm our psychological landscape."Visual Detox" is thought-provoking, challenging readers to reassess their daily visual intake and consider more mindful consumption. Tanguy's expertise in the art world shines through as she offers insights into how art can be a tool for personal and societal healing. Her arguments are well-supported, weaving together scientific research with anecdotal evidence, making the case for a more art-conscious society.The book is structured effectively, guiding the reader through the problem, the impact, and potential solutions with clarity and purpose. The writing style is accessible, which is rare in art books. Tanguy’s passion is infectious, inspiring a genuine interest in reevaluating one's visual diet. I'd say the "Visual Detox" is a crucial read for anyone looking to understand the role of visual culture in modern life and how we can reclaim the art that surrounds us for our mental health. An enlightening call to action for creating a visually healthier world.
May 6, 2024
This book thoughtfully examines the impact of visual content on our daily lives. Through her detailed research and personal insights, Marine makes a case for a shift in how we engage with visual media. The book emphasises the urgent need for visual literacy, pointing out that most of the imagery we encounter is driven by commercial interests, which can significantly affect our mental health and societal values.
Tanguy uses her extensive experience in the art world to underline the differences in visual experiences across various social groups and discusses practical ways to make visual culture more accessible and fair.
'Visual Detox' is both an academic work and a call to action. It encourages us to rethink the visual narratives we encounter and to take an active role in creating a more visually enriching environment. Marine’s clear aim is to increase the presence of art in our visual culture and make it a positive, integral part of daily life.
I highly recommend this book. It is more than just a book; it represents a movement that demands national and international commitment to implement essential changes for the benefit of our and future generations, especially in the digital era.
Tanguy uses her extensive experience in the art world to underline the differences in visual experiences across various social groups and discusses practical ways to make visual culture more accessible and fair.
'Visual Detox' is both an academic work and a call to action. It encourages us to rethink the visual narratives we encounter and to take an active role in creating a more visually enriching environment. Marine’s clear aim is to increase the presence of art in our visual culture and make it a positive, integral part of daily life.
I highly recommend this book. It is more than just a book; it represents a movement that demands national and international commitment to implement essential changes for the benefit of our and future generations, especially in the digital era.
May 8, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a welcome change from my usual go to science fiction and engineering-esque genres. The suggestions and different perspectives were written to be accessible to the masses and well tailored to modern living and instantly implementable.
The book broadened my understanding of artistic perspectives and how media conglomerates attempt to grip my attention, leaving me vulnerable to their marketing, personally I never really thought of this day-to-day. Marine also succinctly outlines how we never really signed up for these advertisements, yet our attention is drawn to them. Additionally I never really appreciated the various tools advertisings use to distract me... unconsciously too. I never considered the impact these visuals unconsciously have on the viewer (me) and how their perspectives, colours and target have on the viewer, their mood and general outlook.
In order to make a change, you first need to be aware of the issue, and I'm certainly more aware of these covert efforts to hold my attention and thus appreciative of mindful artistic installations, and their attempt to break up the corporate advertising we are exposed to (unwilling too, mind you!).
The book broadened my understanding of artistic perspectives and how media conglomerates attempt to grip my attention, leaving me vulnerable to their marketing, personally I never really thought of this day-to-day. Marine also succinctly outlines how we never really signed up for these advertisements, yet our attention is drawn to them. Additionally I never really appreciated the various tools advertisings use to distract me... unconsciously too. I never considered the impact these visuals unconsciously have on the viewer (me) and how their perspectives, colours and target have on the viewer, their mood and general outlook.
In order to make a change, you first need to be aware of the issue, and I'm certainly more aware of these covert efforts to hold my attention and thus appreciative of mindful artistic installations, and their attempt to break up the corporate advertising we are exposed to (unwilling too, mind you!).
May 9, 2024
“Visual Detox” is a must read!
Every day we are exposed to an unfathomable amount of images, in numbers which we are not even conscious of. Understanding what we are actually looking at and how this makes us feel and react is difficult as we have grown to look at images passively and unconsciously. Through research, exercises and anecdotes, “Visual Detox” offers a different approach to consume visuals pushing us to think about the source, purpose and biases these represent, just like we do with written information. The book aids us to understand the importance and the need to care for the visual surroundings we encounter. Questioning how visuals impact us emotionally and how these lead us to act is crucial in order to defeat the agenda behind them. The book allows us to reach a greater awareness of what we are effectively looking at and consciously think about the action we want to take. Ultimately, this shows the importance visuals have in our daily life, how these play a central role in our mental health and hence, how to gain control of what we see. It is an absorbing read which has led me to change and challenge the way I interact with visuals I encounter daily.
Every day we are exposed to an unfathomable amount of images, in numbers which we are not even conscious of. Understanding what we are actually looking at and how this makes us feel and react is difficult as we have grown to look at images passively and unconsciously. Through research, exercises and anecdotes, “Visual Detox” offers a different approach to consume visuals pushing us to think about the source, purpose and biases these represent, just like we do with written information. The book aids us to understand the importance and the need to care for the visual surroundings we encounter. Questioning how visuals impact us emotionally and how these lead us to act is crucial in order to defeat the agenda behind them. The book allows us to reach a greater awareness of what we are effectively looking at and consciously think about the action we want to take. Ultimately, this shows the importance visuals have in our daily life, how these play a central role in our mental health and hence, how to gain control of what we see. It is an absorbing read which has led me to change and challenge the way I interact with visuals I encounter daily.
August 30, 2024
This book helped me to see the importance of living day to day without distractions. It taught me to see the big problem of technology if we don't have a balance. In March I had to take a digital detox because I felt overloaded. I started to see that I was falling into bad habits that were affecting my daily life. This book has had a huge impact on my life and it came at the right time. The author used real life examples to lead you to understand and how to apply it in your life and impact others. It is easy to read and gives you practical steps. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it.
Este libro me ayudó a ver la importancia de vivir el día a día sin distracciones. Me enseñó a ver el gran problema de la tecnología sino tenemos un equilibrio. En Marzo tuve que tomar un detox digital porque me sentia sobrecargada. Empecé a ver que estaba cayendo en malos hábitos que estaban afectando mi vida cotidiana. Este libro ha tenido un gran impacto en mi vida y vino en el momento preciso. La autora uso ejemplos de la vida real para llevarte a entender y como aplicarlo en tu vida e impactar a otros. Es facil de leer y te brinda pasos prácticos. Disfrute leerlo y lo recomiendo.
Este libro me ayudó a ver la importancia de vivir el día a día sin distracciones. Me enseñó a ver el gran problema de la tecnología sino tenemos un equilibrio. En Marzo tuve que tomar un detox digital porque me sentia sobrecargada. Empecé a ver que estaba cayendo en malos hábitos que estaban afectando mi vida cotidiana. Este libro ha tenido un gran impacto en mi vida y vino en el momento preciso. La autora uso ejemplos de la vida real para llevarte a entender y como aplicarlo en tu vida e impactar a otros. Es facil de leer y te brinda pasos prácticos. Disfrute leerlo y lo recomiendo.
May 7, 2024
In today's digital age, where images flood our screens and shape our perceptions, a comprehensive guidebook such as 'The Visual Detox' becomes indispensable for the digitally native and those navigating the ever-expanding digital landscape.
This book is a vital resource for individuals born into the digital era or anyone spending significant time in online environments, equipping readers with the necessary skills to critically analyse the abundance of images encountered daily.
By delving into the nuances of visual communication, it empowers readers to decipher the messages embedded within images, discerning between authenticity and manipulation. Through a blend of theory and practical insights, this book helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the visual language prevalent in digital spaces and how to interpret the visual narratives that surround them with heightened awareness and insight.
This book is a vital resource for individuals born into the digital era or anyone spending significant time in online environments, equipping readers with the necessary skills to critically analyse the abundance of images encountered daily.
By delving into the nuances of visual communication, it empowers readers to decipher the messages embedded within images, discerning between authenticity and manipulation. Through a blend of theory and practical insights, this book helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the visual language prevalent in digital spaces and how to interpret the visual narratives that surround them with heightened awareness and insight.
May 10, 2024
This book is fantastic and does a lot:
1) Make a strong case for the importance of daily art exposure for all.
2) Raise awareness about the myriad ways commercial imagery pervades every aspect of our lives today.
3) Provide concrete strategies for creating a visual landscape around you that allows you to regain control of your own mind, heart, and spirit.
4) And, my favorite part, perhaps because I found it so directly applicable to my work as an artist aiming to work more and more in public spaces, was the section on how to advance public art projects in your own community and directly shape an environment that is healthier and more joyful for society.
This book needs to inform curriculum for all young people so they can grow up thinking critically about all that they encounter visually.
1) Make a strong case for the importance of daily art exposure for all.
2) Raise awareness about the myriad ways commercial imagery pervades every aspect of our lives today.
3) Provide concrete strategies for creating a visual landscape around you that allows you to regain control of your own mind, heart, and spirit.
4) And, my favorite part, perhaps because I found it so directly applicable to my work as an artist aiming to work more and more in public spaces, was the section on how to advance public art projects in your own community and directly shape an environment that is healthier and more joyful for society.
This book needs to inform curriculum for all young people so they can grow up thinking critically about all that they encounter visually.
May 7, 2024
Marine Tanguy's "Visual Detox" delivers a compelling exploration of how visual culture influences our mental health. Tanguy champions a mindful approach to the images we absorb, emphasizing art's profound capacity for personal and societal healing. Supported by research and personal anecdotes, she navigates readers through the issue, its impacts, and potential remedies with clarity. As a mother myself, I wholeheartedly recommend "Visual Detox" for its accessibility and impassioned advocacy. It's essential reading for anyone invested in enhancing our visual surroundings for improved mental well-being, particularly for our children.
August 14, 2024
Marine Tanguy's *The Visual Detox* is an enlightening and timely guide offering invaluable insights into the overwhelming visual world we live in today. Marine expertly explains how the images we encounter daily can shape our thoughts and emotions, often without us realizing it. With practical tips and thought-provoking case studies, she empowers us to take control of their visual environment, reduce sensory overload, and cultivate spaces that promote peace and creativity. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their digital hygiene and overall well-being and boy do we need to that in this day and age. Highly recommended.
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May 3, 2024
Understanding visual language is paramount, and this book sheds light on its importance beyond mere aesthetics and marketing tactics. Tanguy's insights made me reflect on the impact of visuals, something I wish I had explored during my graphic communication design studies. "Visual Detox" would have undoubtedly broadened my perspective on creating visuals with meaningful impact. It's a transformative read that doesn't just educate but also inspires, offering invaluable insights into the power of visual language in shaping our world.
October 19, 2024
My daughter's school has begun banning cell phones and talking about screen time. Since she's a senior in high school I feel like there is a balance that needs to be struck and was curious about the topic. We know we need the virtual world, so how can we balance need vs the endless, mindless aspect of it.
I really liked how it made me look at visual media and how I can process it in a more healthy way. Overall through reading the book I just became more more mindful overall. It's not about media being something to avoid, but putting some healthy boundaries in.
I received a free copy for review.
I really liked how it made me look at visual media and how I can process it in a more healthy way. Overall through reading the book I just became more more mindful overall. It's not about media being something to avoid, but putting some healthy boundaries in.
I received a free copy for review.
May 8, 2024
Did you know that we can only process 1% of the visual information we encounter? One of the key figures I remember from entrepreneur and writer Marine Tanguy. We are exposed to so many visuals a day and most of us don’t take time to reflect and understand their impact on us and on our actions.
Tanguy’s book is an absolute must-read as through research and actionable examples she tackles this complex subject in an enriching and accessible way! I strongly recommend it!!
Tanguy’s book is an absolute must-read as through research and actionable examples she tackles this complex subject in an enriching and accessible way! I strongly recommend it!!
May 10, 2024
Intimate, honest, informed, and highly useful. Marine describes herself as predominantly a visual thinker but has managed to articulate convincingly how visuals impact us and what we can do about it. Relevant at all ages, The Visual Detox revisits the role of beauty and art in the modern world. Unlike most books, the author focuses more on proposing and implementing solutions than just describing the problem. Most recommended.
May 30, 2024
I had been waiting to get this book for a while, after hearing about the book from the art circles in London. I have been trying to address the problem of information overload and visual trash coming through social media, tv, search engines, and anywhere we look really. How do you live now? It is so different to the previous generations. This book answers this and helps to make sense of our information baby world.
May 31, 2024
Marine's 'The Visual Detox' is a thought provoking read and in depth exploration of the impact of visuals on our mental and emotional wellbeing. It's a topic close to my heart and something I truly believe we need to be facilitating more thoughtful conversations about. Marine does this brilliantly. It's so well written and compelling, offering a whole new way of thinking. Practical and engaging, it's an absolute must-read.
May 3, 2024
This book is a must read for everyone as the visual images we now consume without a second thought are having huge consequences in so many parts of our lives. Marine offers invaluable advice on how to deal with this reality and manage it in a healthy way that effectively helps us to protect our mental health. Thank you to Marine for doing this in a way that feels accessible for so many.
May 8, 2024
This book carries great significance for oneself, but also very important if you are currently raising children. It delves into the pervasive influence of the media and the relentless barrage of commercial imagery with a focus on the impact on both our own and our children's mental well-being. Thank you for writing this book!
May 9, 2024
In The Visual Detox, Marine Tanguy offers a refreshing perspective on the relationship between visual culture and well-being. Her insights into the ways in which visuals shape our experiences, coupled with practical tips for decluttering our digital spaces, make this book a valuable resource for navigating the modern world.
June 2, 2024
An essential read for anyone wanting to think more critically about their ‘visual diet’. The author combines meticulous research with practical exercises for how to embed her recommendations in your day-to-day life, as well as thought-provoking case studies from her wide network. This is an interesting, engaging and accessible book.
May 6, 2024
The Visual Detox offers a refreshing perspective on our relationship with visual stimuli in the digital age. Marine Tanguy provides practical strategies to navigate the overwhelming amount of imagery we encounter daily. A must-read for anyone seeking clarity in a visually saturated world."
May 6, 2024
This is an important contribution to understanding how images we see deeply shape the perceptions and beliefs we have of ourselves but also of key events that happen around us. In the face of growing polarization in the world this will become an increasingly relevant conversation.
May 7, 2024
A must read for anyone who is curious about consciously consuming imagery. A thoughtful perspective on the beautiful world we sometimes forget to appreciate. I love Marine's beautiful guide to enrich our minds and providing us with the tools to own our visual journeys.
May 7, 2024
This book is an amazing insight for all of us . We try to detox from food, toxic relationships and so one! But we never get to detox our brains from what we look at all day long. Marine find the exact way on how to explain and all of it in this book. Thank you.
May 7, 2024
Fantastic read.
Marine provides concrete tools to take back control on the 1000’s of images/advertisements etc we are consumed with everyday as-well as exploring the impact this has on our mental health.
Highly recommend.
Marine provides concrete tools to take back control on the 1000’s of images/advertisements etc we are consumed with everyday as-well as exploring the impact this has on our mental health.
Highly recommend.
May 8, 2024
With insightful commentary and practical strategies, Tanguy empowers readers to curate their visual environments and find balance in an increasingly visually saturated world. This book is a must-read for the digital age.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews