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My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open: Untangle Your Relationship with Tech - Revised and Updated

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‘Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your digital life? Do you long for a healthier, happier relationship with technology? Look no further. In this captivating self-help toolkit, Goodin expertly navigates the complexities of our digital age, offering invaluable insights, thought-provoking dilemmas, and practical solutions to help you reclaim control.’ Vex King   For anyone who has lost their way in the online world, digital detox expert Tanya Goodin offers a tech-versus-life toolkit to deal with the escalating consequences of harmful habits.   This book examines 24 personal stories of people wrestling with common technology problems, from a little girl yearning for her mother to put down her phone, to a taxi driver concerned about his son’s gaming addiction.   Learn how to recognise and label dependent behaviours – both of yourself and others – and find simple, easy solutions in this book.

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Tanya Goodin

5 books14 followers
Tanya Goodin is the author of 'The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing’, ‘My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open', 'Off' and 'Stop Staring at Screens'; host of the 'It's Complicated' podcast, an award-winning digital entrepreneur and founder of digital wellbeing movement Time To Log Off.

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London, twice a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year award, and for the Blackberry Outstanding Women in Technology award, Tanya was the founder of one of the first digital businesses in the UK and a pioneer in the digital revolution. Tanya is a regular public speaker and media commentator on our relationship with technology - helping a global audience forge a healthier, happier relationship with digital devices.

Tanya is a graduate of the University of Oxford and completing her Masters in artificial intelligence (AI) ethics at the University of Cambridge. Connect with Tanya on X or Threads @tanyagoodin or via her website www.tanyagoodin.com

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Markie.
473 reviews31 followers
July 10, 2023
"My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open" by Tanya Goodin is a timely and insightful book that addresses the increasingly prevalent issue of our complex relationship with technology. Tanya Goodin, a digital detox expert, presents a comprehensive toolkit to help readers navigate the harmful habits and consequences associated with excessive technology use.

The book revolves around 24 personal stories, offering a diverse range of perspectives on the challenges posed by technology. From a young girl longing for her mother's undivided attention to a concerned taxi driver dealing with his son's gaming addiction, these stories add depth and relatability to the discussion. Goodin's approach of incorporating real-life experiences brings authenticity to the book and allows readers to connect with the material on a personal level.

The author doesn't merely focus on the negative aspects of technology but instead provides practical strategies and solutions. Goodin offers a comprehensive framework for readers to assess their own relationship with technology and take steps towards achieving a healthier balance. The toolkit presented in the book is well-structured and provides a step-by-step approach that readers can follow to untangle themselves from the grip of excessive technology use.

One of the strengths of "My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open" is Goodin's ability to strike a balance between relaying the negative consequences of technology and promoting a positive and constructive outlook. The book acknowledges the benefits of technology while highlighting the need for moderation and mindfulness in its use. Goodin emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, self-care, and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy relationship with technology.

The writing style is accessible and engaging, making it easy for readers to grasp the concepts and strategies presented. Goodin's expertise in the field shines through, as she combines research findings, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to deliver a well-rounded and comprehensive exploration of the topic.

While the book primarily focuses on personal stories and experiences, some readers may have benefited from additional scientific research and data to support the claims made. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall value and impact of the book.

In conclusion, "My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open" is an informative and thought-provoking read that offers practical tools to navigate the complexities of our relationship with technology. Tanya Goodin's expertise and compassionate approach make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to regain control over their digital lives. By sharing relatable stories and providing actionable advice, Goodin encourages readers to reflect on their own habits and make positive changes. This book serves as a wake-up call to reassess our relationship with technology and strive for a healthier and more balanced existence in the digital age.
Profile Image for ABG.
35 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2023
If you use the internet even semi-regularly, read this book. If you love someone who uses the internet semi-regularly, read this book. If you don’t even use all the internet all that much, read this book. I’m 99% certain you won’t regret it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I was a kid whose parents strictly limited their use of the internet, and even television, so I’ve grown up as someone who doesn’t use sites like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. I had foolishly thought that this provided me with some medium of distance and safety from the dangers of the internet. I have, in some part, been mistaken. This book was a eye-opener, because not only did I relate to many aspects of it more than I want to admit, I also saw parents, family, friends, and even acquaintances in its pages.

This is a wonderful read, and I say this as a person who doesn’t really read nonfic all that much. The chapters are short but impactful, facts and statistics and stories all blended together into genuinely intriguing and informative pages that aren’t confusing or boring, while at the same time teaching one something new. The author opens each chapter with a digital problem - like gaming addition or parents who are stuck on their phones - with a story that I guarantee you you will either relate to or know someone who does, and then explains the problem, unpacks it, shows why you aren’t alone, and provides many realistic and implementable questions and solutions to help you deal with the problem effectively. Even though I consider myself fairly good at managing technology, I still took many screenshots of these solutions - because this book so empathetically highlighted problems I didn’t even realise me and some of my loved ones had been having in regards to technology.

Also. Also. You might be rolling your eyes at this book now, thinking of all those preachy relatives or online coaches who repeat the same mantra of ‘phones are bad for you, delete all social media, in MY day-‘ whenever you dare to even think of any problems you might be having in regards to tech.

I promise you, this book is not that. It is the exact opposite of that. It holds your hand and empathetically, eye-openingly explains the problems that come with technology, humanising them and providing solutions and reasons for why the problems exist. I want everyone who uses the internet to read this. It’s one of the most useful tools I’ve seen, a perfect guide for anyone to equip themselves to deal with the pitfalls that arise in our new digital world - and I am so glad to have stumbled across it.
49 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2023
This was a very interesting read and covers some really good ideas. It has made me review my online presence.

The most poignant chapters are relating to the risks of being online and how to make it safer for children. In the day and age of cyberbullying and online grooming this book is a must for all parents or carers of children of all ages.
I love that this hook is educational, gives great ideas and also is a call to action to be the change in the digital space we want to see.
Profile Image for Lauren.
490 reviews4 followers
July 5, 2023
I loved the end of chapter graphic summaries of the topics discussed in each chapter. That made the book super easy to read. My favorite part was definitely the final portion about being a good digital citizen. I think this book would be good for especially for teens and their parents, but anyone can take something from this book and hopefully apply it to their lives. 4.5 Stars
945 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2023
I really relate to this book, I definitely use the internet too much, so hoping I can implement some changes from reading this.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Ravenclaw Library Books.
479 reviews10 followers
August 1, 2023
My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open by Tanya Goodin is a book about the power technology and social media seems to have over us and how to detox for it. I did learn some new things and come to a realisation that I seem to use my technology too much especially TikTok.
Profile Image for Ashley.
46 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2023
A Thought-Provoking Guide to Navigating the Digital World

In “My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open,” Tanya Goodin offers a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of our digital lives on our offline existence. With a focus on recognizing harmful habits and finding a path towards digital balance, this book serves as both a wake-up call and a valuable user’s guide for anyone seeking to regain control over their relationship with technology.
Goodin’s expertise as a digital detox expert shines through as she tackles a range of issues that have become all too familiar in our hyper-connected world. From “phubbing” (when a partner prioritizes scrolling through their phone over genuine communication) to “sharenting” (overexposing children on social media) and even “nomophobia” (the fear of being without one’s phone), she offers a comprehensive toolkit to help readers recognize and address these harmful behaviors.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its diagnostic guides, which enable readers to identify tell-tale signs of problematic digital habits. By providing clear labels and terminology, Goodin empowers readers to better understand and communicate their concerns about the impact of technology on their lives. This conversation-starting vocabulary is essential in fostering a greater awareness of our digital citizenship and promoting more balanced and humane interactions in the online and offline worlds.

The author’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex concepts and ideas easy to grasp. Goodin seamlessly weaves together personal anecdotes, case studies, and research findings to illustrate the pervasive influence of technology on our lives. Her approach is balanced and non-judgmental, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and personal choice in navigating the digital landscape.

The book also serves as a manifesto for improved digital citizenship, encouraging readers to reconsider their relationship with technology and make intentional choices. Goodin doesn’t advocate for a complete disconnection from the digital world but rather promotes finding a healthy balance that aligns with individual needs and values. Her insights and practical advice offer valuable strategies for setting boundaries, managing screen time, and prioritizing meaningful offline experiences.

While “My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open” is a compelling and informative read, a deeper exploration of the potential consequences of excessive technology use on mental health and relationships could have added even more depth to the book’s message.

In summary, Tanya Goodin’s “My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open” is a timely and insightful guide for anyone seeking to find digital balance in their lives. With its accessible writing style, diagnostic guides, and a focus on personal choice and improved digital citizenship, this book offers valuable tools for navigating the complexities of our connected world. While it could benefit from improved organization and further exploration of certain topics, it remains an essential read for those looking to understand and untangle their relationship with technology.

Rating: 4/5 stars
Profile Image for Courtney.
264 reviews122 followers
Want to read
July 19, 2023
My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open by Tanya Goodin took me on an eye-opening journey through the tangled web of our digital lives. It's a book that delves into the impacts of technology on our relationships and our offline existence, offering a toolkit for anyone seeking digital balance. This book for me was a wake-up call that urges us to recognize harmful habits and embrace improved digital citizenship for a more humane world.

If you're looking to gain awareness and understanding about our complex relationship with technology, My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open is a must-read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to navigate the digital world more consciously. Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Samantha Steipp.
129 reviews13 followers
June 21, 2023
I just reviewed My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open by Tanya Goodin. #MyBrainHasTooManyTabsOpen #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL] This book was written with me in mind! Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Rèn.
30 reviews
March 10, 2024
Pretty nice easy-read book about the influence of being online all of the time and the aftermath of all that.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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